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Oh Please!Its about time Naples had something like this.....every other city in the world has one....why not...don't go there if you are offended by this but I think in these times we should bend the rules a little to let restaurants and bars make some money in this towen!

Suprise, Suprise, lets not give those who choose to see scantily clad dancers the choice in precious Collier county!

"Scantily clad"...I could walk down the street, on the beach or in a mall and see what I would call scantily clad. "Prostitution"...That has to involve the exchange of money for a sexual favor. I really doubt that was going on in the establishment. Sounds like another crack down by the local morality and virtues police. Sort of the same thing that goes on in Middle East Islamic countries that we are trying to "free".

Do they offer massage?

Dang, wish I'd known about this before they were shut down.

just come up here to Vanderbilt, you can walk down the beach any day in front of Pelican Bay (Granted you may have to walk a way's) and see topless women on the beach. Pull the Ritz's entertainment license....OH! THAT'S Right they are part of, and have friends in an unincorporated part of Naples. Ooops should be Collier County... The City of Naples can just bite me!!!!!

The probably very ripe old "anonymous citizen" who reported prostitution probably couldn't tell the difference between genuine prostitution and a lingerie catalog.

Has anyone actually been down to Sushi Thai on 5th Ave to see what kind of stuff is really going on? How much of these reports are exaggerated? Some actual facts like that would be very valuable if they accompanied a story of this sort.

oh these wicked old upstanding proper Naples men...lol

GREAT FOOD!!!
GREAT SUSHI!!!!
GREAT PEOPLE!!!!

I support Sushi Thia Too!!

Ahh it seems all city council does is create havoc for anyone, or anything, that don't share similar interests. I pitty the city council.

HORRAY for NPD for their great investigative services!! Now if only they could return my stolen property, oh wait, I forgot, they gave my stuff away. Typical NPD performance- or the lack there of.

I love southwest Florida: scantily clad sushi dancers, Twin party planners, one way car rentals, coyotes getting even, dog dragging drunks, burning houses full of marijuana. All in one day. I think most of the people above must have been downwind of that grow house burning.

Probably the same old person that complained about Hooters.. let people live their lives!

Sushi Thai Too...from what I saw the girls there were all nasty, not sure that I saw any caucasion chicks, either. Yeah, I'll never walk by that place again!

Where's the photos?? Doesn't the community deserve evidence of such heinous acts?

i think people like the tipster should be the ones running things in the gov. Oh wait didnt Germany try that with Hitler

What about all the lingirie shows during happy hour? Get a life complainers, no wonder the sidewalks get rolled up at 9:00 PM.

We need more of this new wave entertainment. Lets stop shuttering the streets at 10PM and watch all the cars with wisconsin and ohio plates drive up to pelican bay and the vineyards.

Too many old people in Naples. Simple as that.

Reminds me of the transvestite shows they used to have down at The Galley on the corner of 3rd St and 5th Ave. Skanks and Pimps "keepin it real" after dark on 5th Ave.

i think if the girls on the ad were there, it would be completely different. nothing personal by the girls in the pic weren't fifth ave. the first picture shows it all besides that look her clothes at tattered

are the pink pom poms for hanging on?

Naples need to lighten up.

Glad I didn't eat there!

The reason the "live entertainment" permit might be pulled is because of all the older males (65+) that are too easily stirred up when watching such "dancers". Their spouses are just jealous they cannot perform as well as those dancers!

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Come one get real, if you're gonna have girls dancing, at least get some cute ones and don't make them dance on an unfinished 2 X 2 plywood box.

The chick with the bills in her shorts looks like a freakin' transvestite.

Now, you'd have a story if it were the old cows on City Council!

But what will I do with all my dollar bills?

Its a good thing the police are looking for scantily clad clothed women in restaurant windows. I would not think that they could be out looking for the drug dealers or drunks or violent crimes that seem to be on the rise here!!!!

Excuse me, server........
There's a hair in my sushi

;-)

Alright now that I've seen the pics, I understand where the crime is coming from. Oh My God, yeah not the sexiest, prettiest girls are they, that's probably what got grandpa all upset and why he complained. This story can go a long way for comments though, sushi and half naked women at the same establishment. Never mind I won't go there........

