Suddenly everybody are doing Holiday Toy Drives. I can understand this BUT as a Gay Activist who has been fighting my whole life for Gay rights I just have to ask this question.  Why are you collecting toys for organizations that are openly anti Gay? Metropolitan Ministries & the Salvation Army…. REALLY????  Both these groups do good if you are heterosexual. Ask any GLBT person or group how they were treated after they find out that you or group are openly GLBT. This is the year 2011 and there are many more great organizations that are open to the GLBT Community & welcome our support. Francis House, A.S.A.P., Metro Wellness & Community Center, St. Jude’s Helping Hands, MCC Church, Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County are just a few to mention.

Brandon’s life philosophy is “Live everyday like its your last and always treat people like you want to be treated. Your life will be great and amazing I promise.”  That must be the reason he is so LOVED especially in GaYBOR!!

A positive direction for the 1920 East 7th Ave area of Ybor City with the opening of Barbarella’s Lounge (in the old Fuel Bar). Just 3 weeks earlier Hoffman Porges Art Gallery had a re-opening with new owners retired Gen. Dave Scott and wife, Jill Scott and now a new lounge on the same block. The soft opening prior to Thanksgiving had a green light for its success! A lot of local bar and business owners took in the redo of the old blighted club. A lot of work had been done to the interior and a whole lot of cleaning was witnessed. It is a very large bar to fill. A new inside video dance club, outside very large performance stage and upstairs a 2nd level bar with chairs & couches in divided portals. The balcony view of downtown Tampa is gorgeous. Different night themes include Indy 80’s Night, Mac & Cheese, Wave, Grits and Gravy and Indy College Nights.

“A lot more work to do but the opening tonight is great with more people here than we anticipated.” said owner Micky Gannett. Partners in business Micky Gannett and John Gardner said more new events are planned from their other clubs. John is a connoisseur  of all types of music from 60’s through today. The new club will add to Ybor City a new dimension for music lovers taste. Some new and some old. They also are owners/partners with Independent Bar in Orlando and Barabarella Lounge in Austin, Tx.