By Terry Vanderheyden
FLAGLER BEACH, Florida, April 19, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A community group comprised of local families has successfully ousted a controversial strip club from their neighbourhood.
“Liquid,” the small town north of Daytona’s only “adult entertainment” facility that had been in operation for only five months, voluntarily closed its doors Tuesday following nightly protests from a neighbourhood family coalition and increasing pressure from city officials.
Flagler Beach residents, who had formed a non-profit corporation called United Families of Flagler with the goal of ousting Liquid from the community, formed a nightly picket line at the club.
Local homeowner and president of United Families, Warren Sanson, told the Daytona Beach News Journal, “This is to me, a prime example of when a group of common citizens get together that they can bring about great change, if it’s something they really believe in. I know people will disagree with me,” he added, “but they just picked the wrong neighborhood.”
The club also faced the possibility of fire code violations, according to Flagler County’s chief fire inspector, Alex Stevenson. Since one of five owners voluntarily turned in the club’s business licence Tuesday, any pending fines would be dropped, he said. The city said it would be difficult for the owners to resume their former business, as the zoning for the location has changed to commercial-tourist, which does not allow for strip clubs.