JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Protestors made it clear they would be heard "rain or shine" on Saturday as they rallied in San Marco to call for Mayor Curry to reverse his decision on adult arcade closures, as well as the resignation of Jacksonville City Councilwoman LeAnna Cumber.
Carrying signs demanding Cumber's resignation and making pleas to the city to help them, employees, owners and patrons stood through the rain chanting "Save our jobs!"
"This is an attack, a direct attack on minority workers," protester Robin Rukab said. "It's also political corruption with special interests."
Rukab manages four arcades across the city, overseeing 23 employees. She said many of her employees will be applying for government assistance to stay afloat as the holiday season approaches.
The bill, which was sponsored by Councilwoman Cumber and signed into law by Mayor Curry last week, requires arcades to remove simulated gaming devices or close their doors. More than 2,000 employees will be affected.
The City of Jacksonville had already planned to take action against the centers in February, but the city council later approved Cumber's bill, which moved to close the cafes immediately.
Through the past week, 175 arcades were served cease-and-desist letters. Once the letter is served, the arcades have five days to end operations.
"We want reversal on Mayor Curry's decision to sign that bill, and we want regulation," Rukab said.
Owners and employees are asking the city to reverse the decision and create oversight and regulation for the arcades.
Rukab said she and other owners have asked the city for a short extension to be able to clear merchandise, but they have not heard back.
Also at the protest was Tanner Coleman, who owns a company that distributes food to the arcades. He said the closures will have a direct impact on his business.
"Some people have addictions, it happens," Coleman said. "People get addicted to alcohol, people smoke cigarettes. The states, the cities, they regulated it, so why shut us down? Why not regulate us? Because they're not getting their cut on it. So let them figure out how to get their cut, but not shut us down. It's not fair."
First Coast News has attempted to contact Councilwoman Cumber multiple times for comment but has not received a response.