Don't worry, 5th ave. will be mostly empty buildings and long gone memories by the end of this summer thanks to an insane city council, consistent crappy food these places put out and everything moving North anyways.

Couple a poor economy with 70 year olds who can't taste anymore and don't want anyone having fun past 10pm and you will have many, many empty storefronts.

Fodder for a Carl Hiaasen style novel if I have ever seen it!

Hell, Beverly Hills has a strip joint! Why not Naples? Sorry for the profanity.

It must go with the fresh fish business model, didn't Catch 22 (which is closeed) at Bayfront, also have a similar story about female employees dancing on the bar?

If it's so obscene, then why isn't the NDN also shut down for publishing the photos. I think the real story here lies with "Tony" and "Vinny" or whoevers' reponsible for those promo posters. They should be charged with false advertising as the women who actually showed up to dance are at least 2-3 leagues down from those depicted in the product description. A classic bait and switch.

Naples needs to come out of the stone age. Way too many old frogs who worry about what the other person is doing. If you don't like it, don't go there. The anonymous citizen probably has a meddling old hag for a wife.

Well done Sushi Thai....I love your food.

The dancers have to go.

LOL...or should it be Ho, Ho?

There are venues in Ft. Myers they can dance at.

The food is devine at Sushi Thai...why dancers?

Dancer's Mom's and Dad's will be so proud to see them in NDN.

Hey ladies, forward this photo to Dad for Father's Day.

He'll love it.

The outfits aren't bad....

if one is going for the hooker look.

They say there's no such thing as bad publicity. So the story about Sushi Thai is one thing - it's a whole other thing to actually show the pictures of these hansom women. I'll never dare to glance into a Sushi Thai again!

Although I find the majority of the comments above entertaining, I think everyone is loosing sight of the scope of the investigation. The allegation is a violation of their permit, the owner himself stated he advised the promotional advisor to stop, whether thats true or not we will never know, but what surprises me is that you hire what you believe to be a qualified professional and this is the result.

I agree, Naples is a prude and anal community and thanks to the uptight, sexually oppressed and fun challenged citizens, it will always be that way........well, until they expire. (wink)

Oh give me a break! Who cares, really. But why is that girl's mouth open like that? americanpie- which girl are you talking about? I looked and couldnt see any cottage cheese or a flat booty! I agree that if you dont like it, dont go in there. But the ad with the 2 chicks WAS too much!

Yea, have to agree about the ugly thing.

I'm no Brad Pitt myself but, I wouldn't touch any girl that I saw in the pics.

Wanna-be dancers...

I like jugs...

Those girls need to be at the Dog Track in the D race. What a joke. There no crime in the city?

I think the problem is the flyers say dancing until 2 AM. DJ music is supposed to end at 10? I was wondering how long they would get away with it. The promoter is in with the owner, you can bet on it. Those type venues have popped up all over Naples, they get shut down and pop up somewhere else.

What's with the red-eyed deer in headlights? Look's like DJ Manny needs to up the quality in his so called dancers. LMAO

Wow. For some reason sushi and dancing chubbies with pink pom poms doesn't appeal to the appetite. If you're gonna have adult entertainment, do it with some class.

I'm really surprised at the owners of Sushi Thai....I saw the postcard at the other location last week when I was getting take out and thought it was pretty riske for Naples...I'm all for change etc and definately not a prude but this is very uncharacteristic of the people(Thai Bhuddists)to have this kindof stuff goin on.....its defantely a money maker for them I'm sure to stoop to this,,,,

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RAW FISH LOL
Speedos and now this WTF???

Where is Kneejerk. We wanted to start a strip club on 5th before. (got into a big long discussion about this following another article) Actually why not have a stripmall full of strip joints. Variations on the theme. Why not? Save Naples economy and do it with a big smile!

What did Cupcake possibly say that required removal? He is the soul of decorum. ROFLMAO

Those are the ugliest trolls I've ever seen.

Bill will Mossify the City, beware if too much skin shows! Maybe he will sic the hawks on those who expose too much flesh (off the beach). Beware ladies with added padded parts deflation could occur!

