TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

National Organization Suspends Pasco Nudist Resort's Charter

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEOFF FOX | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

Updated: 06/04/2008 07:55 pm

LAND O' LAKES - Amid rumors of sex parties, Caliente Resorts, off U.S. 41, recently had its charter with the American Association for Nude Recreation temporarily suspended.

Affiliated clubs are expected to "foster a wholesome, nurturing environment for members and their families," according to the group's Web site.

Rumors of swingers' parties at Caliente have swirled for weeks, but resort officials deny the allegations.

"Caliente is not a sex club," Angye Fox, the resort's public relations director, said in a statement.

Caliente's policies forbid public displays of affection in common areas, and single men are not allowed unless they are association members, but even they must pass a background check.

Carolyn Hawkins, public relations coordinator for the association based in Kissimmee, said Caliente will retain its membership during the investigation. She said suspensions are rare.

"We have a board of trustees, and if we get complaints from a group of people, whatever the complaint is, if the board chooses, they can call a meeting and decide to do a temporary suspension," she said.

Through the association, nudist and clothing-optional resorts get discounts on advertising, support from lobbyists in Tallahassee and Washington, and a listing on the organization's Web site, among other perks.

Hawkins said the group's next scheduled board of trustees meeting will be in August, but a meeting to discuss the investigation could be called at any time.

In the statement, Fox said the suspension "relates to allegations about content on third-party 'lifestyle' Web sites not affiliated with Caliente."

"We are working closely with AANR to resolve any misunderstanding," she said.

Fox attributed the suspension to Caliente's "aggressive marketing campaign."

That includes advertisements in the mainstream media targeting younger people and monthly theme parties hosted by the Aahz Party Lifestyle Group.

"These themed parties are open to all members and guests and entail the use of costumes and decorations to create a festive atmosphere," Fox said in the statement. An "example is our Armed Forces Day themed party last month in which partygoers were encouraged to wear camouflage and other military-related attire."

"The purpose of these themed events is to create an atmosphere of fun and excitement within the context of a clothing-optional experience. All participants must adhere to Caliente's policy relating to public display of affection."

On its Web site, Aahz touts "an explosive sexual atmosphere" at its parties, some of which are advertised as swingers' events.

Its slogan: "What happens at Aahz stays at the Aahz."

"We do have the parties with them, but we don't allow any sexual activity in the common areas," Fox said in an interview. "If [people] go back to a villa somewhere and have a good time, that's up to them."

Caliente, with more than 350 home sites on 127 acres, opened in 2002. The resort features upscale homes, an artificial 8,500-square-foot lagoon with a waterfall, a spa, nightclub, restaurant, several bars, motel rooms and other amenities.

Hawkins said the association doesn't want to lose Caliente.

"It's a beautiful club and I love it out there," she said. "I hope they get it resolved."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT