Jacksonville Shooting Scare at The Avenues Mall on Feb. 14, 2026: Heavy Police Response After Gunfire Reports

 The Jacksonville community remained on alert Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, after reports of a shooting incident at The Avenues Mall in Jacksonville, Florida, sparked fear and confusion among shoppers. The situation unfolded quickly, with social media posts describing panic inside and around the shopping center as law enforcement responded.

According to eyewitness accounts shared online, individuals reported hearing gunfire near the food court area and possibly in the adjacent parking lot. Some shoppers said they heard multiple shots and saw a heavy police presence arrive within minutes. Others described being instructed to shelter inside stores or exit through rear corridors as officers moved through the property to assess the situation.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and began securing the area. As of the latest updates, officials have not confirmed whether the incident involved an active shooter, nor have they released verified information regarding injuries, casualties, or suspect descriptions. Authorities have emphasized that details circulating on social media may not reflect confirmed facts.

Preliminary accounts from local posts suggest the situation may have originated from an altercation that escalated, with some witnesses indicating that the gunfire may have occurred outside the mall near the food court entrance rather than inside the main shopping corridors. However, investigators have not yet publicly confirmed the exact location or sequence of events.

The Avenues Mall has experienced separate, unrelated incidents in previous years, including a 2023 shooting outside the property that led to attempted murder charges. Officials have continued monitoring safety in and around the area since those events.

Residents have been urged to avoid the mall and surrounding roadways while officers continue their investigation and ensure there is no ongoing threat. Law enforcement is advising the public to rely on verified updates from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and established local news outlets rather than unconfirmed social media reports.

As the investigation remains active, the situation is still developing. Authorities have stated that additional information will be released once confirmed. For now, the focus remains on public safety, gathering accurate details, and preventing the spread of misinformation during a rapidly evolving incident.

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