by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The Happy Hour margaritas and sizzling fajitas normally found in Dona Maria’s at the Jacksonville Landing have been replaced by empty chairs, remodeling debris and a bright pink notice on its front and back doors informing the public that the establishment is closed.
According to Landing Director of Marketing Michael Chambliss, the restaurant is still a Landing tenant and “is under remodeling and going through some administrative and managerial changes,” and should be back in business within the next few weeks.
The April 9 dated notice on the doors from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation alludes to different reasons why the establishment was closed and cannot be reopened until inspected and approved by the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
According to Alexis Antonacci, press secretary for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Dona Maria’s restaurant license was revoked after multiple administrative complaints and unpaid fines.
According to public records provided by the department, an order of closure was served on April 9 to close the location due to its license being revoked as a result of an administrative complaint from 2007. Additionally, fines of $1,000, $2,000 and $2,300 are still due from complaints in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Two instances — one in May 2005 and the other in June 2006 — resulted in emergency suspensions of the restaurant’s license as well, according to documents.
Resolving these issues doesn’t mean there will be a quick turnaround for reopening, said Antonacci. In fact, it’s a lengthy process, depending on which procedure is taken.
“The process can take from a month to several months,” she said.
The process includes sending an initial letter to the licensee notifying them of the inspection reports and administrative complaints. From there, the licensee can perform one of three actions: attempt to come to a settlement with the state Department Business of Business and Professional Regulation, request an informal hearing with the same department or request a formal hearing with an administrative law judge.
The other Dona Maria’s restaurant, located on Margaret Street in Riverside is still operating as normal. According to an employee who answered the phone at the Riverside location, the Landing establishment is run by the same group as Margaret Street, but owners were unavailable for comment. The employee also declined to comment.