‘Get it off my block’, neighbor fumes after convenience store with multiple complaints forced to close because of ‘gambling’

POLICE and code enforcement officers closed a convenience store that was allegedly involved in illegal gambling and other criminal activity.

Police officers raided the store, which they say was just a front for illegal activities, forcing everyone out and changing the locks.

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The 12th Street Food Store in Lauderhill, Florida, about 40 miles from Miami, was under police investigation after numerous complaints, according to a city spokesperson.

“What we were presented with was a business that didn’t really operate like a convenience store,” said City of Lauderhill Deputy Mayor Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin.

“There was no product inside the store,” he said.

“There didn’t seem to be anything you would see in a traditional convenience store.”

City commissioners ordered the closure of the 12th Street Food Store during a meeting Monday morning.

They revoked the store owner’s certificate and permission to do business, citing volumes of complaints and the investigation that concluded the store was “participating in illicit criminal activity.”

Authorities reported that employees illegally received customers’ bets through a machine.

“I come to this area (and) I always see a lot of people in this store,” Larry Smith, a nearby resident, told the local CBS affiliate. WFOR-TV.

“I don’t know all the other activities that happen there,” Smith added.

“If it is, fuck it, get it off my block,” he said.

The police delivered documents explaining the action to the store owner, who left without being arrested.

“Complaints alleging that the company was engaged in illegal activity resulted in an investigation that confirmed that Food Mart was participating in illicit criminal activity,” said Leslie Johnson, Director of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs for the City of Lauderhill, in a statement.

Johnson says these illegal activities include “accounting as well as the sale and/or distribution of illegal contraband.”

“These activities harm the public health, safety and general well-being of the surrounding community,” she said.

“(The violations) were grounds for the City Commission to revoke the two city-required licenses necessary to legally operate a convenience store within the city,” she continued.

Responsible gaming

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible player is someone who:

• Set time and monetary limits before playing
• Only games with money they can lose
• Never chase your losses
• Don’t play if you are upset, irritated or depressed
• National Problem Gaming Council – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Game Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat

“The city oversaw the closure of this business (Tuesday).”

This crackdown was part of an aggressive initiative launched by Vice Mayor Martin to help reduce violence and crime in the city.

Martin explained that the city hosts quarterly meetings with convenience store owners to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the law.

“(Retailers) get a chance to meet all the players in town,” Martin said.

“So it’s not just about beating you up,” he told the store owners.

“It’s really to help you be a positive part of our community.”

The store owner has the option to appeal the closure of his business, but there is currently no information as to whether he will do so or not.