A temporary injunction has been granted to halt a golf cart repair and resale business operating out of a Village of Sanibel home. Charles Abisalih, who owns a home at 834 Journey Lane, had been running the business sporadically since 2016. The county is also pursuing a permanent injunction to permanently shut down the business, along with a $50 daily fine, damages, and attorney’s fees.
In February, Sumter County Attorney Jennifer Rey was authorized by commissioners to seek the temporary injunction. Neighbors of Abisalih were issued subpoenas to testify at the hearing, including Karen Walz, Charles Walz, Edward Hannan, Martha Sprung, Patricia Bigler, Thomas Cruise, and Theresa Marks. A summons was also issued for a spouse and associates of Abisalih, although he claimed to live alone and be unmarried.
The business was said to cause traffic, encroachment, blockages of safe passage, and other nuisances in the residential neighborhood. Neighbors had previously reported seeing a dozen or more golf carts parked in Abisalih’s driveway and on the street. Rey’s complaint detailed the numerous unsuccessful attempts made by the county and The Villages to close down the business over the past eight years. Despite these efforts
