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The rain intermittently trickled down on dozens of Valrico residents in June, an extension of their feelings of grief over a bikini bar trying to open at the corner of Mt. Carmel Rd. and S.R. 60 in Valrico.
The group has continued to huddle in fervent prayer each Friday for holy intervention to stop a bikini bar from opening at the intersection by Valrico's Home Depot.
One lone man, and then a handful of teenagers have appeared as supporters of the bar, waving signs that read "Show Me Your Bikini," but were the minority.
Cars passed the busy intersection, some beeping in support of the prayer vigil, others yelling vulgar comments out the window.
The comments did not dissuade the citizens who were speaking to a higher authority.
Terry Kemple, director of an evangelical sexual abstinence ministry for students and member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church, was pleased with the turnout for the vigil. "For this many people out on a Friday night to pray means there's a lot of support in the community," he said.
"Tonight the biggest thing is to get the Lord to intervene in this situation," said Kemple. "We're here to praise him and ask him to take control of this situation."
Dover resident Robert String hopes their prayers are heard. He believes the bar is too close to AllStar Cheer & Dance Academy, located just north of the bar. "There are little girls next door and it's not right," he said.
Property owner Susan Calkins was on site to ensure order was maintained and to prevent trespassing on her property. As construction continues inside the building, Calkins recognizes the group and its right to free speech. "The bar will be closely monitored by officials, even more so now," said Calkins. "There will be no nudity in the bar at all."
Kemple and his group, The Community Action Summit, are now beginning to coordinate a community protection rally in protest of the bar.
To learn more about the Community Action Summit email your request to communityactions@tampabay.rr.com.
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