If you've never been to Daytona or hung out with the NASCAR Northeast Modified set, you might not be familiar with the Shark Lounge in Daytona. For many years it was the unofficial headquarters gathering spot of northeast racers, replete with its tank of live sharks.
The establishment advertised heavily in such trade papers as Val Lesieur's now defunct Speedway Scene and often sponsored several modifieds at New Smyrna as well as picking up a late sponsorship on race morning for unsponsored ARCA, Twins, 300 and Daytona 500 entrants. You may remember seeing cars at Daytona over the years with the shark on their quarter panels.
Looks like the place has become even more unsavory than I recall. Wonder if that Daytona Police Chief is kin to the Speedway president?
Daytona police raid Shark Lounge
charge drug sales, prostitution commonplace
By CHRIS GRAHAM
Staff writer, Daytona Beach News-Journal
March 1, 2012 7:55 AM
DAYTONA BEACH -- Police raided a beachside strip club late Wednesday after a 14-month investigation found the establishment was a hotbed for drug activity and prostitution, the city's police chief said.
"Hopefully we can put this den of iniquity out of business," Police Chief Mike Chitwood said as he stood outside the Shark Lounge at 730 E. International Speedway Blvd. "If I was a roach I wouldn't live inside it."
Police began their undercover investigation of the Shark Lounge in 2010 after authorities suspected drugs were being exchanged inside, Chitwood said. Officers swarmed the business about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Undercover officers were able to identify 12 individuals who made about 20 drug transactions during the course of the investigation. Chitwood said the suspects include dancers, bartenders and patrons.
Chitwood said dancers at the bar also were soliciting prostitution and taking their customers into the backroom of the establishment and to local motels.
Shortly before the raid, two dancers were arrested for soliciting undercover officers, the chief said. One of the dancers was paid $250. Before they were about to leave, she handed the money to a barmaid who then secured the cash.
Chitwood said that showed this was normal occurrence.
"Everybody in here knows what's going on," he said.
Authorities also arrested a man who was performing a sex act on himself inside the club. Chitwood said the man was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct.
Chitwood said more information will be released today.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 04/02/17 10:14:01AM