Something big is in the works at 2989 Mayport Road. What began as a simple pickleball court project has grown into what promises to be a major community gathering place featuring 8 pickleball courts, a 6000-square-foot restaurant, plus (says coverage by the Jacksonville Daily Record) an event stage, a cabana, and a golf simulator.
Behind the project is James Gattoni, retired CEO of Landstar, the Jacksonville-based trucking company. What Now spoke to Gattoni on Monday about plans for the new venue, whose name is still TBD.
“We just got the permitting, so hope our hope is to open by Spring 2027,” Gattoni said. “We’re trying to create an entertainment place for families to come relax.”
It started, Gattoni says, with the idea to put pickleball courts on the plot of land on Mayport Road, when it became available, but the concept has since taken shape as something more ambitious. It will include a casual dining restaurant (think something a bit more elevated than pub food) whose menu is still under development, an L-shaped patio, a lawn area, and cabana—with no shortage of space for people, in other words.
“We wanted a bigger, better project for the community,” Gattoni said, describing the growth of the concept over time. “We’re trying to create a great family-friendly venue, where people can stick around, enjoy the day.”
Stay tuned for more details as this project takes shape!