This really could be a Hiaasenesque short story. Who wants to join in?

The lot on the N.E corner of 5th Avenue south and Tamiami Trail would make for a GREAT red-light district.
Do it and tax it...call it "Little Amsterdam" instead of "Renuissance"!
After all...Port Royal was named after the sunken center of Caribbean debauchery. When did it attain legitimacy?
With price of gas going through the roof why should we send all of those Collier Dollars to the Ft. Myers strip clubs?
C'mon CCC wake up and smell the Holy Water!!!
the sex entertainment industry existed long before you were born and will be here forever.
Why not acknowledge it, regulate it and tax it?
"""Craigslist is coming to a house near you"""

Does anybody go to 5th Ave anymore anyways? The place is a blighted ghost town day and night - and "in season" its not even that busy. 5th Ave wishes its everything that Coconut Point is - at least business-wise.

Seriously people, get over yourselves! Naples lacks "ambiance" and much of the "art" is just tacky resort art for the tasteless wealthy. The argument against this place in which their dancers act and dress is way overblown - kinda like the time the store in Coastland Mall had heck shirts. How is it possible that so many ignorant and clueless people gather in one place!?!

5Th Ave. hasnt been the same since DJ Big Rob played at Yabba...its too bad these places cant figure out they dont need gimmicks, just good music! Its no wonder they are losing their crowd to Sway Lounge!

Give it some time Cblank (post #36) and Justiss1962 (#53). 5th Avenue South will be a ghost town again. What once was will be again.
The City Council can micro manage, oversee and look down their noses at a slew of empty shops on 5th Ave South before you know it.
Why go way downtown when you can go elsewhere and have more fun, spend less money and have less aggravation?

Thats it. I am going to put on my Speedo, grab my friends from the porta-potty in Bonita, check out the sushi-bar chicks, then skateboard down to the beach to have a smoke. Livin the good life in Naples!

but what did they do with the donkey ?

blasted- I need to get out more!

Ew. Skanky.

For all of you who say that Fifth is a ghost town: have you actually been there in the last few years? Try to navigate down the street; it's always jammed and the restaurants are always busy.

And I never knew there were so many who are so hard up that they desperately require strip clubs! Man, I feel sorry for you guys; talk about not getting any.

Pleeezzzz is right. Come on. I saw the pictures..as far as it looked...they were fully clothed. Sure...their outfits were riding a little high in back..but there was no exposure.

Now there is a law against bumping & grinding...have you ever seen a dance floor late at night...there are more people bumping and griding that you can shake a stick at?

The patrons had no obligation to give these girls money. It was purely entertainment purposes.

All this morality old fart Naples stuff has to stop! Go after real criminals!

why is this still a story? i dont want to see that ugly picture every time i load NDN...give me a break there has to be something better than this

I encourage you all to visit club promoter Tony Mansolillo myspace.com page(Tony 51). I have provided the link to make it easy for you:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...

Here you can find links to Florida Escorts, many photos of Mr. Mansolillo Scarface dreams photos, as well as a self proclaimed $3,000,000 a year salary. I believe this is the same character that has had many previous run ins with the Collier County Sheriff Office while "promoting" at Noodles Cafe and the former Sanibel Steakhouse, both in North Naples.
It is disappointing that over the past several years Mr. Mansolillo has been able to grow his $3,000,000 enterprise here in Naples while no agency (IRS, Florida ATF, CCSO,NPO, etc) has been able to bring him down. The only thing going down here is the moral degradation of our community. Back in the day you would have to go to the yellow pages to find a girl discreetly. Now we have party girls with frayed skirts and dilated eyes dancing on unpainted wood boxes at four corners. Scarface would have run a much more professional operation. Tony why don't you go back to "the hill" in Providence where mafia wanna-be buffoons like you are the rule and not the exception?

If they had better looking girls the cop may have not said a word! LOL
Just another example of how NOBODY is allowed to have fun in the City of Naples/Collier County. Go Fun Police!!!!

Please don't let Naples turn into a trash-town. Simulating sex in public?????? pure trash!!!!! Who wants it allowed?????? Pure trash!!!!! Don't compare walking the beach in a bikini to "lap dancing".

