County commission rejects Tipsy’s rezoning request, tables another controversial zoning item

FABRIZIO GOWDY Gadsden County News Service

A pair of controversial zoning items consumed much of last week’s county commission meeting.

In a 4-1 vote, the board denied a special exemption request that would have allowed entrepreneur and restaurateur Curtis James to open Tipsy’s, a bar, lounge and event venue just north of Havana city limits. On April 23, the planning commission recommended against approval because of a lack of parking, insufficient buffers and the venue’s proximity to churches and day care centers, but county commissioners had the final say.

About half of the 15 residents who spoke on the issue supported the proposal, unlike the April 23 planning commission meeting. Several of James’ supporters implored commissioners to “give him a chance.”

However, most commissioners remained unswayed. Commissioner Ronterious Green said he knew James personally and supported his other restaurant ventures, but had concerns about Tipsy’s.

“Things can get beyond your control,” said Green, who shared that his uncle was killed in an establishment that sold alcohol.

The lone commissioner who supported approval was Brenda Holt, who described the mandatory 1,000-foot distance requirement between bars and churches as “discriminatory” in favor of religious establishments. She emphasized that she “loved churches,” but argued it was unfair that a church can open next door to a bar while a bar cannot open next to a church.

“The law is discriminatory … every citizen that has property has property rights,” Holt said.

Aspalaga Road rezoning tabled

In a separate zoning hearing, the board tabled a request by applicant Jenniffer Smith to rezone her land on Aspalaga Road from Agriculture 3 to Agriculture 1, which would increase the allowable housing density from one house per 20 acres to one house per five acres.

According to Smith, she and her husband purchased the land so their five children and nine grandchildren would each have property to build a home on in the future if they choose to live in Gadsden County. She told commissioners her husband is building their new home himself, and they want their family to live off the land.

“This land is not a project, it is our future — we are a family working to create a multigenerational homestead where our children and grandchildren can live, grow and stay connected for years to come,” Smith said.

However, several neighbors on Aspalaga Road voiced opposition, questioning why the rezoning request needed to allow 14 homes. Multiple residents also claimed they had uncovered ties between the applicants and developers.

Smith, who said she has been waiting for her application to be approved since September 2025, argued that the home her husband is building is only 832 square feet, far smaller than what a developer would typically build. She also reiterated that it would be years before all 14 homes would be completed because her youngest grandchildren are still in elementary school and may not even choose to live on the property as adults.

Despite Smith’s assurances, commissioners ultimately decided to table the issue so they could gather more information.

“I hate kicking the can, but I want to make the right decision,” Commissioner Shawn Wood said, noting that this was the board’s last opportunity to weigh in on the matter.

In other business:

For the second consecutive meeting, Holt unsuccessfully motioned to terminate Interim County Administrator Reginald James, whom she has accused of creating a hostile work environment.

All commissioners were present. The next Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 6 p.m.

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County commission rejects Tipsy’s rezoning request, tables another controversial zoning item

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‘Beautiful’ brings audiences behind the music of Carole King

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