The Pearl at 1st and Main

[jbm32206]

As I drove by this morning, I noticed that there's a D.A.R.T. sign on the building, which means the establishment has been closed....what a shame that the owners allowed and/or supported illegal drug activity to cloud what was a nice bar.

They can't blame the neighborhood for lack of support for the failure, this was their own doing.

[downtownparks]

Dart can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as multiple code violations, underage sales, or illicit activity.

[Diane Melendez]

Why not call and find out the reasons it was closed?

[RyanJX]

The Pearl raided by police (http://news.jacksonville.com/justin/2008/09/12/the-pearl-raided-by-cojs-dart-team/)
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Abatement Response Team raided The Pearl, a popular bar and dance club in Springfield this morning, shutting it down. It is not clear if it will be open tonight.

An estimated 15 to 20 authorities entered the bar, shut off the music and ordered patrons to leave. Some patrons had their identification checked, according to Chad Southard, who was at The Pearl during the raid.

“The police were not pushing or being violent in any way,” Southard said.

Another popular downtown spot, Club TSI, was also shut down in a DART raid several weeks ago.

These people were shamelessly guilty of dancing and having a good time. It's about time someone put a stop to it. Now we have a whole generation of young people with a sour attitude towards the police who must find new ways to not break the law. WTG Sheriff Rutherford.

[vontinypaige]

As I drove by this morning, I noticed that there's a D.A.R.T. sign on the building, which means the establishment has been closed....what a shame that the owners allowed and/or supported illegal drug activity to cloud what was a nice bar.

They can't blame the neighborhood for lack of support for the failure, this was their own doing.


What makes you say that Joan?

[Diane Melendez]

We need to know the reason for the raid before we make any judgments of what people were or were not guilty of. I do not understand why they would send a Drug Abatement Response Team to deal with issues other than drugs, DP. That would be a different department altogether I would think. We need some facts here.

[RyanJX]

A similiar thing happened at nightclub TSI in June. It is interesting to note that these two clubs cater to the same crowd. The agenda here seems to be to harass a certain demographic.

JSO’s Drug Abatement Response Team aka D.A.R.T. along with several code inspectors entered the nightclub, ordered all customers to line up and exit the building. They randomly checked ID’s of those leaving. One individual presented a false ID to the officer, was then searched and was in possession of a small amount of Marijuana. He then admitted that he was in fact only 19 and was arrested thereafter. The building was then posted with a “D.A.R.T.” posting declaring the building condemned.

The building received this posting because of the fact that drugs (though a small amount and on a customer) were found in the building. The building in general was also in violation of city codes, which can be repaired.

AS FOR NOW….
TSI will remain closed until these issues are resolved.

We sincerely apologize to all of you who came out last night to see the bands and to say farewell to Roy. We are also sorry if this put a damper on your party schedule. We recommend that you all throw your own personal Wet Hot American Summer Parties.

Brendon also asked me to tack this on about the City’s DART program:

The Jacksonville “Drug Abatement Response Team (DART) was established to combat illegal drugs in Jacksonville by supplementing the traditional approach to solving the drug problem. This program is a partnership between the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and numerous governmental agencies to focus on the property where drug activity flourishes. By working with landlords/property owners, strategies are developed and resources are brought to bear to reduce drug activity. Actions include bringing the property up to code, because blighted properties foster illegal activities.

This is a very broad definition of what the DART program was created for. There was no evidence of “flourishing drug activity” beyond the isolated incident mentioned above. Silly city. Way to embarrass a downtown institution who brings hundreds of thousands of dollars into the downtown economy over a nickel bag. COJ FAIL!
http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/2008/06/28/what-happened-at-tsi-friday-night/

[vontinypaige]

We need to know the reason for the raid before we make any judgments of what people were or were not guilty of. I do not understand why they would send a Drug Abatement Response Team to deal with issues other than drugs, DP. That would be a different department altogether I would think. We need some facts here.

Diane I know this sort of thing is outside your target zone but I frequent the Pearl. It is a contributor to the quality of life for a lot of people in this city especially downtown and springfield. I have never seen drugs sold or used there. However, and you can do this tonight, walk three blocks east and you will find more thugs and drugs than any other part of town, possibly state. This is where bodies pile up all the time. Its where the kids who shot boston tom live. Its still a hole where anything goes. I'm not saying the cops are complicit but its STILL THERE.

Which begs the question. Do we have enough officers to conduct raids of taxpaying businesses that contribute AND control crime? That might even be addressed IF we were controlling violent crime. But we are not, we are number 1!

HOW MUCH TAXPAYER MONEY DID IT COST TO CLOSE DOWN THIS TAXPAYING SMALL BUSINESS? (minority owned (woman) too BTW).

IF IT WAS SHUT DOWN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WHY WAS IT DONE AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS CROWD WITH OFFICERS WITH WEAPONS?

I know you focus on City Hall and thats the only place that can control these kinds of bad decisions. Please keep your ears and eyes open for us.

[RyanJX]

I dont even know what to say here except the city has gone frigin mad. With all the other crap that goes down in this city, The Pearl had to be shut down by the asshole tactics of our wonderful D.A.R.T program! Real ironic that this happens on the day before TSI has its grand re-opening tommorow night after dealing with the same damn problem. So far nobody seems to have a whole lot of info on whats going down but, ill keep ya posted on it. I found this out this morn from Joey at Urbanjacksonville.info. This really pisses me off. So, I looked up the info about the D.A.R.T program and decided to contact the two main officers listed as contacts about the D.A.R.T program to ask them why is this happening? Seriously.
.....
OK. This is just stupid now. I have just received messages to my email that both police officers listed on DARTs site are “undeliverable” or i get a failure message emailed back to me. WTF? Why even have a contact on there if you cant contact them about anything. Im sure they wouldnt have told me jack anyways but still.http://theouterbox.com/2008/09/12/the-pearl-shut-down/

[jbm32206]

I just drove by there on the way home from work and there's people there working, so perhaps they'll have it back open and for business.