#71 Zeitgeist - you just saved me a post.

My sentiments exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Complain all you want about illegals, but I'd take a truck load of Mexicans over one "Vinny-Bag-O-Dunkin' Dounts" any day. I came to Naples to avoid goombah, junior-mafia just like him.

This is a sad day..

Seriously, do you people know what having these kinds of places does to a community?

Tourism is our #1 industry, and if you think that it's completely acceptable to have a trashy nightclub in an upscale area, then you're just shooting yourself in the foot.

Grow up; if you're all so hard up to see some half-naked ugly women, then head on up to the Ft. Myers clubs.

Doesn't prostitution involve a sex act for money?? These dogs, oh sorry, ladies, were dancing on the bar and such fully clothed. How is that even close to prostitution?? I have seen women in the mall dressed similarly and not a word was said to them. I have also been out to other clubs in Naples, and similar things are going on. Not a word is said to them. Those that complained need to get a life.

They have to be the most nasty looking skanks ever!!!!!! I'm surprised the patrons were not all pucking thier guts out. Also I hope the county health inspector is looking into this? Who knows what nasty things are in the resturant from those skanks!! I will never eat there!

One of the local TV stations showed a couple of post-menopausal old bats on 5th Ave. the pics from NDN. The looks of horror on their faces, the pursed lips, and recoil were priceless!!! I think the city is beyond hope. Wall it off, post NPD at the gates and do not allow anyone under 65 inside.

Oops...then you'll have the geriatric weenie-waggers at the beach. Oh well...at least they won't be to difficult for the Morality Police to chase down.

Those ladies would have to pay me to watch them dance. What a bunch of low class hooker wanna-be's

Naplesska7-
It was the "unidentified" man who handed the 27 year old girl a card as well as Tony Mansolillo myspace page whom have raised concern of escorts/prostitution not the 2 lapdancing skanks.

I don't care for strip clubs and I don't think we need one here...but this is far from a strip club! The Naples city council should lighten up! There are no rock clubs no more free concerts... nothing!!! Why are we so upset about this??? The girls had clothes on.

These girls give new meaning to the title,
"Coyote Ugly!"

Rockfordgrad,
Maybe Ecoterror doesn't like girls. So what? You don't like minorites.
What does this have to do with a couple of drunk coyotes dancing on a bar anyway?

They ought to be ashamed!

#71 Zeitgeist
Interesting link, thanks. I take back what I said earlier about a Strip Mall, I was being a wise guy because Naples is rather uptight outwardly and not at all conservative below the surface. Many towns have dual personas.

I don't know if this guy is a wannabe or just a low level thug. Perhaps his organization is bankrolling the place behind the scenes. Wouldn't be surprised about some kind of underworld connection somewhere. Maybe the Feds are looking at building a case. This takes time. Give him enough rope...(no, don't give him rope because he will have some girl climbing it!)

Lost my appetite.

You can get rid of the dancers, but you will never get rid of all the dirty old men here in Naples. They sit down at Hooters and drool over their chicken wings. That's why Naples can't have a Chuck E Cheese-too many pervs here, they hang out in the parks.

Tongue hanging out, eyeballs bugged... nice 'Bill the Cat' imitation, lady! Only missing the hairball (or is that it standing behind you?) ACK!!! THHPPTTHH!

why do so many care one way or another about this? if you don't like it, don't go there. i giggle at your term "skanks". you don't have to frequent south naples for that... stinky fetes in bonita and plenty of ft myers and f.m. beach establishments have them too... or just check out match dot com. lol

try a wednesday night, saturday night or sunday morning service at any local church of your choosing. it's way more beneficial to life and lifestyle than peering at, hanging with or hitting on the bar and internet "skanks".

People may disagree with the county ordinanaces that prohibit strip joints in Collier County. There are certainly many things that Naples does differently that does not appeal to the younger, less inhibited crowd.

What seems clear however, is that for the present time, strippers giving lap dances and performing simulated sex acts for cash is illegal, even if they don't strip all the way. If you really want to have that experience, there are plenty of establishments in Ft Myers and Ft Lauderdale. Why would you insist on bringing it to your own back yard?

