Better Beach 32250
“It is good people who make good places.” -Anna Sewell
Our Mission
Better Beach 32250 is the coordinated effort of concerned citizens determined to preserve neighborhoods and the central business district from city council indifference and developer over-reach, and other unfavorable actions, while recharging the quality of experience in Jacksonville Beach for residents, business owners, and visitors.
In 2023, our campaign to preserve the height amendment protection was a resounding success.
Building a Better Beach in 32250 takes all of us… We are better together!
Election Year Opportunity!
Our first major objective was accomplished in 2023. With great teamwork we defeated the charter amendment to preserve the height protection originally achieved in 2004 when the maxium height for buildings was set at 35-foot.
We thank the 82 % of voters who VOTED NO on the charter amendment to Increase the Height on a single property adjacent to Latham Plaza. This was the city council’s test case; it failed. Thank you to everyone who helped us defeat it!
Now we will work to ELECT a CITY COUNCIL that is responsive to its citizens and business owners so these two groups can prevail when trying to preserve their neighborhoods and the quality of life in this small beach community. Fernando Meza will run against Bruce Wouter for Council Seat 1, At-large. Greg Sutton will face Jennifer Ashley for Council Seat 3, At-large.
Current Action Needed:
Please attend the City Council Meeting this Monday (5/6) at 6:00 p.m. The Council is discussing three changes to the charter. The 2nd proposed change would alter the way a city council vacancy is filled. Currently, the vacancy is filled by an applicant selected by the council until the next general election which keeps the voters empowered. The proposed change will allow City Council to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. A candidate in such a circumstance would be waging a full campaign for a limited term, which is onerous, but taking this out of voters’ hands is an overreach and we hope you will come out to speak against this now! Here’s your link to what you need to know:
Ordinance No. 2024-8216 Charter Amendments
Pressing Issues
Proposed School Closings: Currently, the three Beach cities are standing strong united in opposition to the closing and consolidation of elementary schools in the Beaches Community. San Pablo Elementary and Seabreeze Elementary each score an A and are vibrant small schools nesteled in our community. This may be a long fight but leaders of the three cities are aligning themselves to fight this battle together. Stay tuned for opportunities to take action.