[Blacksheep]

Oh man....I thought it said you found Pearlie at First and Main....bummer.

[jbm32206]

Originally Posted by jbm32206 http://jaxoutloud.com/forum/images/styles/fblue/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://jaxoutloud.com/forum/showthread.php?p=68328#post68328)As I drove by this morning, I noticed that there's a D.A.R.T. sign on the building, which means the establishment has been closed....what a shame that the owners allowed and/or supported illegal drug activity to cloud what was a nice bar.

They can't blame the neighborhood for lack of support for the failure, this was their own doing.
What makes you say that Joan? I was having a lousy morning and so I took it out on them, in other words, I was cranky this morning....that was wrong of me. Anyway, I said that because other businesses didn't hold up their end of the bargain and then blamed us in Springfield for their business closing down....

[Diane Melendez]

Guys,

Is their any statement posted along with the sign on the door of the establishment?

[jbm32206]

There was another sign on the door when I went by this morning...however, I was stopped at the red light and on my way to work, so I didn't pull over to read it. but (It was either a green or orange...can't recall) one of those signs the city code enforcement puts up...which would likely state the violations.

[jbm32206]

HOW MUCH TAXPAYER MONEY DID IT COST TO CLOSE DOWN THIS TAXPAYING SMALL BUSINESS? (minority owned (woman) too BTW).

IF IT WAS SHUT DOWN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WHY WAS IT DONE AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS CROWD WITH OFFICERS WITH WEAPONS? This is how DART works, they raid and if violations are found, it's cited and closed. They generally have very good reason to do this, and it's quite often drug related...along with other code related violations

[johnmeeks1974]

I recall that the city hassled the Moto Lounge for fire code violations in the past. The fire inspectors may or may not have been justified in their citing of the Moto Lounge (formerly on Adams Street) but it seemed fishy because, if I am not mistaken, they did the same thing to similar night clubs...

[jbm32206]

I've heard through neighborhood people, (of which I cannot verify) that there were drugs there...but overall, I can't say that I've heard any complaints about the place...so who knows....

[Diane Melendez]

If you get over and read the sign on the door Joan, will you let us know what it says? Thanks.

[Blacksheep]

Shoes and shirts required?

[RyanJX]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2850045257_f6ea813584.jpg


Another One Bites the Dust - The Pearl DARTed by COJ/JSO (updated 12:01)

Pearl DART Raid story makes it to the front page of Jacksonville.com. Go grassroots media and go Times-Union for listening to your peeps.

The Pearl Shut Down (The Outer Box)
The Pearl raided by police
chadowick tweets about the DARTing of The Pearl

On the eve of TSI reopening from it’s DARTiness, another urban core nighttime institution is DARTed by the city. We don’t have very many details at this point, just the photo above from a reader (Thanks Jason!). The City really is trying to kill itself! With the impending downtown parking legislation and now this I don’t know WTF they are thinking.

http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/

[Jimmy]

Has anyone called Donny Rees to find out WTF is going on? The Pearl is a nice bar -- one of my favorite in Jacksonville. I especially loved it in its prior incarnation as The Art Bar in Riverside.

[jbm32206]

I don't know, but it looks like it should be reopened by next weekend, if not sooner.

[RyanJX]

The neighborhood crack dealer is probably grateful, this weekend he can sell his crack at 1st & Main instead of hiding back on 1st & Hubbard.

[jbm32206]

Of course some of you have heard The Pearl got raided last night by D.A.R.T and COJ city inspectors last night around 12:30am.

From Dj Ricky the DJ that night:
I am the DJ at the pearl on thursday and saturday night and yes i was DJing last night when this happened.

let me clear a few things up.

1) there was NO drugs found nor are we known to have such items.
2) they did find minor code violations while inspecting the club, but nothing that would put anybody in harm’s way
3) we are closed until further notice but of course hope to be open asap.

Please look at the Pearl’s myspace for updates. I am the number 3 friend on their page and if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer anything i can.

we can not speculate on why we or anybody else was chosen for this.

we appreciate your concern and support.

From Justin The Pearl manager:

To everyone who has posted their love and appreciation for The Pearl I want to thank you personally. Yes we were raided last night. By DART, ABT, the Fire Marshall, building code enforcement and JSO. We have been shut down for reasons of building code violations.

Our owner has talked with DART today to find that The Pearl was being watched for two weeks by DART agents coming into the bar. DART could not give our owner evidence showing that they found ANYTHING illegal happening at our club. DART proceeded to raid us even after 2 weeks of investigation.

I personally had contacted ABT 5 weeks ago about having an officer come to the club and re-train my staff (because I have some new security staff, and laws change). I never received a call back. I had called at least once each week to see about getting someone to come out. Only to find out last night from an ABT officer that they were holding off on calling me back so that they could proceed with this raid.

As far as the code violations we will be working on correcting those as soon as possible. The Owner has spent all day downtown today trying to get things taken care of with the city so we can re-open. We will let everyone know when that will be happening. Thank all of you who are supporting us in this. It is a very unfortunate event. JaxScene (http://jaxscene.blogspot.com/2008/09/pearl-closed-till.html)

[Jimmy]

Good info. Thanks for passing it on. I just don't understand why the fledgling, basic, threadbare nightclub scene is under constant attack in this town.

Oh, nevermind. I do remember. That Lighthouse downtown just ain't working like they thought it would. Gotta use other means at their disposal to disrupt any sense of culture that Jacksonville is trying to develop in the inner core.

[Charles Hunter]

A Fox30 News report had someone from DART saying there were 400 people inside at the time of the raid, which he said was way over the capacity posted by the fire marshal, and they only have one exit.

