ANALYSIS
Florida investigates local official for hosting ‘sexualized performance’ with children present
Deputy Mayor Linda Moore claimed that an adults-only schedule had been set up during which a drag show had been held. However, an image submitted by Moms For Liberty disproved her version.
Linda Moore at a town hall meeting.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation against Vero Beach Vice Mayor Linda Moore for allegedly hosting an event with "sexualized adult performers" for "all ages," which would violate state child protection legislation.
"In Florida, we don't sacrifice the innocence of children for the perversions of some demented adults," Uthmeier maintained in announcing the investigation. "The Office of Statewide Prosecution opened an investigation into this sexualized performance to determine the extent of the content and exposure to children."
Specifically, the prosecutor took aim at an event held at an establishment owned by Moore, a bar called Kilted Mermaid, during LGBT Pride Month. Held on June 29, the prosecution claims there is evidence that there were "sexualized" performers dressed in "revealing attire and burlesque outfits" interacting with children.
In a subpoena issued by Uthmeier's office, the state prosecutor's office summons the deputy mayor to testify. It also requires her to bring with her material to continue the investigation, such as security camera videos of the event, employee work schedule records, contracts or any other documents about the performers and guests.
Adults-only schedule?
As VOZ was able to verify, a flyer promoting the event claimed "all ages welcome." Also, unlike flyers from previous years, this year's flyer did not state an adults-only schedule. "After 6:00 PM, this event is for ages 18 and up," reads one from 2024, clarifying that ID will be required. Another 2022 clarifies that after 7 p.m., the event will be for adults only.
The official did assure later at a town hall meeting that first there was a show for the whole family and then one for adults only: "The show was family-friendly until the drag show started," she said in words collected by the local media outlet TCPalm.
An image featured in the first report of the event would, however, disprove this claim.
Invitations to Kilted Marmaid's Pride.
The 2025 flyer was one of the pieces submitted by Jennifer Pippin, of the activist organization Moms For Liberty, to ask state authorities to investigate the event.
In her request, made the day after the event, she also included videos from the establishment itself that prove the presence of at least one minor during a drag show, contrary to Moore's claims:
Jennifer Pippin video screenshot
"I know certain performances held at this venue fall under the scope of adult live performances as defined by SB 1438 any have been accessible to minors," Pippin wrote in a letter that she shared publicly. Although the attorney general’s office did not allude to her complaint in opening the inquiry, Pippin linked it to the opening of the investigation, celebrating the latter in the same post announcing the legal action.
Is the event imputable?
However, the rule is blocked, at least temporarily. In 2023, a federal judge suspended it. This year, an appeals court upheld his ruling, saying the law was too broad and vague. The courts are still sorting out its legality.
Consulted by NBC News, Pippin said she was unaware of the blocking of the law, but had been assured by the attorney general's office that other state regulations prohibited similar events.
In its announcement of the investigation, the attorney general's office did not specify what rule the event would be in violation of, but did say that the appearance of "sexualized performers in front of children" was a violation. "Florida law protects children from sexualization," said.
A divided community
The Moms For Liberty activist called to attend a town hall meeting this Tuesday to call for the deputy mayor's resignation. "Just show up and have your voice heard!" she argued, "No drag queen or stripping shows with minors present! We have to be a strong voice for the children!!!!!"
Democrats in Indian River County, where Vero Beach is located, also called for the assembly, though with a very different goal: "City Council Member Linda Moore is under attack by Moms for Liberty for hosting drag performers at her privately owned business," they wrote on Facebook. "Let’s show up and make it clear: We support free speech, artistic expression, and fair representation."
According to TCPalm, there were voices both for and against Moore. Pippin reportedly not only called for her removal, but also for her to lose her liquor license. No decision was made by the authorities.
"As far as I am concerned, I am proud of our gay-pride events," said Moore in his turn, who is due to defend herself again before the district attorney's office in early August.
Access the Florida attorney general’s subpoena
Citation to Linda Moore by Santiago Adolfo Ospital
Santiago-Adolfo Ospital.
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