Jacksonville Beach Greenlights Rezoning for Rooftop Restaurant and Mixed-Use Development

The Jacksonville Beach City Council unanimously approved rezoning the 100 block of Fifth Avenue North to build first-floor offices and retail space with a second-story rooftop restaurant. The council voted 6-0 to approve the rezoning (2024-8213) at its May 20 meeting.

Greg Saig, managing partner of Jax Beach Investment Holdings, requested the rezoning to a Planned Unit Development to facilitate the mixed-use project, which includes improvements to the adjacent Mango property at 602 First St. N. Saig is also part of that ownership group. The property is located in the Jacksonville Beach Central Business District, and construction is expected to start in 2025.

Saig, who is involved with Salt Life Food Shack, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, Surfer The Bar, and Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila in St. Augustine, envisions the first floor housing retail or office space, with a preference for retail. He mentioned in a pre-vote interview that the goal is to find a tenant that complements the restaurant above. Preliminary discussions with a potential tenant are ongoing, but the company name has not been disclosed.

The combined space and parking area will cover about 14,000 square feet. Saig has owned the property for over 10 years, waiting for the surrounding business environment to grow enough to support his concept. He believes the time is right to proceed with the project, expressing confidence in Jacksonville’s ongoing transformation.

The rooftop restaurant aims to offer a "polished higher-end" dining experience with Tulum and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, a lounge, and a private member club. The rooftop deck will feature ocean views and fire pits.

Saig's confidence in the project is bolstered by growth in Jacksonville Beach’s Central Business District, where he has been involved in planning. He cited the success of nearby businesses, including O-Ku, which opened in February 2022, and other establishments like Lynch’s Irish Pub, V Pizza, and the Margaritaville Hotel.

Saig, who entered the hospitality industry right after college, co-founded Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille at The Jacksonville Landing in 1987. Harry’s now has locations in Gainesville, Ocala, St. Augustine, Lakeland, and Tallahassee.