It is curious that all the raids seem to be of the same kind of place - and never a honky-tonk country bar

[Jimmy]

The Pearl has three exterior exits that I'm aware of. A large number of the patrons, I suspect, were on the back porch -- which, by that time of the evening (morning), due to the heat inside, is a very popular place to be. (And is often a popular place to be due to the stunning view of the downtown skyline...)

I smell a rat.

[Charles Hunter]

The Pearl has three exterior exits that I'm aware of. A large number of the patrons, I suspect, were on the back porch -- which, by that time of the evening (morning), due to the heat inside, is a very popular place to be. (And is often a popular place to be due to the stunning view of the downtown skyline...)

I smell a rat.

Maybe that's the reason!! ;)

[vontinypaige]

Maybe that's the reason!! ;)

There are no Rats! Seriously though. Don't blame the church either.

Someone needs to step up and say I ordered this because of this. Thats all.

Von don't think it was anonymous and Von don't think it was the church. It is simpler and they have gone too far. They need to send up their man to explain why we focused on this and not CRIME, before people start asking.

[John Q Public]

There has been a pattern in this town of targeting popular places such as the Pearl. If you raid ANY bar in Jacksonville, there is a likelihood of finding someone in the bar with an illegal substance in their possession. (Yes, even Hooters.) So, that begs the question, why do we target bars that attract young people--particularly ones that cater to a more urban, hip and sometimes gay crowd? Is this something that is done on purpose? Why aren't we raiding the Hooters? Or Sneakers? Or any of the bars at the beach?

[jbm32206]

All good questions...although it's highly unlikely that someone will come forward with any information as to what's really going on. We already know that the city isn't exactly forthright with honest information.

[jbm32206]

This, from the Times Union (http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/091308/met_331681214.shtml):
A popular Springfield bar was shut down early Friday morning and assessed multiple code violations by Jacksonville's Drug Abatement Response Team.

Sgt. Greg Foxworth of the Sheriff's Office said about 20 members of the team - commonly called DART and including police, city code enforcement officials and agents from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco - entered The Pearl at 1101 N. Main St. and ordered patrons outside.

He said DART had received several underage drinking and occupancy violation complaints at the club. About three people were assessed notices to appear for underage drinking, Foxworth said.

City building official Tom Goldsbury said the club was cited for illegal building construction and unsafe electrical work.

By: Matt Coleman

[MarriedBro]

Diane I know this sort of thing is outside your target zone but I frequent the Pearl. It is a contributor to the quality of life for a lot of people in this city especially downtown and springfield. I have never seen drugs sold or used there. However, and you can do this tonight, walk three blocks east and you will find more thugs and drugs than any other part of town, possibly state. This is where bodies pile up all the time. Its where the kids who shot boston tom live. Its still a hole where anything goes. I'm not saying the cops are complicit but its STILL THERE.

Which begs the question. Do we have enough officers to conduct raids of taxpaying businesses that contribute AND control crime? That might even be addressed IF we were controlling violent crime. But we are not, we are number 1!

HOW MUCH TAXPAYER MONEY DID IT COST TO CLOSE DOWN THIS TAXPAYING SMALL BUSINESS? (minority owned (woman) too BTW).

IF IT WAS SHUT DOWN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WHY WAS IT DONE AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS CROWD WITH OFFICERS WITH WEAPONS?

I know you focus on City Hall and thats the only place that can control these kinds of bad decisions. Please keep your ears and eyes open for us.

This could be a huge contributor to why Jacksonville is losing so many of the 25-35 age group. That seems to be a big hole here. Yes you can bring some jobs, but there has to be the appropriate age mix here also if the city is to grow.

[Blacksheep]

I've never been to this place, but it seems they did a pretty good business. From what I've read and heard, they were not putting the money back into keeping the building up to code. Sure they are going to fix it now because they want to reopen. Suppose there had been a tragic event, like a fire or collapsed areas of the building and the patrons had been hurt/killed, unable to escape from overcrowding or lack of exit ways. Would we then blame the owners for breaking the laws or condemn the inspectors for not closing the establishment?

[jbm32206]

True that! Although I don't know if closing the business was the right option. I do feel that if there were violations, then the owner should've been fined and given a certain amount of time to bring them into compliance, and then a threat of being closed.

[spidey]

Police don't need to go into a bar if nobody's there. :)

What I like about DART.....

It's an efficient use of our taxpayer dollars and City resources that brings about an end to problems quickly .....and also gets corrective actions done quickly.

[jbm32206]

Police don't need to go into a bar if nobody's there. :)
Not sure I understand where you're coming from with that...:huh: The police really didn't need to be there in order to find the violations that were cited. DART had received several underage drinking and occupancy violation complaints at the club. About three people were assessed notices to appear for underage drinking,Code enforcement could visit them, and ATF could also have gone in during business hours and check on violations of underage persons being served....

[spidey]

Not sure I understand where you're coming from with that...:huh: The police really didn't need to be there in order to find the violations that were cited. Code enforcement could visit them, and ATF could also have gone in during business hours and check on violations of underage persons being served....

Police are there for illegal drugs.....

Would you want to require the City to spend more time and money on a problem that can be resolved quickly and cheaply through the agenices teaming up? Isn't this the kind of thing savings we as taxpayers want to see?

If you go on the City's webpage at www.coj.net (http://www.coj.net) and put DART in the search box you can find out more about the DART program. I tried to get the links to come up to post them here, but the City's website was slower than Christmas.

[jbm32206]

I understand about the DART program and am actually all for it....I just wasn't sure what you meant by the comment. I'm also one that wants the most efficient and reasonable means in which to spend our tax dollars.

In the article, it stated that the DART program had received complaints about underage drinking...that, IMO, could've been handled by ATF and code enforcement could handle the violations at any time. I'm not saying that JSO shouldn't have been included, I just pointed out that the other agencies could've handled things

[downtownparks]

Most of Darts actions are solid, and legit. This was a screw up.

