Man expected to recover after Westside shooting at Valencia Way Apartments; police seek suspect and motive

Shooting reported Sunday evening; victim taken to hospital

A man in his early 20s is expected to recover after being shot Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Valencia Way Apartments on Jacksonville’s Westside. Officers were dispatched to the complex in the 1200 block of LaBelle Street at about 6:17 p.m. after multiple callers reported gunfire.

Police found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Investigators said the man ran to a nearby apartment to get help and called 911. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported him to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

At the scene, detectives recovered nine 9 mm shell casings. Investigators said they are working to identify the shooter and determine a motive.

Suspect description and what investigators are asking for

The shooter was described as wearing all-black clothing and a red face covering. Investigators said the suspect’s race and gender were not immediately clear and that detectives were reviewing surveillance footage from the property.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement through the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number (904-630-0500) or Crime Stoppers (1-866-845-TIPS).

Valencia Way’s history: from Eureka Gardens to ongoing public-safety scrutiny

The Valencia Way Apartments are the former Eureka Gardens complex, a property that underwent a major rehabilitation and rebranding after years of widely documented concerns about conditions and safety. Despite the renovation and name change, the complex has remained the focus of repeated police responses and city attention tied to violent crime.

In January 2024, the City of Jacksonville’s Public Nuisance Abatement Board took formal action involving the property, requiring measures aimed at improving safety and aiding investigations. Those conditions included installing security cameras, providing law enforcement access to camera footage when crimes occur, releasing tenant information to police as needed, and submitting to inspections involving law enforcement, fire-rescue officials, and building inspectors.

City and community tensions around enforcement and accountability

The city’s nuisance-abatement process highlights an ongoing policy challenge: balancing enforcement tools meant to reduce recurring crime at problem properties with the practical limits of maintaining long-term security in large apartment communities.

Officials have previously stated that unauthorized occupants and short-term stays can complicate safety efforts and increase risks for families living in the complex.

The March 8 shooting remains under investigation. Police have not announced an arrest, identified a suspect, or released a motive as of Monday morning, March 9, 2026.