The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee is scheduled to vote Nov. 27 on a request to submit legislation to create a “Specialty Center” for the Southbank and Northbank Riverwalks.
The Downtown Investment Authority board of directors unanimously approved a proposal Oct. 18 to allow open consumption of alcoholic beverages along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
If the committee approves it, Resolution 2023-10-06 will be introduced to City Council, which may enact legislation to authorize the plan.
The committee is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. Nov. 27 in the mayor’s fourth-floor conference room at City Hall.
DIA supports creating a “Jacksonville Riverwalk Specialty Center,” comprising the Northbank and Southside Riverwalks together with adjoining public and private property and adjacent businesses, to permit open-container alcohol consumption along the St. Johns River Downtown.
The memo to the committee says the legislation was inspired, partly, by the success of the Tampa Riverwalk’s Specialty Center as well as the success of Downtown Vision Inc.’s “Sip and Stroll” events.
State law authorizes creation of specialty centers where open containers and consumption of alcohol are allowed adjacent to navigable waterways.
In Jacksonville, the specialty center on the Northbank would be between the Riverside Arts Market and the Sports Complex.
On the Southbank, the center would be between the Fuller Warren Bridge and the RiversEdge development under construction east of the Duval County Public Schools headquarters.
The specialty center authorization is subject to conditions:
• Alcoholic beverages may be sold by vendors licensed by the state to serve alcohol and consumed only in approved containers, specifically a plastic cup that bears the Jacksonville Riverwalk Logo, is no larger than 16 ounces and is approved by the city for sale and use in the Jacksonville Riverwalk Specialty Center.
• Possession would be limited to no more than two approved containers per person.
• Open containers would not be allowed in nearby public parks unless a special event permit allowing alcoholic beverages is issued for an event by the city.
• Open containers of alcoholic beverages purchased outside the specialty center would not be allowed.
Enforcement of the open-container rules in the specialty center would be conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The resolution states that the strategic objective behind creating the specialty centers is to “support the expansion, renovation and improvement of existing and creation of new, diverse civic attractions, cultural venues, theaters and parks that provide a mix of activities and attract a broad range of demographics.”
A legislative fact sheet dated Nov. 21 says the legislation would further the Downtown Business and Investment Strategy with specific mention of two development goals: No. 3, increase and diversify the number and type of retail, food and beverage, and entertainment establishments within Downtown; and No. 7, capitalize on the aesthetic beauty of the St. Johns River, value its health and respect its natural force, and maximize interactive and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to create waterfront experiences unique to Downtown Jacksonville