Following a series of break-ins, local business owners are embracing a newly established special business district designed to finance security and beautification initiatives.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Efforts are underway to enhance safety and cleanliness in Jacksonville’s Five Points neighborhood, prompted by recent burglaries that have unsettled area businesses.
The Jacksonville City Council has recently sanctioned the establishment of a Business Improvement District, a designated zone intended to support enhancements in safety, beautification, and security for the Five Points region.
For many business proprietors and employees, this decision is seen as a timely and necessary measure.
Bess Abare, the manager at Kathy’s Table, encountered a concerning sight when she arrived to open the store on October 13. She immediately noticed something amiss at the neighboring Sake House.
“I was shocked at first, thinking it was a Halloween decoration, wondering why they would do that. But then I realized the entire window was almost completely out of its frame,” Abare recounted.
The front door at Sake House had been shattered from a break-in — one of several incidents in recent months raising safety concerns in Five Points.
“I hurried into the store and then I called the non-emergency number and the police and reported it,” said Abare.
“I was able to stay calm and just take immediate action to take the next step that we needed to take, and we were very thankful we were not affected, but we were very disappointed our neighbors were affected.”
Abare says she’s worked in Five Points for four years and is glad to see city leaders take action to improve safety.
“I recognize that safety and security is important and I believe that we do have that, and it’s gonna be better because of the enhanced security,” she said.
The City Council voted 14–5 Tuesday night to approve the new Business Improvement District.
It will use local property assessments — starting in 2026 — to help pay for enhanced safety measures, neighborhood beautification, and other improvements.
Councilmember Jimmy Peluso, who sponsored the legislation, says the move is about protecting a key part of Jacksonville’s business community.
“This is a good thing, I think it’s in the best interest of the neighborhood and the business district that needs it most,” said Abare.
Not all council members supported the plan — some argued the assessments amount to an additional tax on small businesses.
Still, for Abare, she believes it’s a step in the right direction.
“To have that safety and security enhanced so that we have confidence — that’s wonderful. It’s only gonna make this situation better for the community,” said Abare.
Peluso says improvements could begin as soon as next year.
