JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The Volunteer Life Saving Corps (VLSC) is one step closer to getting back on the beach.
Over the past several months, tensions have risen between the Corps and the city over use of the lifeguard station and its equipment.
VLSC launched a petition last month to place a referendum for an amendment to the city charter on the November ballot, which turned out victorious.
“The support has been absolutely humbling and heartwarming to see the effect our organization has on the community at large,” VLSC past Captain Charles Bond said.
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The Duval County Supervisor of Elections notified the organization that it met the minimum petition certification threshold of registered voter signatures required to place a voter referendum on the November 8th ballot.
The requirement is 10% of voters. According to the VLSC, 19% of registered voters added their signatures
They signed the petition to put a referendum on the November ballot that would amend a section of the city charter.
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The proposed amendment allows for the continued practice of the Corps alongside Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue.
The ballot summary is: “Amending the Charter adding a section continuing the practice of the Volunteer Life Saving Corps (”Corps”), working together with the Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Division (from the location of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Station), to save the lives of residents and visitors of Jacksonville Beach. The City will execute a deed permitting the American Red Cross to convey the Station to the Corps and to allow the Corps to resume its operations.”
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the Corps to resume its operations.”
The two organizations cut ties early this year.
“In December, we were called into a meeting at City Hall saying there was a Department of Labor dispute and that they were terminating our relationship and agreement,” Bond said.
Soon after, the VLSC sued the city for ending its contract and locking volunteers out of the lifeguard station.
The petition is only part of the ongoing battle.
Now city leaders said they are reviewing the proposed charter amendment.
Mayor Chris Hoffman sent us this statement:
“The City is currently reviewing the proposed Charter amendment. The city’s charter is akin to its constitution and we need to make sure that anything in it actually belongs there and doesn’t run afoul of State or Federal law at a minimum. I support the ability for groups to take issues directly to the voters through this process. But I also believe that I, and every voter in Jacksonville Beach, should take a careful look at the intended and unintended consequences should this amendment pass.”
The Corps is asking the city to leave it up to voters and for the voters to show out.
“We’re asking the city to do what’s right, what’s their legal duty, and put it on the ballot for November,” Bond said.
Bond is asking the community to come out to the next Jax Beach city council meeting and voice their support for the referendum.
Related read: Volunteer Life Saving Corps sues the City of Jacksonville Beach
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