[jbm32206]

I agree, that the majority are well deserved and have positive results. It does sound like either there wasn't very reliable tips given or that they happened to strike on a night when there wasn't much happening....

[Jimmy]

dtp, jbm -- you guys are in the neighborhood. I trust your take on whether it was justified or not.

I'm not bashing DART at all. Sometimes the best news for a neighborhood is that little DART placard on a home or business. But other times, it's the worst news imaginable. And Springfield doesn't need any more "worst news" like this.

[jbm32206]

I haven't head of any complaints about the Pearl....but apparently someone had been contacting the DART people about issues, which is what lead to this raid. I also agree that we (Springfield) didn't any more negative coverage...we get far more than our share or what's deserved.

I'm all for the DART program and feel that 99.9% of what they do is justified and helpful. It just seems that this particular raid didn't produce what they were looking for, whether it was bad tips, the right need/wrong night, or what...but there had to be reason for them to raid...and I don't feel that it's because of some conspiracy to thwart business in the area.

[MarriedBro]

Police don't need to go into a bar if nobody's there. :)

What I like about DART.....

It's an efficient use of our taxpayer dollars and City resources that brings about an end to problems quickly .....and also gets corrective actions done quickly.

Isn't there another city department that serves the same purpose? This would allow the business to remain open with time to perform the corrective actions or else face financial penalties.

[downtownparks]

This is the same crap that the city did back in the late 90s. They sent the fire marshal in to shut down Club 5, The Milk Bar, 618, and the Motolounge in a pretty short period of time. It almost seems like its a way of the city asserting itsself on the ever problematic suburbian youth who happen to find thier way downtown.

Now, in fairness, there was a fairly rampant extasy crazy going on.

Having spent a few quality nights at the Pearl, I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, that its a quality place, with quality management. If there are drugs there, it is unbeknown to the management. The Pearl has been victimized by the city in this instance. There is nothing here that couldnt have been addressed or resolved during normal city business hours.

[Blacksheep]

The Pearl has been victimized by the city in this instance. There is nothing here that couldnt have been addressed or resolved during normal city business hours.

How do you know that the violations weren't already known to the owners/mgmt?
Perhaps they were dragging their feet to make the necessary corrections, repairs, upgrades and a forced closing was the only option.

[jbm32206]

I agree, which is why I had said that the AFT could've gone in during any time it's open to check for the underaged people...and code enforcement go in to inspect for violations. Especially since none of us had heard of any complaints about the place, so the need for DART to go raid, well, IMO...looking at all of what's happened, seems to have been excessive.

[jbm32206]

How do you know that the violations weren't already known to the owners/mgmt?
Perhaps they were dragging their feet to make the necessary corrections, repairs, upgrades and a forced closing was the only option.Then code enforcement could've taken their actions...and not the DART commando raid

[Jimmy]

Yeah -- my understanding is that no drug-related arrests were made during the DART action Thursday night.

And, just anecdotally, let me add that I've never been aware of drug use/dealing/etc. when I've been at the Pearl.

[downtownparks]

How do you know that the violations weren't already known to the owners/mgmt?
Perhaps they were dragging their feet to make the necessary corrections, repairs, upgrades and a forced closing was the only option.

From my personal dealings with the manager and to a much lesser degree, the owner, I have found them to always be on top of things.

Im not going to say things dont slip through the cracks, or even that they city shouldnt put pressure on night club facilities to keep things straight and narrow, but this show of force was overblown and unnecessary.

If they came to your place of business, do you think you are with out code violation? Maybe even possible that one of your co-workers has shown up with pot (or even something more illicit) in thier car or pocket, without you reazling it? What would happen if during your peak hours DART showed up. What would happen?

[Diane Melendez]

It would be helpful if someone took the time to obtain a list of businesses who have been closed by DART over the last year. It seems there is a lot of speculation going on without the needed documentation to support it. We did hear from the Pearl via the post that Joan shared. So that is what we know on this board so far along with a picture of the window stickers at the Pearl. With documents showing the violations you can then attempt to prove or disprove specific allegations, like certain business being targeted more often than others based upon those actually close by DART and the violations they received. If the violations are valid ones that threatened safety of the patrons then fix them and re-open. Patrons in a business have a reasonable expectation of safety. I am recalling the incident a few years back when a band performing in a club caused a fire and over a hundred people died. Everyone was all over the owners and city officials for letting this happen. One owner went to prison as a result of the deaths. In this case, we still do not have enough facts to decide if it was a screw up, if a business was targeted or the violations sited were valid.

Pearl is apparently a well liked club and people enjoy it. If that is the case, they should reopen soon. That is what I would expect they will do. As long as no codes or laws are being broken, they should expect to be left to operate their business without interference from authorities. I wish them much luck when then reopen and expect that they will be successful in their efforts.

[downtownparks]

I dont think anyone is question if the city has a duty/responsibility here. I think more so whats being questioned is the manner in which they did it.

[jbm32206]

Here's what I found on a couple of other sites
From Justin The Pearl's manager:

To everyone who has posted their love and appreciation for The Pearl I want to thank you personally. Yes we were raided last night. By DART, ABT, the Fire Marshall, building code enforcement and JSO. We have been shut down for reasons of building code violations.

Our owner has talked with DART today to find that The Pearl was being watched for two weeks by DART agents coming into the bar. DART could not give our owner evidence showing that they found ANYTHING illegal happening at our club. DART proceeded to raid us even after 2 weeks of investigation.

I personally had contacted ABT 5 weeks ago about having an officer come to the club and re-train my staff (because I have some new security staff, and laws change). I never received a call back. I had called at least once each week to see about getting someone to come out. Only to find out last night from an ABT officer that they were holding off on calling me back so that they could proceed with this raid.

