From the MC Film Mail Bag

***MEDIA ALERT***

January 12, 2015

 

TECO Line Streetcar System Offers Warm Welcome to Cruise Ship Visitors

Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar System began service three hours earlier last Wednesday to serve the more than 1,200 tourists voyaging aboard the German cruise ship AIDAVITA. The special service, authorized by the Tampa Historic Streetcar, Inc. (THS) board president, was made as part of TECO and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s ongoing commitment to creating dynamic partnerships with the communities it serves and the businesses within those neighborhoods.

 

As a result of the extended hours TECO Streetcar ridership soared by nearly 300 percent, to 1710 passenger trips.  Thus far in FY2015, Wednesdays have averaged 575 passenger trips.

 

TECO Streetcars offered a chance to experience the rich history of the city by riding the same kind of transportation that fueled Tampa’s early growth and prosperity. Businesses along the streetcar line welcomed the visitors by opening earlier to extend warm Tampa hospitality and diverse shopping and dining opportunities.

 

The AIDAVITA has more cruise stops scheduled in Tampa over the next few months, on January 28, February 18, March 11, and April 1. The TECO Streetcar line will evaluate the success of the extended morning hours for future service offerings.

###

 

About the TECO Line Streetcar System

The streetcar system extends 2.7 miles to connect Historic Ybor City, Channel District and Downtown Tampa. The streetcar system operates every day, and late-nights Fridays and Saturdays. The streetcar system is operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. For more information, visit www.tecolinestreetcar.org

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Sandra Morrison, HART Public Information Officer, (813) 384-6610, (813) 545-5497 cell, MorrisonS@goHART.org

Photos of the Week

Photos of the Week    

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Our Sister Flora in GaYBOR

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Happy Birthday Chou Chou

 

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Judy B. Good @ The Crab Shack

 

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Mark in GaYBOR
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Great Hat @ Ny Ny Pizza
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Click for More Photos at Ybor City Wine Bar


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Click for More Photos at Steam Fridays
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Click for More Photos at G.BAR

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Click for More Photos @ Bradley’s on 7th

Click for More Photos at Hamburger Mary’s

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Click for more Photos @ Cristinos
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Click for More Photos at The Social
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Click for More Photos at Centro Cantina

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Click for More Photos at MC Film

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Click for More Photos in GaYBOR



 

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TAMPA PRIDE 
March 28,2015

In the Heart of The GaYBOR District
in Historic Ybor City

Join the New Tampa Pride Email List.
Send your email address to

  Needed:  Volunteers, Creative Minds, Donations 
 & Fun People with Ideas.

*********************************************************

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jZQiTWPlg-7bLgIwRb2DX2CpbX7NXXSeuGB5N5XV4Dx-J4U-cFv9PwMqi4AU869pzOjHY3yF5m615m4Y4SdqDY_vgXvSaZUUGxhKPoYmSUjPfJGt8mgytgWMYOnv7MtUwkvwz4MdVtMzyRL8ibuWJKztJD825y8eBPApLq-m7Sc_dYrmrreaqNKH_7FiKrGyDgPscdXQIz0=&c=VyqH1BwDynuPItMVHUp1v-_MTfhNJurtzFnhSLQcFHLKdTfNihzs1Q==&ch=jBe0rKHm-ajK6c5cDK_M2ZHPCt7EIVu1BN4jKgzYP5Py866QyEpRGw==
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Hotel Discounts   

