Vero Beach, Fla. (AP) – Florida’s statewide prosecutors made a sound through records from a popular restaurant after hosting an LGBTQ Pride event last month, and the prosecutor’s office said that “adult” performances that restrict “adult” performances that restricted “adult” performances have been blocked by courts, despite a recent state law that restricted a restriction on venues.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claimed in a statement Tuesday that there were “adult, sex performers in front of children” at the event held by Kilded Mermaid in Vero Beach. His office did not respond to repeated inquiries Tuesday about what laws might be violated.
Subpoena requests a copy list, booking logs, surveillance videos and contracts to identify performers, released earlier this month.
Linda Moore, owner of Kilded Mermaid, is the deputy mayor of Vero Beach, located on the Atlantic coast, 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach. Moore did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls for comments.
The Florida Children Protection Act, also known as the “drag show ban,” was advocated by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. It seeks to punish places that allow children to participate in so-called “live adult performances.” Although there is no particular mention of the Drag show, sponsors of the legislation say it is targeting the performances.
Venues that violate the law face fines and may be suspended or revoked for their alcohol license. An individual may be charged with misdemeanor.
The law was challenged in 2023 by Hamburger Mary’s Restaurant in Orlando, which often hosts drag shows, including family-friendly shows. The restaurant claims Florida law violates First Amendment rights.
In May, a panel of three judges from the 11th Circuit voted 2-1 to support the lower court’s preliminary injunction that describes Florida’s laws being too broad and vague. The case is now back to Central Florida for trial.