As far as the code violations we will be working on correcting those as soon as possible. The Owner has spent all day downtown today trying to get things taken care of with the city so we can re-open. We will let everyone know when that will be happening. Thank all of you who are supporting us in this. It is a very unfortunate event.http://jaxscene.blogspot.com/
From Christy Daily; The Pearl's Owner

I guess that i don’t really know where to start, but the facts are this:
neither myself nor my club are involved in drugs or condone them in any way. after talking to the dart officials (at length today) i was informed that they had been watching my bar for 2 weeks before this raid, and NOT ONCE found any illegal activity… and last night, found NO DRUGS, and did not and have not witnessed any of my staff disobeying ANY laws. they did in fact, catch 2 underagers sneaking alcohol, arrested them, and admitted that my staff did not serve them. we were shut down anyway…

why? because of extension cords, gfi outlets, locked electrical panels (hello, crack-head city) a fire extinguisher that was charged but needed updating, an unpermitted water heater…. well, you get the point. this is a permitting issue, i live in the neighborhood where the code officers drive by everyday, and god-forbid they find something wrong, you’re gonna pay. i’m used to that. i’m used to the notices, and the code officers, and all i try to do is keep up with the upkeep of a 100-year building that i have worked so hard to renovate and make a special place for the whole neighborhood. but what i am not used to is the actions that were displayed by MY city last night… a city that i was born and raised in, and have done everything in my power to make a BETTER place.

i can say from my heart that i try to live to be the best person that i can be, i’ve made mistakes in the past, but i can look in the mirror every morning and like myself, because i know what my values are and i love my family and my job and i believe in the good in people. today has been hard because i got to see (again) the uglyness that rears its head at times…
and oh well. thats life.

peace to all that love and support my efforts, be it at the pearl, or elsewhere..my homies :)http://www.urbanjacksonville.info/2008/09/12/another-one-bites-the-dust-the-pearl-darted-by-cojjso/

[jbm32206]

I dont think anyone is question if the city has a duty/responsibility here. I think more so whats being questioned is the manner in which they did it.
Agreed....as I said before, seems to me that code enforcement could inspect the building any time, for violations. Also, if there were complaints of underage drinking, then ATF can go visit during business hours. They do it all the time and catch cashiers selling to minors at convenience stores, why not a bar? The statement from DART didn't mention any complaints or tips about drugs, so why did they get involved?

[jbm32206]

This from CBS47.com (http://www.cbs47.com/content/topstories/story.aspx?content_id=5b52cb45-5d1e-4361-ba7c-df10c37b6b76)
The City of Jacksonville has shut down a popular Springfield night spot. The Pearl on North Main Street was cleared of all its customers early Friday morning by the Drug Abatement Response Team, or DART. The name of the agency implies drugs were the reason for the raid. But that was not the case. DART was called in to investigate reports of underage drinking, then discovered a lot more.

Jason Teal of D.A.R.T. says, "Our building inspection department found 30 major violations." Teal says the building was way over capacity, "When we got there, there was nearly 400 people in the location, which the fire marshall's office has estimated the occupancy should have only been 150."

D.A.R.T. says The Pearl had faulty wiring inside, and only one exit. Both are code violations. Teal says, "There's only one way out of the location for nearly 400 people. And had there been an emergency, it would have really been a bad situation. People would have been trampled trying to get out."

Two things D.A.R.T. didn't find were any serious drug offenses or a major problem with underage drinking. The team says there were only a couple of arrests.

The owner of The Pearl says D.A.R.T.'s raid was all wrong. Christy Frazier-Dailey says, "They took my business away from me. And I'm losing how many night, over permitting, over small violations. Now, I'll just be another business shut down in Springfield."

The City says The Pearl can reopen as soon as everything inside is fixed. Frazier-Dailey says she's not sure when, or if, that will happen.
Clearly, the bar had some serious code violations, especially with the over crowding and lack of exits, in the event of an emergency.

[Timkin]

A truly unfortunate situation. Ive never been to the Pearl , and for that matter havent been to any night club or bar in over a decade. I have heard only good things in the past regarding this establishment , and I sympathise with the owner, employees and patrons. I hope they will be able to reopen soon and put this in the past. I also believe DART has its place , but in this instance it was simply not necessary. Too bad :(

[jbm32206]

On this, I have to disagree...they had every right to enter the establishment and close it. There were clear safety violations that must be rectified and it's the owners responsibility to ensure that it meets the codes.

DART consists of more than just police, there's code enforcement, fire marshal, ATF, and others....and it was the other agencies that did their job and closed the bar until the violations are corrected. DART had every right to do what they did, and were not wrong in raiding the bar. Especially if there were that many people, in that size building. We'd all want to hang the owner, if there were a fire and people lost their lives.

[johnmeeks1974]

Like Timkin, I have not been to a club in a while. But, when I did frequent those places locally (Milk Bar, The Edge, Einstein's, Club Five, Moto Lounge, Art Bar), I remember that one thing these places had in common was a thrown-together feel. It never really went beyond taking a building, painting the interior walls black, having a bar (non-alcoholic for Einstein's, thank you) and a dance floor large enough to serve a couple dozen. Accessories like pool tables and whatever were bonuses for our Navy town. Einstein's had a record store called the Theory Shop. All in all, these clubs were popular but mostly did not inspire aesthetically or safety-wise. Will our 'scene' be major enough to support the kind of vaguely resemble a death trap? I recall that the Pearl had fake plants that brought me to mind of the old Coconut Grove disaster in the 1940s. Yes, we need to make sure that The Station (Rhode Island) disaster does not befall the River City, but using a drug swat team to throw sledgehammers at houseflies is misguided. Did they send warnings to the Pearl to fix their issues? I see food establishments that continue to operate after health inspections are less than stellar!

[Blacksheep]

According to some posts on other boards of patrons who were present at the time, there were only two or three JSO officers and they were there as part of the team. No pushing or shoving or powerhandling went on. They were there as a precaution. Not quite the SWAT or Police State picture that was painted earlier.

[jbm32206]

Exactly, it's a team effort and people are acting like JSO showed up like commandos. People are pissed off for the wrong reasons.

