James Jones III, 21, was shot and killed on March 17, 2024, in the parking lot of Sneaker’s Sports Bar and Grill at 1st Street North and Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach. His death occurred the same night as two other shootings that followed large, unruly gatherings under the pier during St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Break activities; police say the first shooting happened at 7:50 PM south of the pier, the second about 20 minutes later a half block north on 3rd Avenue, and Jones was struck separately in the parking lot.

Jones was not part of the crowd under the pier, and his family described him as responsible, a father to a three-month-old daughter, and a student training to become a merchant mariner who had graduated from Oakleaf High School in 2021 and played football there. No arrests have been announced; police are seeking more than one suspected shooter in addition to the two people who were wounded that night. The family and Jacksonville Beach residents are calling for increased security to prevent similar violence.

If anyone has information about the shooting or the suspects, please contact the police or Crimestoppers.