Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a subpoena to Vero Beach Vice Mayor Linda Moore, prompting an investigation into allegations that a “Pride Tea Dance” event held at her bar, Kilted Mermaid, exposed children to sexualized content by adult performers. According to the press release from the attorney general’s office, the inquiry centers on the event, which included ‘sexualized adult performers wearing revealing attire and burlesque outfits while interacting with the children.’ The subpoena requires Moore and the Kilted Mermaid to produce documents by August 8, 2025, and includes surveillance footage, performance details, and attendee information. Moore, who co-owns the bar with her husband, Rick Norry, has publicly stated that the event is family-friendly and that ‘there’s never nudity at any drag show,’ though the drag performance becomes more risqué once children are removed. Her stance has drawn both support and criticism, with some arguing for the right to free expression and others expressing concerns about child safety in such events. The attorney general’s office has emphasized its commitment to protecting children, stating, ‘In Florida, we don’t sacrifice the innocence of children for the perversions of some demented adults.’ The case highlights broader tensions over the boundaries of free speech and public safety in the context of LGBTQ+ events.
Moore’s defense of the event has garnered attention, particularly as the bar continues to host a “Drag Queen Bingo” event later this month, with social media posts specifying it is ’18+’ in an effort to limit access to adults. The subpoena underscores the legal and ethical dilemmas faced by organizers of public events, particularly those involving minors. While Moore’s position aligns with the broader conservative narrative on family values and child protection, the investigation has also sparked debates about the role of local governance in regulating community activities. As the case unfolds, it may set a precedent for how similar events are handled in the future, particularly in balancing public safety with the right to free expression. The attorney general’s office has maintained its position, reiterating its focus on protecting children from what it describes as inappropriate adult activities. The situation remains under intense scrutiny, with both political and social implications for the Vero Beach community and beyond.