- Neighbors are asking Gadsden County commissioners to pass an ordinance banning illegal internet cafes countywide.
- Internet cafes are illegal in Gadsden County under state law.
- Watch the video to see how the ordinance is enacted.
Broadcast transcript:
A neighbor contacted me and said some internet cafes in Gadsden County were still open.
I’m Ashley Engle, Quincy neighborhood reporter. When my neighbor lost his life at an internet cafe in November 2023, I had been covering this issue for about five months. Now, her neighbor’s wife and others may go to the county and shut down these facilities.
That’s what Lewis Butler’s wife Kimberly insists is the right thing to do. “We know they are illegal.”
Because “I don’t want to see what happened to my husband over and over again.”
Their solution was to seek an ordinance from Gadsden County.
She and other neighbors, including the Rev. Tracy Stallworth, confronted county commissioners on Feb. 20.
“We believe that if an ordinance is enacted by the county commission, we will have more leverage to crack down on the closure of these illegal internet cafes.”
Internet cafes are adult gaming centers that operate illegal slot machines.
They are illegal in Gadsden County under state law.
It is also known to lead to secondary crimes such as prostitution, assault, and murder.
“If an activity becomes unsafe or illegal in Florida, it is up to local governments to support the state’s statues.”
Commissioner Brenda Holt insists an ordinance is needed, but there is a process for someone to draft one.
“We need to come together because the board needs to vote to pass the ordinance, and the board needs to decide as a collective and look at what should be in that ordinance. ”
Nearly four months after Lewis Butler was murdered, Kimberly and many of her neighbors, including Stallworth, are hopeful that change is on the horizon.
“This ordinance allows us to project our people in each district.”
“I’m asking the county commissioners to pass an ordinance to shut down these illegal internet cafes. That’s what I want. I want to see them shut down. .”
County leaders said the county and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office will soon hold a workshop to discuss the draft ordinance. We will let you know when that date is released.
