Community, police trying to ensure safety at Jax Beach

About a week after a videotaped brawl in Jacksonville Beach made national headlines, some community members and the police department are trying to ensure beach safety so it doesn’t happen again.

This Sunday, a group of people including Ron Davis and Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Pat Dooley joined together for a “peace walk” on the boardwalk.

Davis’ son Jordan was fatally shot at a Southside gas station last November during an argument over loud music.

"It's supposed to be a great safe environment and when people start fighting on the beach you fear for your children," said Davis.  “Let’s make it a safe environment and we can all enjoy the beach.”

According to Davis it's not a matter of "taking back the beach" but instead a rally for peace.

"Nobody should be taking back the beach but what we're saying today is respect the beach," he said.

Fernando Meza, a Jacksonville Beach resident, says he’s spearheading a movement of his own with the goal of preventing another fight.

"Thursday I had the gathering at The Pier there was a lot of great ideas and I will present them [Monday] at the city council meeting," said Meza.

Heavy police presence was noticeable at the beach on Sunday.  Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Pat Dooley says it's something people can expect to see from here on out.

"Unless you are prepared to spend the rest of your afternoon and night in jail come out here and behave yourself," Dooley said.

He said there will be heavy police presence on Jacksonville Beach through at least the 4th of July.  They're expected to get support from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as well as the surrounding beach cities.