LGBT News

Cicilline Becomes 4th Openly Gay Member of Congress

Rhode Island’s David Cicilline (sis-uh-LEE’-nee) has become the fourth openly gay member of Congress. Cicilline, the former mayor of Providence, was sworn in Wednesday afternoon, along with the other members of the 112th Congress. He was sworn in by the new House speaker, Republican Rep. John Boehner. Cicilline succeeds fellow Democrat Patrick Kennedy, who retired after eight terms. Cicilline has said before that voters aren’t concerned with his sexual orientation, and called it progress.

 Stop Already!!!!

 It is so sad about the tragedy and what has happened in Tucson, Az this past weekend. Members of the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church plan to protest outside the funeral of 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, one of six people killed Saturday in the shootings.
But some in area are planning a counter-action to protect the grieving family from the unwelcome picketers and their slurs. We know this group all to well. Let’s see….It seems to me the hungry vultures of this simple minded church are treading on innocent lambs for press and exposure. Step Back simpleton Freddy Phelps!!!

Rhode Island Lawmaker to Reintroduce Gay Marriage Bill

A lawmaker says he plans to reintroduce legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. Cranston Democrat Arthur Handy tells The Providence Journal he has lined up 27 co-sponsors and was hoping for more, but would introduce the bill on Thursday. He hopes to spur an early hearing and vote. Efforts to legalize gay marriage in the state have stalled before. Republican former Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEHR’-ee) was opposed. New Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY’-fee), an independent, supports same-sex marriage, as does House Speaker Gordon Fox.

AG Says New Mexico Can Recognize Other Same-Sex Marriages

The marriage of gay couples from other states and countries where it is allowed can be legally recognized in New Mexico, the Attorney General’s Office said in a legal opinion issued Tuesday. “A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico,” Attorney General Gary King said. The opinion was welcomed by at least one lesbian couple who were married five years ago in Canada. Jennifer Burns, an Albuquerque chiropractor, said in an interview that the opinion is a “public recognition of our private commitment.” But opinions by an attorney general are just that — opinions, which themselves do not have the force of law. The opinion itself notes, “we cannot predict how a New Mexico court would rule on this issue.”

Upcoming Events

  *    Jan 15-17, MLK Weekend

    *    Jan 27, Concierge marketing Events Ybor City

    *    Jan 21, BattleFest: Alcalde Invasion Kick Off Party

    *    Jan 23, Alcalde Ybor Navel Invasion @ American Victory Ship

    *    Jan 22, Gasparilla Children’s parade

    *    Jan 28 – 30, Gancho Weekend

    *    Jan 29 Gasparilla Day Parade

    *    Feb 18-20, Gasparilla Softball Classic XVII

 

Photo of the Week

 

 Concierge Marketing Event
Thursday, January 27, 2011


Ybor City Development Corporation’s District Marketing Committee is hosting their 2nd Annual Concierge Event with the Bay Area Concierge Association (BACA) on Thursday, January 27 from 5:30-8:30 pm.  The purpose of the event is to showcase Ybor City and all of the wonderful offerings we have for visitors.  The event will take place at the Ritz Ybor, 1503 East 7th Avenue with at welcome reception for the concierges. 
 
As part of the experience, we are providing “goody bags” for each concierge who attends the event.    This is an excellent opportunity to promote your business and solicit referrals from local concierges.  If you would like to take advantage of this free direct advertising opportunity, please drop-off  100 valuable offers (i.e coupons, gift certificates, give aways) to the YCDC Office by Friday, January 21st by 4:00 pm.  
 
If you would like further information or need assistance delivering your offers, please contact Brenda Thrower at (813) 274-7917 or email at brenda.thrower@tampagov.net.
 
Ybor City Saturday Market
January, 2011 – Happy New Year!

 COOKS WANTED!
FREE ENTRY & CASH PRIZES!
              
2010 Winners, left-Angelina Noble, right-Jenna LoCicero

Do you LOVE Flan? Join us again this year as we search for the TOP Flan in Tampa Bay! Enjoy the creamy dessert at the 8th Annual Flan Fest hosted by the Ybor City Saturday Market on Saturday, February 26th, 11am-4pm, in Centennial Park (corner of 8th Ave. & 19th St.). 
This event is held in conjunction with Fiesta Day.
Live Entertainment, Kids Activities,
 Shopping, Food & Flan!!
We proudly continue the tradition of Flan Fest,
where family, heritage and culture thrive!
  
For more information or to register as a contestant,
email:  ybormarket@yahoo.com
Thank you to our Flan Fest 2011 Sponsors!
                 
