The owner of a former Hillsborough county stripper mansion could face some stiff fines for code violations.
The attorney of Pharaoh's Palace was back in front of the code enforcement board Friday.
Neighbors complained that the mansion near the Cheval West community had been used for commercial activity in June. The for-profit afterschool group Diva LLC was allowed to use the mansion for a children's spa party.
"It was a party with 20 girls to celebrate their achievements in school this past year," said attorney Susan Johnson-Velez. "That's what it was. Period. End of Story."
The owner's attorney said no money was exchanged; however, the code enforcement board ruled that the event was a commercial activity and the mansion was not zoned for that event.
The board also ruled owner Gary Lowndes would face a $1,000 fine for each commercial event that's held at the mansion in the future - unless there is county consent.
The mansion has been the center of controversy since neighbors first discovered that the owner wanted to use the property for a reality show about strippers. Since then, the owner has tried to sell the mansion. Recently, he took it off the market.
Friday, the owner's attorney said her client is being treated unfairly.
"All my client is trying to do is utilize his property, as I said back in April, in the same manner that every other property owner in Hillsborough County is allowed to use their property," Johnson-Velez said.
Neighbors disagreed.
"I'd just like to see them cease and desist from all these parties and not use it as a commercial venue," neighbor Ronald Nagy said.
Lowndes did not want to speak on camera. His attorney said he is frustrated.
The next time there is an event at the mansion, the owner is required to get county approval first. Lowndes has already been approved to have a wedding on the property Aug. 1.