SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Workers and business owners inside the Seminole Towne Center said Monday they lost money because the mall was closed for days after the power was cut off, but some are still holding on to hope and choosing to stay at the mall.
The lights are back on at the mall where Joe Stapf works, but he’s frustrated.
He said he was forced to close his winery and gift shop, the Winey Wench, and even cancel art classes all because the power was cut at the mall last Thursday through Saturday.
News 6 learned the mall ownership was behind on its power bills. Anchor stores like Dillards and Dick’s Sporting Goods stayed open since they pay for their power.
“You’ve got do right by people. It’s not right what they’re doing. It’s people’s lives,” Joe Staph said.
He said they lost about $5,000.
“It’s kind of hard, you miss one weekend and it kinda messes everything up,”
His mother owns the winery and gift shop and calls it unprofessional.
“Uncaring! There was absolutely no regard to the small businesses in this mall,” Marion Stapf said.
News 6 learned the mall owner is also behind on taxes.
Marion Stapf said it’s been tough as a mall tenant, but she’s not ready to leave.
“We’re staying because we do know there is to be new owners that they’re supposed to have a closing on or before March 29,” she said.
At this time, News 6 has not confirmed any information regarding a new owner.
Reporter Jerry Askin went by the mall office Monday trying to get answers about the mall’s future and the financial situation. The mall office was closed.
We reached out to Kohan Retail Investment Group which owns the mall and never heard back. Someone else from the mall’s office also called back and said no comment.
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