[jbm32206]

using a drug swat team to throw sledgehammers at houseflies is misguided. Did they send warnings to the Pearl to fix their issues? I see food establishments that continue to operate after health inspections are less than stellar! First of all, the officers don't come in with sledge hammers and they didn't damage anything. The DART team consists of more than just cops, it's code enforcement, fire marshal, ATF and others...so it's a collaborative effort. They found some very serious safety issues, which in and of itself, warrants closing the establishment until the owner brings it into compliance.

The owner of the Pearl was notified at that time, of the violations, and now has to have them corrected. So yes, the owner knows.

As for the reference to health inspectors, that's apples and oranges...if the health violations are serious enough, the place would be closed.

[mama_wolf]

One more thing that everyone needs to realize....the owner could not be notified in advance of the violation of having 400 people in a building that is only coded for 150. My guess is that was the real reason DART showed up at the time they did. That is a serious violation in my mind. I would guess that it was more this, than drugs, as to why they were raided in the first place. I have no sympathy for an owner who obviously put her profit in front of the safety of her patrons.

[Ricky]

One more thing that everyone needs to realize....the owner could not be notified in advance of the violation of having 400 people in a building that is only coded for 150. My guess is that was the real reason DART showed up at the time they did. That is a serious violation in my mind. I would guess that it was more this, than drugs, as to why they were raided in the first place. I have no sympathy for an owner who obviously put her profit in front of the safety of her patrons.

while its possible thats why they showed up when they did the more likely reason is they where hoping to get lucky and find someone with drugs on them like they did at tsi despite having been undercover at the pearl for several weeks and finding no laws being broken and no alcohol violations

as for the capacity the building is around 150 capacity while the back patio is rated for around 180 the pearl was only warned for being 50 over capacity which is still wrong but hardly as sensational as the dart team is trying to make it

[johnmeeks1974]

First of all, the officers don't come in with sledge hammers and they didn't damage anything. The DART team consists of more than just cops, it's code enforcement, fire marshal, ATF and others...so it's a collaborative effort. They found some very serious safety issues, which in and of itself, warrants closing the establishment until the owner brings it into compliance.

The owner of the Pearl was notified at that time, of the violations, and now has to have them corrected. So yes, the owner knows.

As for the reference to health inspectors, that's apples and oranges...if the health violations are serious enough, the place would be closed.

i don't think that they really used sledgehammers - just a misunderstood metaphor...

i still maintain that the city is using the wrong tactics with otherwise decent businesspeople. our city is rife with crack dens and neglected properties that slumlords could not care less about but we do full bore against a night club that is trying to revitalize springfield.

i understand that we don't want to endanger patrons but i wonder if the city could be proactive and at least reach out to the property owner to remedy some of the problems before they shut it down. for example, an inspector would visit the club and give the pearl 90 days to fix the problems. if three months pass by and nothing is done (while the club is under supervision), then shut the place down...

as for apples and oranges with health inspectors, let's try to define serious enough to shut down a place. check out the health inspections in the paper and on television. some places are indeed allowed to stay open and to fix the problem first - that's my point.

like i said before, i don't condone death traps but i also don't support a city that does not allow room for improvement before using the nuclear option. i am not yet going to assume that the pearl's owner is some evil bitch (i.e. - an ex-girlfriend) until i see some evidence. i wish i could say the same about landowners around jacksonville who let their properties go to seed...

[jbm32206]

I agree in part, and have pretty much said so in earlier posts...and feel that the city could've handled it differently. However, one of their objectives was to catch the business owner with the over crowding and underage patrons, which is why I'm sure they opted to raid during the height of business. They did find the problems while there, which prompted the shut down. And let's not forget that they were acting upon complaints that came into the DART office.

The owner has the option to bring the business into compliance, and then she can reopen. With about 400 patrons, I would think that she's made a nice profit and should be able to have the work done and reopen. Although it's a shame that she's losing revenue while having the work done.

I actually do understand and agree with you about the health inspections and why those places are allowed to stay open for business.

[vontinypaige]

I have a folder started on Jason Teal, supposed spokesperson for DART. He is on the bottom rung of a long line of mediocre attorneys that have brought us, weak contracts (ribbon board at altell, shipyards, etc.) and just plain bad decisions (sunshine), too many to go into.

To characterize this is as a safety issue is counter to what happened and how it was raided. It was raided by masked men with weapons at the time when it was most occupied. For the above stated reasons and findings there is no excuse for how it went down. And now we have Mr. Teal as the person justifying. That my friends, is perfect. It almost assures us that this overzelous anti-business bs will not happen again. Because he couldn't explain his way out of a paper bag.

Our city should be encouraging compliance through help and if it is refused it needs things need to be shut down when they are not full of people. There is no way around that. It is unacceptable and must cease.

[mama_wolf]

To characterize this is as a safety issue is counter to what happened and how it was raided. It was raided by masked men with weapons at the time when it was most occupied.

I am curious where you got this information. A patron that was there the night of the raid said that the police (more likely not just police) were polite and only asked for identification from him. Unless you were on-site at the time of the raid how can you make this declaration?

Also, regarding you starting a folder, can you give me an idea of where your information on Jason Teal is or will be coming from?

[Blacksheep]

Our city should be encouraging compliance through help and if it is refused it needs things need to be shut down when they are not full of people. There is no way around that. It is unacceptable and must cease.

hang a right and watch us in your rear-view mirror...:)

[jbm32206]

I've also heard that people who were there stated that officers were polite, asked for ID and then had everyone leave. This was a means in which to count the patrons and check for underaged ones at the same time. Both of which were what was said to have been the basis of complaints that the DART office received.

I haven't heard one complaint about any of them being over zealous or out of line. They would also have to raid at the height of business hours, in order to see if there really was a problem with over crowding, and apparently there was...about 30-40 over the limit. I don't know if any of them were wearing masks, if they were, it's to conceal the identity of officers that work undercover. As for having weapons, they're police officers, they carry weapons...it's part of their job.

