Officials discover meth lab in motel, call for its closure

ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) – Officials are calling for the closure a crime-plagued motel after a meth lab was discovered inside.

The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/1VIISdp ) reports that officials discovered the meth lab Thursday at the Rodeway Inn in Orange Park. It’s the second meth lab discovered at the motel since 2014.

Police Chief Gary Goble says illegal activity continues to occur at the motel. He says whatever the motel’s owner is doing to address the issue hasn’t been working.

The Nuisance Abatement Board recently voted to close down the motel and will meet March 21 for an update on the motel’s compliance with its orders for repairs and renovations.

The motel has filed a countersuit against the town, saying that forcing its closure us unwarranted. Motel attorney Dan Copeland says the motel is trying to prevent future drug activity.