Photo by Vicki L. George
May 5, 2020
Strive 24 Gym and Salon fined
By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet
Vinny Mifsud, owner of Strive 24 gym in Lakehills, received a citation today for opening his gym and hair salon in violation of Governor Abbott’s executive order to remain closed until May 18.
While the sheriff’s deputy did not come to the gym in person, he told Mifsud by phone that he would receive the citation by email, and Mifsud was informed the penalty would be $1,000 a day for each day he remains open, or 180 days in jail. Mifsud said he will not pay the fine.
“I want Bandera County to lead the way, standing up for our businesses. We can do it carefully,” Mifsud said.
The news of Strive 24 being open reached the FOX News people, who considered it quite a story. Reporter Alejandra Guzman came out and interviewed Mifsud. She also interviewed gym member Kira Newman, who was working out, and Joey Bess, who was getting a haircut in the salon. Her news piece will run on FOX News at 9 p.m. this evening.
Mifsud said he read the U.S. Constitution and called it a beautiful document that protects our rights. He claims no politician, including our governor, should step on our national constitution.
“The constitution evens trumps Trump,” Mifsud said.
Mifsud plans to contest the citation and he believes he has local support to be able to win his case. Further, he said he has never received a stimulus check and he needs to support his family. That is why his facility remains open.
Strive 24 is located at 8500 FM 1283. To show support, call 830-476-7620. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/775214245929618/
While the sheriff’s deputy did not come to the gym in person, he told Mifsud by phone that he would receive the citation by email, and Mifsud was informed the penalty would be $1,000 a day for each day he remains open, or 180 days in jail. Mifsud said he will not pay the fine.
“I want Bandera County to lead the way, standing up for our businesses. We can do it carefully,” Mifsud said.
The news of Strive 24 being open reached the FOX News people, who considered it quite a story. Reporter Alejandra Guzman came out and interviewed Mifsud. She also interviewed gym member Kira Newman, who was working out, and Joey Bess, who was getting a haircut in the salon. Her news piece will run on FOX News at 9 p.m. this evening.
Mifsud said he read the U.S. Constitution and called it a beautiful document that protects our rights. He claims no politician, including our governor, should step on our national constitution.
“The constitution evens trumps Trump,” Mifsud said.
Mifsud plans to contest the citation and he believes he has local support to be able to win his case. Further, he said he has never received a stimulus check and he needs to support his family. That is why his facility remains open.
Strive 24 is located at 8500 FM 1283. To show support, call 830-476-7620. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/775214245929618/