Category Archives: Uncategorized
The 24th Annual Miss Florida Pageant in 1996
WOW the things we find in our closets!!!! Here is the 1996 Miss Florida Pageant. We were just starting to use computers and the art was clip and paste! The cover was Miss 1995 Heather Fontaine. The back cover was TRACKS / El Goya with Miss Joey Brooks in the center of course. Also featuring Divinity Everlasting AND Amy DeMello. How many of the past Queens do you recognize? 1993 was our Favorite Miss Esme Russell. Today Joey & Esme are at The Showbar in Ybor City every Sunday. Amy is the show director at Bradley’s on 7th.
Caught @ Southern Nights Ybor City
You Just Can Not Make This Up
WTF Tampa
We are very lucky and can live almost anywhere we choose. In Ybor City. there is a true sense of community that embraces and celebrates diversity here. That is why we picked to live in Ybor City. For the past 15+ years a small group, in the Ybor City Community, have come together to watch the 4th of July Fireworks. It is a very fun tradition to meet on the roof top of the parking garage to view the fireworks. This year there were a couple families with pickup truck that had their kid playing in the back. Senior Citizens had set up lawn chairs and neighbors were catching up on the latest news. Everything was quite and peaceful. There was No alcohol (red cups, beer cans etc.) No loud Music. Just “O’s” and “WOW’s” as the Temple Terrace and Busch Gardens fireworks went off. Then the City of Tampa parking garage security came and told us we were loitering and need to “GET OUT NOW!!!!” Several people said that we were not loitering just watching firework. The security said very rudely and loud GET OUT NOW OR YOU ALL ARE GOING TO JAIL!!!! In true Ybor fashion, we all showed respect and left. WTF TAMPA!!!!
While I am on this soap box. I would like to bring up that the City of Tampa are now charging $10 Special Event Parking every Friday & Saturday Night (as they did on Sunday, July 4th) in Ybor City. They are saying that it gets people out faster. Hum… but the gates are all down and everyone still has to stop and put the ticket in. This looks more like a way to drive business out of Ybor City.
Dishing with Mark n Carrie 7-8-21 “RQV”
“RQV”
For 29+ years we were the owners of the Gay Pride Shops, “MC Film Festival Music & Video Store.” We had locations in Orlando, Tampa, Ybor City & 4 in St. Petersburg. We actual started with beta tapes then went into VHS. At one point we had the largest collection of non porno LGBT videos. Many universities would call and purchase videos from us. People would ask many times a day,” What’s good to watch?” That is when we started “RQV” Required Queer Viewing. When a film would come along that we all thought was GREAT it would get a “RQV” sticker on the box. People loved this and these videos were always in high demand. When DVD’s started to gain in popularity, we phased out VHS and brought in DVD’s. Then the new on demand services started up. With the popularity of Amazon it was time to close our stores. That brings us to today. Some good friends told us we must watch “The Handmaid’s Tale”. This is one of the most powerful films we have ever seen. It is very believable especial in the times we live in NOW! There are many LGBT parts and social comparisons. We proudly give “The Handmaid’s Tale” our RQV RATING!!!!
NFL says ‘Football is gay. Football is queer. Football is accepting.’
Hurricane Elsa
Well, that was a cute test run for this year’s hurricane season. Every year we ask our friends what are the must have things in your hurricane kit. We have heard things like work gloves and boats for cleanup, deck of cards, old fashion radios. We stumbled on a very cool thing. It started when we purchased a RYOBI battery drill. RYOBI also has lights, radio, fans and cell phone chargers. Now there is no need for all the extra batteries. We even wrote to RYOBI and suggested a all-in-one hurricane kits. They actually wrote back and said there already was one in design. Our other Hurricane tip is. The night before the storm make an extra pot of coffee. If the power goes off the next day. Cold coffee is better than no coffee LMAO!
The Columbia Restaurant Name
Thank you for sharing where your name the name “The Columbia Restaurant” came from. This is just anougher reason why we love Ybor City so much! Below is from facebook…
On Fourth of July, we remember the patriotic origins of our name. In 1903, founder Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., named his new Ybor City cafe the Saloon Columbia out of gratefulness for his asylum in the land of opportunity. The saloon’s name was inspired by the song “Columbia, Gem of the Ocean,” a popular patriotic tune at the time which functioned as an unofficial national anthem in competition with “Hail, Columbia” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The name Columbia, in fact, served as a nickname for the United States of America in the 19th century. Reading the song’s lyrics, you can imagine why the soul of a Cuban immigrant of Spanish descent would be stirred by singing them: https://youtu.be/8wIDXclKtGQ
This Saturday
Tuesday @ City Side
Virtual Campfire Series | LGBTQ+ Youth
https://www.facebook.com/events/2962405714044151/?ref=newsfeed
Coming Soon… A New Store in Ybor City
https://www.facebook.com/BulgeTampaBay
PFLAG National
Netflix’s new “We the People” Teaches Civics Through Song (with More Than a Little Help from Some Queer Moms) 🧡🌈 via Mombian
SUNday FUNday
Dishing with Mark n Carrie…. Let’s Play Ball
WELCOME The Gasparilla Soft Ball Classic
This weekend is the Annual Gasparilla Soft Ball Classic in Tampa. 1,000’s of players and fans will be in town. This year due to covid all of the meetings, registration and parties will be done on line. Even with all the changes we are sure there will lots of eye candy in Ybor City this weekend. FMI visit https://gasparillasoftballclassic.com/
SUNday FUNday
This Sunday 2-14-201 is also Valentine’s day!!! YAAAA The doors to The Showbar Ybor City open at 12 noon with a Great Brunch. The Miss Joey Brooks BOYlesque starts at 2PM. On the patio keeping the party going is Tea Cup, April & DJ Mike Sklarz. That night there is very special LIVE BAND Burlesque. Make your reservations now.
