Florida Vice Mayor Subpoenaed Over “Pride Tea Dance”

Vero Beach, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has subpoenaed Vice Mayor Linda Moore, co-owner of the Kilted Mermaid, over a June 29 all-ages drag show that reportedly featured sexually explicit entertainment in front of children. The event, labeled a “Pride Tea Dance,” was promoted as family-friendly but quickly drew the attention of state officials after footage and firsthand accounts began circulating.

Now, as Moore faces mounting legal pressure, she’s gone on the offensive—posting to Facebook with unverified and inflammatory claims that a local Moms for Liberty chapter chair engaged in a mail fraud scheme. According to Moore’s post, sex toys were allegedly mailed to Indian River County commissioners and Vero Beach City Council members using her business’s return address, with no postage, in what she describes as an attempt to discredit her.

However, no one of credible standing has substantiated Moore’s claim, and many locals believe this is a desperate political stunt. The timing raises eyebrows, especially since Moore recently promoted a GoFundMe campaign to fund her legal defense, suggesting her latest accusation may be an attempt to gain sympathy and energize donors.

AG Targets Adult Content at All-Ages Event

The subpoena issued by AG Uthmeier demands Moore turn over:

• Surveillance video from inside and outside the venue

• Performer contracts and booking information

• Guest lists, ticket sales, and reservation logs

• Employee schedules

• Security and age verification procedures

Moore claims the more provocative portions of the show didn’t begin until later in the event and insisted that “there was no nudity.” But the AG’s office says the performers' attire and conduct may have violated Florida’s Protection of Children Act—legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that prohibits adult live performances in front of minors.

Although the law is currently blocked by a federal judge, enforcement actions remain active, particularly in high-profile or repeat-offender cases. Moore is required to comply with the subpoena by August 8, 2025, and appear before the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County.

Pattern of Questionable Behavior

This isn’t Moore’s first brush with controversy. In 2022, she was reportedly involved in soliciting used and new sex toys from the public for an alleged “art project” at her bar—a move many saw as inappropriate, especially given her status as an elected official. With that history in mind, the latest event, promoted as suitable for all ages, has renewed criticism from parents and family advocacy groups across the state.

Her sudden escalation against a well-known Moms for Liberty leader—an organization nationally recognized for its stance on parental rights and transparency in education—is being seen by many as political deflection, not whistleblowing.

Political Fallout Building

Moore’s decision to use her official status and business to host events that blur the lines between adult entertainment and public inclusivity is now under a magnifying glass. The AG’s office appears determined to send a clear message: elected officials are not exempt from scrutiny or legal accountability when it comes to protecting children.

As the case unfolds, it’s likely to further energize parental rights advocates, fuel debate around local leadership in Vero Beach, and test how far activist officials can push their agenda before the law—or the public—pushes back.