Pave Jemison's To Put Up Parking Lot

The tackling continues over the county's lease on Jemison's Bait and Tackle Shop on Dauphin Island Parkway.

Jemison's lease expires in 4 years but Harry Jemison is being told to get off the property just South of Alabama Port by October. The shop has been there since the 1980's.

The county wants to build public boat ramps and a fishing pier. Commissioner Mike Dean says the spot where the bait shop is now will be turned into a parking lot.

Jemison has a growing list of supporters who believe the bait shop should get to stay. Many of them showed up at Government Plaza to ask the commissioners to reconsider.

Dean says Jemison knew this time would come. "I'm not a picking on Mr. Jemison. Eight year ago, saying look Harry I will renew your lease with a 90 day exit clause. Instead of doing that we give him 9 months and we might even give him more."

The county is considering giving Jemison an extension on that October deadline.

Mobile County will use 2 million in grant money to improve the waterfront. That money comes from oil and gas taxes and must be spent on improving coastal areas that don't include private businesses.