DeLAND, Fla. – Winn Dixie is fighting to stop a strip club from becoming its new next door neighbor at its North DeLand location.
Pin Ups could open 117 feet away from the grocery store's front doors if its owner wins a lawsuit filed by Winn Dixie to block their opening.
Shoppers appear to support the grocer. Carol Mears says she's shopped at the location since it opened more than 30 years ago.
"It's the element it brings in," she said. "If they're stripping over there at night, they're leaving here probably with a few drinks in them."
Winn Dixie's attorneys claim the store's lease, which was written in 1982, prohibits any neighboring stores that serve alcohol or specifically offer "strip tease."
In the suit, the store says, "Winn Dixie is a store that promotes and encourages its customers to shop as families, and that as such, minor children are often in Winn Dixie stores."
Local 6 tried to talk to the owners of Pin Ups, but despite the loud music playing inside, no one came to the locked door.
A hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Volusia County Courthouse to determine if Pin Ups can open their doors. However, the fire marshal has to approve recent changes the owners have made inside, which are not up to code.