‘Take it off my block,’ neighbor fumes after convenience store with multiple complaints forced to close over ‘gambling’

POLICE and code enforcement officers have shut down a convenience store that was allegedly involved in illegal gambling and other criminal activities.

Officers swarmed 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, just under 40 miles away from Miami, was under investigation by police following numerous complaints, according to a city spokesperson.

“What we were presented with was a business that really wasn’t operating as a convenience store,” said City of Lauderhill Vice Mayor Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin.

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

“There seemed to be no things you would see in a traditional convenience store.”

City commissioners ordered the closure of the 12th Street Food Store during a meeting on 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 activities.”

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

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

“I don’t know all that other activity that goes on in there,” Smith added.

“If it is, f**k it, take it off my block,” he said.

Officers served documents explaining the action to the store’s owner, who left without being arrested.

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

Johnson says these illegal activities include “bookkeeping as well as the sales and/or distribution of illegal contraband,”

“These activities are disruptive to the public health, safety, and general welfare 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 gambling 

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 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 rolled out 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.

“(Store owners) get a chance to meet all the players in the city,” Martin said.

“So it’s not just to beat you up,” he said to store owners.

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

The store’s owner has the option to appeal the closure of his business, but there is currently no word on whether or not they will.