Tattoo shop draws a protest
— Mark Skinner / Floridan
Some neighbors are expressing concern about the opening of a tattoo studio in the Marianna historic district.
Floridan Staff Writer
Published: November 5, 2009
The new tattoo establishment off Lafayette Street in Marianna opened on Halloween, and at least one neighbor thought it was a holiday prank when she saw the banner advertising it.
Dot Werner, who lives in the city’s historic district near the parlor, told Marianna City Commissioners on Tuesday that she was appalled to learn that it was a real advertisement.
In addition to her objections about the banner, she is unhappy that such a business has moved into the historic district.
It is located behind the building once occupied by Dr. Daniel Fulmer, with both structures owned by the same entity. The tattoo business is not as easily visible from Lafayette as the other building.
“I don’t see ... putting this in an area of historic homes and buildings. There were plenty of other open places this could have gone,” Werner said. “I think you should change the zoning to not allow these types of businesses in the area,” she told the board.
There may not be anything in the city’s zoning regulations that will prevent this one from staying, she acknowledged, but she thinks the city needs to address it going forward, even if this one is grandfathered in.
Some commissioners, like James Wise, agree that historic zoning regulations as a whole may need to be revised in the future.
In the meantime, city staff is reviewing the ordinances to double-check that the business is, in fact, allowed in the mixed-use zone it occupies. City officials at the meeting did acknowledge that the owner went through all the proper procedures.
As far as the advertisement goes, O.C.D. Body Art owner Denise Harrell said it’s only temporary and will be replaced with a professional sign within 14 days of it having been placed there late last week. City regulations allow temporary banners under certain conditions.
Harrell said the banner was at one point affixed to support posts and during that time, she acknowledged, it was out of compliance because it was then viewed as a permanent sign that didn’t meet code requirements. Once she became aware that, instead, it needed to be suspended, she made that correction.
Harrell said she is confident that her business will be an asset to the community, not a detriment.
“My take on it is this: We obtained our business license, all our occupational permits, just like any business in the city did,” Harrell said. “The people who sign off on those things are okay with that. We’re a legitimate business, bringing revenue into this county. We’ve only been open a week. (Those who complain) haven’t given us a chance to prove ourselves. I think they are being unfair to us. It’s unfortunate that this has created an issue, especially right out of the gate for a new business. It appears to me that it’s been blown out of proportion somewhat. We don’t want to cause any disruption in the community, but the way we look at it, we’re a legitimate business.”
Harrell said she first became aware there was a problem after she found a note on her door and a message on her cell phone when she got back into town this week after a training session out of the city. She said she hopes and believes the community will embrace the business once the neighbors see how it is operated.
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Reader Reactions
Cracking up over blackbarts comments! Hilarious knick knack cats! Funny stuff!
Im a nonconforming rebel nurse! Just cant stop laughing at that comment. Maybe I will get me a tattoo of that sign, I kinda like it myself. People trying to make a living and bring a little concrete to the red dirt roads here and instead they get protested by ceramic kat collectors (lol). I actually miss the old Woolworth store, can we bring it back? Try closing your pull down blind and polyester drapes, dont worry, noise shouldnt be an issue. The only noise should be me screaming it hurts when I get minimouse tattoo on my, um ankle yeah my ankle.
All I want to say is, When can I get a tattoo of a minimouse with a nurses hat on? Im a tax paying nurse who goes to church right there, so…. are you open on Sunday afternoons?
Follow this link http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/IRM00profiling/searchform.asp to see what happened to Dr. Fulmer. The state of Florida has a practioner profile for every physician in Florida.
A little off topic but have question maybe someone can answer. WHAT HAPPENED TO DR FULMER? Is it legal to just shut down and not offer medical records to patients? How do we get our records? Heard several stories about what really happened but don’t want to speculate. Unless I don’t get my records very very soon.
I was not going to reclama, however after reviewing some of the personal and ignorant comments I feel obligated.
Those questioning my patriotism or respect for law enforcement authority are grossly mistaken. I am a retired Marine Corps Officer who has served 3 tours of combat in many clim and place.
I encourage you, who may take issue, consider your service to this great country - I have definately earned my right to speak out. I also spend many hours volunteering in a local C.I. That said, I do not consider myself puritanical in my social views.I believe in free enterprise and strongly support small business. The problem I have is when one considers a comprhensive plan for development the natural result is clumping like services together. Houses with houses, business with business, entertainment with entertainmentetc… Is it appropriate for a tattoo parlour to be in the vicinity of a church or residential areas? I don’t think so but… By the way, I do not think that fast food places and bars and buildings are good advertisement or city planning for a city like Marianna, but that all has happened long before I arrived in town. I for one am not going to bury my head in the sand because of things that took place in the past. Change is not necessarily bad, we could still be using horse and buggie if we were satisfied with the status quo of the past.