Chiding those that don't want this in Naples as not wanting "fun" is disingenuous at best.

Great...
More censorship by the "No Clue Crew" In Whitebread Naples.
No wonder people run from here like roaches.
No TT bars, no Neon signs, NO FUN!!!!!
This is heaven's waiting room..Please God, thin the herd soon..

Uh, and just where were lap dances mentioned? Are we stooping to fabricating evidence now in order to make our points?

Pontiaction-
"they were doing simulated lap dances,” Bock said.

Zeitgeist is right. This is not about the girls dancing in Naples or the outfits they are wearing etc... This is about so much more, and yes, we should be concerned for the young girls that will one day regret these days and be happy to still be alive! The girls are being targeted and brought into very dangerous territory by these guys who are out recruiting them.

Rockfordgrad,
I knew you would run with the racial issue because you always do. It doesn't matter what the topic is, you will find a way to make it about race. You are a bitter little person and you probably have some sort of physical defect or have been scarred very badly (physically and/or emotionally). I think deep down you are not the bitter, bigot you portray. I think you are just a poor soul looking for negative attention just like you've gotten all of your life.

I feel sorry for you.

I hope someday you can overcome the negativity that you have, because I'm sure it is eating you alive, not to mention ruining you family and your relationships.
I'd be willing to bet on it.

But what does immigration, legal or not, have to do with this topic?

I think the club should use the defense that the rich Brits are coming in to spend their Euros and demanded to see girls dancing on a box. The City may back off if tourists are involved. LOL

Scantily clad women !!!!!!! Naples' republican morals are just plain SICK. None of Naples' finest say a thing about how many people (soldiers, civilians (women and children) George Bush has killed, but show some skin and the moralist brigade sends in the posse. Why doesn't the local conservative faction pass a law requiring all the women to dress like that looney farm in texas? Watch out ladies, the day of judgement is coming.

hear hear Colorado!!

i didnt no naples had a strip club especially in downtown naples wow but c-riusly who were these "ladys" tryin 2 kid? r these lesbians or tranvestites? either way, they like women mayb the police wud not hv been so concern if it wasnt 4 the "positions" these "ladys" r in. r the owners tryin 2 beat "gurls gone wild"? do they not realize the mess joe is in over those videos? from the pix posted, these "ladys" shud not quit theyre day job mayb luk 2 gv makeup advice 2 trannys or fashion help 2 prostitutes. usually strippers strip 2 pay 4 boob jobs or college funds prostitutes usually do it 4 drugs or children which is it 4 these "ladys"? if its children, im all 4 it if they other option is welfare which will then b me & all other tax payers providing 4 these fatherless & "lack of mother skills" children

Scantily clad women usually rank like one, two or three on the "Reason's for Living" list depending on which men you ask. Old prudes who haven't had sex since sex had them ought not have this power.

guys I realize some of you still live on chix wings and warm crappy beer....but the resturants on 5th and 3rd are fantastic...live a little get a girl (not from sushi thai !!) and elavate your game ........as for the dancers....firetjm said it best......PS.BIG ROB STUNK.. THE NEW ONE RULES..

Why the first page coverage and the over 108 Comments on Sushi Thai Too while nothing on Dennis Kucinich's Articles of Impeachment read into the Congressional Record last night?

What has Naples come to?

I recognize the city's right to limit activities that it deems to be contrary to public opinion, however, these allegations seem exaggerated to say the least. It sounds as though the owner has already put an end to behavior that he didn't want in the first place and secondly we're a long way from soliciting sex, just a little dancin people! If you can't handle it, then go home to your miserable bible and don't go out after dark.

I say we have these girls bronzed and put them in front of an 'Art' store on Third Av.

Leave them alone..
I for one support single moms!!!!

"then go home to your miserable bible"

now there is a happy comment from a valued citizen! i'll take my Christian values, morals and my "miserable Bible" and live with it. i'm not judging you or these people this article refers to.. i just choose not to participate in the lifestyle... while holding on to my "miserable Bible".

have a fantastic day!

