‘I think it’s going to really help our local business owners:’ Jacksonville Beach Mayor welcomes Margaritaville Beach Hotel into community

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — You’ve probably seen the construction crews hard at work on 1st Street North and now the doors to Margaritaville Beach Hotel are open to customers!

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Action News Jax Courtney Cole spoke to Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman and Margaritaville General Manager Kristin Delgado, about Tuesday’s grand opening. They’re both hopeful the beachfront hotel will be a positive addition for neighbors, visitors and local businesses.

“It opened early, it looks great! I’ve had a chance to go inside, take a look— it’s beautifully done. They have all sorts of great little details. It feels very beachy, I think it goes with the Jax Beach vibe,” said Mayor Hoffman.

The latest addition to Jacksonville Beach is located on 715 1st Street North and it is the first Margaritaville destination to open this year.

“We’re ready for everyone to come see us!” Delgado said with excitement.

Delgado told Action News Jax they were able to finish construction ahead of schedule, even with delays crews faced due to the pandemic.

When Cole asked how they managed to finish early, Delgado said: “A lot of hard work, but we were able to pull it off!”

The hotel features 202 rooms with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, private terraces and patios, a retail store, LandShark Lookout café and LandShark Bar & Grill.

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PHOTOS: Margaritaville Beach Hotel opens in Jacksonville Beach

As you walk around the property, you will notice signs that remind you to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

“We take cleanliness very seriously. We’re taking COVID very seriously and we’re following all the local, federal, state, guidelines,” Delgado told Action News Jax.

“They have all sorts of cute signs, stand 6-feet apart is the length of a surfboard. They’ve got mask signs, they have their own masks…so I think they’re really working on making a safe environment for their guests, and we love to see that in Jacksonville Beach,” said Mayor Hoffman.

This fun, family-friendly hotel is more than just a destination for visitors or a stay-cation for natives.

Mayor Hoffman said she believes it will help raise the bar.

“Hopefully we will see everybody’s business thrive, because we’ve got a whole new group of people coming into visit us,” Mayor Hoffman told Action News Jax.

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Delgado is glad to be able to help build up the community Margaritaville now calls home.

“Not only do we generate upwards of 200 jobs in this building alone—I would guess that we’re going to stimulate all of the local businesses. They’re going to go out and spend money and enjoy this beautiful city,” said Delgado.

Action News Jax Courtney Cole reached out to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce to learn how many businesses have had to close their doors in the last 10 months.

She is still waiting to hear back.

To learn more about Margaritaville click here.

Cox Media Group