Doral bar reopens with a fundraiser for child of the employee killed in mass shooting
A Doral bar that has been shut down since a deadly mass shooting earlier this month reopens Thursday with a night where all profits will go to the toddler daughter of a murdered security guard.
Everlyn Marie Castellanos is 14 months old. Her father, 23-year-old George Castellanos, was the first person shot and killed at Martini Bar in CityPlace Doral.
Though its illegal in Florida to carry a gun at nightclubs, Miami-Dade police say Jamal Wood, 37, shot Castellanos dead when the security guard tried to defuse an quarrel between he and another person at the bar, 3450 NW 83rd Ave.
When Doral officers arrived, Miami-Dade police say, they shot and killed Wood, who shot one of the Doral officers in the leg. Amid the gunfire, six other people were shot at the bar, including a husband and father who was intubated at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.
Other than giving the net proceeds from the night to Castellanos’ daughter, it’ll be a normal Thursday at Martini Bar: open at 7 p.m., close at 3 a.m. Friday, standard food and drink menu.
“We’re trying to maximize the fundraising event for the benefit of George’s daughter,” Martini Bar co-owner Louis J. Terminello said Wednesday. “We hope everybody comes out and shows support for the family.”
The most obvious question about the first night reopening after nine people were shot and two killed at the bar concerns security.
“It’s important to note that this is the first incident like this at any Martini Bar location in 30-plus years,” Terminello underscored via email.
“Martini Bar is significantly strengthening our already thorough security protocols by utilizing metal detector wands, enhancing our pat-down procedures and training, and increasing the number of security personnel, as well as other additional security measures.”
On the night of the shooting, Terminello also asserted: “I can confirm that pat downs absolutely took place, contrary to false reports.”
Miami Herald staff writer Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report.