Rockfordgrad,

I see your poor excuse for trying to elude the real issue. Why do you rarely talk about who or what you Do like or approve of (other than the fact, no one really “shives a git”; including me, but I'm just fed up with your BS and it's time someone really challenged you and your motives)?
Your comments are often, “ I don’t like this… I got a problem with that.”
Like I said before your issues find a way of becoming racial, even when it’s virtually impossible to connect race to the topic. You will find a way.

Is it because you leap at every chance you get to belittle someone or hurt someone's feelings; and that's all that drives you?
What are you some sort of a bully?

I really fail to believe that you are just so genuinely upset with "illegal aliens".

Oh…I get it, you’re afraid that they will invade your territory, steal your land, burn your homes, kill off your sons, rape your women, and feed your babies to the wolves? (Oh this is Naples, not wolves; I mean coyotes.) If I recall correctly that's been done already, so yeah, maybe you SHOULD have a problem with illegal aliens.

My bad!

not2, your belittling commentary has lowered the perception of yourself on here BELOW what you oppose.

you and radionewsidiot, taco and other illegal sympathizers don't see that? this forum is just online newspaper article comments. knock the chip off the shoulder or else risk the inevitable judgement. it's not attractive to defend your beliefs that rigorously and to be that hateful towards someone else like that makes YOU look more hateful than what you fight

this article has nothing at all to do with illegals... pro OR against

Pit_stop,

WHAT?

I have no idea what you just said. I'm having trouble following you prose.
If you punctuate better maybe I can read it.
Try again, and use more commas and capital letters this time.

pontiaction,

Lap dances were mentioned. The term used was simulated due to the fact that the girls were not nude. The girls were observed taking dollar bills from patrons after these simulated lap dances. Of course it is not completely certain this cash exchange was for a lap dance. Perhaps it was a valet charge...

The bottom line is that the activity was at least pushing the envelope of legality in this County.

The most tragically funny comment is the one where someone implied that Naples would be better off when old people died off so that the young ones could open strip clubs and there would be fun for all... Great.

Okay now I get it.
I had to read it a few times.

Pit_stop

Like I said,
There is only so much a person can stand, I'm not an illegal alien but I have a little thing called empathy.

I never said I wasn't hateful and I never said that there is anything wrong with being hateful. Everybody hates something.
You can believe whatever you want, that's your prerogative. If you step on my turf or you strike me as a big fat hypocrite, I'm going to call you on it; and hold you accountable.

My dad always told me it's not smart to argue with a fool, because listeners can't tell which is which. So I assure you, I am aware of how I must come across to people.

But you know what though, at this point I don't care.

It is people like rockfordgrad and all the other bigots who ensure this country stays divided and it's people like me who always seems turn the other cheek.

Well, to hell with that disposition.

By the way, these forums are not just online newspaper article comments; they are the voices of a vast majority of this city and should be taken at some face value.
When a person doesn't have to deal with you face-to-face they seem to really tell you what they are thinking or feeling in their hearts. I guess they feel safe because, no one can see their yellow streak.
So if you want to know what’s really going on in the minds of you immediate society? You may want to take these comments more seriously.
Just a suggestion.

I wonder how Rockford came to Naples...plane, train or automobile...gasp! maybe boat? What makes you think Neapolitans are so happy to have you invade their town? From what I've read in these blogs there are more than a few natives who "don't like" or "have a problem with" carpetbaggers.

Point is nobody is above the fray of being disliked by others. Constantly pointing out your disapproval especially when it's not relevant makes you look boorish at best.

i see that obviously my words and the intention bounced right off. with hatred and defiance that intense, it's no doubt.

correct... there is no arguing with an ignorant fool

steps away

SDOS,

Point taken.

I must say, "disliked by others" is putting it mildly. It's cool though. I just had to make a stand. I am so irritated, but you're right, it's not relevant to this topic.

By the way I am a native to Naples I have seen it change and grow immensely, but that's part of life.

As for a restaurant with girls dancing on the bars for a buck…it will never fly, especially not in the 5th ave district. I've seen clubs/restaurants come and go on fifth. I have never seen one bold enough to pull a stunt like this.

Trust me, they are outta there.