New Port Richey, Fla. | Pasco County’s LGBTQ hotspot The Asylum announced its permanent closure March 18, just one day after Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all of Florida’s nightclubs and bars to close for 30 days.
The closures were mandated in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. “We are sad to have to close for this temporary amount of time, but safety will always be top priority for us and our surrounding communities,” owners initially responded March 17.
Read the response in full below:
“The COVID-19 outbreak continues to cause more suspensions, business closures and community bans across the country until further notice and it’s these current events, unfortunately, that come at the crossroad of also wanting to move on,” Gregg and Trent Chose added March 18. “As the owners of the venue, we also would like to retire and enjoy time exploring the things we have been wanting to for a very long time.
“Effective immediately, The Asylum Nightclub will be closed permanently,” the statement continues. “We would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you – customer or Queen – friend or entertainer – who has supported us and helped, gather, and make memories with us over the past few years. Your consistent patronage and constant support for our community and this venue has not, and nor will it ever, go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
The duo subsequently advised community members to stay strong. “Though this news comes at a saddening time, just know that there are brighter days ahead of us all,” they wrote. They also added that interested in purchasing the property may contact Janet Faulkner of Faulkner Commercial Realty at 1-800-281-1316. You can view their full announcement below:
