BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
LAKE BUTLER—Three businesses recently expressed interest in locating in Lake Butler, but all three may choose to go elsewhere as their desired business practices would run afoul of the city’s ordinances.
On June 18, 2019, the Lake Butler City Commission modified its ordinances to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, responding to requests from both Simmer Down and Laredo’s restaurants.
At that meeting, there were many citizen comments, primarily opposed to the change, and representatives from local churches also opposed the beverage sales. The change was made for two already existing local businesses who had requested it.
Wawa too close to a church and school
The businesses expressing interest in opening in the city all want to serve or sell alcoholic beverages, one selling beer and two others wishing to sell drinks with meals. Wawa is interested in locating at the corner of SR-121 and SR-231, placing the proposed convenience store too close to a school and a church to be allowed to do so.
A restaurant has been looking at the old TD Bank building as a possible location, placing them too close to a church. Another restaurant, rumored to be an upscale Mexican restaurant, would also be too close to a church.
During the August 15 city commission meeting, Commissioner Melissa Hendrix asked then Interim City Manager Richard Tillis if these businesses would violate the city ordinance regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages, and he responded that they would.
Hendrix cited that previous developers had requested a change or exception to the ordinance and declined to locate in Lake Butler when relief was not granted and raised the concern that making an exception for these businesses would be unfair and unethical.
She added that she would like to see the ordinance stay the same, with agreement from Commissioner Annette Redman and Commissioner Rondoll Huggins.
After a brief discussion, Tillis informed the board that the lack of a change would most likely be a “deal killer.” The board reached a consensus to make no changes to the ordinance or any exceptions for the businesses.
City Attorney John Maines said the matter could be brought up again later should the board desire.
Since the August 15 meeting, there have been no further communications with any of the three prospective businesses.
