SpringHill Suites proposed for Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Plans are on the table to transform the site of a popular restaurant at Jacksonville Beach.

On Tuesday, Tracey Lakey told Action News Jax she has seen plenty of changes during her 30 years living in the area.

“This area has gone through a lot. There was a time where it was considered the blighted area and not a lot of people wanted to come out and hang out down here,” she said.

TRENDING: 

In January, Action News Jax posted the renderings for Margaritaville's new location at Jacksonville Beach.

Now, SpringHill Suites by Marriott has submitted plans for a hotel.

Lakey said, “They do kind of need some development, some positive businesses to come into play here.”

The lot where Pier Cantina currently sits is the location listed on the proposal.

The design, which includes parking, retail space and four floors of rooms, doesn’t contain specific details about the restaurant.

Action News Jax’s Beth Rousseau went into the restaurant and asked about the owners plans.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

She was told the owners would contact her if they wanted to comment.

Beachgoer Madison Reneau said, “It’s really hard to find a parking spot and it’s just Tuesday. So, just think about on the weekends and, if you bring that, it would make it 10 times worse.”

Despite some concerns about additional traffic, Lakey said that, overall the hotel would be a positive addition.

“I think that will attract tourists and I think the locals will enjoy having it here,” she explained.

If the plan is approved, the groundbreaking is set for September 2019 and the hotel would open in 2021.

Cox Media Group