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A "novelty" shop is now selling pornography in downtown Florence next to Dish on Mobile street. They also sell *****s, bongs, cans and jars with removable secret compartments to hide drugs, and herbal stuff to smoke that they say makes you high just like pot but wont make you test positive for a drug test. More than half of the front windows are blacked out there is a sign that reads you must be 18 to enter. Do you think this is appropriate for our downtown?
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Hi Mary,

First, to answer your question: NO, I do not believe it belongs in any city, especially in the Shoals.

However, your post renewed a memory. About ten years ago, when I first moved to the city of Riverside, California, on one street corner (outside of town) there was a shop similar to what you have described -- selling all sorts of drug paraphernalia. And, right next door was a store-front Hispanic Christian church. This struck me as funny -- and I wondered who would win -- the god of drugs, or the one and only God. Some months later, I drove past again and the drug shop was gone -- but, the church was still there.

Fast forward a year, I drove past again and now, where the drug shop had been was now a Psychic Store -- selling all sort of New Age things. And, right next door was still the Hispanic Christian church. Again, I prayed: "Lord, show them who is really in control."

Six months later, the Psychic Store went out of business -- but, the church was still there. As I drove past, I smiled and thanked God for His faithfulness.

Do you think Florence needs some prayer warriors focusing on this drug/sex paraphernalia shop?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill
Mary...

If the windows are blacked out and you cannot see in, plus a sign that says you must be 18 years old to enter, then several things come to my mind...

First...Did the sign give you some type of idea what can of material may be inside..?

Second...Apparently, you went inside or you either know someone who went inside and told you about the items, which then makes me question your motives or how you pick your friends?

Third... Was it the draw of the unknown "Of what is in the box Mac", or the inner craving of touching and being around the forbidden fruit that made your skin have goose bumps..

Fourth.. Were you forced to go into the place?

Fifth
Why would you care, if you do not intend to shop at that store? I don't shop at a lot of stores and really don't care what they sell to you...I mean after all aren't you an adult...?

Oh! how the "Pious" love to point!

PS:
Another place you may want to go to is the video store on 2nd street just east of Woodward in Muscle Shoals...They have a back room for those like that kind of material...If you like the adventure of the forbidden then that room will probably fill your every quiver......
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Gray:
Hi Mary,

First, to answer your question: NO, I do not believe it belongs in any city, especially in the Shoals.

However, your post renewed a memory. About ten years ago, when I first moved to the city of Riverside, California, on one street corner (outside of town) there was a shop similar to what you have described -- selling all sorts of drug paraphernalia. And, right next door was a store-front Hispanic Christian church. This struck me as funny -- and I wondered who would win -- the god of drugs, or the one and only God. Some months later, I drove past again and the drug shop was gone -- but, the church was still there.

Fast forward a year, I drove past again and now, where the drug shop had been was now a Psychic Store -- selling all sort of New Age things. And, right next door was still the Hispanic Christian church. Again, I prayed: "Lord, show them who is really in control."

Six months later, the Psychic Store went out of business -- but, the church was still there. As I drove past, I smiled and thanked God for His faithfulness.

Do you think Florence needs some prayer warriors focusing on this drug/sex paraphernalia shop?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill


I guess every building that is not a church is a loss then? When will people like you ever learn that people don't want nor need you trying to run THEIR lives. Why can't you worship your gOD as you please and let others worship theirs?

And besides Bill...I know for certain that you are a liar. You told a lie about me quite a while ago...I haven't forgotten.
quote:
Originally posted by marypaulk:
Actually it is not. I do not believe they sell hard core pornography with explicit covers in the front room of their store.


95% of porn is viewed online. If you are starting a crusade in our town, you need to focus your efforts on the internet service providers rather than some silly store down town that will most likely not stay in business for long anyway.

The intranets is where I get my porn. And it's free.
quote:
Originally posted by Kassy Sims:
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Gray:
Hi Mary,

First, to answer your question: NO, I do not believe it belongs in any city, especially in the Shoals.

However, your post renewed a memory. About ten years ago, when I first moved to the city of Riverside, California, on one street corner (outside of town) there was a shop similar to what you have described -- selling all sorts of drug paraphernalia. And, right next door was a store-front Hispanic Christian church. This struck me as funny -- and I wondered who would win -- the god of drugs, or the one and only God. Some months later, I drove past again and the drug shop was gone -- but, the church was still there.

