9 Investigates: Clermont business raided twice reopens

CLERMONT, Fla. — A business that used to be a strip mall casino, and that has been shut down twice, has reopened, 9 Investigates learned Thursday.

Through tinted windows, reporter Steve Barrett saw computer kiosks and brightly lit signs, touting “big winnings.”

The business on Highway 50 and County Road 455 sits adjacent to Kathryn Southerin's day care, and she said she’s watched the same location get shut down before.

“To my knowledge, twice before now, and I was really surprised when it opened up again,” she said.

There were two raids conducted in 2014, and the business owners were arrested.

A tip to Channel 9 led Barrett to the business. When he went inside, Barrett saw rows of terminals and customers playing games.

An employee told Barrett she couldn't explain what customers were buying, and that the business only takes cash.

“I'm absolutely concerned again based on the history. There must have been something they're doing that's not appropriate for them to be shut down twice before,” Southerin said.

The operation is next to a row of legitimate businesses. Some of those owners and managers said they just wanted to stay out of it.

Law enforcement would not confirm whether there was an ongoing investigation.

Cox Media Group