Category Archives: CLICK HERE for Dishing with “Mark & Carrie”

GaYBOR Member of the Week

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Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Choir
It’s hard to think of a Holiday season without Una Voce; RThe Florida Men’s Choir. This groups makes our whole community so proud all over the Tampa bay area. At the helm is overture arranging, Tom Barker. From performing Concerts to performing for the Mayor and dignitaries. We are all very proud to also call them members of GaYBOR! Viva La GaYBOR

Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/ Niece of the Week

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Dustin Hughes
Every meet a person you really like from the first meeting. Dustin is one of those people!!! A Celebrity Bartender and international dancer, Dustin has a personality you will love. A huge congratulations to Dustin’s team who ran in the ASAP Santa Speedo Run. You can catch Dustin at Dockside in Lakeland not only behind the bar but on top of it too!

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 12-5-12

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Get Ready Start…….1-2-3
3 Huge HolidayEvents
Friday, Sat & Sunday
12/6, 12/7, 12/9
Friday, Dec 7
The Official GaYBOR Holiday Party 7-9 @ Bradley’s on 7th
One Complimentary Cocktail, Samples from GaYBOR Restaurants & WOW Holiday Drag Show at 8PM
Saturday, Dec 8
GaYBOR Holiday Bar Crawl. Join your friends for a Fun Filled Night in GaYBOR. Starting at 5PM
Pick up your Bar Crawl T-Shirt at MC FILM, Hamburger Mary’s or Bradley’s on 7th. Benefit shirt is $15.00.
Sunday, Dec 9
Santa Speedo Run Benefits A.S.A.P. for AIDS research.
Starting 1 PM at Centennial Park in GaYBOR/Ybor City
20% Off Speedos at MC Film NOW
 
Caught @ MC Film….
 Woody from Dockside Bar Lakeland picking out his Speedo for the Santa Speedo Run.
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Lighting of the GaYBOR/ Ybor City Holiday Tree
The official kick off to the 2012 Holiday Season has begun!!!
Groups like: The GaYBOR District Coalition, YCDC &&& Businesses: like Hamburger Mary’s, Honey Pot, G.BAR, Social, MC Film Fest, JJ’s Cafe, Carne, Don Vicente Inn &&& Ybor residents: like Mike, Scott, Rich, Tessa, Jack, Mamma &&& Many Many more organizations and individuals all worked together, under the leadership of Mathieu Stanoch & Florida Entertainment Group, to bring an exciting line up this Holiday Season. Last week volunteers decorated the famous 7th Ave. lamp posts of GaYBOR/ Ybor City. It really looks marvelous and highly welcoming.
On Wednesday, 11-27-12 was the lighting of the Holiday Tree in Centro Ybor. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Santa Clause both did the honor of lighting the 2 story tree. There were 100’s of people and performers from Busch Gardens & The Straz Performing Art Center all there to cheer them on. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, Dec 15, 2012, the date of the next BIG event you will not want to miss and experience! “The Holiday Spirit Parade & Snowing on 7th Ave.”  (We hear there will be snow flying.)
 
Skeleton Streetcar to Future FANTASTIK
When we went to Pride on 7th first year festival at the old Tampa Armature Building (Trolly barn) at the end of 7th Ave and the Hillsborough River, we saw in the back of the building a bare rusted out shell of an old streetcar. It looked fitting in the old cob webbed greasy smelling building with an abundant number of large windows for light. Paper draft designs laying all around on the trashed floor and on the sides of the old car. The found historic Tampa streetcar treasure is a restorers dream. The rusted & weathered car was sitting on blocks with cement block steps to get into the empty insides. Broken and rotted support beams were very visible. Parts of the outer skin had rusted off and new sheet metal and aluminum were needed to help complete its exterior structure. It was going to take years of passion, love and pain staking work to bring the once work horse back alive again. But again that is the positive challenge of the few.
Now 3 years later that same streetcar is moving on a semi-truck flatbed about Tampa and is heading for a new life on the Tampa rails. Supporters, preservationists and volunteers of the Streetcar, carpenters, cabinet makers, metal shop workers and paint shops all over Tampa are getting involved. Benefits, volunteering labor, materials and money grants to make a new presence from the historical past.
Just like the small #167 Tampa Streetcar having been totally restored for use on special travel trips on the famous Ybor City to downtown Tampa journey. The streetcar being newly restored is breathing new life. Small steps now but what great reward when totally restored to the Tampa Bay community.
 
