Hwy55 - Florence Closed, Mgr. Arrested

 

Four months after the Hwy55 Burgers, Shakes, & Fries closed in Muscle Shoals, the new Florence location on Cloverdale Road is also shuttered. A recent health department rating gave the casual eatery a score of 81, but that wasn't the reason for closing the Lauderdale store.

If you're wondering what happened to their former operator, he's currently in the Lauderdale County Detention Center in lieu of a $606,000.00 bond. Florence Police say 38 year-old Garrett David Wilkins had an inappropriate relationship with a young teen girl. His official charges are:

6 counts of Pornography/Obscene Material

6 counts of Possession of Child Pornography

2nd degree Sexual Abuse

2 counts of Transmitting Obscene Material to a child

Enticing a Child

Electronic Solicitation of a Child

Wilkins had fled to Utah, but was brought back to Florence earlier this week. Considering his charges and bond amount, he may not be flipping any burgers for the next few years at least.

If you're desperate for one of the chain's fast food specialties, the Boaz and Ft. Payne locations remain open.