Jacksonville Beach security on the line for weekend events [Video]

With thousands of people expected this weekend, beach officials are on alert after the St. Patrick’s Day shooting last month.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s been a tradition for generations: the annual Opening of the Beaches is this weekend in Jacksonville Beach.

It’s a time to celebrate all that beach life offers and what a fantastic weekend of weather we have in store for beachgoers. But this will also be the first scheduled large gathering since the deadly shootings that took place on St. Patrick’s Day in Jacksonville Beach. Jacksonville Beach city leaders hope to reassure visitors and residents about safety during the event.

The beach was anything but a tranquil family activity on March 17 as gunshots rang out from three shootings, killing one person.

Jacksonville Beach mayor Chris Hoffman says that safety is at the forefront of her planning for Opening of the Beaches.

“This is one of those …