The vice mayor of Vero Beach, Florida, is facing mounting pressure and a state investigation after hosting an LGBTQ event at her restaurant last month. Vice Mayor Linda Moore, who owns the Kilted Mermaid, has been subpoenaed by the Florida Attorney General’s office. The investigation stems from a June 29 event advertised as a “Pride Tea Dance” — described online as “all ages welcome” and “rooted in LGBTQ+ history.”
Attorney General James Uthmeier alleges,
“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…In Florida, we don’t sacrifice the innocence of children for perversions of some demented adults.”
Moore denies any wrongdoing and says the event has taken place for five years without issue.
“Gay pride is all ages to a certain point in the evening…Perhaps it shouldn’t have said ‘all ages’ on the flyer.”
Despite calls for her resignation, Moore told a packed city meeting,
“No, I’m not resigning. Not going to happen. I love this job.”
Supporters say the backlash is politically driven and part of a larger attack on LGBTQ visibility. Meanwhile, the Florida law banning children from adult live performances remains blocked by federal courts — with critics calling it vague and unconstitutional. Moore is due in court August 8. 67% of voters in Vero Beach voted for Governor Ron Desantis in 2022.
