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Updated: 5:48 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008 | Posted: 5:07 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. —
The members told Eyewitness News clothing is actually mandatory for the particular meeting, but inside the gates being clothed puts them in the minority. Off camera, some chamber members told Eyewitness News the venue choice is keeping them away, but discovered many more consider it a favorite annual event.
The sign outside the restaurant welcomes the Kissimmee Osceola Chamber of Commerce, but it's not your ordinary mixer. The venue is the 300-acre Cypress Cove Nudist Resort (see map).
"We make t-shirts too, but I don't think we'll have a big market for 'em there," said chamber member and business owner Mike Gaw.
Gaw admits the location of July's "After Hours" event caught his attention, but in Osceola County there's remarkably little controversy about the long-time nudist resort playing a role in the business community.
"We're always talking about thinking outside the box with the chamber, this would be an experience for them," Gaw said.
The owner of the resort allowed Eyewitness News inside the restaurant where chamber members will meet. Clothing there is mandatory, but visitors can get a tour of the rest of property where clothing is optional, even prohibited in certain areas.
"We started off getting acquainted with the biz community 44 years ago and we've maintained good relations ever since," said resort owner Dean Hadley.
Chamber leaders admit some members might feel uncomfortable attending this particular After Hours, but said Cypress Cove is allowed to participate simply because they volunteered.
"It's a beautiful place to visit and our members enjoy it every year," said Wendy Jeannin, Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber says it averages about 250 people at its monthly After Hours events, but they said they could see as many as 500 at Wednesday night's gathering.
Believe it or not, nudists mean big business in Osceola County. The Cypress Cove Nudist Resort has about 3,000 members and, according to the American Association of Nude Recreation, there are 10,500 nudists across the state.
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