Jacksonville’s Liquor Store Turned Small Business Support Center: Focus on Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development

The proposed liquor store location in Brentwood, Jacksonville, has been repurposed into a small business support center, according to News4JAX news partner The Jacksonville Daily Record. Mayor Donna Deegan made this announcement during a luncheon, stating that the support center is expected to open in early fall and will focus on workforce development and entrepreneurship. The city of Jacksonville purchased the Golfair Boulevard property for $1.8 million in November after opposition from Brentwood community members who protested against the liquor store due to its proximity to Kipp Voice Academy.

Residents argued that the liquor store was not appropriate for the area, leading to the city’s decision to repurpose the property for a support center instead. While there were objections from some residents, construction for a new medical examiner’s office is already underway next to the future support center. News4JAX is investigating whether there will be any changes to the plans for the medical examiner’s office in light of the new business center. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.