New plans underway for Jax Beach Town Center

JAX BEACH, Fla. — Construction is still underway for the Jax Beach Town Center, but Action News Jax is learning more about what locals and tourists can expect.

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The two-story facility will feature two restaurants, a lounge, an event space and other additions.

The new site, encompassing more than 18,000 square feet, is located at 131 1st Avenue N. where the Campeche Bay Cantina and Ruby Beach Brewing Company buildings previously were.

Action News Jax reporter Kennedy Dendy spoke with the Jax Beach Town Center’s investor and owner, Marc Angelo.

“We are very excited about this project,” Angelo said. “It is a well-deserved upgrade for Jax Beach in the downtown central business district.”

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Community members also shared how they’re feeling about new additions on the way.

Joshua Boyette frequently surfs at Jax Beach.

“Jacksonville is growing,” Boyette said. “I’m sure it’s going to continue to grow, so I guess it’s expected.”

For John Brock, he said he hopes to see more family-friendly growth across the Jax Beach area.

“I do like that idea,” Brock said. “As far as being family-friendly, they need to build more stuff for families to do. I understand they want to build hotels and restaurants and everything, but they need to have stuff for kids and families coming with their kids. Other than that, it’s nice. It’s going to be really nice for Jax to bring in tourism and more money.”

Angelo told Action News Jax that the current task at hand is erecting structural steel.

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Others shared their thoughts.

Jack Kobelenz spends his winters in Jax Beach.

“This is very good for Jacksonville because it really isn’t a tourist area per se in the winter,” Kobelenz said. “I had a condo in Bradenton, and that’s more of a tourist area. There aren’t that many tourists here, so anything to bring people here would be good.”

Angelo said the two tenants to be located inside of the center are Jekyll Brewing Company and Oaxaca Club.

The center’s event space will be able to host everything from corporate events to weddings and parties.

“This project overlooks Latham Park and has views to the ocean,” Angelo said. “It brings new exciting restaurants and a state-of-the-art event space to the area.”

The Jax Beach Town Center project is expected to be completed by summer 2022.

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