JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The beaches are officially open. Yes, you can go any time, but this weekend the city of Jacksonville Beach marked the official start of the summer season.
It was the perfect beach day and a great start to the summer season at Jacksonville Beach.
Hundreds of people came out Saturday to officially open the beaches, including Randy Jara and his family, who made the trip from Hilton Head, South Carolina.
"This is beautiful. It looks good. What you think? Pretty good I like it," said Jara.
Jara said even though Hilton Head is just hours away, the beach experiences are nothing alike.
In addition to the crowds, people competed to design and build the best sandcastle.
And the Jacksonville Beach lifeguards initiated their newest members.
For Mary Jury, it was a girls' day, and the opening only made her more excited about the spring and summer ahead.
"Sticking my toes in the sand, and waking up and hearing the waves it's so therapeutic it just rejuvenates you from your week, especially if it's the whole weekend and then by the time you go back to work next week you're ready to rock and roll," said Jury.
Local businesses are excited about this weekend as well.
Dave Boulier, co-owner of Campeche Bay Cantina, said those people translate to a boost in business.
"Oh it's busy. Oh there's people down here all day just enjoying the festivities so it's really great that's what you want them to do come down wander around just not just go to the beach and disappear," said Boulier.
A parade is scheduled for Sunday and the weather forecast calls for plenty of sunshine.