Proposed city funding would increase security in Jacksonville’s Riverside area on weekends [Video]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville has a new plan to help boost security along King Street in Jacksonville’s Riverside area, after reports of public drinking, people staying in the area late at night and even fights.

David Abusal owns Tunis Restaurant on the corner of King Street and Post Street.

“We actually picked this spot because people like seafood and this area will bump up our business,” Abusal, owner of Tunis, said.

While the businesses depend on people stopping in, some say there have been problems after hours. According to JSO’s crime map, this year police responded to one aggravated assault, one burglary, and three intimidation reports in the area.

Jim Love, president of the Park and King Area Association,says businesses in the area raised funds to hire off-duty police officers to …