It's a busy day on the green at Wildwood Country Club, despite news that the state could revoke the club's liquor license. Those swinging the club fear it could hurt business.

Barbara Ringelberg and her husband golf at Wildwood at least once a week and say if the club suffers, so will Wakulla County.
"I hope it doesn't happen just because if this course gets shut down we don't have any alternative other than Tallahassee and they're a lot higher so you don't play, cost wise," said Ringelberg.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed the complaint Wednesday afternoon, accusing Wildwood Golf Operations LLC of violating three liquor laws, all of which directly or indirectly involve Sheriff David Harvey's interest in the club.

Fred Conrad, David Harvey's attorney, says while he doesn't represent the club, he knows the case well and is familiar with the facts. Conrad thinks Wildwood is in the right, but its future could be at stake.

"They'll win, they'll ultimately win this. What I'm afraid of is that the government is going to run them into bankruptcy in the process of targeting them," said Conrad.

The club's general manager says she will comment on the complaint once she has received it and has time to read it over.

Wildwood has 21 days to enter a settlement agreement, request an informal hearing, or a formal hearing to try to have the complaint dismissed or the penalty reduced. During this time period the club can serve alcohol.
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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has been investigating a complaint that was filed this past spring and their findings have found three charges against Wildwood Golf LLC.

"Any violation under beverage law of a state law the license company can be held responsible for. One of the charges is that by Sheriff Harvey's having an interest in that company, all of the corporate officers were violating the beverage law," said Jenn Meale with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The first charge says the LLC failed to disclose the interest of a
another company which Sheriff Harvey was part of. The second is for violating Florida statute, which says a Sheriff cannot have an interest in the business that sells alcohol. The third charge is against the operation for lying on an application by neglecting to mention the Sheriff's involvement.

"The department does feel that they're serious and that's why the administrative complaint contains revocation. Two of the charges involve an undisclosed interest, not disclosing another company's interest in Wildwood Golf Operations," said Jenn Meale, with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.