A Controversial methadone clinic is open for business in Dade County.
County leaders tried to stop Tri-State Treatment from coming to town...but lost the year-long battle.
The pills could be the saving grace for addicts.
And now there's a new place in Dade County where people can get methadone.
Bob Carty, LPN, Tri-State Treatment, "Don't be afraid. If you need help, just call. Call someone. There's help for you."
But some folks think Tri-State Treatment is here to hurt.
The methadone clinic did not get a warm welcome from the community.
Patrick Cannon, Dade Co. Sheriff, "My personal opinion is that, um, this is just one more way to get another drug out there and I'm definitely not for it."
Sheriff Patrick Cannon joins other residents in opposing the clinic.
They made sure county leaders knew their concerns.
Commissioners voted in an ordinance to ban the clinic last March... but owner Melissa Hancock threatened to take the fight to federal court... accusing commissioners of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Melissa Hancock, Tri-State Treatment, "It's not just come in, dose and go. They receive counseling here to help them get back the skills they need to function in society without drugs."
County Executive Ted Rumley says Tri State's a legitimate business.
Ted Rumley, Dade County Executive, "We did everything we could as far as the procedure with the Secretary of State, as far as voicing our opinion, you know, as far as the people that we represent. There was nothing by law that would prevent them from coming in the county."
The clinic's been open for around two weeks... without any problems.
And as county leaders keep an eye out for trouble... with extra patrols... the folks at Tri State say they're focusing on one goal.
Bob Carty, "That's what we're here for, to help."
The clinic wouldn't say how many patients have come in so far... citing confidentiality concerns.
Along with more drugs on the streets of Dade County, opponents worry the clinic will bring increased more traffic to Wildwood.
Tri-State disagrees with those concerns.
