Planning & Zoning board recommends approval for Suite 3 event venue on West McNabb Road

The Planning & Zoning Board on the evening moved to recommend approval of SEU-2502, allowing a banquet hall (Suite 3) at 7270 West McNabb Road to operate with conditions. Staff described the space as roughly 3,000 square feet with about 125 seats and recommended approval with 10 conditions including a restriction that “alcoholic beverages may only be served at events by a caterer with a license to serve alcohol.”

Applicant Oyinka Coakley told the board she and her husband operate two successful event suites and plan to use licensed bartenders and caterers rather than hold a venue liquor license. “We have had in these 4 years, 0 police calls, 0 noise complaints, 0 code compliant violations,” Coakley said, citing her record at the couple’s existing locations. She said Suite 3 would require only minor cosmetic work and, if approved by commission, could open in about two months.

Board members asked about catering, portable bar setups and decor restrictions; Coakley said clients hire certified, insured bartenders and external caterers, and that she maintains a vetted list of providers. Vice Chair Thomas and staff reiterated that condition 9 addresses alcohol service and that the venue itself would not hold a permanent liquor license. The motion to recommend SEU-2502 with the staff’s 10 conditions passed on the record and will be considered by the City Commission.