JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Black Friday approaches, both retailers and consumers are preparing to navigate the bustling crowds, all in pursuit of the season’s best bargains before Christmas.

The memory of 2024’s Black Friday traffic debacle at St. Johns Town Center is still fresh for many locals.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office assured First Coast News that they are taking proactive steps to avoid a repeat of past issues.

On Thursday evening, First Coast News caught up with shoppers at the Town Center who expressed their intent to participate in Black Friday, while also being mindful of potential traffic snarls and extended lines.

“We’re planning on coming early to snag all the good deals,” shared Trisha J. with enthusiasm.

The night before Black Friday. Shoppers are already checking their list twice. 

“I need me some new Air Pods,” said Christopher Scott.

“Clothes and shoes is the only thing we care about,” said Aazya Warlick and Jasmine Young.

Some even stopped by the St. Johns Town Center a day early to hopefully get a head start.

“I just wanted to see if there were any stores open and I saw there wasn’t. I know they’re opening at 6am. I might come early in the morning,” said Sophia Raye.

A few shoppers even remember Black Friday in 2024, when the St. Johns Town Center turned into chaos.

“I think we came to Marshalls and I think I had just beat it,” said Tedi Rogers.

Last year, First Coast News arrived at the shopping center and learned that dozens of shoppers were stuck in traffic gridlock for hours and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had to step in to get the cars moving.

“Let’s just pray that’s not the case this year because I don’t think that’ll be great in anybody’s point of view,” said Raye.

The sheriff’s office said it will have officers stationed at every major intersection in the area. The agency sent First Coast News this statement on Nov. 21:

“We have been working with management at the St. Johns Town Center and surrounding businesses in an effort to mitigate some of the traffic concerns that developed last holiday season.

There is a strong plan in place that looks to ease the strain on roadways during peak times. The private companies in the area, as is typical, have made arrangements with JSO’s Secondary Employment Office to hire additional officers to work not only security in their specific areas and/or businesses, but also to assist in traffic direction and control in pivotal areas during the peak times.

JSO stands ready also to assist when necessary in the alleviation of traffic back-ups on the roadways directly impacted by the ingress and egress into the town center area.”

“At least people will be able to turn out. Rather than 30, 40 cars go by and nobody lets you out,” said Rogers.

“Try to get out here as early as possible because you’re going to avoid the front line traffic but also you’re going to avoid the lines as well,” said Young.

Stores at the St. Johns Town Center will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday and close at 9 p.m.