Bar owner takes steps to avoid time in jail

A businessman who admits not paying sales taxes applies for pretrial intervention.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD, Times Staff Writer
Published August 28, 2007

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DADE CITY - Mike Agnello, a tavern owner who ran for City Commission last year, will try to enter a pretrial intervention program on charges he failed to pay state sales taxes.

Agnello, 46, was arrested earlier this month, accused of theft of state funds. Authorities said that for several months in 2006, he collected sales tax revenue at his bar, the Osceola Tavern, but never sent the money to the state. Agnello admitted as much, saying he needed the money to stay in business.

He had his first court date Monday, telling Circuit Judge Pat Siracusa that he is in the process of refinancing his mortgage on the Seventh Street building.

To resolve the criminal case, Agnello is applying for pretrial intervention, a more lenient path for first-time offenders that keeps them out of jail. He told the Times that with the refinance, he'll be able to pay the nearly $10,000 in back sales taxes in one lump sum - plus two years of delinquent county property taxes.

"I'm very happy," he said. "Today will be the first day that I can relax."

For years, Agnello has been a fixture in the audience at City Commission meetings, and he often steps up to the microphone to weigh in on local issues. Last year, he tried to get a spot on the dais, running against longtime Commissioner Scott Black. He lost but remains active - he's president of the local Kiwanis club and sits on two city boards.

Another run for office is unlikely now, but Agnello said he's eager to get back to the things that are important to him. His wife is expecting their fourth child, and he plans to add a food menu at the bar.

"Business has been better since all the people (have been) coming in, giving moral support and buying a beer," he said.