Twins Slip CuervoGames Past City
Originally Denied, West Beach Fest Attraction to Feature American Gladiator-Style Competitions
To the shock and borderline horror of city officials, Twiin Productions announced on Tuesday that CuervoGames — a Jose Cuervo-sponsored attraction that will include, among others things, head-to-head athletic competitions on an inflatable pyramid and water-drenched climbing wall — will be featured on September 25 at the West Beach Music Festival.
The city originally denied the production company’s request when it submitted its revised plans for Chase Palm Park, but was approached again by brothers Jeremy and Joshua Pemberton last Friday. City employees reportedly weren’t too happy about rehashing the issue and told the Pembertons as much. But the brothers, citing the fact that they never received a formal denial from the city by the end of the day on Monday, said they assumed they were good to go.
The Pembertons sent a press release out to local media on Tuesday announcing the addition, which came as a big surprise to city officials — they did not learn of it until The Independent called seeking a comment on the Cuervo event in light of all the controversy that has surrounded the West Beach Fest. The Pembertons noted that city officials weren’t part of the continuing conversation after Friday’s meeting. They added that the city couldn’t give them any sound reason why it denied the request in the first place. Officials have since allowed the games to happen and are holding regular meetings with the twins.
CuervoGames alone requires a $25 million insurance policy, which the twins have secured. No alcohol will be served at the attraction — beer and wine will be offered at the festival’s beer gardens — but Jose Cuervo tequila will be served during the after-party events at SOHO and Velvet Jones, as well as at other satellite venues.
The Pembertons — who have hired private attorney Josh Lynn and are consulting with him as the event moves closer and closer — say the city at this point has $200,000 of their money in security deposits and facility fees, $73,000 of which they expect to get back. They’ve filed a formal records request with the city of all documents pertaining to planning the West Beach Fest, and are combing over all documents with the help of Lynn, they said.
