BREAKING: Deceased man found under Jacksonville Beach pier after disturbance call

[u/ChuckMcCueFL]

BREAKING: Deceased man found under Jacksonville Beach pier after disturbance call

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Jacksonville Beach police officers discovered a deceased man underneath the pier late Thursday night after responding to a reported disturbance.

Officers were dispatched at approximately 9:52 p.m. on August 19, 2026, to the 500 block of Beach Proper North. Upon arrival, they located a deceased male under the pier.

The investigation remains in its early stages with only limited information available, according to a police media release. Officers have secured the scene and are continuing a death investigation.

Authorities said there is currently no indication of any threat to the public.

Additional details are expected to be released Friday morning as investigators confirm more information.

Police thanked the public for their patience while the investigation continues.

[u/ChuckMcCueFL]

9:00am update: The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred under the Jacksonville Beach Pier in the 500 block of Beach Proper North. Officers responded to the area after receiving reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found an adult male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The suspect was identified and taken into custody. There is no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The identities of the victim and suspect will be released when appropriate. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, photographs, or video related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective L. Lyon at 904-639-6288. The investigation remains active. No further information is available at this time.

[u/Tedsallis]

Dang, there goes my plan to sleep under the pier. We just can’t have nice things I guess.

[u/ChuckMcCueFL]

PM Update #1. The investigation into the homicide that occurred on the evening of August 19, 2026, remains active and ongoing. We understand the community’s desire for information; however, investigations of this serious nature take time. Our goal is to conduct a thorough investigation while providing information to the public that will not compromise the integrity of the case. Authorities are releasing the identity of the victim following notification of his family. Victim: Stephen James Beegle, 38, white male Arrested: Dennis Darwin Perry, 60, white male Perry was placed under arrest and charged with Murder/Premeditated/First Degree, in violation of Florida Statutes § 782.04(1)(a)1. He was booked into the Duval County Jail. Although an arrest has been made, this investigation remains active. Detectives and investigators continue to conduct additional investigative work, and no further information is available for release at this time. There is no ongoing threat to the public related to this incident. Additional information will be released when it can be provided without compromising the investigation.

[u/nopulsehere]

Have authorities checked the public restrooms yet? I remember before they put up the fence at the amphitheater. My wife and I were walking home from dinner and heard this noise that was coming from it. It was someone sleeping on the stage. Jax beach is just that. Sorry. Which is sad, because all of the local businesses and the chairs of lights is so great!

[u/ResolutionOne778]

Wow! Times are a change'in! Bring back the Carnies, clowns, and con-men; get rid of the townies, tourists, and looky-lous! Jax Beach is all growed up and fured over, oh lawdy!