The drama surrounding Aquaplex's final farewell is stealing the spotlight.
Credit: Jesse Scott
After nearly two decades as one of South Florida's signature drag entertainment destinations, Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is preparing to take its final bow this weekend. But while Sunday's "Our Last Dance" brunch is being promoted as a farewell celebration, the days leading up to it have been filled with mounting financial questions, public accusations and growing concern from performers and employees.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Aquaplex, located at 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., will permanently close following its Sunday, July 26 brunch service. Reservations have stopped beyond that date, and staff confirmed to the newspaper that this weekend marks the venue's finale.
For longtime locals, the closure lands hard. The venue spent years operating as Lips before being acquired in 2024 by the owners of Aquaplex Key West, who rebranded the landmark while promising to preserve its celebrated drag performances. Since 2007, countless birthdays, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, charity fundraisers and first-time drag brunch experiences have played out beneath its stage lights.
The closure, however, arrives after months of increasingly public warning signs. According to the Sun Sentinel, eviction and utility shutoff notices were posted at the Oakland Park property in May. The newspaper also reported that Aquaplex Key West was evicted on July 15, while Pride Holdings Group, the company overseeing Aquaplex and several LGBTQ+ nightlife venues, announced this week that CEO Michael Barrett had retired. The company's West Palm Beach venue, Lucky's Bar & Nightclub, also closed earlier this year.
Meanwhile, independent outlet Palm & Prejudice examined public property records showing Barrett and his husband purchased a Boca Raton home for $3.48 million in March before later transferring ownership into an LLC tied to them. The publication noted the timing has fueled public criticism online, though no court has found wrongdoing related to that transaction.
Additional scrutiny and detailed reporting has emerged from Out South Florida and its Greater Wilton Manors YouTube Channel, which reported allegations that payroll taxes were not paid, creating potential complications for workers seeking unemployment benefits.
Former Aquaplex performer Chyna Stackz Allen also publicly addressed the closure on Facebook, writing,“Imagine a job taking taxes out your check for 7 months promising you that it would be back dated on your account only to find out once you’re not with said job Aquaplex anymore they haven’t paid anything! Don’t worry I’ll let the irs deal with yall.”
Browardist reached out to Pride Holdings Group for commentary but did not receive a response by press time.
