ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates found out Orange County has shut down a so-called members-only club that has been a nuisance for residents in Boggy Creek.
For the last year, residents have complained about the noise, traffic and trash from the house.
And while residents are happy the county stepped in to help, investigative reporter Karla Ray found out the owners could legally reopen.
Code enforcement officials entered the property for the first time a few days ago, even though residents have been complaining for a year.
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The people in charge of “Club Hacienda la Familia” have been told to shut it down or pay up.
Based on the videos posted to the so-called club's Facebook page, the weekend crowds have grown.
“It needs to go and that’s it,” said resident Jeff Karas.
But advertisements for ladies’ night, complete with a happy hour and a bucket of beer priced at $15 on the club's Facebook page, show it’s become more of a business than a party.
On a smartphone map, the address shows a restaurant in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
Code Enforcement officials issued a notice of violation.
Membership clubs are allowed in Orange County, but not in residential neighborhoods without a special exception.
Karas said if the club owners apply for a zoning change to keep their business going he'll be there to fight it.
“Open up legally (and) make all the money you want, just not where we work our butts off to have our homes,” Karas said.
Code Enforcement staff will reinspect the property later this month to see if changes are made, or if they'll have to start issuing fines.
Code enforcement officials plan to bring the club's owners in front of a board hearing in August.
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Cox Media Group
