Dozens of Pensacola residents used the Leroy Boyd public-comment period at the Oct. 9 City Council meeting to press elected officials over a Drag Queen Christmas scheduled for Dec. 23 at the city-owned Sanger Theatre. Speakers who oppose the show urged the council to cancel the event; other speakers — including the theatre’s general manager and several performers and community supporters — argued the performance is lawful, voluntary and part of the venue’s usual diverse programming.

The most immediate presentation came from Jeffrey Sharp, general manager for Legends Global at the Sanger Theatre, who told the council Legends Global handles operations, guest services and booking at the Sanger and that the company requires every promoter to comply with applicable local, state and federal law. “Every event undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure appropriate measures are in place for it to proceed responsibly,” Sharp said. He said Legends Global had provided the promoter with copies of city ordinances and state laws and warned promoters that “if this show’s content violates city ordinances or state laws regarding graphic content or obscenity, performers could face arrest” and the production could be shut down.

Speakers critical of the show repeatedly cited local ordinances and state criminal statutes. James Hunter and several other residents referenced the “Miller test” and argued the production met local definitions of obscenity; Jonathan Kiser and others cited specific sections of the Pensacola code that they said restrict adult-entertainment conduct in public places. Multiple commenters asked the council to rescind the Sanger booking or to sponsor agenda items that would create formal procedures for canceling allegedly obscene shows at the city-run venue.

Other speakers defended the production and warned against censorship. Steven McCollum and several performers and arts supporters described the show’s cast and their charitable work, and said drag is a form of performance and community-building. Rachel Bennett, who identified herself as a Pensacola city employee and resident, said cancelling the show would send a message to the LGBTQ community that they are unwelcome. Nurses, chaplains and longtime downtown business owners likewise urged the council to protect adults’ right to attend ticketed performances and to avoid viewpoint-based restrictions.

Several speakers on both sides raised legal concerns. Some opponents argued the show violates city adult-entertainment rules and cited Florida statutes on obscenity (speakers referenced statutes commonly numbered 800 and 847) and municipal adult-entertainment ordinances (speakers named Pensacola code sections read aloud during public comment). Supporters repeatedly pointed to First Amendment protections for expression and to legal limits on viewpoint-based restrictions. One speaker, James Hunter, cited the Tennessee “Adult Entertainment Act” and a subsequent appellate decision; council members and staff did not cite that case as controlling law for Pensacola.

Council members did not take a vote on the event during the meeting. Several council members and the mayor previously told the public they believed their legal authority to cancel the show is limited; public commenters repeatedly asked the council to reconsider or to return the matter to the agenda so the council could take a formal vote. No formal motion to cancel or otherwise block the show was made at the Oct. 9 meeting.

Why it matters: The Sanger Theatre is a city-owned, publicly supported venue in downtown Pensacola and its programming and contracts raise questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer-owned performance space, enforcement of local adult-entertainment rules, and the balance between community standards and constitutional speech protections. The dispute has already prompted weeks of public mobilization and could produce further legal or policy actions by the council.

What speakers said (selection of verbatim remarks):
• Jeffrey Sharp, general manager, Legends Global at the Sanger Theatre: “Our role is to offer a space where live entertainment can be shared and enjoyed. Above all, the safety and comfort of our guests, staff, and performers is always our top priority.”
• James Hunter, resident: “The city of Pensacola, owner of the Sanger Theatre… must immediately rescind the license that is given to the holding company for Drag Queen Christmas.”
• Steven McCollum, supporter: “These performers are more than entertainers… they’re small business owners, they’re advocates, and they’re educators who use creativity to uplift others and welcome all.”
• Jonathan Kiser, resident: “The Pensacola code created an entire section outlining adult entertainment… It is unlawful for alcohol to be served anywhere adult entertainment is expected. The Sanger serves alcohol.”
• Rachel Bennett, city employee and resident: “The potential cancellation of a Drag Queen Christmas will send a strong message to the LGBTQ community that they are unwelcome here.”

Key clarifications from the meeting:
• The Sanger’s general manager said Legends Global enforces contractual compliance and provided ordinances to the promoter; he did not announce a cancellation.
• Opponents cited the city adult-entertainment code and state obscenity statutes; supporters cited the First Amendment and argued that this is a ticketed, adult-only event.
• Speakers on both sides raised concerns about minors; promoters have labeled the performance 18+ in promotional material, and opponents said enforcement of age restrictions was uncertain.

What’s next: The council did not vote on the Sanger booking at the Oct. 9 meeting. Several public speakers asked the mayor and council to place the matter on a future council agenda so council members could either formalize a review process or consider cancellation. The transcript and public remarks signal potential follow-up motions, legal review requests, or a formal agenda item in coming meetings.