Folks, we have the right to disagree, I submit that one doesn’t have to be disagreeable though to disagree. Where is civility and decent interaction between differing points of view? Finally, my comment regarding the parlour in general, I am sure that the owner is a good person based on what has been submitted about his character and integrity. I would recommend though that his marketing and advertising budget be increased in the areas of signage and advertising. The sign on Hwy 90 is not very professional and the comments in this column or newspaper really are not what a business man should count on as word of mouth effort. Be professional in appearance.
If you met me on the street, you would never think I would be the owner of a tattoo studio. No one should pass judgement on someone without knowing them. Yes we know the tattoo shops of old have a bad rap! That is what we are trying to change! But why should you judge me for the past! We are a legit business the same as any other business in the city or county. Before you start giving your opinion, do your homework!!!! Anyone is welcome to come to our tattoo studio at any time, we have nothing to hide, nor are we using this as a cover for a shady business. Drop in anytime, our door is always open, and so are our minds. Thanks for all comments, good, bad, or indifferent. That’s what makes us all unique, because we are all different. Your comments were able to be posted on here because of the men and women of our armed forces. They fought for our freedom, some gave their lives for it! So why should my freedom be any different than yours!So please come buy! Anyone is welcome!
Thanks OCD Body Art
Land sakes! What’s this world coming to? Dot’s got a sandspur in her girdle over one of those *whispers* “tattoo parlors” opening up in the neighborhood! Next thing you know, they’ll be playing that hip-swivelling Elvis Presley on the radio and the youngsters will - heavens forbid - want to start *gasp* dancing! Somebody fetch the smelling salts, I feel a case of the vapors coming on!
What is the complainer “appalled” about? Does she worry that the shady clientele that will certainly be attracted to the place will decide to break into her home and steal her prized collection of ceramic cat knick-knacks? Will the proprietors knock on her door one day and forcibly ink her drooping décolletage with a lurid skull clenching a rose between its teeth? Katie, bar the door!
Seriously, it’s a tattoo studio, not a brothel. Florida rigorously regulates the body art industry, so I doubt this place will be some kind of back-alley flophouse frequented by smack addicts where the practitioners are unlicensed and ply their trade with ball-point pen ink and a rusty nail. Besides, tattoos are so commonplace these days you’re actually a non-conforming rebel if you DON’T have one.
whatever happened to freedom of speech (expression)? I don’t want any tattoos, but those who do should have the right and opportunity to express themselves. the individuals who are opposed to the business are also the ones who have hurt this city and county by refusing to allow liquor by the drink. where else in this country can you buy only beer and wine coolers (which, by the way, can get one just as drunk as hard liquor), but there is a liquor store on every corner with a drive through window which will give one a cup of ice and a mixer (free of charge, I might add) to go with the liquor just purchased. what’s wrong with this picture? it amazes me that someone or a business has not challenged these archaic laws as unconstitutional, as they are based on religious beliefs. these beliefs also extend into the tattoo parlor business owners constitutional rights. wake up you religious zealots. you are not only depriving individuals from purchasing services or items in this county, but also forcing those to travel to other counties/cities, and keeping the tax revenues out of marianna and jackson county. I guess, according to those opposed, we don’t need the additional tax revenues from these establishments. and, by the way, isn’t there a law that is supposed to separate church and state? how many other freedoms and/or rights must we relinquish?
Somewhere along the way, some elected official(s) had to approve the license for:
A Tattoo Place on Lafayette Street
Now if you don’t like the way your elected officials decide things, show up at the meetings where these things are approved/disapproved by a majority vote.
There is a city calendar and meeting agenda you can read. Why wait for things to happen and then perhaps have an unpleasant surprise? They followed all the rules. You had your chance.
These decisions are not supposed to be made in secret.
If you don’t like the way the elected officials are running things, throw them out and get new ones. Didn’t we vote for the people that said “OK” on the applications?
Decision making officials can also be bought, bribed and blackmailed, so is there any special interest involved here? Anybody driving a new car, got a new watch, or owe anybody any favors?
Does anybody know what O.C.D. stands for?
I’m gettin’ myself down there chop-chop this weekend to get myself one of them swanky tramp stamps on my backside. Do they also do piercings?
Just another fine example of our hypocrite bible-belt county.
I wonder how many members in churches on Sunday have tats? I’m betting the numbers would be a stunner!!
People in JC don’t want anything better than a place where the sidewalks are still rolled up at 5 PM & most stores close at noon on Wednesdays.
Wake-up people, we are no longer crusin’ down the roads with horses & buggies. We have electricity now!! And even indoor plumbing. What a concept huh??
I think its wonderful these people are trying to bring JC into the modern world.
Historic district? Ump! That means belonging to the past. Get out of the past and live in the REAL world folks!
I applaud O.C.D. Body Art, I hope they branch out with a 2nd location on the east side of town.
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