The city of Boca and Investments LTD have allowed a “guns and ammo” business to operate at 2236 to 2260 N. Dixie Highway. It’s next to other stores — like a massage parlor, tattoo parlor, spiritual reader — and there is a vacant spot for the adult bookstore. These are not what I view as retail establishments.
If I owned commercial property, I certainly wouldn’t be looking for revenue from a business like these unless the neighborhood supported it. I can assure you many residents are upset.
Many neighbors east of Dixie Highway are concerned with the Boca Raton change in “retail establishments.” The dynamics of new businesses cropping up on Dixie Highway brings to mind Broward and Sunrise boulevards. It’s time to change this in order to curtail crime and maintain property values. I don’t think any of these businesses help improve or support our economy.
Living in Boca Woods has been an experience unlike other areas of Boca. The city continues to overlook or close out cases on violations of properties in this subdivision. Why do such undesirable businesses and properties continue to be allowed?
Mike Krones
Boca Raton
Note: Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel, in an email response to Krones’ email blast, said that she “is not putting any of these retail stores in these locations. If I had my way, not a single one of them would be there. There is something in the law called ‘property rights,’ and that is what we have to deal with.”
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I have personally visited the new "guns & ammo" business and think that it is a timely addition. It is a top class establisment and it's very popular. Every week at least ONCE there are 2 men from out of the area, arrested with burglary tools, wreaking of weed after trying to break in to local homes. Our homes are not gated- so we are the gate. Subscribe to City of Boca Raton <BocaRatonE-News@ci.boca-raton.fl.us> to stay alert.
Boca Raton, FL – On Friday, February 8th, while on routine patrol in the city, members of the Boca Raton Police Tactical Team observed a vehicle with dark tinted windows driving slowly throughout neighborhoods in and around Camino Gardens. After observing the vehicle make numerous traffic violations, a stop was initiated. Immediately upon approaching the car, officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
Without prompting, one of the occupants yelled “we just dropped his girl off at McDonalds.” While checking the occupant’s identifications, the back rear passenger yelled excitedly, “I just smoked weed.” All three occupants were removed from the car and questioned separately. The rear passenger, Clarence Rutledge, stated he was in the area to drop off “his baby momma at McDonalds on A1A and Oakland.” He then stated he was looking for his other girl in Deerfield Beach. The front passenger, Devondrea Wilcher, said he was just along for the ride to drop Rutledge’s girlfriend at McDonalds by the beach and then they were going to help him “trick on his lady.” This was translated for officers as he was helping his friend cheat on his girlfriend. The driver, Netfa Malcolm, said he was just taking his girl to work in Lauderdale Lakes. When asked why he was in Boca Raton, Malcolm said he didn’t have anything else to say because it wasn’t going to help him.
While searching the car subsequent to arrest, officers found a window punch and marijuana throughout the car. All three were charged with Possession of Marijuana, Loitering & Prowling and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Malcolm was additionally charged with Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License.
Arrested:
Clarence Rutledge Devondrea Wilcher Netefa Malcolm
DOB: 7/6/89 DOB: 6/28/90 DOB: 9/5/95
Lauderdale Lakes, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Lauderdale Lakes, FL