Copa FTL

The original 1970s Copa was a stand out club and disco in Ft. Lauderdale. It served a thriving gay clientele, but straights made the scene too to hear the fabulous music and dance. An unknown Madonna played there in ‘82. Patrons didn’t need to drive to glitzier Miami at that time because you could find whatever you wanted — and much more — at The Copa. Inside was a lush interior with decor of white palm trees, sunken sitting area’s, sea-blue carpeting, glass block and plenty of neon. There was a smaller bar inside called the Pirates Cove. Two outdoor tiki-style bars allowed space for cruising and posing. Gorgeous bartenders, waiters and busboys added to the view at The Copa, and many who were there said it was the greatest disco of all time.