Tampa Police Officers David Curtis Family and Jeff Kocab Family, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and 400 fellow officers, friends and citizens shared the new memorial police walkway entrance to Tampa Police Dept. District 3 Headquarters named Hallway of Heroes. The light rain didn’t damper the somber occasion.

   The names and badges of the 2 murdered police officers are etched in glass and backlit by blue LED in the entryway. It was exactly 1 year ago, June 29th, Tampa went through a manhunt and devastating night as the officers were working and did a routine traffic stop in East Tampa. They were gunned down when trying to make an arrest by accused shooter and passenger, Dontae Morris.

   “I just wish I can turn the clock back.” said tearing Pam Iorio told the crowd and gave hugs to the 2 officers wives and family members.

   A lot of businesses, organizations including GaYBOR District Coalition and individuals stood up to make this project happen. Donated time, energy and products came from the local community.  A new memorial reflection garden is also in the works for the Distr. 3 police headquarters. 

   Another community arousing effort by the GaYBOR District Coalition and Hampton Inn & Suites. Steven Nunez, mgr and Carrie West, President of GaYBOR District with the full GaYBOR Board handed the $2000  Hi Tech police equipped TREK Bicycle over to the Tampa Police Dept.and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The mayor greeted with enthusiasm the efforts Tampa communities including GaYBOR for all the efforts in helping out the city in this national recession. The bicycle is going to be used by our community officers Sean Mahabir and Kevin Krupa for a broad based effort to help assist visiting tourists and riding through the historic cities residential alleys for any suspicious activity.

    Don Barco is the owner of “King Corona Cigars” in Ybor City. He was also a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition! King Corona is our favorite place for Cuban cafe’ con leche’ & town gossip! Don and his wife, Brenda had a small cigar shop in the old Ybor Square Cigar Factory for many years before moving to the 7th Ave shop. Involved in all Ybor City boards and local city politics, most all political candidates have a forum or event at King Corona. Many of our small GaYBOR meetings are also held here in this friendly welcoming environment. With a large outside cafe patio, you can enjoy people watching while in the great outdoors. When the Hillsborough County Commissioners did not sign the GaYBOR Proclamation, Don was one of the first to stand up and say that’s not right!

    As board member Richard said, ” I just love Don! He is a Straight, Gay Freedom Fighter!!” Stop by King Corona today for a sandwich, lunch, fine handmade cigar, variety of coffees, assorted fine wines, unique books & a good time!!!

    We hear more international and national GLBT travel journalists are heading to Tampa Bay to visit the GaYBOR District. Tampa Bay & Company  ( Hills Cty Convention Tourism Bureau) asked again for help in showcasing Tampa’s gem area in the GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City this Thursday. Speaking of tour engagements, GaYBOR has a great 6 page spread in the new summer released German high gloss classy European magazine, Spartacus Traveler. It was 2 months ago writers from both Brazilian Gay Magazine and German writers from Bruno Gmunder – Spartacus Europe Publishing visited and toured Ybor City, Tampa and St. Petersburg. The photos and feature articles is great but it’s only written in German! Thank You to writer, Dirk Baumgartl for the Over the Top Great article. Look for more visiting German GLBT tourists! On July 4th friends, Bryan and Tim’s new Victorian house along the Hillsborough River was hit by lightning and started on fire. They are out of the house now for the major repairs. A very clever scooter was parked on 7th Ave.this week.  It had a roof!