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New shop on U.S. 19 draws some questions
By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff Writer CRYSTAL RIVER -- She ran her fingers through the tassels of the black whip, then moved to the satin love mask. For a little more money, the woman bought the Beginners Bondage Kit, which includes both those items as well as a pair of handcuffs. "Me and my husband are happy she's opened because now we don't have drive to Pasco County to get anything," the 36-year-old woman said on her way out of the Bears Den on Thursday, taking the kit and leaving $50 with owner Vickie Swartz. City officials aren't as sanguine about the new business on U.S. 19, just north of the Crystal River Mall in the Pinch-A-Penny plaza. "I'm dumbfounded," said City Council member John Kendall, who learned about the shop Friday. "I didn't expect to see anything like that in Crystal River." So far, only a few residents have complained about the Bears Den, which in addition to eye-popping sex aids and videos such as Strawberry Blondes and University Coeds, features a sprawling collection of glass pipes and acrylic bongs, devices used to smoke marijuana. "What do you smoke in a bong?" building official Lew Chandler asked with a knowing smile. "Tobacco? Maybe in Turkestan." Swartz, 33, says her business, believed to be the first of its kind in Crystal River, is perfectly legal, if not to everyone's taste. She pointed to the maroon curtains extended across the front windows and the notice on the door informing anyone younger than 18 to take a hike. Customers aren't beckoned with a flashing "XXX," only a few small signs advertising movies and DVDs, body jewelry and tobacco pipes. "I really don't want to start trouble," she said before lighting a cigarette. "I'm just trying to feed my kids." Swartz, who talks in a slow, matter-of-fact manner, says her business is nothing short of a marital service. "A toy or lotion can spice up a relationship," she said. "When spouses begin to cheat it's because they are bored." The tiny shop, which opened June 1, is allowed under the city ordinances but Chandler has questions nonetheless. He has asked Swartz to submit an inventory to determine if the adult items exceed 25 percent of her business. If so, Swartz would have to obtain an adult entertainment license from the city, and pay a $750 fee. She also would be required to be 200 or more feet away from any residential area. Chandler has measured residential property within 100 feet of the shop. Swartz believes she is in the clear, however. She took an inventory Friday that lists 1,912 items, 381 of which are adult related. That puts her at less than 20 percent. It just looks like she has more adult material, she said, illustrating her point with a large box containing the video Wanton Goodies. "See, it takes up a lot of room." Still, while she may be legal, she is bracing for the protesters at her front door. "If you are truly a church person," she said, "you are not to pass judgment on anybody." Some visitors to the shop, like the tall man wearing sunglasses who wandered in Friday afternoon, are not interested in love swings, whips or 4-foot bongs, at least not for their own use. "We have been sending people in there sporadically, undercover," said City Manager Phil Lilly. "We have some concerns. We want to see if they are just straight up, as they say. So far, we have no indication they are doing anything but following the law." -- Alex Leary can be reached at (352) 564-3623 or leary@sptimes.com.
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