Governor Responds To Concerns About Nudist Camp
No Reports Of Abuse Found Yet
POSTED: Monday, June 30, 2003
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Jeb Bush's office has responded to a congressman's concern about a nudist camp for children.
Rep. Mark Foley asked the state to look into a weeklong summer camp for 11- to 18-year-olds that is run by the American Association for Nude Recreation outside of Tampa at Lake Cuomo.
A letter from Raquel Rodriguez, general counsel to the governor, to Foley said, "The Governor shares your concern for the well being of children in the state of Florida, and is troubled by the potential that exists for inappropriate or illegal behavior involving children who are nude in the presence of non-parental adults."
"The Department of Children and Families is reviewing existing records to determine whether there have been any reports of criminal acts or child abuse related to these activities. As of this writing, we are unaware of any reports alleging child abuse, neglect or exploitation related to the camp, but the Department will continue with their fact-finding."
The letter also said, "Florida statutory provisions regarding nudity require a showing of intent to engage in lewd or lascivious conduct; it does not criminalize mere nudity. "
The Department of Children and Families is continuing to investigate the camp.
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