High Springs City Commission approves special permits for Sunday alcohol sales on first reading, votes to purchase Priest Theatre
BY DAVID LIGHTMAN
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – At their May 9 Regular Meeting, the High Springs City Commission approved an ordinance on first reading that establishes the use of special permits to allow for alcohol sales on Sundays by businesses that derive less than 51% of their sales from food and nonalcoholic beverages. Commissioners also agreed to purchase the historic Priest Theatre and indicated that they plan to resell it after making some renovations.
Following direction from the Commission at their April 11 meeting, City Attorney Scott Walker presented an ordinance his office had drafted to codify the process for approving special permit applications for selling alcohol on Sundays by businesses that currently are not allowed to do so (at this time, only the High Springs Brewery is affected). Under the proposed ordinance, these permits would be granted by City staff only on federal holidays and in connection with City-sponsored special events. Permits for other dates may be granted with the approval of the City Commission.
Letters from the public
Mayor Katherine Weitz began by reading several letters she had received, nearly all in favor of lifting all Sunday restrictions. The letters that opposed the change raised concerns with loud, amplified music, other “quality of life” issues, and the possibility of other businesses “swooping in” and making High Springs “a party central.”
The letters that supported lifting all Sunday restrictions said the brewery is a family-friendly place that allows kids and their parents from different areas to gather in the sun; the level of noise from the brewery is actually low; some visitors don’t stay in town on Sundays because the brewery is closed; the brewery doesn’t serve “hard liquor”; no one knows the percentages of sales at the other establishments; the brewery creates “a vibrant and lively atmosphere” on Sundays, including at nearby businesses; it’s not fair because the restrictions affect only the brewery; and the employees are a positive force in the community whose wages should not be jeopardized.
Mayor Weitz explained that the brewery has been allowed to operate on Sundays, against the existing ordinance, and “We’re trying to do it the right way.”
Public comment
During public comment, a woman said, “I have never seen anyone (at the brewery) that seemed over-served or rowdy. I’ve seen kids who didn’t previously know each other playing together and having a lot of non-electronic fun. The noise and traffic arguments on social media are ridiculous.”
Raising questions about whether other businesses actually meet the requirement for food sales, Peter Khoury said, “If you’re setting a criteria of 51%, it really needs to be measured.”
Mel Campos said she and her peers use the brewery to unwind and share thoughts after their performances, although they cannot do so on Sundays, and the brewery even supported her during her time of sobriety by offering many nonalcoholic beverages. She said they support arts and artists, and it is a good place for kids.
Linda Jones objected to so many letters being read from people who did not attend in person. She pointed out that while the brewery does host many important events, they are also making more money during those events.
An employee of Prohibition Pizza, located adjacent to the brewery, said, “The brewery brings business to all of High Springs, and I’m sure almost all business owners would agree… You are making it a one-day town.”
Sue Weller asked whether City-sponsored events need to be city-wide and what happens when federal holidays fall on Mondays.
David Lynch cited statistics about alcohol-related deaths.
Kelly Potter of Prohibition Pizza said the Pioneer Festival was very quiet on Sunday, in contrast to Saturday, when the brewery was open. She said, “We could make High Springs a two-day town.”
One of the owners of the High Springs Brewery pointed out that the economy in 2024 is different from in 2019 when they began to operate. He said they don’t “want” to be open on Sundays, but with the current economy, they need to be open.
Shane of High Springs Brewery said he wanted to clarify that they want to move toward being open every Sunday instead of by special permit only.
Kathy Greiner cautioned, “Don’t open the door for things that we don’t want… Are we going to open ourselves for something that we really don’t want?”
Jana Evans discussed inappropriate behavior at the previous meeting and disrespectful comments made on social media against anyone who didn’t favor lifting all Sunday restrictions against the brewery.
Commission discussion
Commissioner Tristan Grunder said, “(Making businesses get special permits) is ridiculous… I don’t think that we should make them jump through hoops during a situation like this… This town wants this. I would almost bet my bottom dollar on that. This town wants this to change… I think, at this point, we need to suspend the ordinance for Sundays and put it on a vote for November.”
Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth pointed out, “This town, people that have lived here all their lives – Sunday has been a peaceful day for them. Now that’s just the way it is. You come into this town, you come in here for a reason. You like High Springs, you love High Springs. I’m passionate about this town. I grew up in this town. This is my town. This is your town. But I’m not saying one way or the other. It’s hand-in-hand. But people come to this town for the peacefulness of High Springs. What’s wrong with being peaceful for one day a week? That’s my view.”
Responding to someone making comments in the audience, Bloodsworth said, “I am not a coward for being up here in this chair. Okay. If you want to do a vote, put it on the table. Let’s vote right now.”
Motion
Commissioner Andrew Miller made a motion to approve the ordinance as written. Commissioner Byran Williams seconded the motion “for discussion.”
Attorney Walker said the ordinance could be easily amended before the second reading to allow for federal holidays that fall on days different from Sunday. He said Cinco de Mayo or other non-traditional holidays could also be written in.
Grunder said he thought it was crucial to put it on the ballot and let the citizens vote on the issue.
Weitz and Miller suggested surveying people via a survey on their utility bills. Acting City Manager Diane Wilson (City Manager Jeremy Marshall had not yet returned from vacation) said, “I will tell you that a large number of people don’t open their utility bills, and I will tell you that from experience… I’m just concerned that they wouldn’t see it.” She said sending out a separate survey would likely reach more people.
Walker clarified that a charter amendment could only be changed with another charter amendment referendum in the future, while an ordinance could be changed by a vote of the Commission.
Weitz said she had a motion and a second. Walker suggesting revising the ordinance to include Sundays that precede a Monday holiday and days of city-wide events instead of “City-sponsored,” as the ordinance had originally read.
With Walker’s suggested revisions included, the ordinance passed on 4-1 on first reading during a roll call vote, with Bloodsworth in dissent.
Second motion
Grunder made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss putting the question on the November ballot.
Weitz suggested discussing it at the next meeting when they would have a better idea of costs. City Clerk Angela Stone said they would need to pass an ordinance to put it on the ballot, and they would need to advertise those meetings, therefore they had limited time.
Grunder’s motion died for lack of a second. The special permits ordinance will be revisited for a second reading in June, and staff will have better information at that time about the cost of putting the question on the ballot in November.
Priest Theatre
Attorney Walker introduced a resolution to purchase the historic Priest Theatre from its current owners.
Acting City Manager Wilson said the funding has been received from the State to purchase and repair the building, but there is red tape that must be dealt with before construction can begin.
Miller emphasized the importance of repairing the roof before hurricane season.
Weitz said the plan is to vertically stabilize it, re-roof it, and sell it; the City doesn’t have all the appropriations money needed to reopen it as a theater, so that is not even an option.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Williams, Weitz said that selling the building is an option, but the City is not locked into that decision and could decide to use the building in some other way.
Weitz explained that the grant from the state is $1.04 million, and the purchase price of the building is about $347,000, leaving over $600,000 to structurally fix the building before selling it.
Grunder said there are interested parties, and they plan to sell it to someone “who has intent to keep it historical, and we can enter into a contract to make sure that stays that way for a period of time.”
Responding to an audience member who raised concerns about termite damage, Attorney Walker said the contract includes a 7-day due diligence period when the buyer may perform inspections and may cancel the contract if it is found to be defective or unsuitable.
A few members of the public spoke, all in favor of purchasing and preserving the building.
Motion
Commissioner Miller made a motion to approve the resolution to purchase the Priest Theatre, and Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 during a roll call vote.
General public comment
During public comments at the end of the meeting, a man addressed the Thomas Henry situation: “I can’t understand how somebody could be fired and he’s got 34 years on the job… I want to know how you can go on a job and work one week and get two or three weeks’ vacation… He said he would be here at least six months to evaluate all the employees. Now how can you come in here in a week and just fire somebody?… It was a crying shame.”
I agree with Wayne Bloodsworth on a day if peace. Again any other day we have to listen to loud cars, trucks, and motorcycle racing up and down the streets and 441. And dont forget about the music levels coming from certain businesses. Used to be on Sundays all you hear in the morning was church bells. To the person that insinuated Wayne Bloodsworth is a coward has a lot nerve. Bloodsworth is sitting up there at a table with other commissioners who have no courage to stand up for their beliefs and for the people they represent. They have folded for the almighty dollar and peer pressure. Shame on them. Bloodsworth ran his campaign on representing High Springs, having common sense, and his dedication to this town. So far it seems like he is sticking to what he said.