Flan-Fabulous Level (Title Sponsors): 
Jose Toledo P.A., Su Abogado Hispano
 Bright House Networks & Bay News 9 Espanol
Flan-Tastic Level
TECO Energy 
Ana G. Mendez University 
 
Flan Level:
BJ’s Wholesale Club
 
Media Sponsors
Centro Tampa & TheTampa Tribune
MAXIMA 92.5 FM
 
Special Thanks to the City of Tampa, BB&T
Hillsborough County Hispanic Affairs Office, 
Toni Wheat CPA, Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Ybor City Development Corporation, Coda Sound

 


New Vendors Welcome!
Join the Ybor City Saturday Market Family.  We are accepting new vendors who create arts and crafts, gourmet foods, prepared foods and more!
If you are looking for a fun place to make friends, share your talents and earn extra income, email Lynn Schultz for an application:   ybormarket@yahoo.com

Basic fee schedule and information is available at our web site:  www.ybormarket.com

 

OUR MISSION:

The Ybor City Saturday Market will improve the accessibility of nutritious and affordable, regionally grown produce and ornamental plants, arts and crafts, pre-prepared foods, and locally produced products unique to Hillsborough County. 

 

The Ybor City Saturday Market will stimulate entrepreneurial activity among local residents and create a venue for local artists, craftsmen, and specialty product producers.    

Ybor City Saturday Market
P.O. Box 5294
Tampa, Florida 33569
813-241-2442

web site:  www.ybormarket.com
email:  ybormarket@yahoo.com

The Ybor City Saturday Market is open
EVERY Saturday,
Year-Round,
Rain or Shine,
9am-3pm.
Centennial Park
Historic Ybor City
 
Free Parking
Free Admission
Pets Welcome!

 

You’ll be sure to find

Great Produce at Great Prices,   

gourmet foods & sauces,

fresh baked breads, 

prepared foods, orchids,

herbs & plants, pet treats,

honey, fine cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, 

jewelry, woodworking,

bath & body products, 

candles & so much more!!

 

 

 

Join Our Email List:

If you are interested in receiving coupons, updates and information on the Ybor City Saturday Market, please email me at ybormarket@yahoo.com to be placed on the email list.

 

Be sure to check us out on Facebook:

Group Page:  Ybor City Saturday Market

Local Business Page:  Ybor City Saturday Market

 

Event:  Flan Fest 2011

Local Business Page:

Flan Fest 2011

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 1-5-11

GO WEST Campaign is looking for volunteers to pass out door hangers on Saturday, 1-8-1 Will be working the River Heights area just north of downtown and around Chelsea Nightclub. Meeting at 1PM  RSVP to West.District5@gmail.com   THANK YOU
 
 
“Pretty as a Picture”
 

 

 

NEW YEARS EVE
Part 1 United Healthcare Children’s Foundation Parade & Band Blast
The traditional Outback Bowl Parade has a new sponsoring organization for the New Years Eve parade and changed its name to the United Healthcare Children’s Foundation Parade and Band Blast. This year 41 bands participated in the Ybor City 7th Ave early evening festivity. We participated by dressing in pirate costume and riding the Spirit of Cigar City Krewe Float with its partying Krewe. We had brought along as a Mark & Carrie tradition for New Years Eve pictures our ‘Big Gold Frame’  We framed a lot of people that night! We were invited guests with Ybor City Development Corp board members. YCDC mgr Vince Pardo, retail chair Joe Howden, YCDC Econ mgr Brenda Thrower, Gen David Scott and Veronica S. in marketing were on the float also. We definitely kicked the party up a few notches. The super friendly krewe had a full bar to make traveling down 7th Ave with the 10’s of thousand spectators that much easier. As the beads flew from our hands the beads greeted the visiting Penn State fans and the arm clapping Florida Gator crusaders. It was a solid big roar as we traveled through the valley of 7th Ave.  We were invited to the Outback Bowl  President’s Balcony Party for some adult beverages and snacks! No steaks or blooming onions were to be found! Of course pictures were in order.  A great fun warm night and to our most gracious hosts, Spirit of Cigar City Krewe, Thank You!!!.

Part 2 Hamburger Mary's Balcony

Onto Hamburger Mary’s for the New Years Eve Floor show! We were still dressed in our over the top pirate gear and carrying of course the ‘Big Gold Frame’ for pictures.Those fabulous and juicy HM burgers was on the nights menu. The place always being packed was no exception on New Years Eve. 1 year after opening up this mainstay eatery of Ybor City, everything went super smooth. ( Last year they had just opened and well , very overwhelmed????) The charmed bartenders in special array and the efficient and succulent wait staff flying through the packed crowds. Miss Sharon Rose, Rich Kerin, Mark & Carrie all took stride in the mountainous activity and sheer excitement of the last night of the year street party!

Part 3 Steam Friday's on New Years Eve

The Honey Pot stage was decorated with Black Tie silhouettes and the lineup of show entertainment went on and on! Balloons, champagne and a packed house of hot guys in all types of white dapper vestments. It was an occasion for a fantastic new year beginnings and a White Party theme. A night out to dress to impress! Wow.. That was New Years Eve for 2011! Happy New Years in 2011!!!