Friends Dinner
Local Celebrity Bartender Christian is now at Carne’s in GaYBOR/Ybor City. Of course his fans are all there too. Every Tuesday Night is the unofficial Friends Dinner. A group of friends and soon to be friends, all meet in the lounge are of Carne’s with Christian starting around 6PM. There are $2 Martinis for Happy Hour. Everybody is free to order other cocktails, appetizer or full dinners . You just never know who will be there. See you Tuesday at Carne’s.
 
Susan Donovanne Fund
Brianna Lovely the Director of www.transgendertampabay.org has one of the biggest hearts in Tampa Bay. TGTB Member, Susan was involved in a sad traffic accident and now needs our help.
Video of the week
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Things That Make Floridians Smile.
Today coming home to Tampa from east coast Cape Canaveral we were keeping up with traffic going about 80 in a 70 mph zone. Two different out of state tourist speedsters passed us all on the right side. When the toll booth came up they both had to stop & wait in the very long liones to pay their tolls. With our Sun Pass/ EZ Pass we all sailed on past them. LOL LOL
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Obituary
Terry Petsch
Died 11-27-2012
When we heard that our good friend Terry had passed we started to look for a “Good” photo of him. In all the photos he was making a humorous face. Then we realized, that was Terry. He was really a big kid at heart. Big smile on his face as he always enjoyed life and was having a great time. Many people will remember his parties at Ft. DeSoto State Park,  The Suncoast Resort & Flamingo Hotel. Born in Minnesota, partners in the Saloon Bar in Mpls, he relocated to Long Boat Key where he operated his framing studio in Siesta Key. Terry will be missed by many in our communities. His sudden bout with cancer was a surprise to us all. Rest in peace our fun loving Italian friend.
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You Just Can Not Make This Up
    Called the Police & Trespassed NOW
Some friends of ours owned a building just north of the interstate in the VM Ybor District. For years the tenant of the building was a very nice & sweet man. He was always behind in his rent. Our friends would stop by and buy large amounts of bake goods to help him out. One day they read in the newspaper he had passed away. You can just imagine the surprise when they drove by the store & it was open!!! They stopped and went inside. The dead mans relatives were working the store. Our friends said that they were glad to see them take over the family business. Did they know he was 7 months behind in the rent? The relatives became very mad and said, “NO, their dad was the owner of this building.” They then called the police and had the real owners trespassed off their own property!!!! During the forced eviction the relatives shouted “Only in America can somebody steal ones family property like this!”
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GaYBOR Member of the Week
Carlos A Lopez
A founding member of GaYBOR. Carlos is always one of the first to volunteer. Besides being very active on the softball league Carlos also the King (Queen Wink Wink) of Karaoke !!! This week it is Viva La Carlos!!
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Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/Niece of the Week
Ronnie Stephens
OK Ronnie might be our very 1st Great Nephew!!! LOL LOL When ever you see Sashay T Van-Cartier, Ronnie will be close by. Ronnie seems to be every where these days and always with a big smile!!!
Chase is In Love
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Star of new Play caught @ MC Film
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Christian @ Friends Party
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Cherokee in GaYBOR
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Must See Tree @ Carne
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Holiday Magic @ Hamburger Mary’s
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Caught @ Steam Fridays @ The Honey Pot
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Amateur Strip Night @ Bradley’s on 7th
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Caught @ The Social
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Caught @ G.BAR
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Caught in Ybor City
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Caught @ MC Film

You Just Can Not Make This Up

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    Called the Police & Trespassed NOW
Some friends of ours owned a building just north of the interstate in the VM Ybor District. For years the tenant of the building was a very nice & sweet man. He was always behind in his rent. Our friends would stop by and buy large amounts of bake goods to help him out. One day they read in the newspaper he had passed away. You can just imagine the surprise when they drove by the store & it was open!!! They stopped and went inside. The dead mans relatives were working the store. Our friends said that they were glad to see them take over the family business. Did they know he was 7 months behind in the rent? The relatives became very mad and said, “NO, their dad was the owner of this building.” They then called the police and had the real owners trespassed off their own property!!!! During the forced eviction the relatives shouted “Only in America can somebody steal ones family property like this!”  