When visiting the GaYBOR District

in Historical Ybor City

Stay at  

The Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jZQiTWPlg-7bLgIwRb2DX2CpbX7NXXSeuGB5N5XV4Dx-J4U-cFv9PydDr4hsf5NCDzto07J1a8bKVb2pt7Ap9eueZmfRH1jOwM6dJs_xx1M61D0brIe8_zjmUJ1NiunbCmJmsF0FgdOTfNZpoDoSw6BeC24eYbirObCPVZgvbr_0kVad_9h4hdsHRqfWG2tQray1Po6pcute2o_eh2PSVw_lIsnxy7KCuWmiPka17Y5A5hxFKEBYSRVdypJ_tol41C5K8IYe1oYctAlMdqF_7zFXNkhwes1s&c=VyqH1BwDynuPItMVHUp1v-_MTfhNJurtzFnhSLQcFHLKdTfNihzs1Q==&ch=jBe0rKHm-ajK6c5cDK_M2ZHPCt7EIVu1BN4jKgzYP5Py866QyEpRGw==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jZQiTWPlg-7bLgIwRb2DX2CpbX7NXXSeuGB5N5XV4Dx-J4U-cFv9PydDr4hsf5NCDzto07J1a8bKVb2pt7Ap9eueZmfRH1jOwM6dJs_xx1M61D0brIe8_zjmUJ1NiunbCmJmsF0FgdOTfNZpoDoSw6BeC24eYbirObCPVZgvbr_0kVad_9h4hdsHRqfWG2tQray1Po6pcute2o_eh2PSVw_lIsnxy7KCuWmiPka17Y5A5hxFKEBYSRVdypJ_tol41C5K8IYe1oYctAlMdqF_7zFXNkhwes1s&c=VyqH1BwDynuPItMVHUp1v-_MTfhNJurtzFnhSLQcFHLKdTfNihzs1Q==&ch=jBe0rKHm-ajK6c5cDK_M2ZHPCt7EIVu1BN4jKgzYP5Py866QyEpRGw==  

Located on 7th Ave &

Walking Distance to EVERYTHING!

Ask for the Discounted MC Film Corporate rate

Corp Code 0002672438

(Some black out dates do apply)

Below is the easy link to use when making reservations.

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/reservations/index.jhtml?hotel=TPAYBHX&corporateCode=0002672438

 

 

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 1-7-15

“I DO” & ” I DO”!!!
    What most people gay or straight never thought would ever happen in our life times, did! Florida was # 36 state to have legalized Same Sex Marriage. It was more than exciting. It was the unthinkable. Tears came to so many just because. You live your whole life growing up and sharing your life with someone you love. Marriage to that special person was out of reach and illegal if you were GLBT!
    This morning in Tampa at the Hillsborough Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office that changed! Progressive political thinker and Clerk of Circuit Courts Pat Frank led a procession across the street out to the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park across from the Hillsborough Courthouse. She dressed in her late husbands robe, Judge Richard Frank, then set out to hold an outside Same Sex wedding ceremony for about 40 Gay couples that applied for a marriage license Tuesday morning in Hillsborough County. This was the first day of issuing licenses after a recent decision from Federal Court judge Hinkle in Atlanta. This long awaited historic month long battle from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was elating.
    A total of 159 licenses were issued to landmark historic day loving partners in Hillsborough County and in Pinellas 62 licenses were issued. Pat Frank also, under her authority, rescinded any 3 day delay in the marriage process.
    Court Clerks were working outside under the old Hillsborough County Courthouse dome that is in the park with an assortment of American, Human Rights  and Gay Pride Rainbow flags draped.
    So at 12:00 noon Tuesday, 36 GLBT couples were legally married in a hot Florida clear sky day in once a few weeks ago was a National  Black Listed GLBT county. Boy how things have certainly changed! And to the state’s betterment. Short & Sweet…Now we don’t have to go up north to get legally married!
    In the crowd of the 800 people participating and watching were Tampa City Council members Harry Cohen and Lisa Montelione. Prominent Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner & 10 year married partner, Gil Sainz greeted the newly wed couples after the historical ceremony. Mel & Jay from Flamingo Auto Group were also in the massive lineup of newly wed partners.
    Oh Yes, SHE Magazine editors were the un-official rice throwing participants. There were at least 100 smiling and interviewing local TV & newspaper media personnel all in and around the park and 2 lonely black hooded boo’d at side walk hecklers.
   Florida statewide Political Rights group, Equal Marriage Florida collected over 782,000 Same Sex petitions in the last  2 years to help tell the Florida Legislature the citizens of Florida meant Equality Marriage business. Some notables on the historic pioneering honorable Florida statewide Same Sex changing campaign include Co-Chairs… Mark Bias, Carrie West, Michael Wilson, Brian Betz, Vanessa Brito & Heather Gray. Also other Florida groups helping the GLBT cause included Equality Florida, ACLU and National Center for Lesbian Rights.
    What I really enjoyed seeing was all the friends, family members and some of the couples children engaged in this memorable legal sanctified outside occasion. Love is Love!!!
    Wow, Florida didn’t make the bottom of the National Marriage Equality list (#36) for this historic National Constitution change. Way to go and Congratulations everyone.

