- Neighbors are asking Gadsden County commissioners to create an ordinance banning illegal internet cafes countywide.
- Internet cafes are illegal in Gadsden County under state law.
- Watch the video to learn how the regulations were created.
Broadcast transcript:
Neighbors have contacted me to say that some Internet cafes in Gadsden County are still operating.
I’m Ashley Engel, your Quincy neighborhood reporter. I had been reporting on this issue for about 5 months when a neighbor died in an internet cafe in November 2023. Now, the neighbor’s wife and others are heading to the county to potentially close the establishments.
Lewis Butler’s wife, Kimberly, said this is what needs to be done. “We know they are illegal.”
Because, “I don’t want to see what happened to my husband happen again.”
One solution they came up with was to petition Gadsden County for an ordinance.
On Feb. 20, she and other neighbors, including the Rev. Tracey Stallworth, faced county commissioners.
“If we get an ordinance from the Board of County Commissioners, we believe that will give us more leverage to force the closure of these illegal cafes.”
Internet cafes are adult playgrounds that operate slot machines, which is illegal.
In Gadsden County, they are illegal under state law.
They are also known to contribute to a number of secondary crimes, including prostitution, assault and murder.
“When an activity becomes unsafe and illegal in Florida, local governments should support statues in the state.”
Commissioner Brenda Holt said an ordinance is necessary, but there is a process that needs to go through before one can be drafted.
“The board has to vote to pass an ordinance, so we have to come together. The board has to make a decision as a group and see what should be in the ordinance.”
It’s been almost four months since Lewis Butler was killed, and many neighbors, including Kimberly and Pastor Stallworth, are hopeful that change is coming.
“This order protects our citizens in every region.”
“I’m asking the county commissioner to pass an ordinance to close these illegal internet cafes. That’s what I want to see happen, I want to see them shut down.”
County leaders said they and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office plan to hold a workshop soon to discuss the draft ordinance. I will let you know when that date is released.