Calling all Ybor Residents
Join HYGNA for their first Community Coffee event! Friday, February 26th from 7:30 am -8:30 am at Foundation Coffee (the old Bunker). This will be outside and/or socially distanced. We hope to see folks from the other Ybor neighborhood associations as well!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HEYGNA/
WARNING
The street preacher’s aka bible bangers were out in full force over the Super Bowl Weekend. The hate that comes out of their mouths is just terrible. Take a close look at this photo. Our local Hero Miss April was engaging them. They were trying everything to get her to touch them. Notice the 2 guys filming everything. Here is their ungodly trick. If you touch them, they will charge you with assault and have it all on camera. If you do not want to be charge, they will take a large cash payment. $500 + in many cases to not press charges. We personally know of 3 who have paid. Now back to April LOL…. When this photo was taken the nasty preacher had just said “What man owns this woman?” of course April yelled back “no one owns me!!!” The preacher than said “That’s because you don’t have Jesus and no man wants you!!!” We grabbed April and left. It kinda make you think when you see the sad women and children with the preachers. Hum… is this a form of human trafficking?
Good News from East Ybor
It was announced this week that the Tierra del Lago Cigar Factory, located at 1908 N 36st Street will have a hearing to consider the property designation as a City of Tampa Local Landmark. If you agree, like us, please let them know by e-mail to Beverly.Jewesal@tampagov.net
Lights On Tampa
Explore beautiful downtown Tampa after hours through this self-guided tour of new and existing Lights on Tampa art installations featuring local music, dance and other celebrations of Public Art. While Lights on Tampa will live on for you to experience at your own leisure, the evenings of March 5th and 6th will include special arts encounters featuring dance and music around the perimeter of the Tampa Convention Center.
We encourage visitors and residents to explore our vibrant city after dark, in a socially distanced manner. While the tour is outdoors, we ask that you consider wearing a mask as you move through the space, or purchase your limited-edition Lights on Tampa LED mask at the event!
Lights on Tampa brings critically acclaimed artwork to downtown and is a public/private partnership between the City of Tampa, Division of Arts & Cultural Affairs and the Public Art Alliance, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. Show your support for the Public Art Alliance with the purchase of a Lights on Tampa T-shirt at https://lightsontampa.org/shop
Thank you for supporting Public Art and your beautiful city!
https://www.facebook.com/events/471698220494611
WOW Things Have Changed
From https://www.facebook.com/urbnTB
Rent prices for the The Henry in Downtown have gone live. This is a student housing project so the move in date is set for August 19th, and the lease runs through 7/31/22 to coincide with the school year.
Rents start at $1199/month to share a 4/2 with 3 other people (you get your own bedroom).
The most expensive unit, a solo studio shared with no one else, is $1849/month.
To see their leasing page:https://www.thehenrytampa.com/tampa/the-henry/student/
Dishing with Mark n Carrie 1-31-20 Bigger Than Super Bowl
Tampa PRIDE
Food Truck Alley is SOLD OUT!!!
NOW IS THE TIME to register for the Parade, Vendor Show & VIP Vendor Show https://tampapride.org/
Bigger Than the Super Bowl
WRESTLEMANIA 36 is coming to Tampa March31 – April 6, 2020. Right after Tampa PRIDE. The economic impact will be over $165+ Million. There is a local LGBTQ+ group lend under the direction of Justin Yent that are trying to keep a portion of that money in GaYbor/Ybor City. So far there are 12 non-WWE events happening in Ybor City!!! Below is more information and the list of events.
This Sunday Super Bowl Party
The Annual Tradition Continues……
Tampa PRIDE MEETING
Everyone is invited to the Tampa PRIDE 2020 monthly meeting. This Tuesday, February 4. Starting at 6PM at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor. This month’s special guest will be Florida Cane Distillery.
GaYbor Meeting
The GaYBOR District Coalition Meeting 1-30-20. What a great theme for this meeting. “Get to know your Ybor Leaders!” The guest speakers included The YMA, Ybor Chamber of Commerce, YCDC, Tampa PRIDE & Justin Yent.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaybor/
Captain Eric F. Schiller
Ybor City’s very own Captain Eric F. Schiller is out with a new book. “What We Don’t Know.” Ruminations on the professional and life experiences of a washed ashore, ex sea Captain, notorious pirate bar owner, philanthropist, and keen observer of the human behavior, and how these observations and thoughts lead directly to the certain existence of God. Available on AMAZON and Barns and Noble.
