Here at MC Film we have a very special relationship with Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. The MC Film store in Ybor City was Dick’s grandparents, King Greco Hardware Store. Dick grew up in this store and from time to time will stop by to visit. As Dick was running for Tampa Mayor 2011, we got to know a different side of him. In debates people would criticize him over his city projects. Some of these projects included; The Raymond James Football Stadium, The St. Pete Times Forum, The TECO Trolley Car System, Centro Ybor, Marriott Convention Center Hotel, Channelside…. In debates Dick would say ” It’s strange…. these projects are some of the Most Loved & Most Hated in Tampa. Yet all these projects are important building blocks for the good of all of Tampa.” Dick would go on to say “…do you really think we could have the Republican National Convention coming here if all we had to offer were small motels and the Mons Venus for entertainment?” NO!! We have major hotels, a trolley car & bus systems for transportation & entertainment districts in Ybor City & Channelside! These tourism dollars are for the betterment of ALL of TAMPA. Without these building blocks we would never get the major conventions & tourists. The support of these projects by all the people of Tampa is important to the economics & wellness for all of us.”  ( Dick, I hope I paraphrased your speech properly) .

 

This got us thinking…..  In the Tampa Bay LGBT Community these same principals apply. Many of our community building blocks are also “The Most Loved & Most Hated.”  The GaYBOR District Coalition, St. Pete Pride,  Pride on 7th, The Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, GaYBOR Days, Sawmill Resort, TBBG, LGBT Business, non-profits, the LGBT Media & more. Yet all these groups, business, organizations are important building blocks for the good of all of LGBT Tampa Bay. The thriving Downtown District of GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City, with the help of all the other community building blocks, have been drawing in National Drag Pageants, National & International Media including Logo, Discovery Channel, Scy Fy Network, Bravo & other Networks. Together with the Prides, Film Festival & many local events the LGBT tourism has exploded in Tampa Bay. So as we as a community approach the Pride & festival season, we should all remember what Dick Greco said. “The support of these projects by all the people of Tampa is important to the economics & wellness for all of us.” It’s is time for us all to come together & support the Building Blocks of LGBT Tampa Bay.