How ‘bout zeroing in on the problem rather than restricting individuals or small businesses? Set a decibel limit for 10 pm and no music after 11pm. Arrest the drunks who drive erratically. Affordable family-friendly places are in short supply.
I agree with what you are saying. But the expedition of speed and sound with vehicle is a 24/7 issue. Bailey estates us a perfect example of loud car stereos, speeding cars in the morning. Sooner or later a kid is going to get run over on NW 190th Ave walking to the bus stop or school. Cops cant be everywhere 24/7. Now the issue of Sundays. There are still enough people in this town to remember what Sundays in High Springs was. And to fast forward to what is now. In the Past Sundays were church and family lunch and dinners. You didnt need to have alcohol mixed into the day. I may be o LH d wayne fashion but I believe High Springs is going to end up like Gainesville. Too many subdivisions being built, outside business trying to fold family owned business. High Springs needs to slow it roll and use some common sense. We do not need to be like Alachua, Gainesville, or any other town. We need to be High Springs first.
I agree with Bear. I and 14 other residents of Bailey Estates signed a letter to High Springs Chief of Police requesting more police presence due to high speed during morning/evening commutes.
High Springs is a speed trap with a few nice businesses. Unless and until the city government puts some pressure on their local PD to stop running speed traps which seem purely related to revenue generation, not safety, our family will continue to avoid the businesses in this town.
I see both sides on this. I try hard not to be a hypocrite.
I feel for the businesses, mainly HS Brewery is the only business affected as of now. If they are suffering financially, that sucks, we do not want to lose them. But will more come if the ordinance is lifted? I do not want HS to turn into Gville or Newberry for that matter. There are Sundays when I want to go to the brewery then remember it’s closed. Not the end of the world for me though. I also do not live next to the brewery. If I did I might want one day of peace. I’m old enough to remember when most places were closed on Sunday. It was a slight inconvenience but again, not the end of the world. Times have changed, are we better off now? Part of me wishes we could go back to Sundays being a day of rest.
During the Brewery’s presentation to the planning board, they acknowledged the significance of the tranquil historical district in which they had set up shop. Furthermore, they assured the board that they would be mindful not to cause any offense or disturbance in that area. Regrettably, the board took their words at face value and granted them permission to commence operations. By allowing a single bar to operate on Sundays, it opens the floodgates for numerous others in the future.
It is worth noting that the existing ordinance had been in effect for several years prior to the Brewery’s establishment. Commissioner Bloodsworth, displaying both the right and the courage, stands firm in his position, defending it unyieldingly.
Various external interests have become entangled in this matter and should be kept separate from the ongoing discourse. Ultimately, the decision regarding the Brewery rests solely with the residents of High Springs, as it is their community, not that of distant visitors who happen to frequent the area.
Well put
“Ultimately, the decision regarding the Brewery rests solely with the residents of High Springs, as it is their community, not that of distant visitors who happen to frequent the area.”
It is a shame that when Commissioner Grunden motioned to put it up to be voted on by the residents of High Springs, not a single commissioner seconded the motion. It would appear that the other commissioners want to exercise unilateral authority rather than defer to the will of the people.
A simple way to solve this debate is to ALLOW THE RESIDENTS TO VOTE ON THIS ORDINACE!
If the resident’s agree, then the ordinance changes. If not, then the brewery rest their case.
I can defer to that option, but with some conditions to it.
1. Only High Springs residents vote, and the results are final. Let’s end this division in our community.
2. Ordinance 10d stays as written until the vote in November. It is the law, and we need to follow it. No exceptions!
Unless I am mistaken, only High Springs residents can vote on city matters anyway…
If we are on the road to enforcing current ordinances with no exceptions then the we might want to make sure that nobody opens a skating rink around town either less there be any “lewd or boisterous noise or music.”
Don’t forget to make sure that each home that has a fire alarm applies annually for a permit.
Just for fun we will tack on the fact that if you have standing water and there are are mosquito larvae in that water then you are in violation of city ordinance 46-36.
Code enforcement should probably roll out the measuring tape to make sure restaurants are in compliance with Sect. 10-4
While we are at it, the city ordinance states we can’t sell tobacco to those under 18 years of age. I guess that is a mistype since state statute is 21 years of age.