The Fab Indiegogo Shoot
There was quite the excitement this past week when Robert Geller, owner of FabStaz did a photo shoot at Tampa International AirPort. It was a High Camp Fun Photo Shoot with Local Divas and pink luggage. One of the flight attendants was former Miss Tampa Pride Esme Russell Check out this Tampa based company today at https://fabstayz.com/ Miss Esme will be performing at this SUNday FUNday at Tequilas.
SUNday FUNday
Join Tea Cup, DJ Mike Sklarz, Miss Joey Brooks & Cast for SUNday FUNday 1:30 at Tequilas. Special Guest Bartender this SUNday FUNday will be Josh Leonard!!!!
Gasparilla Knight Parade
Make Your Plans Now
Obituary
Bud Paul McAfee
It with a sad heart that we announce the passing of “Bud Paul McAfee”. Bud was so many things to so many different people. But what he was to all of us was FRIEND! He was an honored Vietnam Vet. At the Tampa VA Hospital, with his husband Jeff and friends present, he was given the VA “FINAL SALUTE.” All our thoughts & prayers go out to Jeff, Family & Friends. https://www.facebook.com/paulwh.mcafee
FYI… The Final Salute
It is known as the Final Salute, and it is done for veterans who die under the VA care. After pronouncing death, the patient’s family is called and comes in to see their loved one. The body is placed on a gurney and is draped with Old Glory, the symbol of our freedom. As the body and family are led out of the hospital room to the exit, Taps is played — the signal for the health care workers, and, especially, their fellow soldiers, to come to the doors of their rooms. Civilians stand with their hands on their hearts. Veterans give the military salute, standing if they are able.
Dishing with Mark & Carrie 1-23-20… RRRRRRRRRRRR
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
Our Tampa Mayor was just names one of the top 6 mayors in America. Of Course, we already knew this.
Click HERE to read it in The Hill
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/479257-six-mayors-making-a-difference
Check Out This Great Video of Mayor Jane Castor and her dog… RRRRRRR
THIS SATURDAY
Our Favorite Pirate Day Parade Tip is…… Park in Ybor City then take the FREE Streetcar down and back. When the streetcars are over filled HEART brings in more buses for the over flow. If you over celebrate take an Uber home. Trust us it’s much easier to get a Uber from Ybor than the parade route. RRRRRRR
http://gasparillapiratefest.com/main-festival/
Gasparilla in Ybor City
FACEBOOK TIP
Check out “AUTHENTIC RECIPES FROM YOUR TAMPA NATIVES – Italians, Cubans and Spaniards!”
This one of our favorite groups. Even our sisters across America read it!!! LOL
https://www.facebook.com/groups/808481869226869/
This is just one of the many posts that feature Ybor City Recipes. FLAN
WORLD FAMOUS BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES TO APPEAR IN TAMPA FOR GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST
The Columbia Restaurant
Did you know? Florida’s oldest restaurant also holds the title for largest Spanish restaurant in U.S.
READ MORE HERE.
Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride!
You know that feeling when you take a chance on a film, that you have not heard of before, on Amazon Prime. Then you’re telling all your friends to watch it!!! This was one of those films for us. Its funny, full of drama and fireworks. It is right and wrong on so many different levels. We give Uncle Gloria 5 Stars. Treat yourself today.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/neYKnBL36Vk” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
SUNday FUNday with Tea Cup, April & Miss Joey Brooks
The Ultimate Showdown
Only the Wonderful DJ Power Infinity could bring together so much talent. Thank You so much to everyone who competed. Congratulations to the winner Ripp Lee https://www.facebook.com/ripp.lee.90 Everyone is looking forward to this becoming an Annual Tampa PRIDE Event. YAAAA
More photos below
From the MC Mail Bag
Dishing with Mark & Carrie BIG BIRTHDAY WEEKEND 10-11-19
TODAY
PRIDE Zoo-La
Get you Tickets TODAY. This event sold out last year!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/400556980600885/
The Tampa PRIDE Entertainment Committee working out last minute details for PRIDE ZOO-LA
BIG BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
Yes, it is Miss Joey Brooks & Tea Cups Birthday Weekend!!! This is going to be a show you will not want to miss!! Tea Cups Birthday is Oct 13 and Joey’s is Oct 14th, so YES Tea Cup is older than Miss brooks!!!
Thank you all for the Early Birthday Party for Tea Cup at The Ybor Chop House
PFLAG TAMPA
The 1st 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!!!
Tampa PRIDE BINGO
Its was standing room only at Stone Soup for Tampa PRIDE BINGO. Thank you to the many people who came out to show love and support for Tampa Pride. http://www.mcfilm.co/category/tampa-pride/
Halloween In Ybor City
TIGLFF
Tru-T
Ybor City Wine Bar
The Ybor City Cuban Club
Thank You Tampa bay history Center
https://www.facebook.com/tampabayhistorycenter/
FMI CLICK HERE