Many fear the sales will bring problems to the island. The store says it is filling a demand.
By DENISE WATSON BATTS
Published March 12, 2004
The Davis Islands Farmers Market goes to the City Council next week to request adding another item to its grocery list: single malt scotch.
But the Davis Islands Civic Association will be there in opposition. Members fear that if the market gets the necessary zoning, people will be able to buy spirits, get drunk on the island community and wreak havoc.
"Basically, we just don't feel a package store is what Davis Islands needs," said Denise Cassedy, president of the association. "We really don't want people buying liquor there and heading down to the beach. If one person is killed, that's one person too many."
Market owners Leia and Jeff Gordon say they are catering to the requests of their customers. They've collected letters from Davis Islands businesses and neighbors in support of their alcohol petition.
"There's a lot of people who tell us there's the need for these things," Jeff Gordon said. "It's a matter of convenience to be able to buy this on the island."
The couple moved into the market at 202 E Davis Blvd. in August and quickly began to revamp the store, adding air conditioning and coolers to keep its produce fresher and to offer frozen seafood and meats. They said they've heard from people who want to buy Southern Comfort and top shelf liquor for entertaining, without having to leave the island. The business already has a wet zoning that allows the store to sell beer and wine.
The market would be the only store on the island in years that sells package alcohol.
The Gordons have met with association members and said they will address their concerns. The store will keep its regular hours - closing at 9 p.m. - for those worried about selling alcohol late at night.
Cassedy said several people are concerned that if the business receives the zoning and then leaves, another business could open a bar. Scott Guffey, a police officer in the city's criminal intelligence bureau, said that is possible but not definite.
He reviews all wet zoning applications and if a business closes, Tampa's business tax division posts a sticker on the building. The posting states that if there are no liquor sales within the next 30 days, the zoning for alcohol could expire.
The Gordons said they plan to sell only upscale liquor and would keep their stock in storage, with only sample bottles on display with the wine selection. Their wines and beer are kept in a separate room, which is off-limits to children, the Gordons said.
"We've been trying to get across that this isn't a liquor store," Jeff Gordon said.
The sales, the Gordons hope, would generate additional income that would allow them to expand their store. They want to open a small seafood cafe.
"It would be good to make some income," Jeff Gordon said. "You don't make a lot of money off of produce."
Cassedy said the association loves the market. She just doesn't like the idea of hard liquor being sold in the neighborhood.
"Everyone likes the idea that Davis Islands is a little village. It's like Mayberry," Cassedy said. "If you have the liquor store, we're afraid we're going to lose that."
The issue goes to the council at 10 a.m. March 18 at City Hall, 315 E Kennedy Blvd.
