In the early hours, around 4:30 a.m., the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident at Rosie’s Bottoms Up in Micco following reports of a shooting.
“It is a shooting investigation that occurred in the parking lot. One person was injured. Not life-threatening,” Tod Goodyear, a spokesperson for the Brevard County Sheriff’s office, told Sebastian Daily.
The victim, from Ft. Pierce, sought medical attention at the Sebastian River Medical Center. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office seized a vehicle at the ER until Brevard County authorities arrived.
A Micco resident living near the scene reported that the sound of gunshots woke up the neighborhood.
Initial accounts indicated that the shooting took place inside the establishment, however, deputies verified that the incident happened at the property’s south end in the parking lot.
Sebastian Daily is actively talking with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to gather additional details on the incident. More information will be published when it becomes available.
Security
Many establishments like Captain Hirams Resort, Earl’s Hideaway Lounge, and Rosie’s Bottoms Up now employ security personnel during weekend nights. This measure helps to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for patrons.
Bartenders tell Sebastian Daily the business has chosen to extend their opening hours in response to the lifestyle of many patrons who work late. Many work until midnight or 2 a.m. and visit the bar to unwind and socialize after their shifts..
A local family owns and operates the business.
Alcohol Sales for Extended Hours
In Brevard County, a decision by the County Commissioners led to a significant change for local bar owners. In May 2021, by a vote of 4-1, the Commissioners approved a measure allowing businesses to sell alcohol 24 hours a day in unincorporated areas in the county. The previous sales of alcohol were from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Commissioner Curt Smith, who supported the amendment, said he doesn’t drink alcohol but emphasized his commitment to aiding local small businesses. He said that extended operating hours could positively impact small business revenue. Smith views this decision as driven by market demands, stating that the specific closing times of bars or any business, such as toy stores or recreational warehouses, should be determined by their ability to attract customers.
On the other hand, Commissioner Bryan Lober, who cast the sole dissenting vote, expressed concerns about potential increases in DUI incidents, particularly during morning hours when children travel to school. However, after two years under the new extended hours, no data suggests increased DUIs due to extended hours.
