HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Paradise Ocean Club reopened Wednesday for the first time since 2022, and people were ready to come back in.

By lunch time, several dozen had staked their claim on the beach, umbrellas covered tables and cabanas. Jimmy Buffett was on the speakers and frozen drinks were being served.

“It’s very satisfying to finally get back, get open, and at least be going down the path to keeping the business up,” Baxter Simmons, owner of Paradise Ocean Club, said.

Physically, not too much has changed on the club’s sprawling grounds that was originally the officer’s club at Fort Monroe. You still have several cornhole sets on the beach, the adult and kids swimming pools and pastel painted snackbar.

However before you even enter the property, you will see several club policies have been made.

The club operated at the site of the former Officers Club at Fort Monroe from May to Labor Day for 10 years, from 2012 to 2022, when its lease was abruptly ended.

A 10 On Your Side investigation found that concerns arose from residents living on Fort Monroe over the conduct of patrons of the club. Following a June 2022 non-fatal shooting outside the club, operations were temporarily suspended in the early evening hours.

Simmons said at the time that he couldn’t help but think that the club’s popularity with the young African American community has something to do with the decision to let the club’s original lease end.

The club has a maximum capacity of 1,000 people. Previously there was no capacity limit. Cabana rentals are available, and there will also be live band performances. There will also no longer be access for boats from the bay.

Looking toward the future, the owner wants the club to be a family-friendly environment.

“We have run a good business that has a ton of support,” Simmons said in 2023. “Obviously, people want us to be here.”

However, a neighbor who’s lived in the area for 30 years said no matter the changes the owner makes, he won’t be a fan of the venue.

“Trouble in the making,” said Carlos Sheppard. “I mean, I don’t see it being too much different from the previous year that it was open. It’s like you get a bunch of people together with alcohol and heat. You’re going to have problems.”