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2 Jacksonville businesses to set up in Old City Hall By Kevin Opsahl Updated: Oct 14, 2022 04:43 PM A A Country Quilts [Facebook photo] Two downtown Jacksonville businesses that suffered smoke damage from a fire at Las Palmas Mexican Cuisine last month have been offered temporary use of the Old City Hall building to sell their inventory. Country Quilts and Trotting Fox Boutique, both located on California Street, plan to move into the historical facility at 205 W. Main St., in the near future, possibly in November. “They just came over, bless their hearts,” said Debbie Carruthers, owner of Country Quilts, referring to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Bowen, who approached her with an agreement. “They’ve really got behind us, and it’s just been wonderful. We’ve just had the best results.” Helena Lopez, owner and founder of Trotting Fox, was ecstatic over the news. “The holiday season is such a big season, and to team up with Country Quilts, I think, is just fantastic,” Lopez said. The decision to let the two businesses use the historical building came together after Bowen and City Administrator Jeff Alvis “put our heads together to determine how best we could help these businesses get back on their feet.” “I don’t feel like I did anything special. I just feel like, ‘Hey, this is needed; let’s just do it,’” Bowen said. Some details, including when Trotting Fox and Country Quilts can use Old City Hall and for how long, are still being worked out. But what Lopez and Carruthers do know is they intend to have a discount sale once they move into Old City Hall. “We’re going to be having what we call pretty much a ‘smokin’ hot fire sale,’” Lopez said with a laugh. She said people who come will get “great deals for the holidays,” especially because products will be washed before being sold. “You add a little lavender with it; it should remove any smoke residue,” Lopez said, referring to the advice she got from people, including insurance experts. “Then, you have something really nice for a great price.” Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.