Hollywood Director Rob Williams was visiting GaYBOR/ Ybor City last weekend possibly looking for his new films shooting location. The longtime award winning writer and film producer stopped into MC FILM in GaYBOR Saturday. Customers had a chance to meet and have pictures taken the award winning GLBT themed movie director. Rob’s accomplishments are in writing, producing and directing film. His directing films resume include; “ Long Term Relations” starring Matthew Montgomery, “3 Day Weekend”, “Back Soon”, “Role Play” and “Make the Yuletide Gay.” His newest mega hit release is “The Men Next Door.”

Rob said that he is in pre production of his next film, ” Make the Yuletide Gay 2.” He is also scouting out new film locations to shoot at.

“GaYBOR location sites were recommended by my friends from Ottawa, Canada that had visited the GaYBOR District last fall”  Williams said. “The gay community they touted is so friendly there.“

We hear talks have already been initiated with the Tampa Film Council and the state of Florida Film Commission.  Kudos for the GaYBOR District!!! Come on down to Florida!

Also sighted in GaYBOR was another major film director with the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) Board Members. Rosser Goodman, with Hollywood based KGB Films and  Paramount Studios was photographed with TIGLFF Executive Director Larry Bittle Saturday night at Hamburger Mary’s.

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This Memorial Day Weekend will again celebrate  GaYBOR Days in Historic Ybor City. The 3 day long celebration of 250 coalition business members is made up of both gay and gay friendly busineses.

“It is a tale of 2 cities within Ybor City.” remarked Carrie West, President of GaYBOR District Coalition.

” What was and what is!” A reminder of the Renaissance attitude approach and improvements the gay community have made in making positive changes to the then some what blighted and vacant historic cigar community of Tampa in Ybor City in 2007.

West continued on in saying, “We will still hope to get recognition proclamations from City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa City Council members, and even Hillsborough County Commissioners. Though they have not been to willing. The last couple of years the state of Florida Legislature, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. President Barrack Obama all have given recognition and proclamations to the growing GaYBOR District Coalition. GaYBOR Districts growth in Historic Ybor City has positively helped Tampa! “

Some of the planned events include: GaYBOR/ TIGLLFF Movie Night at Muvico Theatres, the Annual White Party Charity Event at Honey Pot, GaYBOR Sunday Gospel Brunch at Hamburger Mary’s, Special Celebrities & Concerts, other club and store events are planned by members.

The Miss GaYBOR Pageant is planned for the first part of May. DTA  www.GaYBOR.com

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The monthly meeting of GaYBOR District Coalition is Friday, March 8th, 4PM at the Metro Wellness & Community Centers on 7th Ave in Ybor City. Everyone is Welcome to attend. This months guest speaker is Jeremiah Kerr, Director of Ybor Youth Clinic. An Open House is set for right after the meeting to show the community the recently opened health care facility. The beautiful facility is funded and sponsored by University of South Florida College of Health and Lazy Days Employee Foundation.

The unprecedented cool weather in the first few days of March have helped to get people outdoor and to the Ybor City Saturday Market. March is in like a lion & out like a lamb! The tents are full of artsy vendors: food items, salsa, paintings, canned goods, jewelry all an art. The local area farmers bring in local produce and strawberries are now in season! A great out of doors farmers market experience. Artist also have their imaginative creations on display and for sale! www.ybormarket.com

For some people the sun rises and sets great tasting beer. Ybor City Beer Fest has outgrown its previous location and had to relocate to it’s new digs in Ybor City’s Centennial Park. Start up and small crafted micro-breweries from all across the country participated. But not all were small . Budweiser andYuengling Breweries also had  booths in the 1 day outdoor beer drinking & tasting festival. Participating Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, PA is the oldest brewing company in the US established in 1829.

Local breweries participating included Dunedin Brewery and Tampa’s Cigar City Brewery. Some of the micro brewers advertising claimed organic barley, hops and ingredients to make their brews, ‘Best of Show.”

” Beer Fest  last year was packed in Centro Ybor. We moved it here in Centennial Park. A great sign of a growing successful festival.” said John Doble of Tampa Bay Brewing Co and Beer Fest promoter.

In the crowd on stage stood Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn celebrating a packed crowd under clear skies in Tampa. Film crews included City of Tampa Cable TV show, ” Ybor Flavors”  with host Veronica Swiatek doing interviews.

Live entertainment, beer sampling coinsures, novices, food venders in Centennial Park and cool with clear blue cloudless skies helped make another Beer Fest very successful.

Dozen’s of people were at Hamburger Mary’s to wish the talented Miss Judy B. Goode a Fantastic Birthday. Together with Paul Thomas on Piano the duel rock the place for over 2 full hours.  To catch the  Crazy Fun Show in GaYBOR visit Hamburger Mary’s the 1st Sunday of every month!