Some individuals were engaged in problematic behavior, including drug use, fighting, and pepper-spraying each other.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was aware of several planned “takeover” events circulating on social media and monitored the situations closely, noting the organizers used multiple locations in an attempt to be deceptive.

Prior to the gathering, officers issued warnings to the events’ organizer and their parents, advising them not to host the unpermitted event.

As the crowd grew larger and more unruly — and with Friendship Fountain Park closing at 10 p.m.— officers took action to safely disperse the gathering. During this effort, a group of officers observed a juvenile reaching for his backpack. He fled the scene but was quickly apprehended. Officers discovered a firearm inside his backpack, and he was arrested.

To prevent the group from relocating, officers blocked nearby roads, including access to the Main Street Bridge. The sirens were necessary and effective in managing the situation.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about safe and responsible activities. These takeover-style gatherings are not only illegal, but they can also be extremely dangerous.

Members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor similar situations, enforce local curfews, and uphold park regulations to ensure public safety.

If you are a parent or legal guardian, please be aware of Jacksonville’s curfew ordinance. Under Municipal Code Section 603.201 (Children’s Curfew), parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are legally responsible for knowing the whereabouts and activities of their minor children. In general, children under the age of 18 may not be out in public after 11 p.m. on weeknights or after 12 a.m. on weekends unless accompanied by an adult or participating in a permitted activity such as work. 

For information about Children's Curfews in Jacksonville, Florida, please click here.

To view the post about this incident on JSO's Facebook page, please click here.
To view the post about this incident on JSO's Instagram page, please click here.