Khan You Dig It?
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan has major plans for a pair of Neptune Beach institutions: the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn and the neighboring Lemon Bar.
According to documents obtained by JacksonvilleBeaches.info through a public records request — and shared with The Citizen — early concepts for the site include:
- A private beach club (membership-based)
- A spa
- A fitness center
- A bar (in the current Lemon Bar location)
- A fine dining restaurant
- A casual restaurant
- Retail space, including beach chair rentals
Khan’s Neptune Beach purchases follow his high-profile involvement in the development of downtown Jacksonville — a vision that includes a Four Seasons Hotel, upscale residences, office space and a modern marina.
That venture is considered a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s revitalization ambitions — and could presage the kind of transformation Khan now envisions for the beachfront.
His latest maneuvers mark one of the splashiest private investments in Neptune Beach in recent memory, stirring both anticipation and unease among locals.
While the football honcho’s bold vision has some residents intrigued, others wonder if his arrival signals a rewrite of the area’s low-key identity.
A private club, some argue, doesn’t align with the enclave’s casual, come-as-you-are charm.
Khan’s formal development plans have yet to be submitted to the city but will likely require zoning changes and approval from local boards.
As officials await more detail, the community remains somewhat divided — split between enthusiasm for growth and a desire to preserve Neptune Beach’s unpretentious vibe.
It’s a civic fault line likely to widen in the years ahead.
Khan built his fortune in the automotive industry after founding Flex-N-Gate, a company specializing in bumpers and other car components.
He immigrated to the United States at 16, worked as a dishwasher while studying engineering at the University of Illinois, and later acquired Flex-N-Gate — transforming it into a global supplier to major automakers.
Since then, Khan has expanded far beyond manufacturing. He became widely known in sports circles after purchasing the Jaguars in 2011, becoming the first member of an ethnic minority to own an NFL team.
His sprawling portfolio now includes Fulham F.C. in English football and stakes in entertainment and real estate ventures, reflecting a global, ambitious entrepreneurial vision.
7 Responses
I applaud him for his growth in his career however he should be hyper sensitive to where he is infiltrating- this is a SMALL COMMUNITY- and as such, collectively we are NOT EVER looking to grow OUR beaches to that of what CRAP has happened in Rosemary Bch area (our cities own the beaches- NOT THE SPOILED residents (many are NEW to our beaches)!!!!
Give us and our lovely JAX beaches a break or the LOCALS (more than 10-15 years) will NOT be receptive.
You cannot buy loyalty! We are locals!
#DUVALL means something to #LOCALS!!
My wife and I loved that little hotel.
Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Crazy. I don’t think he would ever go hangout in the area if he had the ability
To see things in the eyes of us who live here he would understand that we don’t want upscale luxury we enjoy laid back hang with locals and the simpler way of life. It’s why we live at the beach he’s ruining the atmosphere
Area is definitely too small and the infiltration will eventually create chaos….
Everyone with no skin in the game has an opinion based more on social desirability bias than appropriateness of the project. But people like Mr Khan worry me. One can see what to date hs done with both the Jaguars and his real estate development and have no confidence in his abilities.
I have little confidence in his abilities as per the Jags team, etc. We who live here and others who like to visit local hang out spots in Neptune Beach may be priced out of attending things in our own local area. I fear this is going to end up being a place only wealthy and millionaires will be able to afford and it will just become another commercialized area for tourists only.
Absolutely NOT! Leave our beaches alone! They are overflowing with so much commerce that they are no longer little towns but commerce! There are many residents at the beach who would like to keep some semblance of community without commerce infringing more and more!! We have enough spas, restaurants, hotels etc! I say NO!