Obituary

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Terry Petsch
Died 11-27-2012
When we heard that our good friend Terry had passed we started to look for a “Good” photo of him. In all the photos he was making a humorous face. Then we realized, that was Terry. He was really a big kid at heart. Big smile on his face as he always enjoyed life and was having a great time. Many people will remember his parties at Ft. DeSoto State Park,  The Suncoast Resort & Flamingo Hotel. Born in Minnesota, partners in the Saloon Bar in Mpls, he relocated to Long Boat Key where he operated his framing studio in Siesta Key. Terry will be missed by many in our communities. His sudden bout with cancer was a surprise to us all. Rest in peace our fun loving Italian friend.

Lighting of the GaYBOR/ Ybor City Holiday Tree

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The official kick off to the 2012 Holiday Season has begun!!!
Groups like: The GaYBOR District Coalition, YCDC &&& Businesses: like Hamburger Mary’s, Honey Pot, G.BAR, Social, MC Film Fest, JJ’s Cafe, Carne, Don Vicente Inn &&& Ybor residents: like Mike, Scott, Rich, Tessa, Jack, Mamma &&& Many Many more organizations and individuals all worked together, under the leadership of Mathieu Stanoch & Florida Entertainment Group, to bring an exciting line up this Holiday Season. Last week volunteers decorated the famous 7th Ave. lamp posts of GaYBOR/ Ybor City. It really looks marvelous and highly welcoming.
On Wednesday, 11-27-12 was the lighting of the Holiday Tree in Centro Ybor. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Santa Clause both did the honor of lighting the 2 story tree. There were 100’s of people and performers from Busch Gardens & The Straz Performing Art Center all there to cheer them on. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, Dec 15, 2012, the date of the next BIG event you will not want to miss and experience! “The Holiday Spirit Parade & Snowing on 7th Ave.”  (We hear there will be snow flying.)

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 11-27-12

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BREAKING NEWS….
Carnival Cruise BANS Drag at sea! Then Changes mind???
A very strange & direct to their point email letter that was sent out  4 days before the set sail, Carnival Cruise Lines wrote to the gay passengers,”…banning all drag in public spaces at sea.” The only exceptions will be for performers on stage. This surprised everybody including the organizers of the event, AlandChuck.Travel.  The LOGO TV show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race – Drag Stars at Sea” will go on but nobody will be allowed to be in drag in the audience or anywhere else on the cruise..
 

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory. (Photo: By Andy Newman, Carnival Cruise Lines)

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3:18PM EST November 27. 2012 – UPDATE: Carnival now says it will allow guests on the Dec. 2 Carnival Glory cruise to dress in drag. The line says it will also provide full refunds to anyone who wants to cancel their cruise.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO, in a letter sent today to all guests booked on the sailing – and posted on social media – says there was a “miscommunication” between the cruise line and travel agency.

“When the group was presented to us we were advised that only the performers would be dressed in drag during the private events. However, we are now aware that this was not clearly communicated to members of the group and therefore anyone who wishes to dress in drag may do so. Please keep in mind that our safety and security procedures require guests to present government-issued ID, and to be recognizably that person,” Cahill says.

“At Carnival, we are proud to carry more than 4.5 million guests every year and we welcome them all aboard. We do not practice any form of discrimination against the LGBT or any other community. We sincerely apologize for the miscommunication and for any unintended offense we have caused,” he continues.

“Given this misunderstanding, anyone on this cruise who wishes to cancel for any reason may do so and will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, as well as reimbursement for any non-refundable travel related expenses.”

ORIGINAL POST, 1:24PM EST: In advance of a “Drag Stars at Sea” cruise on the Carnival Glory next week, passengers received notification drag costumes will not be allowed in public areas of the ship.

This has sparked a controversy that has drag queens and supporters crying foul on websites including America Blog, although the gay-owned travel agency that arranged the cruise is defending the cruise line.

The week-long eastern Caribbean cruise, set to embark Miami on Dec. 2, has been billed by organizer Al and Chuck Travel as the largest gathering of drag queens at sea, with more than 30 drag stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race set to perform.

