Two popular Sarasota businesses suffered damage during separate break-ins early Thursday that authorities are investigating.
At 3:53 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, a woman pulled her car next to 8-Ball Lounge at 3527 Webber St. and exited the vehicle wearing a dress and a motorcycle helmet. She then took out bricks from the passenger side and proceeded to smash the business’s front glass windows and door.
Once inside, she destroyed 30 to 35 bottles of alcohol behind the bar.
“I have no idea why she targeted my bar,” 8-Ball Lounge owner Michael Calomeris told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He doesn’t believe that he has met her before, but thinks she may have interacted with the business in the past.
“It’s a part of owning a neighborhood bar, you’re going to make some people upset,” Calomeris said.
Damage to the property is expected to cost thousands of dollars, with Calomeris estimating losses of more than $10,000 from repairs to the windows and door, damaged alcohol inventory and lost sales.
Green Zebra Cafe was also targeted
The Green Zebra Cafe at 476 John Ringling Blvd. on St. Armands Circle also experienced a break-in that same morning, with glass shattered in the process.
In surveillance footage shared with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, a woman wearing a dress and a motorcycle helmet can be seen breaking glass and entering the business.
“This has been a difficult situation for our team, but more than anger, we feel concern,” Green Zebra Cafe manager Candace Swann told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “While we don’t know this individual’s circumstances, we truly hope they receive the support and care they may need.”
8-Ball Lounge and Green Zebra Cafe are located about seven miles apart.
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating
“This case is an active investigation, warrants are still being sought, so at this time there will be no updated information released,” the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Calomeris told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that police informed him that they believe they know who the suspect is, recognizing the woman from an altercation the day before.
No arrests have been made in this case.
8-Ball Lounge and Green Zebra Cafe remain open for business
Despite the damage, both businesses remain open.
“We’re a neighborhood bar. We have a lot of regular people who come here on a regular basis, and if we’re not open, they go somewhere else,” Calomeris said.
“Fortunately, I have great people who work with me who helped get this all cleaned up and good to go.”
While repairs will need to be made, customers are still welcome at the bar and cafe.
“What’s meant the most has been the incredible support from our community,” Swann said. “Our St. Armands location is currently open while repairs are underway, and we’re staying positive and looking ahead.”
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Two Sarasota businesses damaged in early morning break-ins. Watch videos
Reporting by Michaela Galligan, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michaela Galligan, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
