Charges dropped against Pinellas Park business owner for violating ‘safer-at-home’ order

Charges have been dropped against Galen Wood for violating the ‘safer-at-home’ order.

Wood owns Kitchen Table Games on 66th Street North in Pinellas Park. He faced charges of operating a non-essential business and traveling to operate a non-essential business.

According to deputies, they were called to the 36-year-old's business five times, between April 3 and April 16, due to complaints and tips that the store was open and social distancing guidelines were not being followed. Wood was issued a warning on each occasion, the sheriff's office said.

RELATED Owner of Pinellas Park card game business arrested for violating 'safer-at-home' order

When deputies conducted a non-essential business compliance check at Kitchen Table Games on April 16, they said they watched employees and customers interact inside the store.

Deputies said they made contact with Wood, who they say refused to close up shop, so they took him into custody.

RELATED Pinellas Park business temporarily closes after owner arrested for violating 'safer-at-home' order

According to Wood’s attorney Anthony Sabatini, Wood was the first Floridian to be arrested for opening a “non-essential” business.  

On April 30, the state attorney’s office issued a statement saying that they conducted an investigation and the facts and circumstances revealed do not warrant prosecution at this time.