A Baymeadows bikini bar will proceed as planned after a legal dispute between the developer and city has been settled.
The case centered on a bikini bar that could sell alcohol in a former Burger King at 8669 Baymeadows Road. Albanese Enterprises, the developer, last year had the proper permits to open the bar but the city wouldn’t sign off on an alcohol exception. The city’s Planning Commission said the business didn’t fit with the character of the area.
Albanese filed suit and in February, U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard ruled the city’s laws were too broad when it came to dancing establishments. In April, she also denied the city’s request for a permanent stay and the city filed an appeal with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.
The judge dismissed the case Tuesday after Albanese and the city filed a notice of settlement Friday.
City attorney Jon Phillips said he couldn’t provide details of the settlement until the 11th Circuit dismissed the case, which both sides have sought.
Karl Sanders, representing Albanese, said he also was limited in what he could talk about until that dismissal. He said the owners were in the process of obtaining permits necessary for the renovation work to start for the original concept of a dancing establishment with alcohol.
Both sides will pay their attorney’s fees.
According to the city, a certificate of use has been issued and Albanese’s liquor application was signed Friday. A certificate of occupancy has not been issued.
Once the 11th Circuit case is dismissed, the settlement becomes public record.
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