Melbourne Public Nudity Code,So No Bum Cheeks in Public

Thongs
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MELBOURNE -- Wearing thongs to Melbourne's beach, local parks or out on the street could cost you $500 and perhaps jail time. Tuesday night, the Melbourne City Council unanimously outlawed super-skimpy swimwear amid a series of new adult entertainment regulations.The legislation established the "Melbourne Public Nudity Code" and added sweeping restrictions on adult establishments, such as exotic clubs and bookstores.During the meeting, a small contingent from the American Association for Nude Recreation in Kissimmee unsuccessfully lobbied council members to delay any nudity decisions. Patricia Orner, a grandmother of eight, said the code unfairly punishes those who enjoy nude sunbathing and "an occasional innocent skinny-dipping in remote areas."Michael Kahn, the lawyer who drafted Melbourne's revised adult laws, said the city has no areas zoned for social nakedness. He said the City Council could create such an area if it chooses, regardless of Tuesday's vote.Mayor Harry Goode said the thong regulations conform with Brevard County law,So no bum cheeks in public, but it's OK to wear thongs on your private property. The city's adult entertainment zone was also slashed, from 937 acres to about 40 acres. Melbourne's new adult district lies along North Drive. Councilwoman Cheryl Palmer welcomed the change. "There are even daycare centers in our present adult entertainment area," Palmer said. Contact Neale at 242-3638 or rneale@flatoday.net