Tampa's 'Strip Club King' Joe Redner Dies at 86 After Decades of Legal Battles

Key points

• Joe Redner, 86, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, according to his daughter Joy Lynn Redner.
• Redner owned the Mons Venus strip club in Tampa and was known as the city's 'strip club king.'
• He faced over 150 arrests and fought numerous legal battles with city officials over zoning and business regulations.
• Redner was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights and successfully sued Florida in 2018 to grow medical marijuana for his cancer treatment.
• Local officials, including former mayor Bob Buckhorn, paid tribute to Redner as a colorful and influential figure in Tampa's history.

Background

Joe Redner moved to Tampa at age 8 and built a career in adult entertainment, starting with Night Gallery in 1976 and later opening the Mons Venus in 1982. He frequently clashed with local government, accumulating a 12-foot-long rap sheet by the early 2000s. In 2011, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, which he remained cancer-free from for 10 years. He also ran for local office multiple times, including a 2007 city council runoff, and advocated for causes such as medical marijuana and LGBTQ rights.

How outlets are covering it

Tampa Bay Times provides a detailed narrative of Redner's life, emphasizing his legal battles, personal struggles with addiction, and advocacy for First Amendment rights. FOX 13 Tampa Bay focuses on his role as a medical marijuana advocate and his legal fights with the state, highlighting his 2018 victory in growing cannabis for his cancer treatment. Tampa Bay 28 offers a more concise overview, noting his death and his status as a polarizing public figure without delving into specific legal details. All sources agree on his death at 86 and his association with the Mons Venus club, but they differ in emphasis: the Times highlights his cultural impact and personal history, FOX 13 focuses on his medical advocacy, and Tampa Bay 28 provides a brief summary of his public persona.

Why it matters

Redner's death marks the end of an era in Tampa's local politics and business landscape. His decades-long battles with city officials shaped debates over free speech, zoning, and medical marijuana in Florida. His advocacy influenced broader legal discussions on patient rights and business regulations, leaving a lasting impact on the city's identity and legal precedents.

What to watch

Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed. The legacy of Redner's legal battles and advocacy will continue to influence discussions on free speech and medical marijuana in Florida. His family and associates are expected to share further tributes and details about his life and impact.