To Ms. Swatek, owner of 1429 Highland Avenue:

We, the undersigned merchants and patrons of the Eau Gallie Arts District, are calling on you not to lease your space at 1429 Highland Ave to Relentless Real Estate, and instead to sign it to a business that will bring value to the arts district.

The rental space at 1429 Highland Ave is replete with potential to become home to a new small business that will increase foot traffic to the area, thereby increasing value to all merchants. If this space were to be wasted as a real estate office, bringing no value to the public, all of the arts district will suffer.

SAY NO TO GREEDY CEOs.

CEO Larry Jarnes has a clear unjust advantage over other businesses due to his connections with the City and local politicians which he exercises freely without discretion. His business, Oui Bake, which operated next door to your space, was granted outdoor seating permits despite being noncompliant with city code while T.O.P.S. on North Highland Ave faced many more obstacles under the same conditions. Additionally, Oui Bake was not compliant with OSHA standards of food handling, including multiple complaints of food cross-contamination and employees not using PPE like gloves or hairnets, though he received no consequences due to his connections.

His next endeavor was to open 40 salon suites on North Highland Ave when we have 7+ salons in the vicinity already, demonstrating that he does not value supporting existing businesses. In the same vein, we have 5+ real estate offices in close proximity—businesses that do not generate any foot traffic or interest in our area. Adding another will not benefit the district in any way.

KEEP THE ARTS IN THE ARTS DISTRICT.

To be considered an arts district, we must maintain a certain number of art-producing spaces, otherwise we lose our differentiation from other local downtowns, something that draws traffic to our area and boosts the visibility of our existing businesses.

Your space is in a prime location within the district’s main corridor, and there are many businesses that can meet you at your asking price and will support the core values of the arts. You have the full support of the EGAD merchants and our connections in filling the vacancy. We’re open to meeting with you.

We urge you to reconsider this decision for the good of the merchants, the public, and the community at large. Larry Jarnes does not align with the values of the arts district, and he will directly hinder our growth, regressing EGAD as a whole. Keep the arts in the arts district. Say no to Larry Jarnes.