Joseph Redner

Joseph Richard “Joe” Redner, a longtime Tampa, Florida, businessman, entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for individual liberties, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 16, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on July 2, 1940, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Joe moved to Tampa as a child, where he would go on to build his life, establish his businesses, and become one of the city's most recognizable and talked-about figures. His entrepreneurial spirit, fierce independence, and determination to stand up for what he believed in made him a distinctive presence in the Tampa Bay community for decades.

He became widely known as the longtime owner of Mons Venus, a Tampa landmark he opened in the early 1980s. His business career extended beyond the club industry into real estate, investments, and other ventures. He also supported the entrepreneurial ambitions of his son, Joey Redner, helping finance the launch of Cigar City Brewing, which became an important part of Tampa's craft beer scene. Beyond his business accomplishments, Joe was known for his persistent defense of free speech, individual rights, and personal freedom. As George Orwell once said, "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." A quote that perfectly captures the essence of Joe’s life philosophy.

Joe frequently challenged government regulations through the courts and participated in local political campaigns, believing that citizens should question authority and have a voice in decisions affecting their lives. He also spoke out on LGBTQ rights and medical marijuana access, causes that reflected his deeply independent outlook. His life was marked by resilience and a willingness to confront challenges directly. Even when his positions were controversial, he remained steadfast in expressing his convictions. His decades of public involvement left a lasting mark on Tampa's business community, political conversations, and ongoing debates about constitutional freedoms.

Although many knew him for his larger-than-life public persona and business ventures, Joe was also a father whose influence extended into the lives and endeavors of his family. His passing brings to a close a remarkable life that spanned more than eight decades and touched many corners of the Tampa community. He is survived by his significant other, Edie Burns, his children, Kyle and Teresa, and his niece, Teresa Redner. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Jr. and Agnes Statalles.

Joseph will be remembered for his entrepreneurial drive, independent spirit, determination, and unmistakable place in Tampa's history. His legacy will endure through his family, the businesses he built, and the conversations about freedom and individual rights that he helped shape. May he rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him. We encourage everyone whose lives were touched by Joseph to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page to celebrate his remarkable life.