Thousands of police officers are out in full force as they celebrate Memorial Day on Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Florida. – Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Jacksonville Beach for Memorial Day, and police were out in full force to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

Although the beach seemed crowded, some residents said it could have been worse.

“It’s not as big as it used to be,” said Jacksonville resident Buddy White.

Beachgoers want to have fun on vacation. But fun on the beach can quickly end in chaos.

In March, a series of shootings on St. Patrick’s Day in Jacksonville Beach left one person dead and two others injured.

RELATED | Chronology of the St. Patrick’s Day shootings in Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach police departments were unable to comment on their public safety measures, but officers from all agencies were deployed at full strength on area beaches.

Does seeing more police officers make people feel safer?

“I feel safe. This is my home,” said Jacksonville resident Jamil Murray.

White agreed with Murray.

“I’m really not worried out here,” White said.

RELATED | Police emphasize safety at official opening of Jacksonville beaches with events and fun for all

Others were not entirely carefree.

“The alcohol and you never know what will happen with guns. If two grown men start fighting, why risk it?” said Stephen Brown, Jacksonville resident. “At night, the tendency is high, so why stay and minimize the risk?”

John Jackson, who was visiting from Atlanta, said he also prefers to go to the beach during the day for safety reasons.

“I feel safe during the day, but before it gets dark, I leave,” Jackson said.

In the bar scene, managers and bar owners have different views on the issue of safety.

The manager of Lynch’s Irish Pub said that if things got out of control, they would just call the police and have them take care of it.

On the other hand, Surfer Bar staff told News4JAX that they have a plan in place in case violence breaks out. Staff did not provide details about that plan, but said they are working with Jacksonville Beach police.