JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville state lawmakers advanced a proposal Thursday that aims to help a new business in Five Points thrive.
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5 Points has lost some staples in recent months, with Sun-Ray Cinema and Rain Dogs closing their doors.
But Jacksonville’s state leaders are looking to help set Sun Ray’s replacement, FIVE, up for success.
“We, as state and local government, are always looking for ways that we can create a more favorable environment for our local businesses,” said State Representative Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville).
The Duval delegation gave initial approval to legislation that would give FIVE the ability to obtain a special type of liquor license reserved for event venues.
Unlike restaurant liquor licenses that require establishments to sell mostly food, FIVE would also be able to count ticket sales and merchandise towards their total sales.
Duggan, who is sponsoring the bill, explained these types of exemptions have bolstered economic growth when they’ve been granted in the past.
“There’s probably 15 or 16 different special exception areas,” said Duggan. ”San Marco is one. There’s one around the stadium.”
Five Points visitors like Ryan Dorfmeister told Action News Jax they’re excited about the potential for FIVE to help other businesses in the area flourish.
“And I think as developers see newer businesses come, it leads to more developments on the roadmap for other developers that are looking to invest in the area. So, I think one falls, another one grows,” said Dorfmeister.
Local bills like this one have generally been well received by the state legislature in past years.
It’ll start moving through the process when lawmakers gavel in on March 4th.
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