Safety Grant Program

Jacksonville Beach CRA: Safe & Secure Program

Purpose:

The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is committed to enhancing safety within the downtown area to foster a vibrant and secure environment for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. The Safe & Secure Program, a branch off of the downtown CAPE program, offers incentives to downtown business owners and property owners to invest in security measures that deter crime and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The program is designed to encourage the installation of modern security systems that enhance the safety of Jacksonville Beach's downtown district. By supporting these improvements, the CRA aims to boost community confidence, attract more visitors, and create a safe space that benefits everyone in the area.

Grant Structure and Criteria for Selection:

The CRA administers the Safe & Secure Program. Businesses within the CRA, including entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, and other related establishments, retail, hospitality industry (hotels), restaurants, etc. are eligible for funding to install security measures like ID scanners, security cameras, and metal detection systems. Other downtown properties are eligible for funding to install security cameras at the discretion of the CRA.

Funding Details:

• Applications received, that meet the program's criteria may be eligible for CRA funding of up to $10,000 or 80% of the total cost of eligible products, whichever is less.
• Funding availability is on a “first come, first served” basis, contingent on budget availability.
• The program does not provide retroactive funding; grants will not be awarded for products purchased before the application date.
• Grants wll be revon the same schedule as the CRA façade grants: 
  • January 26, 2026
  • April 27, 2026
  • July 27, 2027
  • September 28, 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must own or lease property within the Jacksonville Beach Downtown CRA boundaries.
• All security installations must comply with the requirements of the City, inclusive of any permits necessary and code requirements.
• All security cameras must be made accessible to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department when deemed necessary by police. By applying for and receiving grant funding, the applicant agrees to allow the JBPD access to camera footage. 

Eligible Products:

The following security products are eligible for funding under the Safe & Secure Program:

1. Identification Scanners: Must be capable of scanning and verifying government-issued IDs, detecting false IDs, and capturing live photos of entrants.
2. Metal Detection Systems: Must include handheld or walk-through metal detectors capable of identifying various metallic objects and weapons.
3. Security Cameras: Must be weatherproof if installed outdoors and oriented to provide clear views of public spaces. Cameras should be compatible with Jacksonville Beach Police Department systems, if required, and additional information from the applicant may be necessary for JBPD.
4. Security/Safety Lighting (Exterior Only)

Application Process:

1. Pre-Application Meeting:
   • Prospective applicants must meet with the Safe & Secure Program Coordinator to review eligibility and ensure the project aligns with program requirements.
2. Application Submission:
   • Once deemed eligible, the application, along with supporting documents, must be submitted for formal consideration.
3. Review Process:
   • Applications will be reviewed for completeness, compliance with program criteria, and background checks on applicants. Applications that meet all requirements will proceed to the approval stage.
4. CRA Meeting: 
   • Applicants that meet all the steps required above will be taken to the CRA board for approval of grant funds. 

Construction Approval & Disbursement:

Upon completion of the security installations, grantees must submit proof of completion and undergo an on-site inspection. Funds will be disbursed as reimbursement only after the CRA verifies that the installation meets all approved plans and standards. All permits, if necessary, must be approved through the building department prior to this step. 

Available Funds:

The CRA has the authority to approve or deny funding agreements up to $10,000. The CRA may establish annual funding for the program at its discretion.

Disclosure:

The recipient(s) of the safety grant funds MUST reasonably work with local law enforcement agency(s) to secure and provide any and all footage captured of public spaces. 

The CRA reserves the right to modify program guidelines, request additional information, or reject any application. The CRA may also promote properties that have received matching funds under this program.

The CRA reserves the right to reject an application for any reason necessary.

Applicants MUST be in good standing with the City of Jacksonville Beach, meaning, no active cod enforcement cases, no illegal construction activity (all building permits current), no repeat nuisance violations, etc. 

After funding is approved at the CRA meeting, the applicant will receive a contract outlining all of the details spelled out in the agreement for signature. 

Any recipient of grant funding is required to maintain any safety-related system financed by the grant in proper working order for a minimum of five (5) years from the grant award date. In the event that a CRA-funded item is damaged or becomes inoperable, the recipient must promptly notify City staff. The recipient will have thirty (30) days to provide proof of repair, which may include documentation such as communications, scheduling confirmations, or cost estimates that demonstrate active efforts to address the issue. Should City staff or the Jacksonville Beach Police Department identify that a CRA-funded item is not in proper working condition, and the recipient has failed to provide notification, the recipient will be required to reimburse the agency in full within thirty (30) days.