JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla.-- Dirt, dust, and an all-around construction mess at their front doors. Jacksonville Beach business owners say they are losing money and want to know what's taking so long to complete the street pavers project between 4th and 5th avenues?
On Monday, Action News saw workers on the job, but Mango's bartender Pam Ralston says she's frustrated that she'll often go days without seeing anything getting done.
"They told me 'two weeks' about two months ago," she said.
Ralston says she hopes the project will ultimately improve the area but right now, it's doing the exact opposite.
"Most of my customers are frustrated because they drive," said Ralston. "Some of them don't even know which way to go," she said.
"We could not go to eat because there's too much mess going on," said Beachgoer June Hardin.
So what's the hold up?
Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham says the project is actually right on schedule, and the real problem is communicating with local businesses and letting them know how long the projects take.
"One of the big problems we have is perception is keeping people informed and we're making a big effort to do that now," said Latham.
Latham says he's already made changes to keep local businesses and neighbors in the loop. The city has recently created a section on its website with regular updates on specific project progress.
"One of the first things I did when I took office was sit down and meet with the people responsible for the development of downtown, talk about scheduling and notification and projects and keeping everyone informed," said Latham.
But as one section of the street reconstruction project wraps up, another phase begins on a new section, tearing up a whole new section of road in front of another group of businesses.
