I wonder if he just wanted to get out of the limelight for a while especially while under his parole restrictions. Furthermore, he probably wanted to make sure that it was safe to return with all of the Scarfo guys back. I guess if that's the case it could indicate that the family is operating on peaceful terms Either with some sort of understanding or they are kicking up a portion or they're just being allowed to operate autonomously. Either way shows that all the factions have figure out how to coexist and operate together on the streets. Finally, he could have also legitimately outlasted his welcome down there. Wouldn't surprise me if all that Merlino's restaurant stuff and cars and jets was just a big scam on be Stein guy or even others. Milk the suckers for all they can and then get out... Classic mob scheme. Either way, will be very interesting to see Joey back in the mix back up here in Philly. One of the other Philly posters mentioned in another thread that "a certain someone" was opening a cigar lounge of sorts on Passyunk Ave or something like that? Kinda reminds me of Avenue Cafe of the early 90s. Anyways, should be interesting times ahead if this actually does come to fruition... Also wonder if Joey is leaving behind any kind of established crew down there or if he was just doing he whole "if I'm going to be down here waiting out parole and keeping the heat away, then might as well milk a few suckers while I'm at it" sort of thing?

Also don't forget that GR reported a couple months back that some people in Philly weren't happy that Merlino was spending so much time in Florida.

That's what I felt his plan was. Stay in Flordia while on parole to keep LE at bay, take advantage of the mob groupies and wannabes while he's on parole and spend more and more time in Philly as the heat dies down. If that's the case, he planned it out pretty well.

Florida is the real suckers they spent millions babysitting Skinny !!

yea but when STIEN sells the restaurant who gets the $400,000 or whatever he gets for it.. It is his I believe .. I know if I were him now I would take that money and pay off all his expenses.. and keep all the rest.. say goodbye joey.

Now he is only been here a couple of times..in those times he went out he was around two altercations we know of... this guy is gonna back to jail.. You can read an see it.. But if I ever see any of him or his guys around I wont givem one inch.. im clubbing someone.. I know what ray wags looks like an that's a(fat meatball).. I cant believe people follow him around.. Ray was a marine too. Some of em must really have a problem finding women or something.. or they could be gay also.. Yea he stepps on too many toes it aint gonna be no nightlife fight.. He is gonna catch one in the back of the head if not back up the hill.

If you aren't giving your liver a break today you might need a program buddy

A marine too?I know many Marines none of which would bitch and moan constantly someone they could easily find and get face to face with brother if you are a marine u have the training to put one in back of his head and get away with it so put down the Schlitz, step away from the comp and make your move.e everyone from there knows SP and Shore ain't that damn big. Fourth weekend just past he coulda easily been found in Margate I know wags def not hard to find either.

Did anybody actually believe that Merlino's restaurant would succeed? $2 million went into it from outside investors...and whoever those investors were needed their heads examined. Joey Merlino wasn't John Gotti or Carlo Gambino. Being a gang leader vs. The Don of a major mob family are two different things. Plus, it's 2016, not 1986

Lol marine talks real stupid,heh?