Yes, the city wants compliance and code enforcement, for the most part will work with people, when they show signs of working towards reaching that. However, closing the business for what appears to be safety issues, is certainly within their right.

Now as for Teal....I agree, he's not at all the greatest attorney...I know that he came to the meetings regarding the Springfield ordinance and overlay and seemed to not have a clue as to what he was talking about and seemed quite unprepared.

[Timkin]

I definitely meant the sledgehammer thing as a metaphor . :)

[Ricky]

I am curious where you got this information. A patron that was there the night of the raid said that the police (more likely not just police) were polite and only asked for identification from him. Unless you were on-site at the time of the raid how can you make this declaration?


it doesnt sound like you where there for the raid either all the abt and dart agents had mask's and glocks and while they didnt shoot anyone or beat anyone iup i'm not sure you can say they where polite when they rauided a buisnes during its peak hours for minor buisness code violations
polite people would have come without maskas and guns during the day to deal with building code violations
they where trying to get lucky and find drugs and underage kids drinking but its not that kind of club

[jbm32206]

First of all, these were law enforcement, and they're supposed to have weapons...so that isn't even an issue. It's also not an issue if they were polite or not, they were doing their job. The masks are usually to hide the identity of those who work under cover, again, they're entitled to wear them. They're not there as ambassadors for the city, they're doing their job.

The problem, as I see it...people see the DART as strictly drugs and it's not. Yes, it's part of it, but they weren't there looking for drugs, they were part of the team to raid for underaged drinking and overcrowding, which they did find some minors with alcohol (and clearly stated that they knew the bar didn't sell it to them, just as they found the place to have more patrons than the legal limit occupancy. So they acted on complaints, which turned out to be true.

I do agree that for the code violations aspect, that could've been handled during less busy hours...and I've said that before. However, since code enforcement is part of the DART team, I assume that they went ahead and checked for violations while there....and it was reported that they found enough that they closed it down until the owner brings it into compliance.

[Jimmy]

The Jacksonville Drug Abatement Response Team (DART) was established to combat illegal drugs in Jacksonville by supplementing the traditional approach to solving the drug problem. I can't imagine why people think DART is related to drugs. Oh, nevermind... it's in their name. I guess that's why. ;)

And not to belabor the point -- but there are three doors at the Pearl where patrons can enter/exit the building, not one.

[jbm32206]

They're supposed to reopen tomorrow

http://a136.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/52/m_e382eed1bc4ba04aa4d002a9fe089b8f.gif

[Jimmy]

That's good news! And quick! Must not have been too many code violations.

[jbm32206]

And everyone was so pissed off...and look how quickly she got the place into compliance

[Jimmy]

And everyone was so pissed off...and look how quickly she got the place into compliance

That's what I'm saying. It couldn't have possibly been as bad as the out-of-control DART people thought it was. The quick turnaround is evidence of that.

[Diane Melendez]

You never know, all of the discussion and outrage may parlay into a wonderful uptick in business. I hope that is the case for them.

By the way, cool poster. Anyone know who did it?

[jbm32206]

Don't know, it's from the pearls myspace

[vontinypaige]

And everyone was so pissed off...and look how quickly she got the place into compliance

She is also very pregnant.

Mama, I didn't say they were any particular way except armed and masked at the height of occupancy. That is not a safe way to get the outcome that they were looking for. Or the one they stated they were looking for. Which is why it can't be justified. Which is why I am glad Teal is going to try to explain it. Which I don't believe he can.

Thats all. Mama my folders are built on anonymous tips, I wouldn't share them unless I knew for sure they were true. So I got nothing but disgruntled associates and people having to do business with him. Much less than this un needed raid on a small business in the name of safety which will cost the city some tax revenue and the owners of the building a decent deal of hardship.

If it is corrected as soon as it looks it makes the raid even more suspect. This one probably won't go away. Who told Teal to do it like this?

[spidey]

If it is corrected as soon as it looks it makes the raid even more suspect. This one probably won't go away. Who told Teal to do it like this?

I had to go look him up....he's a City lawyer! http://generalcounsel.coj.com/bios.asp?offset=38

Why would a lawyer be on DART and going out with police, ATF, and code enforcement folks?

[RyanJX]

Meanwhile,,,

1 dead in Arlington shooting

Last modified 9/15/2008 - 2:21 am
Originally created 091508

One man died following an early morning shooting Sunday on Justina Terrace off University Boulevard North.

The victim was taken to Shands Jacksonville, where he was pronounced dead, said homicide Sgt. Shawn Coarsey of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Police were called to the scene about 5 a.m. and canvassed the area in and around a section of the complex.

No arrests have been reported. The victim's identity was not released by police Sunday.

John Leacock
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/091508/met_332323016.shtml

[Jimmy]

I had to go look him up....he's a City lawyer! http://generalcounsel.coj.com/bios.asp?offset=38

Why would a lawyer be on DART and going out with police, ATF, and code enforcement folks?

That's a great question. I know he was assigned to the SOE for a while. I've locked horns with him (and others) over unconstitutional city ordinances in the past. It seems odd to me that a lawyer would be with a DART crew. You typically don't want your lawyer to be a witness.

[Ricky]

First of all, these were law enforcement, and they're supposed to have weapons...so that isn't even an issue. It's also not an issue if they were polite or not, they were doing their job. The masks are usually to hide the identity of those who work under cover, again, they're entitled to wear them. They're not there as ambassadors for the city, they're doing their job.

The problem, as I see it...people see the DART as strictly drugs and it's not. Yes, it's part of it, but they weren't there looking for drugs, they were part of the team to raid for underaged drinking and overcrowding, which they did find some minors with alcohol (and clearly stated that they knew the bar didn't sell it to them, just as they found the place to have more patrons than the legal limit occupancy. So they acted on complaints, which turned out to be true.

