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The Tides Blames Palace Sunday Drag Shows for Failing
Business and Forces Shut-down
***Updated - February 23, 2010 ---Today at the public hearing with the Miami Beach Planning Committee the Palace was granted a conditional use permit that allows the drag performances on Sundays. The Palace and the Committee agreed for the shows to take place between 11:30am and 3pm and then again from 6:30pm to 9:30pm with alterations during Winter Party weekend and Pride Weekend. HOWEVER, the Committee made a point to note that if in 60 days the Palace and the Tides aren't getting along and more complaints are lodged against the Palace by the Tides, they will have a difficult time granting the permit to the Palace. In essence, if the Tides wants, in 60 days they can complain and complain and in the end, win. The Palace is on borrowed time- 60 days to be exact. ***Updated - February 19, 2010 --- At a public hearing on Tuesday February 23rd at 1:45 p.m., the Miami Beach Planning Committee will approve or deny Palace the right to continue their 20 year old drag show. The meeting will be held at Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive, third floor. Show up to provide support.
***Updated - February 2, 2010
--- Sunday January 31st, The Palace defied the
Miami Beach, FL – January 29, 2009 ---The Palace goes to battle once again over
According to reports, The Palace’s management has repeatedly tried to compromise with The Tides managers; however, they are unwilling to negotiate. The latest reports reveal that Mayor Bower as well as other Miami Beach City officials are aware of the situation and are seeking a resolution. Ivan Cano, General Manager of the Palace released a statement of appreciation for the support for The Palace by the community. According to Cano, “I had the honor of meeting with Mayor Matti Bower, and some Miami Beach City Officials, to discuss the issue at hand. As always, her heart goes out to the gay community and we have her full support in this matter”. He continued, “I will be consulted in how to move forward in the next 24-48hr. But as of now, the shows are on hold until further notice”. In Ivan Cano’s statement the public can show its support by “emailing Mayor Matti Bower at mayorbower@miamibeachfl.gov with your thoughts on why it is important to keep this 22-year long tradition alive for us, the community, and the tourists”. This is not the first time The Palace has had their drag shows halted. In November of 2008 Morris Sunshine complained about the noise of the shows which sparked a firestorm media frenzy. At the City Planning meeting, Sunshine rambled on and on about specific decibel levels and how to measure them which had nothing to do with drag shows. Sunshine’s complaint baffled everyone, even himself we think. You can voice your support by writing to your
city commissioners: ***UPDATE- January 30 After working with the Mayor and the Miami Beach City Commission, Palace will be holding a 14 hour Drag Marathon Sunday January 31 at 7 A.M. Palace is hoping that they get support from the whole community by wearing a wig for “glamming it up” until 9 P.M. <Click image to the right to enlarge> |
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order
to halt their drag shows. With the Palace and sidewalks filled
to capacity, Mayor Matti Bower took to the microphone in support of
the establishment. Mayor Bower stated that "you really have
the power with me there" in reference to her being Mayor. She
concluded her statement to the crowd with "I love you and many
people here love you". Afterwards, code compliance did show up
and reports from those on the scene, several citations and fines
were issued, with warning that if The Palace had any more shows they
would "arrest all of the employees and all of the customers".
Also according to reports from those that attended, the managers
told the police "Mayor Bower said that we are allowed to do the
shows" and the police said "The Mayor does not know what she is
doing".
their
22-year tradition of drag shows.
