Jax Beach event promoters concerned over conceptual plans for Latham Plaza and Jax Beach Pavilion

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Jax Beach City Council hosted a workshop Monday to preview the final conceptual plans for reimagining “Latham Plaza” and “The Jax Beach Pavilion.”

Local event promoters are concerned that these changes will have a negative impact on future events.

“For my event, I can bring in about 120 tents, for the 904 pop-up, he gets about 200 vendors out here. With this current proposal, at best you’re going to get about 30,” says Jon McGowan, event organizer, and lawyer who organizes the “Jax Beach Arts Market,” which is held in Latham Plaza.

According to McGowan, decreasing the amount of event space in Latham Plaza could have a layered effect on more than just the event promoters.

“That significantly reduces the number of vendors, significantly reduces the amount of revenue for the event producers, and it reduces revenue for the city because people will not be renting this facility anymore,” McGowan says.

Changes to the “Jax Beach Pavilion” are also being proposed in tonight’s workshop in the form of terraces that rise from ground level to 4.5 feet above grade, in 1.5-foot increments.

Mayor of Jax Beach, Chris Hoffman, says that any new plans for the area are meant to capitalize on the local economy and to bring more options to patrons of Jax Beach.

If the proposals are accepted during tonight’s workshop, the development company, “Halff Associates Inc.” will then submit a Phase 2 proposal to the City of Jacksonville Beach before developing schematic design and construction drawings.

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