Florida Club Cancels Rick Ross Concert, Beefs Up Security
A week after a bloody shooting left five people injured during a rap concert, Gainsville, FL nightclub 238 West is tightening security while its manager is postponing shows indefinitely.
Word is two dozen guards patrolled the venue as roughly 600 patrons enjoyed themselves this past Saturday (July 8). Sean Grant, 238 West's manager, said the recent shooting caused him to beef up security. Last week, a shooting took place when Slip-N-Slide artist Plies' microphone was cut off early to make room for Lil' Boosie's set. Following the shooting, Plies was taken to the Alachua County Jail and released on a $50,000 bond the next day.
"Now everyone, it doesn't matter if you're an artist or a guest, everyone gets searched," Grant told the Gainsville Sun. "Even the security guards are checked before the night begins."
Rick Ross was slated to perform Saturday, but the event was cancelled indefinitely. Instead of the show, the venue hosted a regular party night and a University of Florida fraternity.
"I don't feel safe doing any shows any time soon," Grant revealed. "We need to get our security in place."
Among new security measures, the club will pat down and check artists and patrons for weapons. They will also provide performers with sound equipment to prevent the smuggling of weapons during the stage set up, according to Corey Smith, 238 West's promoter.
In addition to the club's increased security, the Gainsville Police Department added six patrols to the standard eight patrols downtown Saturday night.
"In light of the shooting, we are reassuring everyone that it's safe and they can enjoy themselves in a safe environment," offered Gainesville Police Lt. Wayne Ash.
Aside from an underage woman being arrested for drinking and resisting arrest, the evening went without a hitch.
Word is two dozen guards patrolled the venue as roughly 600 patrons enjoyed themselves this past Saturday (July 8). Sean Grant, 238 West's manager, said the recent shooting caused him to beef up security. Last week, a shooting took place when Slip-N-Slide artist Plies' microphone was cut off early to make room for Lil' Boosie's set. Following the shooting, Plies was taken to the Alachua County Jail and released on a $50,000 bond the next day.
"Now everyone, it doesn't matter if you're an artist or a guest, everyone gets searched," Grant told the Gainsville Sun. "Even the security guards are checked before the night begins."
Rick Ross was slated to perform Saturday, but the event was cancelled indefinitely. Instead of the show, the venue hosted a regular party night and a University of Florida fraternity.
"I don't feel safe doing any shows any time soon," Grant revealed. "We need to get our security in place."
Among new security measures, the club will pat down and check artists and patrons for weapons. They will also provide performers with sound equipment to prevent the smuggling of weapons during the stage set up, according to Corey Smith, 238 West's promoter.
In addition to the club's increased security, the Gainsville Police Department added six patrols to the standard eight patrols downtown Saturday night.
"In light of the shooting, we are reassuring everyone that it's safe and they can enjoy themselves in a safe environment," offered Gainesville Police Lt. Wayne Ash.
Aside from an underage woman being arrested for drinking and resisting arrest, the evening went without a hitch.
<< Home