Seminole County v. River Capital, Inc.

In 1997, Seminole County filed an action alleging that Sassy Merlot’s, an adult entertainment establishment, was operating illegally because it lacked the appropriate license. The County sought a temporary and a permanent injunction to enjoin the continued illegal operation. The trial court not only denied the County’s request for a temporary injunction, it stated that “unless Seminole County can prove that the speech is not protected ... then the Adult Entertainment Ordinance does not apply to Defendant and it will be under no obligation to apply for a license....” An interlocutory appeal of…