KEY WEST, Fla. (Reuters) - An exotic dancer
will get nearly $20,000 from city officials who moved to shut down her
lap dance parlor in this historically easygoing Florida town known for
its drag clubs and clothing-optional bars.
Key West has agreed to pay Christy Sweet $19,500 to cover legal fees and
lost revenue for her business, Personal Dances, her attorney Richard Wilson
said on Thursday.
The city had granted Sweet an adult entertainment license in 2002 but
revoked it in January 2004, according to federal court documents.
Then four months later, city officials voted to drastically restrict
adult businesses in the town of about 26,000, home to adult-themed festivities
such as the annual Halloween-pegged Fantasy Fest.
Sweet filed a lawsuit in federal court. A judge sided with her and signed
the settlement last month.
Key West city attorney Bob Tischenkel said the city agreed to settle
because "she was going to win."