Some neighbors Action News Jax spoke to over the weekend say the business is a nuisance.
There were 26 total, some of the stand out calls include:
- 3 calls redacted by JSO
- 6 calls for follow-up/investigation
- 3 calls for assault
- 1 call for person cut
- 1 call for kidnapping
- 2 calls for disputes
- 1 call for theft
- 1 call for burglary
“When the trouble comes, it comes. Ain't no little bit of trouble, it comes,” said Campbell.
Freeman said the Ice Lounge, and its negative impact on the community, is something neighbors have been talking to him about since he took on the role of councilman in July 2018.
“It's existed, prior to me coming in. And my predecessors, I'm sure it's an issue they've dealt with as well,” said Freeman.
When Action News Jax Courtney Cole asked what can Freeman can do about the business that continues to have issues, he said:
“From a City Council perspective, I'm not sure exactly what steps I could take to stop a business. If they're breaking laws, it becomes an enforcement issue. If they're breaking codes, that's where we come in.”
The permit for the Ice Lounge is currently active.
Action News Jax reached out to the city, via email, to learn if the business has any code violations.
We learned the lounge was cited in August 2018, for four exterior code violations. Two of them have already been corrected.
A hearing is set to be held for the other two on Jan. 31.
Freeman believes the fact that the Ice Lounge is a restaurant by day and club by night is what makes it challenging to find a solution.
Because the Ice Lounge is a restaurant by day and club by night, Freeman believes it’s more challenging to find a solution.
“I think that any business that is contributing negatively to a community is something we need to address,” said Freeman.
As of Monday, the Ice Lounge is temporarily closed down.
Councilman Freeman urges anyone with concerns about District 10 to attend Tuesday evening’s town hall meeting at the Legends Center at 6 p.m.