Fast forward a year, I drove past again and now, where the drug shop had been was now a Psychic Store -- selling all sort of New Age things. And, right next door was still the Hispanic Christian church. Again, I prayed: "Lord, show them who is really in control."

Six months later, the Psychic Store went out of business -- but, the church was still there. As I drove past, I smiled and thanked God for His faithfulness.

Do you think Florence needs some prayer warriors focusing on this drug/sex paraphernalia shop?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

I guess every building that is not a church is a loss then? When will people like you ever learn that people don't want nor need you trying to run THEIR lives. Why can't you worship your gOD as you please and let others worship theirs?

And besides Bill...I know for certain that you are a liar. You told a lie about me quite a while ago...I haven't forgotten.

Hi Kassy,

First, there is only one God -- so, I am not sure who or what you are worshiping. But, your comment does bring back memories. I can recall, nearly fifty years ago, long before I was a Christian, driving across the country. This was before the Interstate Highways, when we drove such roads as Route 66 -- and had to drive through many small towns.

My reaction in those days was that all these small towns had too many churches -- one on every corner. At that time, I was bothered to see more churches than bars in these towns. Today, when I drive through small towns -- I complain that there are not enough churches. Amazing what time, and becoming a Christian believer, will do to one's world view.

About lying about you -- quite honestly, Kassy, I don't recall ever being in a dialogue with you. From your attitude about God, I doubt that you were ever on the Religion Forum -- and I seldom wander away from it. Maybe I made an indirect comment and you took it personally, I simply do not remember ever exchanging ideas with you. But, if you think that I have made any false statements about you -- I do sincerely apologize. It was not intentional.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill
quote:
Originally posted by marypaulk:
A "novelty" shop is now selling pornography in downtown Florence next to Dish on Mobile street. They also sell *****s, bongs, cans and jars with removable secret compartments to hide drugs, and herbal stuff to smoke that they say makes you high just like pot but wont make you test positive for a drug test. More than half of the front windows are blacked out there is a sign that reads you must be 18 to enter. Do you think this is appropriate for our downtown?


What's inappropriate about it? Big Grin
I am not sure why this is even an issue. Certain pornography is legal to sell to adults. If you don't want to be around it, don't go in the store. If the shop is keeping those under 18 outside the door, then only adults are going inside. They can buy it or look at it if they want. If you don't like that a business is selling something that is presumably legal, you should perhaps work to change the law.
The point is that it is not appropriate for our downtown. Anyone that would argue that it is just wants to argue. I went into the store because I did not believe what I had heard and wanted to see it for myself. Unlike many of the people posting here I do not comment on things that I have no firsthand knowledge of. Go into the store and see if you would want to have your business located next to One Luv. Would you bring company or family to the restaurant next to it and not feel a bit embarrassed of your town? I don't care about what they sell. If it is legal then fine. That is not the issue. The issue is that the location is not appropriate and nice towns do not allow such stores in their downtown business district.
I would be upset if they didn't have blacked out windows. But they are obviously trying to be discreet. Nothing is being forced on anyone. Adults may enter if they only choose to do so.

As far as sex toys, obviously, you have not been to Spencers in the mall lately. And they don't have blacked out windows or an adult only policy. Personally, I would find THAT more offensive than the shop on mobile street.
I've never understood how people made the big fuss about that shop in Colbert County a few years ago and got it closed, but Spencers in the mall goes right along with business as usual....and it's a hangout for teenagers!!!

If you want to pick on something and get it banned, stop these guys who have fake testicles hanging from the rear bumpers/trailer hitches of their vehicles. Those things are about the tackiest items I've seen in a while.
quote:
If you want to pick on something and get it banned, stop these guys who have fake testicles hanging from the rear bumpers/trailer hitches of their vehicles. Those things are about the tackiest items I've seen in a while.


That one quote might have taken the wind out of this whole thread!!!

LMAO!!!!!!