I do agree that for the code violations aspect, that could've been handled during less busy hours...and I've said that before. However, since code enforcement is part of the DART team, I assume that they went ahead and checked for violations while there....and it was reported that they found enough that they closed it down until the owner brings it into compliance.

they are city employees of course they represent the city in every action they take when on the job the city is legaly liable for their behavior because of this fact just as any corporation is liable for the behaviour of their employees while they are on the clock.
they found one minor out of 400 people with alcohol that did not get served by the bar the bar's security had found 2 underaged people with fake id's and the dart team took credit for those 2 underager's as if they found them
they had also been in the bar undercover for several weeks and found no wrong doing by the staff but went ahead with the raid anyway to see if they could get lucky
the fire department warned the bar for being 50 over capacity but the dart lawyer is making it sound like the bar was 250 over capcity
the fact that the bar is open 4 days after the raid should show that none of the code violations where as "major" as the dart team claimed when they condemed the building and placed the dart sign on the building implying it was a drug related condemnation

[jbm32206]

This is what I said, and you see that I didn't say they're not liable or not employees of the city. First of all, these were law enforcement, and they're supposed to have weapons...so that isn't even an issue. It's also not an issue if they were polite or not, they were doing their job. The masks are usually to hide the identity of those who work under cover, again, they're entitled to wear them. They're not there as ambassadors for the city, they're doing their job.they are city employees of course they represent the city in every action they take when on the job the city is legaly liable for their behavior because of this fact just as any corporation is liable for the behaviour of their employees while they are on the clock. If their actions were illegal, yes, they're liable...but that has nothing to do with whether or not they were polite. Yes, they're agents of the city, but not good will ambassadors, as I was eluding to in reference to what you said about them wearing masks, which you said they weren't because they were wearing masks and carrying guns.

[jbm32206]

I had to go look him up....he's a City lawyer! http://generalcounsel.coj.com/bios.asp?offset=38

Why would a lawyer be on DART and going out with police, ATF, and code enforcement folks?I agree, in that it's a good question, I've never heard of an attorney going along with a DART raid....and of all people, he wouldn't have been my first choice.

[jbm32206]

She is also very pregnant.which is relevant how?

[Timkin]

Well its wonderful news that they are reopening soon. And I was never pissed off at anyone :) I just think the whole story was blown out of proportion, and agree that it clearly couldnt have been serious violations or it might have remained shut down longer.


=)

[vontinypaige]

which is relevant how?

Have I upset you somehow?

You said look how fast she got the place in compliance. I read that to mean that it was a remarkable accomplishment.

If you have ever been pregnant than you know what I mean.

[jbm32206]

No, you've not upset me in the least....I just don't understand what the owner being pregnant has to do with anything. That's one of the problems with written text instead of hearing the voice speaking...otherwise you would've known that it wasn't meant in any other way, than merely asking how it was relevant...that's all.

Pregnancy had nothing to do with having the repairs done...it's not like she's the one swinging hammers. Unless it's a delicate pregnancy where she's bed-ridden, then it's not a disability....and for your information, I've raised 5 boys...

[Dog Walker]

JBM: I think only admiration was being expressed. As a PPP myself I don't understand why every pregnant woman doesn't go to bed to be waited on hand and foot for the last few months.

There is a prayer that used to be recited every day by Orthodox Jewish men that thanked God that they were not born a woman.

[jbm32206]

I hear that! Anyway, my question as to the relevancy of being pregnant had anything to do with the situation...wasn't meant in a mean way...I just didn't know what it had to do with anything.

Unless there's a physical problem, I just never liked when people use pregnancy as some sort of disability....

[Blacksheep]

....and for your information, I've raised 5 boys...

5 Boys?!?


God Bless YOU!

[USA]

5 boys is impressive

[vontinypaige]

I hear that! Anyway, my question as to the relevancy of being pregnant had anything to do with the situation...wasn't meant in a mean way...I just didn't know what it had to do with anything.

Unless there's a physical problem, I just never liked when people use pregnancy as some sort of disability....

You are right about text. The electricity was out and I believe it there was a lot of work involved. Christy if given the opportunity probably would swing the hammer. Its inspiring to overcome difficulties while pregnant is all I was saying. Congrats on five!

[jbm32206]

I just wanted you to know that I didn't mean anything negative, I was trying to figure out where that fell into place. All's good....the bar is back open and life goes on....

[pearlstone]

5 Boys?!?


God Bless YOU!


wow, how cool is that??!!!
the blacksheep avatar is back to sniffing the Crown Royal bottle...bitchin!!!


but on the thread subject...is 'the pearl' closed or is it open?
while i support most all businesses in our DT area, would we really miss 'the pearl' if they we no longer open???? not me....

I went there ONCE to meet friends and it was a nightmare!!!!
I vowed to never go again and I haven't.
we need quality in this town, not catastrophe

[Local Radio Journalist]

How closely is dart asociated with ATF

Have I ever mentioned how ATF SHOWS OFF ITS FIRE POWER AT THIRSTY THURSDAY SUNS GAMES

when ATF is out there looking for minors drinking alcohal they carry semi automatic pistols and several clips of ammo. exactly what they are prepared for I don't know but they are prepared

[spidey]

when ATF is out there looking for minors drinking alcohal they carry semi automatic pistols and several clips of ammo. exactly what they are prepared for I don't know but they are prepared

Those ATF folks are probably looking for kids on bicycles without helmets, don't you think? :biggrin:

[Blacksheep]

Those ATF folks are probably looking for kids on bicycles without helmets, don't you think? :biggrin:

Filed under: Things I wish I'd said....:)

[RyanJX]

Those ATF folks are probably looking for kids on bicycles without helmets, don't you think? :biggrin:


They want to know whether kids are drinking Miller Lite because a) it tastes great, or b) is less filling