Category Archives: Special Events Photos

GaYBOR District Elects New Board

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GaYBOR District Coalition in Historic Ybor City have voted and changed leadership with its recognized positive growth in the district. The efforts of grass roots merchants and individuals have now put GaYBOR at the top of GLBT issues and awareness in Tampa Bay! The Worldwide recognition of GaYBOR making it known as ‘a very GLBTA friendly place to visit.’
And that is a good thing! Over 280 community diverse GLBTA Florida businesses, non profits and members represent the non profit GaYBOR District headquartered in Historic Ybor City
Newly elected officers are:
    President – Mark Eary, Vice President – Mike Olds, Co- Secretary’s – Mark Bias & Brian Betz, Treasurer – Walter Pinillos, Resident Officer – Michael Wilson and Membershiop Events – Jayme Kosar.
    Carrie West is now President Emeritus, Rich Kerin is Emeritus, and D. Stephen Moss will remain on the YCDC Board representing GaYBOR District Coalition.
The group was applauded for the past GaYBOR Days achievements in highlighting  GaYBOR VIP & Movie Night, the GaYBOR White Party and having the Hillsborough Cty Commissioners sign the GaYBOR Proclamation for GaYBOR Days. GaYBOR Days received commendations and proclamations from Florida State House, Tampa Mayor’s office, Tampa City Council and Hills County Commisioners for our combined economic and revitalization of Tampa’s historic district in Ybor City. Furthering the great positive strides & efforts by GaYBOR Coalition, Cty Comm Kevin Beckner brought forth the repeal of the county ban on Gay Pride in the county and passed by a unanimous, 7-0 vote.
On the upcoming events includes “GaYBOR’s Annual Mayor’s Luncheon” June 27th, 11:30 at Hamburger Mary’s. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is the guest speaker, entertainment by Una Voce’s Rays singing group, and on the menu is Prime Rib, Chicken or Veggie Plate.
 $ 20.00 Tickets are available at Hamburger Mary’s, Ybor City Wine Bar and MC FILM.
 Also GaYBOR will be having a float in the St Pete Pride Parade, June 29th.

‘Roosters of Ybor Auction’ at Bradley’s on 7th

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GaYBOR District had another great run with the Roosters of Ybor Project that started in May and will be ending after being showcased in Ybor businesses.
 The auction is at Bradleys on 7th Thursday, June 13 at 6-9 PM.
10  Roosters of Ybor will be on display and accepting bids for a new home. 10 Students at HCC Ybor City participated in the $1000 HCC Ybor Campus tuition voucher competition.
Other community partners that worked on the project were Centro Ybor, Hillsborough Art Council, Hamburger Mary’s, MC FILM, Hotspots Magazine, HCC Ybor Campus, Promo Printing and GaYBOR District Coalition

The Gaybor Annual White Party

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The Parties guest all walked the White Carpet. This years party with special concert performance by Vassy . Performing her top chart hit.  Los Angeles DJ/VJ Dave Aude’ spinning packed the dance floor. Steve D kicked the party into high rear with his special glow sticks and party toys.  Huge THANK YOU to the Honey Pot owners and staff!!!

 

Tampa Host Intl Gay Bowlers Convention

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Pinchasers Bowling Lanes had all its bowling lanes open for an intl competition. The International Gay Bowlers Convention has been in the plans for 3 years. Four bowling locations were picked for the conventioneers. A lot of hard work behind the scenes took place to land this GLBT international event. Over 800 around the world bowlers registered and participated while an additional 2000 friends came to cheer them on and visit Tampa Bay.
What a kick off ceremony having a “bowl off ” with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione with Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor officiating. Great form Mr Mayor!
It was a packed GaYBOR week!. Kudos to the GLBT Bowlers.

Caught @ GaYBOR/Ybor City

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The Roosters of Ybor

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Pick up your Scavenger Hunt cards at MC Film. Find all 10 & get a GaYBOR PRIZE at MC Film.

