Could AquaPlex be Closing? It Seems So

Sources currently and previously connected to the AquaPlex Key West (formerly known as Aqua for many years) are reporting that the bar and cabaret club famed for its drag shows could be closing its doors soon. Whether that closure will be temporary or permanent, and involve just sections of the premises is unknown.

Shortly after 9pm on June 3, standing room only, a performer on stage at AquaPlex announced that would be the last Friday drag show in the current space before shifting to the nearby Birdcage on Angela Street (formerly known as SideBar).

22&Co., the popular intimate bar that shares part of the AquaPlex space is said to have a separate landlord from the rest of the compound and is not expected to be immediately impacted.

One source familiar with the business operations explained that they believed this to be a momentary reorganization of the nightclub while a possible sale or restructuring is explored.

It was also described that the "back bar" or patio, which hosts a food truck, and The Birdcage portion (formerly known as SideBar) could also remain open while performances once held in the larger section that is entered via Duval Street are diverted to The Birdcage.

Reports within the community over the past few weeks seemed to indicate numerous instances where employees did not receive payments in a timely manner Separately, at the packed June 3 night show, an announcement was made that the bar would only be accepting credit and debit cards, no cash. Bartenders could be overheard relaying to customers that they were short staffed and anticipated longer wait times for customers ordering drinks.

In the absence of any official statement from AquaPlex Key West many details are likely to change or evolve.

However, the multiple sources who provided this information are considered credible and close to the business' daily operations.

AquaPlex has not issued an official statement and this is a developing story.