JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville city spokesperson says Mayor Lenny Curry has signed a bill that would effectively shutdown Internet Cafes in the city of Jacksonville.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Luck is running out for internet cafes in Jacksonville.
Mayor Lenny Curry is expected to sign legislation this week to shut them down as soon as possible.
The City Council voted 10 to 9 last night to move up their time frame for closing the facilities that have been targets for crime.
Today we talked to Chief Administrative Officer Brian Hughes on what happens after the mayor signs the bill.
“We’ll start a citation process that ultimately leads to either the removal of the machines, or shutting down the facility,” said Hughes.
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Code inspectors, JFRD and JSO will start preparing for inspection sweeps when the bill is signed.
The inspections will come in phases, beginning with warnings, then reinspections and possible condemnation and trespassing measures.
Today, Action News Jax reporter Ryan Nelson visited an internet café on the Southside to find out how people on the other side of the decision are feeling.
Nelson was allowed in to speak to customers, if their identities were not revealed.
“I feel this is a wonderful form of entertainment and I don’t think it’s hurting anyone,” said one customer.
A security guard at the café tells us he’s not sure what comes next for himself, and the dozens of security guards in his company patrolling cafes.
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“When I came this morning, I didn’t know if I would have a job,” he said. “After seeing the information on the news last night I was kind of concerned, and I even called to see if I should come in.”
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