Condoms and shorts are outlaws in Ave Maria, Florida, sparking controversy

Ave Maria, Florida - In Ave Maria, Florida, controversies flow like water and wine. With problems at the local university, condoms banned from local stores, and shorts less common than Jesus, a billionaire is in the spotlight.

Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's, built Ave Maria in 2005.
Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's, built Ave Maria in 2005.  © 123rf/jetcityimage

With tropical temperatures and palm trees at every turn, the picturesque town of Ave Maria has the potential to attract millions of tourists every year. Packed to the brim with controversy, it sadly seems unlikely that its motto "A big kind of small town" will ever truly come true.

Just like its 10,000 residents, visitors also have to abide by a strict set of rules, according to reports. These rules and requirements have made Ave Maria, Florida, highly controversial.

What rules and regulations have sparked the Ave Maria, Florida controversy?

In the remote, devout Catholic town, the sale of condoms and other contraceptives is prohibited. As a result, the typical family in Ave Maria have more children than you would usually overwise expect.

There are no hotels or motels either, with only the option if you want to rent an apartment or house being through the use of Airbnb.

The town has two main draws. The first is the private Catholic Ave Maria University which has a fairly conservative dress code: tops without straps, spaghetti straps, shorts, and ultra-tight clothing are all forbidden - unsurprisingly, most of these restrictions are directed towards (you guessed it!) women.

The second is a large cathedral that sits right in the center of town. Bizarrely, this is where the town's founder - Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza, decided to leave his mark: A giant Domino's logo crested into the sidewalk right in front of the church's entrance.

What is the history of Ave Maria, Florida?

Ave Maria was built and financed by Domino's co-founder Tom Monaghan in 2005, less than 20 years ago.

Religious families relocated to the Florida town, which is a 40-minute drive from Naples and about two hours across the state from Miami, because of its great weather and the opportunity to live with like-minded church followers.

The university quickly gained popularity from college students around the country. Though it is relatively new, it offers many scholarships, something that is enticing for families who would normally struggle with the cost of a University education.

Its population now includes 1000 students, and nearly 10,000 people. Pretty impressive for a highly Christian town built by the founder of a fast food pizza chain!

Ave Maria, Florida's controversies don't necessarily trouble the residents

Ave Maria, Florida's cathedral is located in the center of town, designated by a large Domino's logo.
Ave Maria, Florida's cathedral is located in the center of town, designated by a large Domino's logo.  © 123rf/steffstarr

While the vast majority of Ave Maria's inhabitants are Catholic, white, and straight, the community maintains that it is a welcoming and tolerant place for people of all faiths, beliefs, and cultures.

The town's center houses many home-grown local shops, businesses, and restaurants - curiously, though, it does not feature a Domino's Pizza.

Cover photo: 123rf/steffstarr

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