What an Ybor City OUTBACK New Years Parade

    Oh how we love a parade! The New Years Eve was kicked of with the Annual Outback Bowl Parade marching and charading down Historic GaYBOR/ Ybor City’s famed 7th Ave. The two National Football College contenders were Auburn vs Wisconsin. We were on the National Spotlight!
    The weather in the mid 80’s was a remarkable week needless to say for a great football activity and celebration. A dozen high school marching bands from across the country participated proudly.
    The streets in Ybor City are holiday festive and we know all the visitors were grateful for seeing a very diversified part of Tampa, welcoming each and everyone of them. With that said, all the stores, restaurants and clubs were packed with friendly tourists.

MC FILM, 25 Years in Business

MC FILM, 25 Years in Business
    As 2014 came to an end 2015 brings new ideas, directions, pathways and dreams. Thank You Everyone for helping make our last 25 Years at MC FILM, a rewarding GLBT community business,
    Now we look forward to the future.
    Forever Grateful… Mark & Carrie  and Miss Amber
TAMPA GAY PRIDE Meeting
    The New Year brings the TAMPA PRIDE group picking up the paces for a fantastic and memorable PRIDE event coming March 28th.
    The next meeting is Tuesday, January 13 at 6 pm  at Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor City Conference Room.
    An overall information about the City of Tampa’s co-sponsorship and then a breakout into the committees.
    The Street Festival and Parade are this years new beginnings for TAMPA PRIDE after a 14 year lapse in not having a Gay Pride Parade. The parade and festival will be in GaYBOR/ Historic Ybor City.
    Sponsorships, Volunteer Info, Parade Entry & Festival Vendor Information is online at  www.TAMPAPRIDE.org.
    Support TAMPA PRIDE 2015 !!!
GaYBOR District Coalition Meeting
    The kick-off to 2015 GaYBOR District Coalition is at their 1st meeting of the year, Thursday, Jan 8th  at Joffrey’s Coffee Shop at the corner of 8th Ave & 15th Street at 6pm.
    Upcoming events include Sant Yago Knight Parade, Spring Bar Crawl, Membership Renewals, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the role GaYBOR will be playing in TAMPA PRIDE coming up in March 28th.
Guest speaker is from Northern Trust Bank.
    Everyone is invited to attend. Bring along a friend.
 

Mark & Carrie Nephieu/Niece of the Week

    Jeremiah Kerr
    This very talent young guy is the Outreach and Community Coordinator at the USF Pediatric Infectious Disease Center in Ybor City. He is also the Treasurer at PFLAG Tampa. In his free time you can find him with friends in GaYBOR and is a board member of the GaYBOR District Coalition.

You Can Not Make this Up.

    This time of year many of us Floridians travel up north to get away, ski or to experience snow. Afterwards we always say, “What the F%#@** were we thinking?!?!?!”
    One year we flew into Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was way below zero and a lot of snow and ice.
    We were all excited to see the family and parents. We were about 20 miles from the car rental when we noticed something. The car had no heat to warm our shivering bodies.!! We tried and tried to recalculate the digital heater. We were plain C O L D!!!
    Turning the car around and went back to the car rental agent. They told us that the car had come from the South
    Sorry…. no heat! WTF.