Florida attorney general targets LGBTQ event over alleged child exposure

In the United States, Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier initiated an investigation into a local restaurant, the Kilted Mermaid, following an LGBTQ Pride event it hosted on June 29, 2025. This event attracted attention due to claims that adult performers, dressed in revealing outfits, performed in the presence of children. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny and newly legislated restrictions concerning minors' exposure to adult performances resulting from the state's Protection of Children Act, which aims to prevent children from attending what are deemed 'adult' shows. Despite ongoing court challenges to this legislation, Uthmeier's office did not specify which laws might have been violated during the Pride event. Subpoenas were issued demanding documentation including guest lists, reservation logs, surveillance footage, and contracts for performers. Vice Mayor Linda Moore, who owns the Kilted Mermaid, defended the event, stating that the first portion was designed to be family-friendly, with the adult content beginning later in the evening. Opposing views have emerged from the community, with some residents supporting the venue's inclusive atmosphere and others criticizing Moore's leadership as vice mayor, claiming it undermines community values. Critics have raised concerns about the event potentially violating state law, which seeks to keep children away from adult performances, a law that remains contentious and partially blocked in court due to claims of overreach against First Amendment rights. The ongoing investigation and resulting controversies reflect a broader national conversation regarding LGBTQ rights, the role of local governance in enforcing state laws, and the cultural dynamics associated with Pride celebrations. For many years, the Kilted Mermaid has hosted Pride events that have been marketed as suitable for families, yet the involvement of adult performers during these events has ignited a political and social firestorm, showcasing the tensions between progressive and conservative values in modern America. This situation highlights the consequences of recent legal battles and the ongoing debates about inclusion, parental rights, and the portrayal of LGBTQ individuals in entertainment and public life. As the inquiry continues, many will be watching closely to see how Uthmeier's office progresses and how the Vero Beach community reconciles the differing opinions and values surrounding such events. The implications of this probe may set precedents for how similar events are handled in Florida and possibly in other states facing similar legislative and societal tensions.