Caught @ GBAR
Caught @ Ybor City Wine Bar
GaYBOR Member of the Week
Festive Floats
It is always an exciting time when we go out to the Festive Floats Offices & Float Barn to see all the newly decorated floats getting ready for the 2013 parade season. Owners, Chick and Bruce Adams started the company in 1994 and have over 50 themed floats that are uniquely made and decorated up. The float company has 2 locations to coral all the moving promenade spectacles. New floats are designed and takes 6 months from concept to final product. Chick has a big wall boards for all annual event parade dates and locations in their office off Falkenburg Road in East Tampa. The company contracts out their floats and travel from Key West to Mobile, Alabama and all cities in between.
GaYBOR District Coalition has contracted for floats the past 6 years. Festive Floats are founding members to the GaYBOR District Coalition. When we went to deliver beads and place goodies for the GaYBOR Krewes floatiers in last Saturday nights Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, another GLBT group arrived. A group from The Krewe of the Cavaliers also came to get things delivered and set up on their floats.
We all appreciate the colorful beads, the pretty krewes costumes and rugged pirate groups throwing out the goodies and the chromatic adorned floats as they all pass by. Now you know the rest of the floats story
You Just Can Not Make This Up
The Bucs Win the Super Bowl!!!
What an exciting time that was for Tampa Bay. We decided to go to the stadium to join in the victorious homecoming football Super Bowl Party. We drove over with some friends and our visiting Uncle Gale from Wisconsin in our topless limo, H.R.H. Princess Priscilla. When we arrived at the stadium they saw our extended bright white limo convertible and directed us right up front next to the stadium to park. A most exciting Super Bowl Winning Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s returning Jet stadium fly over, just above the stadium a little over the crowded fans hands it felt like. Then suddenly Black Hawk Helicopters were above our heads and military personnel were lowering themselves onto the playing field. Quite the show. It was a once in a lifetime spectacular energized sight!
The Buc’s came in on a dozen open windowed charter busses. They were amazed as were the standing cheering camera flashing fans. The early morning hour stadium filled crowd went wild. After the Huge Welcoming Home Celebration, it was a parade through Tampa. A policemen told us to pull our limo in behind a couple of police cars with lights & sirens on! The winning Super Bowl Champs Buccaneer team buses were right behind us. The crowds were massive and we slowly proceeded through the stadium area streets. Beads in hand our bartender friend, Jack ran up to a couple of the team bus’s open doors to give them handfuls of rainbow strands of beads. The assistant coach asked if that was our limo. We said yes, and the next thing we knew there were 2 of the winning coaches riding in our limo!! GO BUCS!!! What a parade!!!!
Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/ Niece of the Week
Troy Chisholm
Troy is a treasure of GaYBOR/Ybor City. This former wrestling champ is now the bar manager at Hamburger Mary’s. His girlfriend is also one of the luckiest people in Ybor too!!
From the MC Film Mail Bag
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From HCC Ybor City Campus President
Dear Community Friends:
I would like to invite you to our upcoming Community Advisory Council meeting on March 7th at our Workforce Training Center located at 5610 E. Columbus Drive (a half mile east of Broccato’s). As you know, the Ybor City Campus has many programs in the visual and performing arts as well as general education and criminal justice. You might not know that we have strong workforce programs in law enforcement, firefighting, early childhood education, automotive service technology, autobody collision repair, and welding. Those workforce programs are housed at our off-campus center on Columbus Drive. Part of the March meeting will be a tour of the facility and its programs.
Here is a brief outline of the agenda for the evening. The meeting will start at 5:30pm and should be concluded by 7:30pm.
I.Introductions and Good News
II.Tour of Training Center
III.Campus and College Updates (Refreshments will be served)
- ·Administrative Changes at the Campus
- ·HCC Mission, Vision, Values Update
- ·Accreditation Update
- ·Enrollment Update
- · Presidential Showcase
- · Ybor City Campus Visioning Session Updates
- oTasks and ideas from Community Advisory Council
IV.Community Updates
V.Schedule next meeting
Please RSVP by March 1st to Bridget Harris at 813-253-7754 or bharris@hccfl.edu.
Also, if you have not been receiving campus updates, you will be added to our email list shortly.
Thanks and I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Shawn
Dr. Shawn H. Robinson
Campus President, Ybor City
Hillsborough Community College
http://hccfl.edu http://hccfl.edu/yc.aspx
http://hccfl.edu/staff-info/robinson-shawn.aspx
srobinson@hccfl.edu
Ofc: 813-253-7755
Fax: 813-253-7610
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The HCC Ybor School of Visual & Performing Arts Gallery presents
“Making Connections, Engaging Possibilities”
An Invitational Studio Art Faculty Exhibit from the
University of Florida
February 15-March 20, 2013
Reception – Friday, February 15, 5:00-8:00pm
UF faculty artists will be here on campus to talk about their work and
the UF School of Art and Art History programs
Katerie Gladdys, digital media; Richard Heipp, painting; Lauren Garber Lake, drawing; Alison McNulty, sculpture; Robert Mueller, printmaking; Celeste Roberge, sculpture; Maria Rogal, graphic design; and
Craig Smith, creative photography
Richard Heipp, Visible Anatomy: Plastic media still life
HCC Ybor City Campus, Performing Arts Building, First Floor
Palm Ave and 15th Street, 813-253-7674
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GetEQUAL FL
Hello!
