Planning Commission denies request to operate Tipsy’s Bar and Lounge

Fabrizio Gowdy Gadsden County News Service

After nearly two hours of public comment, rebuttal, and questions, the Gadsden County Planning Commission unanimously denied a special exception last Thursday that would have allowed a bar and lounge to operate just north of Havana city limits. The property at 6766 Florida-Georgia Highway most recently operated as the L&J Lounge. In 2023, the Florida Gaming Control Commission seized 70 gambling machines from the bar, which it accused of running an illegal internet café. At the April 23 meeting, the applicant, Curtis James, asked for Planning Commission approval to open Tipsy’s, a bar, lounge, and events center. He said the venue would be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and host three to four events each month featuring approximately 50 to 100 guests. James presented the proposed business as a well-rounded, family-friendly establishment hosting birthdays, anniversaries, DJ nights, and possibly yoga, dance, and painting classes. “This is not about running uncontrolled parties; it’s about creating a safe, organized venue people can enjoy responsibly,” said James, a Midway resident who runs two restaurants in the county. He also pledged to check IDs, prevent loitering, abide by all local ordinances, and pay for two off-duty deputies to provide security at all times the business is open. “We understand the importance of being respectful to surrounding areas,” said James. However, the commission’s staff recommended denial of the request, citing insufficient parking, lack of buffering and screening measures, and proximity to Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. The proposed Tipsy’s location is 910 feet from the church, less than the required 1,000 feet, and shares a property line with the Kid’z Focus Learning Center daycare directly behind the property. In response, James said he had submitted plans just before the meeting to lease an adjacent parcel for additional parking, which would ensure approximately double the required 55 spaces. However, Growth Management Director Justin Stiell told commissioners he had not yet had time to review the proposal. Prior to the meeting, the commission received about 20 signatures from residents opposed to the special exception, several of whom addressed the board. Millard McCord, who has lived on Bostick Road since 1991 and has a screened porch facing the property, recounted how noise from L&J used to keep him and his wife awake well after midnight. “I don’t want to speak against an entrepreneur, but I have little faith that we’re going to be able to keep this under control,” said McCord. Sam Chapman, who also lives nearby, said the music and noise level used to be “horrendous and inescapable.” Other residents said there had been nearly 350 calls to police about L&J over a three-year period. Edna Hall-Whitehead, who owns and lives at Faith Funeral Home 0.3 miles away, argued the building did not fit into the surrounding “corridor of care,” which includes an EMS station, the daycare, and her funeral home. She suggested the building ought to be a gym instead, perhaps even Havana’s new YMCA location. Presenting photos of new signage and a dumpster full of construction debris in front of the building, Hall-Whitehead accused James of already starting renovations and acting as if the special exception were a done deal. She urged commissioners not to be a “rubber stamp.” “Show the city of Gadsden County that you will listen to their voices,” said Hall-Whitehead. During rebuttal, James said his application had been under review for seven months and said he has about $50,000 tied up in the business. He acknowledged hosting two events at the venue, including a club lounge party, and said the planning and zoning process has been more arduous than he anticipated. “You can’t hold me accountable for actions that other owners have done,” said James. James said the building was one of the first establishments in Gadsden County with a liquor license and has operated as a bar and lounge since the 1970s. According to Stiell, L&J was allowed to operate because it was grandfathered and not subject to the 1,000-foot distance requirement from churches, but any new bar would need a special exception. James Kenon, a Havana resident, former 35-year Gadsden County deputy, and owner of 6676 Florida-Georgia Highway, spoke in support of James. He said claims that L&J was rowdy and generated hundreds of police calls were exaggerated and that the business should be given a chance. “The man deserves an opportunity … if you can, give him the opportunity to do what he has to do,” said Kenon. Ultimately, commissioners unanimously sided with the majority of speakers opposed to Tipsy’s. Commissioner Tammy Jimenez said she felt James had not demonstrated the criteria for a special exception. “There are a lot of pieces missing in here that could have been better demonstrated through the application process,” said Jimenez. James did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Last Thursday’s vote follows a controversial proposal considered by the Planning Commission last September that would have eliminated the 1,000-foot distance requirement between bars and churches. That item was tabled after considerable public opposition.

Planning Commission denies request to operate Tipsy’s Bar and Lounge

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