1st Annual MASKED Ball Gala

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The newly formed Tampa group, “Foundation For Tolerance” held it’s First Annual Masked Ball Gala at the Floridan Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in downtown Tampa. The masked charity event had hundreds of benefactors supporting a newly recognized Tampa Bay GLBT youth cause. All in glitter, promoter and founder Gail Gibson did a fantastic job of creating this wondrous charity event..
The statistics show that over 40% of homeless youth are GLBT, have a higher suicide rate as teenagers and are often kicked out of the nuclear family after coming out to family as being GLBT.
The evening had the real glitz and chic glamour. Dorene Collier’s, Event Show Productions did an excellent job of creating a very fun and relaxed atmosphere in the 2 story ballroom. The savory food trays simply awesome and over the top desert station were delectable & extraodinaire! Thank You also to GaYBOR Members, Apple Blossom Florist crew for the many wonderful and beautiful flower arrangements.
Also creating an evening of masquerade mystic ambiance were the casino table games and silent auction area .
But the real surprise was the outrageous guest performer from New York City. Known as the ‘Most Creative Fiercest Hybrid Drag Bitch ‘ in the country, Acid Betty. What a great explosive entertainer with a wild backup choreographed cast. DJ’s carried on after the show rocking the rest of the evening. A lot of money (and still counting) was raised for the charity and this is one of many planned events this year. Help and participate in a great cause. www.facebook.com/FoundationForTolerance
FMI on Acid Betty www.acidbetty.com,
Foundation of Tolerance Mission Statement:
The Foundation for Tolerance was established to raise funds for at risk and LGBT teens that are living in a hostile environment or made homeless.

Funds will also be directed to create greater acceptance and to teach tolerance of youth in schools and at home through suicide prevention education to reduce peer and family rejection. The Foundation will organize and sponsor a myriad of annual fundraising events from which proceeds will be directed to both local and national community outreach centers that play a hands-on role in providing housing and counseling.

The Foundation for Tolerance, through compassion, innovation and dedication, along with increasing community involvement, will become instrumental in serving the communities we support. We live our mission by inspiring donors to participate in programs that reflect their values, capture their interest, satisfy their need for recognition and promote a feeling of making a difference

GaYBOR District Meeting

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The plans have been planned out for the new spring time GaYBOR Community Partners Event, ” Roosters of Ybor.” Ybor City HCC Campus President, Dr. Shawn Robinson was guest speaker giving further insight on HCC Ybor City Campus.
” We enjoy our partnership with GaYBOR District , in fact our piano from “Pianos in Ybor” is still outside on the HCC terrace. Students play it continuously.” Dr Robinson said. “Enrollment is down a little but the tuition is staying the same.” Remarks made In regards to tuition hikes at other Florida universities.
The second guest speaker was Tampa PD Community Officer Sean Mahabir. A study for the past 10 years has Ybor City at its lowest Crime rate with an 80% crime drop. Stats that Officer Sean shared were stolen vehicles in Ybor City in 2002 was 233 cars. 2012 only 12 cars! That is a 92% drop in YC crime. Auto burglary 2002 had 504 break ins, 2012 had less than 30!
“So far crime is down even more than last year.” he stated. “Ybor City is safer than most cities in the United States. We need to let the media and people know this!”
We feel the new Business Crime Watch in Ybor City TPD partnering and GaYBOR District have a lot to do with the low numbers.
Rich Kerin is in charge of the community partnership, Roosters in Ybor. A full list of activities include an open HCC Ybor City Gallery Gala Party. The student painted roosters will be judged by members of the Hillsborough Cty Art Council. Throughout May the painted roosters will be on display at a variety of stores throughout Ybor City.
A FREE Scavenger Rooster Hunt is also set to find all the rooster locations. Prizes will be given to all completed cards.
Member Fred Corryn been appointed as a new GLBTA liaison for the James Haley VA Hospital.
 Upcoming, New Board officers election is set at the next GaYBOR Meeting, May 10th at Game Time on 8th Ave.