By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
December 17, 2019
Internet cafes have become a growing concern for Nassau County residents in the past few months. News of armed robberies in recent weeks have made sensational headlines – one occurring at Tracks in Yulee along on A1A and another on Amelia Island at the 8th Street Arcade.
Since Duval County made it illegal for such businesses to be in business, the number of internet café establishments has dramatically increased here in Nassau County. There are now 32 such operations – up from just 14 less than a year ago.
The Board of County Commissioners plans to work on an ordinance with recommendations provided by County Attorney and County Manager Mike Mullin. That ordinance, as Mullin explained, will declare such businesses a nuisance based on increased criminal activity. Mullin reiterated a comment made earlier that Duval and Nassau Counties are very different in that Nassau County “just can’t ban.”
Mullin went on to explain that starting immediately, there will be “roving patrols by code enforcement,” to be joined by the Building Department and the Office of the Fire Marshall.
Comments from audience members during over the course of the past month have included these remarks and others of a similar ilk:
“[these businesses] are not being opened out of benevolence,” and “these establishments prey on poor people and those who cannot afford it.”
In the minority of public comments received was a statement about the importance of these establishments as a fellowship opportunity for Nassau County’s senior citizens.
A hearing will be scheduled later this month and Mullin has suggested that County officials work with State Attorney Melissa W. Nelson on this issue.
Editor’s Note: Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy received her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Upon graduation, Cindy began her career on Capitol Hill working as a legislative aide and director. She later became a part of the public relations and lobbying team of the American Iron and Steel Institute and served as director of the office of state legislative affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Cindy was involved in economic development with the state of Maryland, and served as executive director of Leadership Washington County. As a community volunteer, Cindy participates in numerous volunteer activities serving as a member of Sunrise Rotary, and as board member of Cummer Amelia Board of Directors.
The county needs to stop the influx of people and residential construction. Have you been down St. Rd. 200 lately? When I moved here in 1979 people used to wave at one another passing, now they cuss you. Wait, St. Rd. 200 will look like Beach or Atlantic Blvd. soon. Just imagine what it’s going to look like when we have to evacuate for a hurricane! Good luck! They paved paradise put up a parking lot.
As to the comment “[these businesses] are not being opened out of benevolence,” and “these establishments prey on poor people and those who cannot afford it.” That could also apply the FL lottery ticket sales and the Bingo games in Yulee. While law enforcement should make sure these operations are being run in compliance with the law and not being used for money laundering, I suspect in the overall scheme of things the robbery rate isn’t that much different than that of liquor stores and convenience stores.
An internet cafe and an arcade are not one in the same. Yes, the arcade on 8th offered internet access and yes, they called it an “Internet cafe.” Doesn’t make it one. So let’s be a little more careful with the semantics. Actual Internet cafes can be (and general are) places where the reason you go in is to enjoy coffee (or other drink), maybe a bite to eat and internet access. An arcade is a whole different critter.
How does harassing businesses with enhanced code inspections prevent robberies or shootings? Is the County going to inspect businesses at 5:00 in the morning when the 8th Street Arcade was robbed? Expanding on Dave’s comments, these businesses are likely targets due to cash on hand and a perceived low level of security.
Desirability of this type of business is an entirely different question. Until such time as they are banned, the County should focus on enhanced protection of the businesses, their customers, and nearby citizens, not code violations.
This is no different than communities deciding that they will not allow strip clubs or vaping rooms or “adult toys” shops, etc. — these gambling establishments are a magnet for crime — Duval has it right