Perspective: Former worker warns against 'adult' businesses

Perspective: Former worker warns against 'adult' businesses



GLORIA DANVERS
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 08/26/07


I have been reading for days with some amusement the furor created at the thought of an adult entertainment zone.

For those that don't know, adult entertainment is live theater, concerts, sporting events, art shows.

There is nothing "adult" about a strip joint, or "gentlemanly" about a gentleman's club. These places exist completely and solely to pander to sexual titillation.

Don't try to dress up this business with a happy little euphemism like, "adult entertainment" so that you can skate by the general public, who, for the most part, have no idea what goes on there. It is the sex industry, pure and simple.

For those of you that say those businesses attract drugs and prostitution, you are absolutely right. This is a hard business, folks.

Could you dance naked night after night, having to deal with propositions from aroused patrons, without drinking or doing some type of drug? Not for long. Particularly when it is being offered to you all night long, in a party atmosphere?

And we are not talking about street smart, savvy together women, we are talking about girls. Girls in their early- to mid-20s. Physically grown up, but inexperienced in the ways that the world can corrupt a person. Being a nude dancer or hustler for tips in a gentleman's club will steal your soul, piece by piece, without you even being aware of it.

The nature of this business demands a supply of young girls and women. St. Augustine is a college town with a low pay scale for most part time jobs. It is a perfect place for a strip club or clubs to operate.

And if there is one, there will be more. Forget about negative publicity. Strip club owners regard that as the best form of advertising you can get!

The real question, folks, is not, where should it be, but why should it be here at all?

All NIMBYs out there, wake and realize, this is a small town. It is your back yard, no matter where it is.

St. Augustine, how do you want to be perceived by the rest of the country? As a historic town, as an artist's town, as a ghost hunting town? As an upscale boating and shopping town? Or as a mini Orlando with it's own little Orange Blossom Trail?

Every person who lives here, has a business here, or owns property here should get on the phone, write letters and get heard on this issue. Your city commissioners are trying to pull a fast one on you.

St. Augustine does not need "adult entertainment." If someone wants to go see naked girls and get lap dances, let them go to Jacksonville or Daytona.

For those of you who don't believe what I am saying, I worked in this industry for years in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. I know what I am talking about. What I am writing today is only a very small part of the reality of "adult entertainment"

Forget "The Zone," just say no, period.



Gloria Danvers worked in the adult entertainment industry for about 10 years including time as a dancer, bartender and club manager. She is owner of Tool Box Goddess on San Marco Avenue.