Category Archives: Special Events Photos

Busch Gardens Tampa

Posted on by

Busch Gardens Tampa

In 1980 a ticket to Busch Gardens cost $9.35 and a Season pass was $25. We were poor starving USF kids then. After several weeks of saving, we purchased our season pass. At the Busch gardens Hospitality House, you could get 3 samples of free beer. Walk a little and come back after shift changes and get 3 more LMAO!!! What a deal for college kids. We would go at least 2 times a month some times more. Over the years going to Busch Gardens was like going back home. Some things change while other things remain the same. Fast forward 40 years later and we have the Covid Christmas. Several friends told us how safe it was, so we decided to give it a try. Our group traveled in separate cars. From the time you step on the trams the park did an incredible job.  There was social distancing, everyone had a mask on and hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The enclosed entertainment areas and some rides were closed. That was OK. It was so much fun strolling thru the park and saying hi to our favorite animals. We found a Gay Pride display in a store. Had a photo taken with Rudolph The Reindeer and so much more.  With all our memories it truly was like going home for the holidays. Thank You Busch Gardens for being so responsible.

La La’s Sangria Bar

Posted on by

Island Hopping at La La’s Sangria Bar

When you’re in Ybor City as a resident or visitor you will feel like you’re on an Island. With a friendly island attitude, we park our car (Boat) then walk to everything!!! I’m sure many other communities in our area have the same feeling. When Ybor people are not in Ybor City we call it “Being off the island.” This past SUNday FUNday a big group went Island Hopping to “La La’s Sangria Bar” in Channelside.  What an exciting and fun way to spend a SUNday FUNday!!! Then show host is Miss Daisy Rae, an Ybor resident too. The Owner John & his staff did everything to make the day special. Here is a big hint… The new Hampton Inn on Kennedy & Meridian has public parking. La La’s Sangria Bar is located at 203 N. Meridian Ave. Next door to the Hampton Inn.  Be sure to call (813) 460-4522 for reservations. CHEERS https://www.facebook.com/LaLasSangriaBar/

TAMPA PRIDE ZOO LA 2

Posted on by

Thank You to the Tampa Bay community and beyond for again making Tampa Pride’s Kick Off Benefit PRIDE ZOO LA at Zoo Tampa a great success. It has taken hundreds of volunteers and hours preparing for this fun night.

The entrance of Zoo Tampa had stilt walkers and Brazilian dancers entertaining the ticket holders.

The walk to the Safari Pavillion let you experience the sights and sounds of monkeys, exotic birds and many of the wild animals making noises and calming down as the colorful sunset sky fell dark.

The Tampa Bay Pride Band played a variety of animal themed songs and zoo movie overtures. Anteaters, porcupines, ravens, and animals were displayed and wandered in the crowd near the zoo handlers.

Silent auction items this year included 3-night resort stays, Southwest Airlines & Silver Airways Airline tix up for bid, art work, spas, Rays, Buccaneer, Rowdies, Magic, Lightning sports tickets and memorabilia, Art & sculptures and local Tampa Bay merchants’ gifts.

Feeding the giraffes was a highlight at the parties start. Such long tongues they have! We were happy that all the Tampa City Council members attended along with other local political leaders. Rep. Adam Hattersly candidate for Congress, Kevin Beckner running for Tampa Clerk of Courts and both Tampa Pride 2019 Grand Marshals and the newly announced 2020 Grand Marshals were all in attendance.

The line up by the Tampa Pride Entertainment committee had a full night of excitement for the guests. DJ Greg Anderson introduced the Adriana Sparkle, who was the nights emcee. The colorfully glitter bearded performer/ MC was ‘Sparkticle’. Singing live was area singing wonder, De Delovely! She brought the crowd to its feet! She is really a singing star! Pose performers vogued the centered red carpet, Lady Janet uppt the energy with here gymnastic drag performance and Ms Amy DeMilo danced with charm, grace and beauty.

Tampa Pride gives out the annual prestigious “Tampa Bay Community Leader Appreciation Award” and this year’s recipient was given to Catherine Lowry Straz for her Tampa Bay involvement in local theater, Opera, Ballet, Bank Director, community activists, community organizer and Chief Executive of the Lowry Park Zoo and the top notch nationally rated, Catherine Straz Veterinary Hospital, one of just a few fully staffed animal hospitals in zoos across the country, at Lowry Park.

More upcoming TAMPA PRIDE events include; POSE Battle of the Houses, Mr/Ms Tampa Pride 2020, Tampa Pride & Paws, Grand Marshal GALA, VIP Sponsors Party, InterFaith Service, and more announced events.

PLAN:  Tampa Pride 2020 – March 28-29

Photos below by Dishing with Mark n Carrie