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

The 1^st annual PFLAG TAMPA fundraiser was a huge success!  Thank You to the many people who attended and supported. A special thank you to Paul Clear of the Terroir Wine Group and Jayme of the Ybor Wine Bar!!!

https://youtu.be/C-wY1w0p_RM