SALT Jax Beach holds one last celebration before closing after 13 years

A well-known Jacksonville Beach restaurant is holding one last celebration before closing its door Labor Day Weekend.

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Salt Jax Beach Bar has been open for 13 years.

Action News Jax Shanila Kabir spoke to managers who said this restaurant will be replaced with a new hotel. They said it could be a great business move and that Jacksonville is a fast-growing tourist destination now.

Store manager Evan Raita said this leaves a bittersweet feeling.

“Jacksonville Beach has got a lot of growth and it’s turning and it’s very emotional for us, but I get it as a business move, and I understand,” said Raita.

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SALT managers said their lease was up and the property was sold for $15 million in July to an Ocala-based company; they said their plans are to bring in a hotel.

However, many locals said there is already a hotel on both sides of the restaurant.

“There are already three to four hotels just along the beach here, we do not need another hotel,” said James Coyburn, a Jacksonville resident.

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Another Jacksonville resident Mason Hellevang said he does not think this decision will hurt other businesses or foot traffic, but he believes this decision was not made with the local community in mind.

“This corner is a gold mine. The location is perfect. You can walk on the beach or have a great view of it,” said Hellevang.

Managers at SALT said there will be a final auction on Saturday, and he urges everybody to come out if they want to purchase any decorations signs.

Action News Jax reached out to who we believe is the building owner’s representative for a comment on why they wanted to build a hotel. We have yet to hear back.

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