Chaos erupts at Jacksonville mall after teen 'takeover' event

No injuries reported as police respond to gunfire reports at The Avenues Mall and Urban Air

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A large gathering of teens at The Avenues Mall and Urban Air in Jacksonville's Southside neighborhood on Saturday led to reports of gunfire and a massive police response, though no injuries have been confirmed. Authorities are investigating the incident, which was reportedly planned on social media as a 'takeover' event.

Why it matters

The 'takeover' event highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and public safety in Jacksonville, especially in commercial areas. While no one was hurt, the incident caused significant disruption and left shoppers rattled, raising questions about how to prevent such chaotic gatherings in the future.

The details

According to reports, a large group of teens gathered at The Avenues Mall and the nearby Urban Air trampoline park, leading to multiple calls to 911 about gunshots being fired. Police responded in force, but found no victims or evidence of an active shooting. Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened and whether any crimes were committed.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

The Avenues Mall

A shopping mall located in the Southside neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida.

Urban Air

An indoor trampoline park located near The Avenues Mall in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO)

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Jacksonville.”

— Robert Jenkins, Jacksonville resident (Jacksonville Chronicle)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to determine if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

The takeaway

The 'takeover' event highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety and preventing disruptive gatherings in commercial areas, especially those popular with young people. It also raises questions about the role of social media in organizing such events and the need for proactive measures to address youth violence and unrest in Jacksonville.