Arlington, Jacksonville, Florida, December 25, 2025
In Arlington, Jacksonville, residents are demanding the permanent closure of an Airbnb property following a shooting that injured five people during a party. The incident spurred concerns over safety, and neighbors are petitioning for action against the rental. Airbnb has suspended the property but residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of temporary measures as safety issues persist in the community.
Jacksonville, Florida: Neighbors Demand Airbnb Shutdown After Shooting at Arlington Rental
Jacksonville, Florida – Residents of Arlington are calling for the permanent closure of an Airbnb property following a shooting that injured five individuals, including a 16-year-old, at a large gathering on December 20, 2025. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) arrested 19-year-old Kenshawn Prentice in connection with the incident, charging him with attempted murder. Neighbors express concerns over recurring safety issues associated with the rental property and are actively petitioning for its shutdown.
Details of the Shooting Incident
On the night of December 20, approximately 20 people gathered at an Airbnb property on Arlingwood Avenue. An argument between two groups escalated into gunfire, resulting in five people being shot. The victims, all in their early 20s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The 16-year-old victim was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The JSO responded promptly, and Prentice was arrested and charged with attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
In the aftermath of the shooting, Arlington residents have voiced significant safety concerns regarding the Airbnb property. Neighbors report frequent disturbances, including loud parties and late-night noise, leading to a decline in neighborhood safety. Some families have even relocated due to the fear instilled by the rental’s activities. Residents are actively circulating a petition to have the property permanently removed from the Airbnb platform, emphasizing the need for a safer community environment.
Airbnb’s Response
Airbnb has responded to the incident by suspending the account associated with the reservation linked to the shooting. The company stated that it is saddened by the event and is supporting the JSO’s investigation. Airbnb has a policy of banning disruptive parties and has taken action, including removing users and suspending listings, in response to reports of criminal behavior or threats to safety. The listing for the property in question is no longer visible on Airbnb’s website, though residents have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of temporary suspensions, citing previous instances where listings reappeared after brief removals.
Background on Short-Term Rentals in Arlington
The Arlington community has experienced ongoing challenges related to short-term rental properties. Residents have reported issues such as noise disturbances, safety concerns, and a sense of decreased community cohesion. In response to these challenges, some community members have advocated for stricter regulations or bans on short-term rentals in residential areas to preserve neighborhood integrity and safety. The recent shooting has intensified these discussions, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address the impact of short-term rentals on local communities.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
The JSO continues to investigate the shooting incident, with Prentice currently in custody. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the altercation and to identify any additional individuals involved. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement to assist in maintaining community safety. The situation has sparked broader conversations about the regulation of short-term rentals and the responsibilities of property owners and platforms like Airbnb in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities.
FAQ
What happened in Arlington, Jacksonville, Florida, on December 20, 2025?
Five individuals, including a 16-year-old, were injured in a shooting at a large gathering in the 1200 block of Arlingwood Avenue. The incident occurred around 3 a.m., and all victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident. As of now, 19-year-old Kenshawn Prentice has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Have there been other recent incidents in Arlington, Jacksonville?
Yes, on December 18, 2025, a fatal single-vehicle crash occurred near the intersection of South Glebe Road and I-395, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Jerry Perez Justiniano. Additionally, on December 19, 2025, a 33-year-old man was killed in a shooting outside a bar in the 1000 block of Northeast Green Oaks Boulevard, with two individuals arrested in connection with that incident.
What are local residents saying about these incidents?
Residents have expressed concern over the safety of their neighborhood. A neighbor, Alicia Davis, mentioned that the area, once a safe place for children to play, has seen a decline in outdoor activities due to recent events.
What is the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office doing to address these incidents?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize public safety in the Arlington community. Authorities are working diligently to investigate these incidents and prevent future occurrences. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 20, 2025 |
| Location | 1200 block of Arlingwood Avenue, Arlington, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Number of Victims | Five, including a 16-year-old |
| Injuries | Non-life-threatening |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; 19-year-old arrested and charged with attempted murder |
| Community Response | Residents petitioning for permanent shutdown of the Airbnb property |
| Airbnb’s Response | Suspended the account associated with the reservation; listing removed from website |
| Background | Ongoing safety concerns related to short-term rentals in Arlington |
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