It was great chatting with you in your store the other day. I wanted to share with you details of our upcoming events, starting with our Valentine’s Day Request Marriage action where we are asking couples to join us in at the County Courthouse to request marriage licenses. We should have press there and will be talking with them about the injustice of inequality, including issues faced by binational couples.
https://www.facebook.com/events/488820511154993/
And on to our bigger event. Here is some information on the vigil we will be having. This one is far enough in the future that we have plenty of time to plan and get the word out. Our first planning meeting will be held soon, and info will be posted on the event page below. If either of you would like to speak at the vigil, please let me know.
Light the Way to Justice in Tampa Bay!
https://www.facebook.com/events/149948405161229/
When: March 26, 6:30pm
Where: Sam M. Gibbons US Courthouse, 801 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL
What: Candlelight vigil in solidarity with LGBT people across the nation
Why: On March 26th & 27, 2013 the Supreme Court of the United States of America (SCOTUS) will be listening to oral arguments on the constitutionality of The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA states that marriage is between one man and one woman, but now it is our time to show the depth of equality and justice for all. Help us plan, organize and take action by bearing witness to OUR right to the pursuit of happiness. Celebrate this historic event and take action – organize, NOW! If you would like to be part of history, be on the steps of YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, at any time during this 48 hour span. We need a presence on the steps of the SCOTUS AND each Federal courthouse or building in each state in this great Nation. Choose a leader to lead this locally and DO IT!!! This is not a march, a fight or a demonstration – this is a peaceful show of solidarity, a stand for LOVE, not hate. Make signs to hold, bring candles and help show our desire to be equal. History is in the making and it is time to bring America into the 21st century. Let’s give people hope and create change by using the voice of the people. Call on our veterans, back to the days of MLK, Harvey Milk, Cesar Chavez, Alice Paul and many other allies and advocates who have fought to create change through action – this is a grassroots movement. Will you join us?
Onward!
Jarrod Scarbrough
State Lead, GetEQUAL FL
813-382-2321
Dishing With Mark & Carrie 2-6-2013
Mark & Carrie’s 35th Anniversary
How do you celebrate 35 Great Years together? We decided to file for Tampa’s Domestic Partnership Registry. It was just one year ago that we championed the rights for DPR recognition in Tampa. Lucky for us we DO NOT live in the unincorporated Hillsborough County where elected officials just voted this down.
We are truly blessed to call our Family -Friends and our Friends -Family so invitations were sent out to everybody. We started the ceremonious day wearing tuxes and then onto a family lunch at one of our very favorite restaurants, The Laughing Cat. During lunch our 3 sisters from the Wisconsin gave Carrie a lace handkerchief that our Great Grandmother wore in her wedding and has been worn and carried by all family members since. We all rode the TECO Streetcar down to Old Tampa City Hall. Many more people were there to greet us and cheer us on. The Tampa City Clerks were very friendly and helpful. Our witnesses were Sister- Yvonne Yacoub, Friend- Judy B. Good and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Carrie used the same pen that Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed Domestic Partnership Registry into law. After several minutes everything was done. The press were all there for photos and interviews.
HOTspots Magazine
FOX News
ABC Action News
and
There was then a fun ride back to GaYBOR on the streetcar. At Hamburger Mary’s there was a tasty CupCake & Celebration Party that went long into the night. If you are looking for the Perfect Valentine’s Day gift we strongly suggest DPR , https://www.tampagov.net/dept_city_clerk/programs_and_services/domestic_partnership_FAQS/index.asp
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We would like to thank everybody in our community for a once in a life time day. Special Thank You to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Hamburger Mary’s and our photographers; Scott S, niece Natalie, Matt & brother Ron.
Dishing Part 2
Thanks Tampa
Can you believe it has been 1 year since talking to Tampa City Council about the benefits of having a citywide Domestic Partner Registry. It was a great group effort and we thank Tampa Councilwoman Yolie Capin for her introduction to the other Tampa City Council members. It is one of the best drafted laws for all the residents of the city. Today’s society has changed and so are the laws for our communities. Without same-sex marriage rights allowed yet in Florida, DPR offers rights, fairness and equality to all couples lives. Young or old, Straight or Gay, all race and genders this is the fairness act for unmarried couples living together with protections and rights under the city law.
