A Jacksonville business that neighbors call a nuisance and a danger is making changes.
Action News Jax has reported on three recent crimes at the Ice Lounge Bar and Grill on Soutel Drive, including a kidnapping and shooting.
Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to the manager to learn about the changes being made to make sure patrons and neighbors stay safe.
"We are a part, and want to continue to play a role in the development of the community,” said Ron Keith Patterson.
Patterson is the manager of the Ice Lounge Bar and Grill in Northwest Jacksonville.
The business has faced some problems in the past, most recently the shooting on Jan. 27.
According to a JSO incident report, that’s when a man was found on the floor of the bathroom with a gunshot wound.
Since that incident happened, Ice Lounge Bar management has apologized to his customers via a post on their Facebook page.
Patterson says he’s working with JSO to change the way they operate.
“We have increased dialogue with JSO,” Patterson went on to say he attended a town hall meeting as well, “where I've met members of the community, including police and councilman, residents.”
Patterson said he’s also working with JSO to up the amount of JSO officers you’ll see on weekend nights, when the restaurant operates as a club.
"We're not here to cause problems, we're here to entertain,” Patterson told Cole.
Patterson also said they have beefed up their security detail, surveillance and are taking closer look at how they search their patrons.
“We are hoping the measures we have taken will go so far,” said Patterson.
He was unable to say how many JSO officers and security guards they've added, for security reasons.
Cole reached out to JSO to see if they're assisting any other local clubs or lounges around town, with any safety issues. She’s still waiting to hear back.
“Moving forward, that's our goal. We're always going to be working with JSO,” said Patterson.
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