Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— During its Monday, April 4 meeting, the city’s planning and zoning board approved a use by exception to allow a downtown convenience store to sell beer.
Last year the board approved a site plan for the former Circle K to reopen under new ownership but denied a request for the business to keep its 20-foot-high sign that had been on the property for decades.
Since the business at the corner of Nightingale Street and South Lawrence Boulevard had been closed for over 180 days, the new owner had to start from scratch in gaining city approvals for zoning changes, exceptions and site plan approvals.
“This is pretty clear-cut,” said board Chair Larry Peoples. “This place has been here for a long, long time and all they’re asking to do is to renew their ability to sell alcohol, and I have no issue with it.”
The new owner said he hopes to reopen the store on Wednesday, April 6.
“We have merchandise in there,” said Joel Graham, “but we were just waiting on this (approval) that we’ve got to give to the (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation).”
