The Jacksonville City Council has officially approved the rezoning for a new surf park in eTown, marking a significant step towards creating a wave-generating lagoon that promises to revolutionize surfing in Northeast Florida. This development, spearheaded by the Australian company Aventuur, aims to provide consistent surfing conditions regardless of ocean weather.
Key Takeaways
- Jacksonville City Council approved the surf park with an 18-0 vote.
- The park will feature a wave-generating lagoon capable of producing up to 1,000 waves per hour.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a potential opening in late 2027.
- A similar surf park is proposed in Panama City Beach, facing zoning challenges.
Jacksonville Surf Park Development
The Jacksonville Surf Park will occupy 55.27 acres in the eTown development, transitioning from Commercial Community General-1 zoning to a Planning Unit Development. This change allows for the construction of up to 3,500 residential units and 3.6 million square feet of nonresidential space, including the surf park.
Aventuur’s CEO, Nicholas Edelman, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the collaboration with local partners and the community’s passion for surfing. The park will utilize Wavegarden Cove technology, ensuring a steady flow of waves for surfers of all skill levels.
Pending necessary permits, construction is slated to commence in 2026, with hopes of welcoming surfers by late 2027.
Zoning Challenges in Panama City Beach
In contrast to Jacksonville’s smooth approval process, the Shell Point Beach and Surf Club in Panama City Beach is currently navigating zoning hurdles. The proposed surf club seeks a variance to build within 100 feet of residential properties, which is typically prohibited under local zoning laws.
- Location: The surf club is planned for 10.5 acres near Back Beach Road, owned by the Saint Joe Company.
- Community Concerns: Local residents initially misunderstood the project, thinking it was a water park. However, after learning more, many expressed support for the unique surf experience it would offer.
- Economic Impact: Proponents argue that the surf club could boost local tourism and provide recreational opportunities for residents, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Future Prospects
Both surf park projects highlight a growing interest in surf culture and recreational development in Florida. While Jacksonville moves forward with its plans, the outcome of the Panama City Beach surf club’s variance request will be crucial in determining the future of similar developments in the region.
As these projects unfold, they promise to enhance the coastal experience for both locals and tourists, potentially transforming Florida into a premier surfing destination.
