G-string contest brings trouble to Paradise - Florida club out of AANR

[Danee]

From: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/22/pa-g-string-contest-brings-trouble-to-paradise/news-pasco/

LAND O' LAKES - For the second time in just over a year, one of Pasco County's clothing-optional resorts has withdrawn from the American Association of Nude Recreation over advertising practices considered contrary to the organization's family-friendly principles.

Paradise Lakes Resort on Friday withdrew from the influential association over advertisements for a "Miss G-String International" competition at the resort, AANR officials said. Paradise Lakes is off U.S. 41, just south of State Road 54.

AANR's board voted to temporarily suspend the membership, but when resort owner John Forier was informed of the suspension, he voluntarily withdrew membership, said AANR spokeswoman Carolyn Hawkins.

An investigation over complaints of advertising and marketing efforts behind the G-string contest was launched in recent months.

"When a club receives a charter they make a commitment to uphold our standards," Hawkins said.

The organization offers marketing and lobbying muscle to its members. AANR's principles state: "Any club that deliberately advocates, endorses, encourages or promotes sexual activities or sexual enterprises is subject to revocation of its charter."

In a news release, Erich Schuttauf, AANR's executive director, said the organization represents "healthy, clothes-free living and recreation, for all ages."

An advertisement on Paradise Lakes' Web site depicts a presumably nude woman on a motorcycle. The ad says the Oct. 1-3 event will be hosted by a Penthouse magazine cover model and feature "25 gorgeous contestants competing for exciting prizes and top honors!"

Christian Schrangl, Paradise Lakes' manager, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

In July 2008, the opulent Caliente Resorts withdrew its membership with AANR after the resort was temporarily suspended over an investigation into its involvement with a swingers organization. Caliente is off U.S. 41, north of S.R. 54.

AANR's board of trustees voted to suspend Caliente after it learned that Angye Fox, the resort's public relations director, was to speak at Swingfest 2008, an adult trade show in Hollywood, Fla.

The Paradise Lakes investigation determined that the resort's management had "increasingly sexualized the nudist experience" by advertising and marketing the G-string contest, AANR said.

The resort opened in 1981. Hawkins characterized Paradise Lakes as a longtime member or the organization. She said she has worked for AANR nearly 20 years and doesn't recall any previous investigations at Paradise Lakes.

The action comes during a time when many nudist and clothing-optional resorts are trying to interest younger generations in the lifestyle. As with Caliente's withdrawal last year, it is unclear exactly what the loss of AANR membership will mean for Paradise Lakes.

When Caliente withdrew from AANR, Fox said the resort was "taking advantage of educating the next generation, the 20- and 30-somethings on social nudism. AANR hasn't done a good job of targeting those folks."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.

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Paradise Lakes Resort Site: http://www.paradiselakes.com/index.php