As Ron Popeil once said: “but wait there’s more.”
A person convicted of violating a municipal ordinance may be sentenced to pay a fine, not to exceed $500, and may be sentenced to a definite term of imprisonment, not to exceed 60 days, in a municipal detention facility or other facility as authorized by law. FSS 162.22.
Let’s put everybody in jail! You know, it’s the law and we need to follow it.
The brewery is a great low-key place for people to spend Sundays as they should… in leisure!! With their families! Outside. Children play soccer in the field while parents sip on A BEER or maybe two. Interesting that there are no qualms about a 700 acre development adjacent to downtown that would severely disrupt the currently peaceful town of High springs. That development will bring a bunch of hot asphalt, ugly homes, uncreative suburbia, traffic, decreased walkability, big box stores, commuters who don’t live in town and don’t contribute to the community of the town because they only live there after 7pm, demolition of trees rather than stewardship of environmental resources in a way that serves mankind and nature alike. But instead of fighting the atomization of family and community life that will come from the spread of suburban hell from NW gnv/tioga into High Springs, they are fighting the hometown brewery for providing a nice place for families to spend time in community on Sundays. A vapid, evil twist of puritanism against leisure, especially if it involves an alcoholic drink, yet simultaneously allowing the commodification of community and family over true localism.
@guest 100% agree on this part 👇🏻 makes me 🤢 to think about it. I think from what I’ve read most people in HS and Alachua agree as well.
“700 acre development adjacent to downtown that would severely disrupt the currently peaceful town of High springs. That development will bring a bunch of hot asphalt, ugly homes, uncreative suburbia, traffic, decreased walkability, big box stores, commuters who don’t live in town and don’t contribute to the community of the town because they only live there after 7pm, demolition of trees rather than stewardship of environmental resources in a way that serves mankind and nature alike.”
Beyond every point you made which are valid. I want to know how the schools are going to handle the influx of new kids to the schools?
The most disturbing point to me has been the division intentionally created among the people attempting to dialog on this matter. Personal attacks and insults have been made on social media against anyone who disagrees with the Brewery’s request/demands. Those in favor of, were encouraged to attend or write in a letter to be read aloud at the meeting. Disrespectful behavior, such as laughing out loud and calling out towards those who attempted to excercise their own right to speak at the public meeting was shown and there was a lack of respect directed towards members on the Dias, even as they attempted to answer questions or explain the city’s rules and procedures. This group, speaking for the Brewery and Prohibition Pizza, were reprimanded by our Chief of police, city attorney, and each of the commissioners, but they continued to exhibit these disruptive behaviors. Even after the meeting, this group continued to malign and intimidate those who voiced any (perceived) opposition, even calling the actions/decisions made by our commissioners as biased and unconstitutional. These behaviors are incongruent with those who profess to want to contribute to the welfare of the city.
I made plans to attend a meeting earlier in the year to support the brewery and their position but was told that the matter had been mediated and that I would only serve to cause discourse, so I chose not to attend and speak.
It was later identified that a very vocal group spoke out against the brewery and there was no rebuttal.
Given that, I was unable to attend the most recent meeting as I was being presented an award as a distinguished alumni by the University of Florida during the commission meeting time. I am in support of the brewery and was one of those who wrote an email with a letter asking for it to be read.
It is unfortunate that there are people who would object to this type of correspondence (as noted in this article and elsewhere.)
I watched the diatribe from the dias and heard the challenges made from both sides of the room. Personal attacks unfortunately will occur in a politically charged meeting. Mr. Bloodsworth being called a coward was disheartening and uncalled for.
Given that, when Mr. Bloodsworth proclaimed “this is my town” I realized that nothing I would have to say would matter. I live just outside of the city limits so my voice does not matter when it comes to ordinances. This despite the fact that both of my boys have grown up in High Springs going from Pre-k- 8th grade at HSCS through High School at Santa Fe. The fact that I have spent hundred of hours over the years coaching soccer for the High Springs recreational league is inconsequential in some eyes.
This is not your town. This is not my town. This is not Grover’s Corners, but this is out town.
“We all know that something is eternal. And it ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you’d be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being.”
― Thornton Wilder, Our Town