Toucan’s Owner May Lose Restaurant
09/26/08
Mexico Beach, Fla:
A Mexico Beach businessman stands to lose his restaurant, according to federal court documents.
Documents filed in US District Court say Paul G. Francis, owner of Toucan’s Restaurant in Mexico Beach, was arrested last week and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Documents filed Thursday say that Francis’s properties at 812 and 814 Highway 98 are subject to forfeiture. According to the Bay County Property Appraiser’s website, the 2007 value of the restaurant is $1.07 million, while Francis’s home is assessed at approximately $430,000.
Last week, local and state agencies assisted federal investigators with a search warrant at the properties.
Our calls to the US Attorney’s Office for further information were not returned.
Toucan’s remains open. Employees were not able to give any information about the future of the restaurant.