GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – One of the most hotly debated topics in Clay County is one step closer to being resolved.
The County Commission met Tuesday to get its first look at two ordinances that would legally allow adult entertainment establishments -- with restrictions.
The commission learned about two ordinances -- a locational ordinance, restricting where the "sex shops" would be allowed to go up, and a nudity ordinance, making it illegal for people in the shops to be nude.
In a 3-to-2 vote, the commission decided to send the two ordinances to planning and zoning to review as they are written now. Commissioners will discuss the ordinances again in March.
County commissioners have made it clear they don't want adult stores in Clay County. But they said they're taking proactive measures to be on the safe side.
"It's not the kind of county that supports this kind of endeavor," Clay County resident Richard Klinzman. "It never has been. I think it's a bit of an overreaction, but sometimes it is better safe than sorry."
No business owner has expressed interest in opening an adult store soon, but the commission's attorney said if someone does, the county could be subject to a big lawsuit because of the way the ordinance is currently written.
"I do believe that the laws we have are reasonable laws and they shouldn't be thrown out the window unless we know there's no way in the world for them to stand up and we don't know that at this point," Clay County resident Milford Smith said.
County residents voiced concerns over adult shops leading to prostitution, drugs and sexual crimes. They're hoping thinking ahead to regulate that type of establishment will help protect their community in the future.
"I think they're doing as good a job as they can with the issue," Klinzman said. "The county is pretty much united in not allowing these things in here. They won't succeed here anyway."