Investigation Launched Against Vero Beach's Vice Mayor Over Pride Event

Florida Attorney General investigates Vero Beach Vice Mayor Linda Moore over an LGBTQ Pride event amid concerns of child exposure.
Florida Attorney General investigates Vero Beach Vice Mayor Linda Moore over an LGBTQ Pride event amid concerns of child exposure. (Symbolbild/MF)

Vero Beach, Florida - In a striking turn of events, the Kilted Mermaid restaurant in Vero Beach, owned by Vice Mayor Linda Moore, is under scrutiny following a controversial LGBTQ Pride event that took place on June 29. The investigation, led by Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier, has prompted a subpoena for various records associated with the event, which was touted as „all ages welcome“ and labeled a „Pride Tea Dance.“ Uthmeier claims the event featured „adult, sexualized performers in front of children,” raising alarms about potential violations of state law.

Authorities are seeking an array of documents, including guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance footage, and contracts identifying the performers involved. Moore is set to appear in a Tampa courtroom on August 8 to address the state’s inquiries. In response to the mounting pressure, she has firmly stated her intention not to resign from her position, asserting at a public meeting, „No, I’m not resigning. Not going to happen. I love this job,“ despite calls for her resignation fueled by the investigation.

Backing and Backlash

Moore has hosted this Pride event for five years without incident, but recent developments have ignited a fierce debate in the community. Supporters of Moore argue that the backlash against her and the Kilted Mermaid seems politically charged, aimed at undermining LGBTQ+ representation. The investigation was prompted by a formal complaint lodged by Jennifer Pippin of Moms for Liberty Indian River County, who believes Moore should be removed from office.

The Florida Protection of Children Act—often referred to as the “drag show ban”—which was championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and seeks to penalize venues for allowing children into „adult live performances,“ casts a long shadow over this incident. While the legislation does not explicitly mention drag shows, its implications have sparked widespread legal challenges. A notable case involved the Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Orlando, which argued that the law violated First Amendment rights. This claim received backing from a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a lower court’s injunction against the law, sending it back for further trial consideration.

Upcoming Events and Community Reactions

In light of this turmoil, the Kilted Mermaid is already promoting another LGBTQ+ event scheduled for July 27, which will be restricted to attendees 18 years and older. The situation has created a cacophony of opinions within the community, reflecting a broader national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and societal norms. As the Kilted Mermaid faces its moment in the spotlight, Vero Beach finds itself at the intersection of pride, politics, and public outcry, raising pressing questions about inclusion, freedom of expression, and the future of LGBTQ+ events in Florida.

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