The online tributes have been pouring in as Key West locals and visitors mourn the loss of longtime drag bar Aqua Nightclub, whose Orlando-based ownership group, Pride Holdings Group, is ensnared in financial and legal difficulties.
Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St., officially closed as of Monday, July 6. The Aquanettes, the club’s in-house drag performers, danced their last numbers on their home stage on July 5 to a standing-room-only crowd, but their shows will continue around the corner at the Birdcage Cabaret.
Aqua manager Brianlee Pavlicek posted to Facebook on July 3, writing, “To Aqua Staff: Everyone, I’m sorry to tell you this but we have been evicted from the Aqua (711 Duval St.) location. I have just been informed shortly ago and after tears and confusion, broke news to some staff and now l’m telling you! We are closing Aqua’s doors this Monday (July 6). It breaks my heart, but I tried everything I could to help us avoid this, but it’s beyond me. We will be resuming shows through the weekend.
“We however are keeping the Birdcage Cabaret bar and going to continue business in that location for the future. Shifts/hours will change. But we will move forward.”
The Aquanettes will continue to perform and 22&Co. bar, which was part of the Aquaplex complex, remains open and unaffected as of now due to different landlords, according to local reports. Online but unconfirmed discussions have hinted at a possible return of the club’s former owners.
Until the future becomes clear for the Key West location, online accolades say it best:
Ryan Acker
“My very first night in Key West, when I first moved to the island almost 20 years ago, I went to Aqua. This was the very first bar I went to, and the very first person I met in Key West was Laurie Thibaud. My mama of KW. Jill and Sandy hired me, this is where I learned to bartend.
Aqua will always have a place in my heart, as it does in countless others. Much love being sent to those who are affected by the closure. This being said, the coconut telegraph shares rumors of a light at the end of the tunnel! I hope this is true, Key West needs Aqua.”
Landon Bradbary
“Thank you, Aqua, for entertaining the hell out of visitors and locals alike. Thanks for making more than a few old white dudes a little uncomfortable. In turn, thank you for opening so many minds and hearts. Big Love.”
Nate Paul:
“Thank you for the memories, and I hope that other young men can find their ‘home’ like I did. Being gay in the early 2000s was not an easy spot, but Aqua & the team there really made it a place of refuge for many of us.”
