WINTER PARK, Fla.,None — A controversial strip club is reopening in Winter Park. Club Harem off Lee Road is reopening even though some said the city tried to shut it down in the past. The city of Winter Park paid $250,000 to settle a lawsuit with the owners of Club Harem.
The owners claimed the city tried repeatedly to push them out of town by harassing them with unwarranted undercover raids because they didn't want their city associated with a strip club.
City leaders deny that, and said they settled the lawsuit because a fight in court would have cost taxpayers much more than $250,000. But residents feel like they're getting the raw end of the deal.
"It's a huge slap in the face," Winter Park resident Rachel Hannah said. Every time I pass by there, I chuckle to myself I think it's kind of ridiculous, because I'm like, They're using that money to give the place a face lift.
Club Harem already had a license to operate a strip club when Winter Park annexed this property from Orange County years ago. So the city can only snatch that license and rezone this land if this club doesn't open for business 90 consecutive days.
We'll monitor make sure they're following codes, following the law, Winter Park spokesperson Clarissa Howard said.
Residents said a citation every now and then isn't enough, and that they want the club out of town before it starts attracting the bad behavior they used to see outside the old club.
Those on site at the club said they couldn't comment about those concerns. Workers told WFTV that the owners are trying to re-open the club by the end of the month.