Al and Chuck Travel posted the following letter on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ALandCHUCK.travel
Dear Valued Guests and Friends, 

We hope that this brief note finds you well.
By now, we are sure that most of you traveling with us on the upcoming Drag Stars At Sea: Caribbean Adventure – Revenge of the Wench have received Carnival’s letter regarding their regulations concerning costumes and masks (under which traditional “DRAG” falls under).We are sympathetic to your sentiments that you have …

expressed via email and social media. As a gay man who has been partnered for 25 years, I have suffered many forms of discriminations because I am part of the GLBT community. But please take note, Carnival’s regulation is NOT an example of discrimination. Carnival is an ally of the GLBT community. Please understand that this cruise could not even be happening on the GLORY if Carnival was not an ally of our segment of society. When they say they are a “family friendly” cruise line they mean it in both the traditional and metaphorical sense of the phrase.Carnival’s “no costumes rule” is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community. As a gay business, we would not have organized this cruise if they were prejudiced against gay people. This rule goes for both GAY and STRAIGHT passengers that travel on all Carnival cruises. It is in response to the post-911 world we live in. It is meant to protect passengers and guests – NOT to marginalize a few.

Additionally, we know that transgendered members of our community will be aboard with us during this event. Please do not worry, Carnivals rule is not meant towards you. Your right to live your identity is always supported.

Finally, Drag Stars At Sea is a cruise venue for you to meet the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Just as you would not go in costume (other than on Halloween) to a club to see them perform, neither should you on the GLORY. Again, our desire was always to bring this incredible talent together in one place for you to enjoy along with all the other benefits of the VALUE of a mixed guest cruise. We pointed out to you that a private charter (and they are excellent cruises) can be DOUBLE what you are paying for this experience. This is an opportunity for your favorite entertainers to shine for YOU! We will of course, still have our parties and events aboard (the rules of which are outlined in your travel package) for you to join in on the fun.

Ultimately, let’s use this opportunity to set an example so that all the world can see that the GLBT community can follow rules and regulations just like everyone else. Finally, I want to say from the bottom of my heart, we have done our absolute best in creating this event. We have tried to communicate effectively and bring you the best possible experience, which we believe would not be available to you any other way. At the end of the cruise, I hope you will agree with my sentiment humbly expressed here.

Chuck and I look forward to meeting you on board….we promise you the best time of your lives!

Sincerely,
Al Ferguson

World AIDS Day Dec. 1, 2012
December 1 is World AIDS Day!
Thursday, Nov 29, 2012 Join your friends and family at Hamburger Mary’s. 50% of your ticket will be donated Metro Wellness Community Center.
 
Saturday Dec 1 Rock AIDS will be at the Lowry Park Band Shell in Tampa, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The event will feature live music performed by a variety of bands including John Q, Roundhouse Social, Donni Bennett Band, and Talk to Mark Band. There will be a food truck rally, beer garden, a variety of vendors, health related booths, a children’s activity area, free HIV testing, raffles and more.
This family event is planned to bring awareness about HIV/AIDS and to raise funds

for services provided by Metro Wellness and Community Centers located in St Petersburg, Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida.Metro Wellness and Community Centers is the premiere provider of HIV/AIDS services in Tampa Bay area serving more than 8,000 clients through medical case management and services. The Centers also offer services and programs, including health education, cyber centers, LGBTQ youth groups, social events and networking, 50+ awareness, classes and workshops, community outreach and partnerships to the diverse community that makes up the Tampa Bay area.

Number of HIV Tests performed each year by Metro Wellness & Community Centers – 3,500.
Number of Lives Touched Through Programs, Events and Outreach – 500,000
Number of Cents Per Dollar Donated that Goes to Client Care – $.95

Someone is infected with HIV in America every 9 ½ minutes, but the end is in sight. World AIDS Day this year is about “Getting to Zero.” Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths.

Rock AIDS is a free community event, however there is a suggested donation of $10 per person. More if you can, less if you can’t.

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The Red AIDS Ribbon
30 years after the first cases of HIV – the red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The red ribbon was the first ever ribbon symbol, inspiring later versions such as the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. www.worldaidsday.org
*Where did the idea come from?
In 1991 – a decade after the emergence of HIV – a group of 12 artists gathered to discuss a new project for Visual Aids; a New York arts organization that raises awareness of HIV. They were photographers, painters, film makers and costume designers, and they sat around in the shared gallery space in New York’s East Village.
After a short brainstorm they had come up with a simple idea that later became one of the most recognized symbols of the decade – the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

*Why did we need a symbol?

