VERO BEACH, Fla. — The vice mayor of Vero Beach faces a state investigation and calls to resign after an LGBTQ+ event was held last month at her restaurant.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted on social media that Vice Mayor Linda Moore, the owner of the Kilted Mermaid, has been subpoenaed.
WATCH BELOW: Vice mayor faces calls to resign amid state investigation over LGBTQ+ event
The subpoena issued earlier this month stems from an event held June 29 at the Kilted Mermaid.
On that date, the bar advertised on Facebook an "all ages welcome" celebration called a "Pride Tea Dance" that was "rooted in LGBTQ+ history."
"In Florida, we don't sacrifice the innocence of children for perversions of some demented adults," Uthmeier said in a news release. "The Office of Statewide Prosecution opened an investigation into this sexualized performance to determine the extent of the content and exposure to children."
The case was filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. Court records show Moore is due in a Tampa courtroom on Aug. 8.
The state is requesting Moore to bring a variety of items to the hearing, including:
In Florida, we don't sacrifice the innocence of children for the perversions of some demented adults.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) July 22, 2025
The Office of Statewide Prosecution opened an investigation into this sexualized performance to determine the extent of the content and exposure to children. pic.twitter.com/FWgKf8y3ib
- "Any and all surveillance video recordings, including but not limited to exterior and interior cameras, covering the premises" of the Kilted Mermaid
- Copies of any and all employee work schedules, timecards, payroll records for employees who worked on June 28-30
- Copies of contracts, agreements, invoices or other documents identifying performers, DJs, entertainers or independent contractors who performed at the Kilted Mermaid on June 29
- Copies of any guest lists, reservation logs, ticket sales records, entry logs or other documents identifying persons admitted to the premises on June 29
- Documents identifying security personnel and door staff who worked on June 29
- Copies of all written policies, procedures, training manuals or guidelines regarding age verification, admission policies, security screening and ID checks
READ THE FULL SUBPOENA BELOW:
VICE MAYOR SAYS SHE WON'T RESIGN
Moore said she's hosted the event for five years without an issue until now.
"Gay pride is all ages to a certain point in the evening. I've stated this again and again and again," Moore said. "Perhaps it shouldn't have said 'all ages' on the flyer."
Moore said she stands by her decision to hold the event and plans to do it again next year.
The controversy spilled into City Hall on Tuesday during a packed public commission meeting. Despite mounting pressure from some residents, Moore said she won't resign as vice mayor.
“No, I’m not resigning,” Moore said the meeting. "Not going to happen. I love this job."
The Kilted Mermaid is promoting another LGBTQ+ event scheduled for July 27, but that is labeled as an 18+ event.
"There is evidence that at the "Pride Tea Dance" on June 29, 2025, sexualized adult performers wore revealing attire and burlesque outfits while interacting with the children," Uthmeier said.
A formal complaint triggered the state investigation.
"I'm happy there's going to be justice for these children," said Jennifer Pippin with Moms for Liberty Indian River County. "If Indian River County needs to set the precedent, so be it."
Pippin said her organization was behind the original complaint and believes Moore should be removed from office.
"We need someone who supports families and children," Pippin said
However, Moore's supporters argue the backlash is politically motivated and rooted in opposition to LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion. Several community members defended her record and accused critics of targeting an openly LGBTQ+ elected official.
FLORIDA LAW CHALLENGED IN COURT
A recent state law that restricts venues from admitting children to "adult" performances has been blocked by courts.
Florida's Protection of Children Act, also known as "the drag show ban," was championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. It sought to punish venues for allowing children into what it called "adult live performances." Though it did not mention drag shows specifically, the sponsor of the legislation said it was aimed at those performances.
Venues that violated the law faced fines and the possibility that their liquor licenses could be suspended or revoked. Individuals could be charged with a misdemeanor crime.
The law was challenged in 2023 by the Hamburger Mary's restaurant in Orlando which regularly hosted drag shows, including family-friendly performances. The restaurant claimed the Florida law violated First Amendment rights by chilling speech.
In May, a three-judge panel for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to back a lower court's preliminary injunction that described Florida's law as overly broad and vaguely written. The case now returns to the Middle District of Florida for trial.
