Politics

For once, Redner was red-faced

By Michael Van Sickler, Times Staff Writer
Published September 12, 2007

	"Strippers" protest outside the forum Tuesday.
[Tony Rojek | Bay News 9]

ADVERTISEMENT Joe Redner.

TAMPA -- Four young women wore short shorts, tight T-shirts and high heels. One even flaunted a garter belt stuffed with dollar bills.

You couldn't miss them Tuesday morning, as they picketed a breakfast forum of blazer-clad chamber of commerce types who gathered to talk about the not-so-sexy topic of land use.

From the signs the women clutched, the pickets seemed to be celebrating one of the forum's panelists - Joe Redner, owner of the Mons Venus strip club, wealthy landowner, constant political aspirant.

Redner was invited to speak in support of Florida Hometown Democracy, a statewide amendment slated for the 2008 ballot that would limit growth.

As Redner mingled with the guests at the Pepin Hospitality Centre, someone told him about the impromptu rally. He rushed outside and couldn't believe his eyes.

"No, no, no, we don't do this," Redner said as he approached the women, thinking they were his Mons Venus strippers.

"We love Joe, we love Joe," they chanted.

"I'm Joe," he told them.

"They didn't even recognize me," Redner said minutes later, shaking his head. "I figure some wise-a-- did this to make me look bad."

[Last modified September 12, 2007, 07:21:20]