In Winter Park, Florida, at 2600 Lee Road, stood one of the area’s most infamous landmarks—a gentlemen's club known as **The Booby Trap**. Operating for decades under various names, this unique venue gained attention not only for its provocative branding but also for its domed architecture that resembled a woman’s breasts. Both a source of local curiosity and controversy, The Booby Trap became a symbol of the tensions between urban growth and community values.
Established in the 1970s, The Booby Trap started as a typical strip club but soon became notorious for its distinct architectural style and reputation. Over the years, the venue changed names multiple times, operating as **Club Harem**, **Club Rio**, and **Christie’s Cabaret**, among others. Despite these rebrandings, its core identity as a gentlemen’s club remained intact.
Its location on a bustling road connecting Winter Park to neighboring Orlando made it both highly visible and a frequent topic of local debate. For many, it was seen as a blight on the community, contributing to crime and tarnishing Winter Park’s otherwise family-friendly reputation.
The Booby Trap was no stranger to legal troubles. Over its 40-year history, the club was frequently associated with criminal activity, including drug-related incidents and violence, prompting regular police interventions. Its presence became a flashpoint for residents and city officials concerned about the establishment's impact on the area.
Efforts to close the club were repeatedly hindered by legal complexities, as adult entertainment businesses are protected under certain First Amendment rights. However, growing public pressure and dissatisfaction with the club’s operations kept the issue at the forefront of local politics.
In 2014, the City of Winter Park took decisive action. Officials purchased the property for $990,000 with the goal of closing the club permanently and eliminating its negative influence on the community. This move was part of a broader initiative to revitalize the area along Lee Road, which had long struggled with reputational challenges.
The decision to buy out and shut down The Booby Trap was met with widespread support from local residents. Many viewed it as a necessary step to improve the neighborhood’s safety and attractiveness to families and businesses.
In February 2015, the building was demolished, signaling the end of an era for The Booby Trap. The site was cleared and subsequently offered for sale, with plans to repurpose it for community-friendly developments. The demolition marked a symbolic victory for Winter Park officials, who sought to rebrand the area and foster a more positive image.
Today, the former location of The Booby Trap has been redeveloped, contributing to the broader revitalization of Lee Road. While its controversial past remains a part of Winter Park’s history, the site now serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to progress and community well-being.
The story of The Booby Trap highlights the challenges cities face in balancing growth, morality, and business rights. Though the club is long gone, its history serves as a reminder of the cultural and legal debates that shaped Winter Park’s development. For many residents, the removal of The Booby Trap represents a positive step toward creating a safer, more vibrant community.
**What are your thoughts on balancing urban growth with community values? Share your perspective in the comments!**
After the double mastectomy leaving it boobless, they’ve broke ground building the first Axe Trap (ax throwing bar).