Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Restaurant still open despite order

By Times Staff
Published June 9, 2005

INVERNESS - The state Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered a restaurant at the Lakeside golf course off U.S. 41 N to close until owners obtain a license to operate. Still, the restaurant remained open Wednesday. This is the second closure order for the Bistro at Van der Valk. Earlier this month, the county told the restaurant to cease operations because it hadn't received a certificate of occupancy. Development Services director Gary Maidhof said the restaurant won't get one until it hooks to water pipes that would give its fire-sprinkler system adequate pressure. A senior sanitation specialist issued the state order Friday. The restaurant also was cited for problems with its fire sprinkler system, hallways, exits, walk-in cooler and doors. Scott Adams, spokesman for Van der Valk Inc., the group that owns the restaurant, said the close orders are being appealed. He said the company is waiting for the County Commission to grant a right-of-way utilization permit that would allow the restaurant to hook up to the nearby water system. When asked if the county and state approved the restaurant's staying open while on appeal, he said, "I'm not saying that."

Man, 57, accused of molesting boy

FLORAL CITY - Authorities have accused a 57-year-old Floral City man of performing a sex act on a 14-year-old boy, according to an arrest report. Clifton Lloyd Stickland Jr., 7460 S Four Oaks Drive, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on charges of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child younger than 16, according to the report. The boy told investigators that Stickland, an acquaintance, touched him inappropriately and performed a sex act on him. Stickland admitted to the act, according to the report. He was taken to the Citrus County jail, where he was held in lieu of $15,000 bail.

INVERNESS - The City Council will conduct a workshop to discuss revenue enhancements at 5 p.m. June 23 in council chambers, 212 W Main St. Call 726-2611.

[Last modified June 9, 2005, 01:18:10]