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You Just Can Not Make This Up
In 1983 John “Billy” Ferry walked into the Palm River Winn Dixie and tossed gasoline over clerks and people waiting in the checkout line. Killing 5 people and hurting many more. He’s is serving 5 life sentences, one for each of the people he killed. His 14 year old son, John was arrested in ‘91 for possession of a firebomb and destructive device.
Fast forward to 1986 when we purchased a home in North Hyde Park. From the second floor we could see into the lot of the house next door. There was a strange long pile of dirt on one side. We asked the seller about it. She told us that there was an old guy living there. He helped a homeless guy and gave him a place to live. They then started to argue and to fight. Suddenly the old guy was gone and the young guy started to sell everything on the front porch. When the neighbors asked where was the older guy, he would say “he moved back up north.”
The landlord came and evicted the young guy. The young homeless guy was Billy Ferry. After the fire-bombing the neighbors called the police. They came to the house and for 3 weeks to dig up the back yard. They watched in horror and wonder. The older gentleman was never found.
Sunday FUNday with Tea Cup & Miss Joey Brooks @ Tequila’s in Ybor City
Caught @ Bradley’s on 7th
Caught at Tease Saturdays @ The Honey Pot
Ybor City Car Show 7-7-19
Dishing with Mark n Carrie, SPECIAL EDITION NYC PRIDE
INTERPRIDE and NYC PRIDE Huge World Pride Success
Small and large Pride organizations from over 108 nations came to NYC for the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots back in 1969. Tampa PRIDE was Proud to have been a part of the Worldwide Pride organizations and participating up in the NYC Pride weeks of events.
Along with the great pictures taken by the 100’s of Tampa Bay attendees I am giving a log on what some of the behind the scenes were being done.
In years of preparation and getting over 108 countries to come and participate in this historic event, this was the first time in the 19 years of the InterPride organization having a World Pride Conference, this was the first conference to be held in United States. Hand in hand it was a great experiencing event young or old.
Tampa PRIDE was representing the Tampa Bay area and were #20 in the march line up with 58 groups participating in our contingent. As the world watched on ABC TV live it was a show of over 6 million that were in and on the NYC streets to historically participate.
For the Opening Reception there were outstanding concerts by Cher, Cyndi Lauper and hosted by Whoopi Goldburg with Chaka Chan, Billy Porter & 20 other international artists performing. There were major parties going on nightly all over the Big Apple.
The Opening InterPride Reception Cruise
We were happy to have been to the Opening InterPride Reception on board a huge party boat that have 500 aboard with partners from EuroPride, Fiere Canada Pride, CAPI, Mid East Pride and African Pride organizations. Mayors of the next World Pride 2021 in Copenhagen and Sweden and Denmark & Sweden Foreign Deputies spoke on behalf of their next 4 million person conference. Boating past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan and the sites of the majestic city.
NYC RAINBOW
Everywhere you looked in New York there were rainbows. The city could not have been more welcoming. From small flags to HUGE WALLS, New York City went way out for PRIDE. Wouldn’t it be Great if every community did this? Here are just a few examples. ENJOY!!!
Magical Night
Tampa resident Lenny Cristino hosted the Tampa Pride delegation at his NYC home. The views from the penthouse balcony were incredible! The Freedom Tower, Chrysler Building & Empire State Building were all in view. The VIP guests were all so welcoming. Thank You Lenny for a night we will never forget!!
