Community Redevelopment Agency funds will help strengthen security and improve the appearance of two popular businesses in Jacksonville Beach's central business district.
The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved safety grants for Brix Taphouse and the Ritz Tavern at its Aug. 24 meeting. Kathleen Cole, who owns both downtown establishments, also received a facade grant to update the gated entryway at Brix and enhance its landscaping.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the facade grant. Chairman Gary Paetau cast the lone dissenting vote, noting that the property previously received funding through the CRA's facade grant program for a similar project.
"They are requesting a new gate to be put on the back. They already have an existing gate there," Paetau said. "I'm not sure why there is a need to change that."
Brix received prior grant funding to help pay for improvements to its exterior awning and outdoor patio area. The current request is for $36,907 for custom gates and arched entryways, additional landscaping and irrigation.
"About a year and a half ago when we revised our grant program, one of the things we kind of put into account was if they were a previous applicant and how that dynamic went. Were they a good applicant or were they not?" CRA coordinator Taylor Mobbs said.
"Fortunately, I have worked with Brix and Ritz before. Staff has no concerns with working with them again. This is essentially some additional enhancements to what we provided funding for a couple years ago. The reason for the facade grant program is to continue to elevate the aesthetics of the downtown. If things look nice, you attract more people, and more people means more business."
The CRA established the Facade Beautification Grant Program in September 2023. The program provides funding assistance for exterior renovations intended to stimulate economic growth and improve the appearance of buildings within the CRA boundaries.
Eligible improvements include landscaping, painting, lighting, signage, canopies, decorative fencing and windows. The program provides a 2-to-1 matching grant of up to $100,000 per project. Staff accepts applications on a rolling basis until funds are expended.
Cole also requested two safety grants through the CRA's Safe & Secure Program to install exterior security and lighting improvements at the downtown properties.
Applications that meet the program's criteria may be eligible for CRA funding of up to $5,000 or 80% of the total cost of eligible products. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on budget availability.
A total of $9,940.54 will cover the installation of four 4K Ultra HD security cameras at Brix, directed toward surrounding roadways and parking areas. The cameras include smart artificial intelligence (AI) detection technology and are compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act.
Funds also will be used to offset the cost of installing six RAB Dark Sky-compliant, full-cutoff area lights to improve visibility and security around the exterior of the building while providing additional coverage of adjacent roadways and parking areas.
At the Ritz, Cole applied for additional funding for exterior security and lighting upgrades, including four 4K Ultra HD security cameras with smart AI detection technology, five RAB Dark Sky-compliant, full-cutoff area lights and two RAB pole-mounted slip-fitter lights to provide additional illumination.
Mobbs said the pole-mounted lights are compliant with sea turtle lighting restrictions and will be held to the same legal standards as the rest of the equipment before funding is awarded.
The Safe & Secure Program is a branch of the downtown CAPE program and offers incentives to downtown business and property owners to invest in security measures designed to deter crime. The program was developed to bolster safety and create a secure environment in the central business district.
According to Mobbs, Jacksonville Beach police are notified of all safety grant applicants. Recipients of safety grant funds work with local law enforcement and must provide any footage captured of public spaces.
"Once the agency says yes, we are willing to allow you to get these cameras, then as the applicant moves forward through the process, the police department, myself and the applicant all work together to make sure the legal agreements are in place," Mobbs said. "Everything they have to sign off on allows the police department full access if they need it."
Eligible businesses can use the grants to upgrade camera systems and install ID readers and metal detectors in the downtown core. The CRA hopes the improvements will boost community confidence, attract visitors and create a safer environment for employees, residents and visitors.
Businesses within the CRA, including entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and retail establishments, can qualify for funding to install security measures such as ID scanners, security cameras and metal detection systems.
The police department will assist staff with the review, inspection and implementation of grants to ensure compatibility with departmental goals. Applicants must meet with the Safe & Secure Program coordinator to review eligibility and ensure their projects meet program requirements.
Identification scanners must be capable of scanning and verifying government-issued IDs, detecting fraudulent IDs and capturing live photos of entrants. Metal detection systems must include handheld or walk-through detectors capable of identifying various metallic objects and weapons.
Security cameras must be weatherproof and provide clear views of public spaces. Cameras must be compatible with Jacksonville Beach Police Department systems, if required.
Applications are reviewed for compliance with program criteria, and background checks are conducted on applicants. Once eligibility is confirmed, the application and supporting documents are submitted for formal consideration. The CRA will consider applicants who meet all requirements for grant approval.
Once security measures are installed, grant recipients must provide proof of completion and undergo an on-site inspection. Funds will be disbursed only after the CRA verifies that the installation meets all approved plans and standards. The building department must approve all required permits before this step.
