‘This is a great city’: Jacksonville Beach mayor says quick response by police, businesses should reassure visitors

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – About 12 hours after one person was killed and three others were injured in three unrelated shootings Sunday night in downtown Jacksonville Beach, Mayor Christine Hoffman praised the quick response of police and local businesses. Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith explained Monday morning that the first shooting was reported at 7:50 p.m., the second incident was around 8:13 p.m. and the third was at 8:31 p.m. Smith called for an “active incident” lockdown of the downtown bar district as officers looked for the shooters and tried to get the crowds to safety. Smith said because of the increased presence of law enforcement to help with large crowds for St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Break and…