Jacksonville Beach shooting leaves 1 person killed, 2 injured

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is still probing the shootings that resulted in one fatality and two injuries on Sunday night.

The incidents sparked fear in the downtown area, with numerous individuals gathered at bars to mark St. Patrick’s Day.

Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith provided the following updates on the investigation:

• A group of several hundred teenagers, estimated between 250 to 400, congregated under the Jacksonville Beach Pier for organized fights, preceding the shootings.
• Authorities are looking into three distinct and unrelated shooting incidents.
• The initial gunfire erupted near the boardwalk and the Best Western hotel, with officers present in the vicinity at the time.
• One of the suspects involved in one of the shootings has affiliations with a gang.
• However, the police have not apprehended any of the shooters yet.

The City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department has lifted the shelter-in-place directive as they continue to manage the situation.

Original Report:

Jacksonville Beach Police Department have confirmed responding to reports of three individuals shot, with one fatality, in downtown Jax Beach, and multiple shooters are still at large.

The JBPD issued a Facebook post advising everyone to remain indoors until further notice.

According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, three individuals have been shot at the scene, with their conditions varying.

One person has been reported deceased, another is in serious condition, and the third has sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

One victim was shot in the Sneakers parking lot and is currently in critical condition, while two others were shot at 2nd Ave. North.

Eyewitnesses observed multiple ambulances and patrol cars near the area.

As the investigation is ongoing, additional details will be provided as they become available.

Anyone with information that could aid the police is urged to call 904-270-1661.