I can just see marypaulk calling businesses to see if they are selling truck nuts and wanting them moved out of town!!!!!
You went in there looking for porn and found it. Now you are complaining about it being in there? I would think different if we had these millions of visitors coming for the historic downtown. It's just Florence. Be glad a new buisness decided to come there in the first place and pay taxes to the city in these hard economic times.
Harleyflsts, I went in One Luv because I thought people were exaggerating what the store sold or how bad it looked. I do not comment on anything without looking into it myself. And again, I have no problem with what they sell, to each their own, if it is legal to sell it go for it. Run whatever type of business you want, knock yourself out, and make a good living. However, your comment that it is "just Florence" is just shameful. That is the attitude that holds the town back. I am not from here but I have lived here for a few years now and I think it is a lovely town with lots of charm. I think people from here maybe do not realize what a beautiful place this really is. Towns that want to preserve historic districts, rebuild and strengthen their downtown business districts must protect those areas with zoning laws that benefit the community as a whole. Think Fairhope and Chattanooga. Both of these towns recognized what they had, and that they had let things go to pot a bit, and worked for years to preserve and restore their towns and are now booming. I would like to give a thumbs up to Bubbaluck for being the only person to say they would go see for themselves before they comment.
Hmmm maybe move that bussness to Rogerville or Waterloo , one thing for sure if they are not making money from sales in down town Florence they will not be in bussness for long .

I am sure they have a Licensed to open , unlike the well known drugs dealers that are open 24 - 7 in some areas .. lol I heard one Deputy tell another Deputy on our scanner the other nite, your not going to beleave what I am seeing.. a 18 wheeler in one of them areas.. having trouble trying to turn around , maybe a load of drugs !! Wink

Bill if ya'll were playing checkers,, it would be your Move , Sassy just jumped 3 of your kings Smiler
quote:
Originally posted by forumaddict2:
quote:
Originally posted by Maynard J. Keenan:
It's the exact same stuff they sell at every tobacco shop in town.

You old geezers need to get out a little more often.


At it again with the semi-disguised smarta** comments, are you? You do realize people can see the white text, too, don't you? Roll Eyes


Just laugh forumaddict2, time has a way correcting people MJK. He'll be walking around one day and realize with a shock that HE is now the "old geezer". Wink
I've seen a few vehicles driving around Florence advertising private at home parties....should we ban them too?? At least they are not throwing it out in the streets at ya. They have the windows blacked out and you didn't have to go in there. And I totally agree about Spencer's having a majority of the same merchandise. I got a Carol Wright book in the mail the other day and was surprised to see that they sell those type items too.
To each their own...if you don't like it, don't look.
I agree with you, MaryPaul. A storefront like this has no business in our downtown area.

While I find it a distasteful, destructive and unedifying line of work, we do live in a country of free enterprise, and, as long as what they are selling is legal, a person has a right to open and operate whatever kind of store they desire. I think this may fall under a zoning issue. There are several churches within throwing distance to this store that were here first. I would be interested to see what the zoning regulations are for this type of business. The store didn't start out as an adult only business; did they get their license based on the trinkets they originally sold? I also wonder if the landlord/s knows what kind of business they are in?

And how sad that some people think that our city isn't worthy of a great downtown! If someone wanted to open a strip club on Court Street, would anyone have a problem with it? I'm sure there are some of you that would welcome such an establishment, but think about it before you answer. Think about the kinds of crowds these types of businesses attract. Generally speaking, along with the sex shop/strip club comes a lifestyle of hard drinking, drugs and crime, prostitution. Look at other cities where these stores are located and see what area of town they are in. I don't want to add any more sorrow or problems to the city that I love. And for those of you who say you want a place to shop for toys and other things, obviously, you all are wired- shop online, in the privacy of your own home!

I don't want a sex/head shop downtown where children and teens could go. The "18 or older" rule will work only for the kids who obey the rules; the others will ignore it, just like they do the drinking/smoking age. My kids like to go hang out at Rivertown and then walk around downtown with their friends, sometimes. There are a lot of kids downtown during First Fridays. I would think One Luv would be a temptation of curiosity for some and a challenge to see if they can get inside for others.
quote:
Originally posted by marypaulk:
A "novelty" shop is now selling pornography in downtown Florence next to Dish on Mobile street. They also sell *****s, bongs, cans and jars with removable secret compartments to hide drugs, and herbal stuff to smoke that they say makes you high just like pot but wont make you test positive for a drug test. More than half of the front windows are blacked out there is a sign that reads you must be 18 to enter. Do you think this is appropriate for our downtown?


Thanks for letting me know! I'm headed there now. Sounds like you need a toy or two yourself, M. Get off your soap box. If you don't like it, don't go there.

And Bill, blow it out your butt. You don't even live in this area.

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