When the artists sat down to work on this project, their aim was to get people talking about HIV. This was during a time where HIV was highly stigmatized and people living with HIV were suffering behind closed doors, some too scared to even tell their loved ones they were living with the virus. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with, and affected by, HIV.
The artists were inspired by the yellow ribbons tied on trees to denote support for the US military fighting in the Gulf War. Pink and the rainbow colors were rejected because they were too closely associated with the gay community, and they wanted to convey that HIV went beyond the gay community and was relevant to everyone.
Red was chosen as it is bold and visible – symbolizing passion, a heart and love. The shape was chosen simply because it was easy to make and replicate – anyone can make one by just cutting out a piece of ribbon, looping it around your finger and pinning it on.
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Lighting of the GaYBOR/ Ybor City Holiday Tree this Wednesday
Tree Lighting 7PM followed by BINGO at Hamburger Mary’s
Join Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, local leaders, businessman, residence and GaYBOR members for the 4th lighting of the GaYBOR/ Ybor City Holiday Tree in Centro Ybor at 6-7PM this Wednesday, Nov 28.
Then join your Family at Hamburger Mary’s for a Special BINGO to benefit Crescendo
The following week 2 great upcoming GaYBOR events. GaYBORS Holiday Party at Bradley’s on 7th,
 Dec 7th at 7-9pm.
Then on Sat. Dec 8th at 5pm is the Annual Holiday GaYBOR Bar Crawl starting at Gaspar’s Grotto. Bar Crawl  T-shirts are $15 and available at MC FILM, Bradley’s on 7th and Hamburger Mary’s.
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MC FILM * NEW Holiday Items
Newly arrived wall plaques & statues from Museum Art of Men, Women Panels, 4′ Rainbow & 6′ Silver or Gold Christmas Trees, 2013 COLT Calendars, Mr Leather – Leather Gear, Men’s Colognes and Special on Knockers Underwear.
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Lucky Month!!!
Did you know that December 2012 has 5 Saturdays, 5 Sundays and 5 Mondays. This only happens every 824 years!!! We are in for one very lucky month & even better new year!! 2013 here we come!!!
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Holiday Ornament Decoration Contest at Bradley’s
The starting of the Christmas Holiday season started a new 2nd nnual event at Bradley’s on 7th. With dozens of Ornament decorating competitors, the winner was Carla Vaughn. The hand crafted decorations are on display on the tree inside Bradley’s.
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Sam’s Ybor
On the south west corner of 7th Ave and 14th street is the building that is now home to “The Bricks”. Back in the 1970’s the south corner on the 14th streets side was home to Sam’s. Every day Sam would arrive in his beat up old car. Then pull clothing out of his store and lay them FOR SALE on top of the car. Inside the small store was one light blub hanging on a cord in the middle of the room. Thank You to Diane & Dean James for this photo and for restoring this beautiful building.
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Latrice Royale
The popular kahuna star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Miss Latrice Royale, WOW’d the sold out standing room only shows at Hamburger Mary’s last Sunday Night. She has more one liners than Henny Youngman. The line for photos stretched from the stage out the front door! It was a bitter sweat night too. It was the farewell performance for local Favorite Diva Miss Desiree DeMornay. She will be returning to Phoenix, AZ.
 
Santa Speedo Run Ybor
Mark you calendars f’or A.S.A.P.’s  Santa Speedo Run Tampa Bay, Dec. 9, 2012 Registration starts at 1PM at Centennial Park in GaYBOR/ Ybor City. Don’t feel like running in the 1 mile fun run? That’s OK too. Please make a donation and go to https://www.facebook.com/events/162940337183257/?fref=ts and tell all your friends too.
BTW Hot Red Speedos and red running shorts are available at MC FILM in GaYBOR.
Be sure to read this weeks ” You Just Can Not Make This Up“ to read only 2 of the many stories why this is such an important event.
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Caught @ Hamburger Mary’s
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Caught @ Steam Fridays @ The Honey Pot
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Caught @ Bradley’s on 7th
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Caught @ G.BAR
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Caught in Ybor City
Caught @ MC Film

Holiday Ornament Decoration Contest at Bradley’s

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The starting of the Christmas Holiday season started a new 2nd nnual event at Bradley’s on 7th. With dozens of Ornament decorating competitors, the winner was Carla Vaughn. The hand crafted decorations are on display on the tree inside Bradley’s.