VERO BEACH — Vice Mayor Linda Moore is under investigation by the Office of Statewide Prosecution for hosting a “Pride Tea Dance” last month — at The Kilted Mermaid, a bar she owns — which may have violated state law concerning sexualized performances in front of children.
Attorney General James Uthmeier subpoenaed Moore and The Kilted Mermaid July 8. There is evidence, Uthmeier said in a news release, that Moore advertised the June 29 performance on social media as “all ages welcome.” Featuring adult, sexualized performers in front of children violates state law, he said in the release.
The City Council discussed the issue July 22, hearing public comment both supportive and critical of Moore amid calls for her resignation.
The event consisted of two shows, Moore told the council and residents gathered at City Hall. The first, she said, was a “family friendly,” show, and the second was a drag show. Prior to the start of the second show, children were prohibited from the premises, according to Moore.
“The show was family-friendly until the drag show started. If you are going to ask for me to resign, it’s not going to happen.”
“In Florida, we don’t sacrifice the innocence of children for the perversions of some demented adults,” Uthmeier said in the release. Florida law protects children from sexualization, according to the release, and there is “evidence that at the event sexualized adult performers wore revealing attire and burlesque outfits while interacting with the children.”
Uthmeier did not specify which laws he believed had been broken.
Public Comment
Of the 25 people who spoke at the meeting, 18 were supportive of Moore.
“We are lucky to have Linda Moore and Kilted Mermaid in Vero Beach,” said Barbara Ruddy, the first person to speak. “There is a place for everyone at Linda’s table, and she is an asset to the community.
“If Alma Lee Loy were here, she would say the same,” added Ruddy.
Jennifer Pippen, Indian River County chair of Moms for Liberty, voiced the position that Moore should be off the City Council and have additional sanctions. Pippen first called for Moore’s resignation June 30 on Facebook.
“Her behavior has crossed a line, and she should be held accountable,” argued Pippin during the meeting. “She should lose her liquor license and be removed from office.”
The council took no formal action regarding Moore.
“As far as I am concerned, I am proud of our gay-pride events,” said Moore. “Everyone who attended was kind, and the room was filled with unmitigated joy.”
Subpoena details
In his subpoena, Uthmeier demands a number of items from Moore and The Kilted Mermaid relating to the “Pride Tea Dance” and to operation of the bar, including:
Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach Vice Mayor Moore under investigation for hosting “sexualized’ performance
Reporting by Nick Slater, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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