We have been told that the City of Tampa officials are moving forward in plans to recognize other registered DPR couples from other city and counties in Florida.
If you live in Hillsborough County you still can go to the Tampa City Clerk’s office to register since a lot of the counties hospital, schools and funeral homes are within the city limits. You still have rights! It is a great service which Pinellas County and Orange County Commissioners in passing countywide domestic partnership registries. We hear that a couple of Hillsborough County Commissioners are requesting further information about the county DPR for reconsideration since voting it down last week 4-3.
This next week, Valentine’s Day, will be very busy for the Tampa City Clerk’s office we were told in registering DPR couples. Tampa Clerk’s office is located in the old City Hall building in downtown Tampa. Calls for Valentine’s Day appointments are being accepted. A great positive day for long lasting romantic servitude to your partner.
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The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade
This Saturday “All roads lead to GaYBOR/Ybor City” It’s the Best Parade of the Year!!! Be sure to cheer for the The GaYBOR Float as she passes by in the parade. Then after the parade ALL the GaYBOR Members are planning on HUGE Parties for you !! RRRRRRRRRRRRRR
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GaYBOR Date Night for Under $40
Tuesday Nights are the perfect night for a midweek date night! Planning on arriving early since it is a school/work night. Two hours of FREE parking on the street. 1st stop should always be MC Film on the corner of 8th Ave & 15th Street. Here you will find out all the specials and pick up a FREE GaYBOR map for all the best stops. There is an incredible early bird special at Carne’s. Prime rib dinner with choice of two sides for $9.99 and $2.00 martines!! Dinner drink & tip for two $30.00. After dinner head over to the FREE “Twilight Market”. Local Organic every Tuesday. www.creativityincommerce.com $10 left over… Stop by Hamburger Mary’s, Bradley’s on 7th or the Ybor City Wine bar for a good night cocktail. Dinner, drinks 7 home early for all under $40!!! Viva La GaYBOR!
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2nd Annual Cuban Club Bocce Ball Tourney
A little known game across the country but very popular here in historic Ybor City. This time the tourney winnings will go to help in the renovation of the Cuban Club. This classic Italian outdoors ball game can be played by 2 individuals or teams of 3 or 4 per side. The “Jack” or “Pallino” is a small ball in which team throws first down the court about halfway then try to get the bigger Bocce Balls as close to the Jack as possible. The teams take turns in trying to get close to the Jack Ball for points. Teams each have 4 balls to throw. Closest ball wins 3 points, 2nd closest wins 2 points and the 3rd ball closest gets 1 point. The total win is to reach 36 or closest to 36 points. Young or old players it is a growing sport internationally.
The Cuban Club had a number of corp. teams attempting to win bragging rights and help the charity benefit. La Gaceta Newspaper editor, Patrick Manteiga was one of the Bocce judges.
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Valentines Jewelry & New Colognes at MC FILM
New Sterling Silver Rainbow semi precious rings have arrived at MC FILM for both men & women. New designs in stainless steel rainbow rings and necklaces also are arriving. New Top GaYBOR Model Underwear including UNICO, Pistol Pete & More. NEW NEW LEATHER for Naughty & Nice MEN!!! New colognes include Vintage, 818 and very popular 747 Club. Don’t forget your Valentine!!!
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Gaauuleee Marine Actor Jim Nabors Weds
TV’s Marine wacky private, star comedic actor with the very southern accent Jim Nabors married his longtime 38 year companion, Stan Cadwallader. Starring first on the 1960’s sitcom, “Andy Griffith Show” as the then on his own sitcom, “Gomer Pyle MC”. The private couple live in Hawaii and flew to Seattle to legally get married. Washington State residents voted to legalize same-sex marriages last November and became legal in December.
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Florida State Fair
Take me out to the fair. The 109th Florida State Fair starts this Thursday and runs thru Feb 18th at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Musical concerts, fun thrilling rides, super exotic fair food treats and the permanent historic Cracker Country, a step back in Florida time. www.floridastatefair.com
You Just Can Not Make This Up
2 of the many stories about Mary.
We were very lucky to have a fun next door neighbor everybody called Mom Mary. Retired and full of life. Loved her kids, cigarette and 2 cocktails a day. One day a friend had stopped by and we decide to have a impromptu brunch. We gave Mary a call to come over but she didn’t answer the phone. With our friend we stared to talk about how much fun Mary was and yes some interesting things about her sex life. About 15 minutes later the door bell rang and there stood Mary. We said that “WOW we just called you and we talking about you”. Mary said “Yes I Know you bitches forgot to hang up the phone & I just heard everything you said about me!!!” OK that was an embarrassing moment!! Next story… One night the phone rang & it was Mary’s. She wanted us to come over to help move a rug she just bought. Mary was always buying antiques and re arranging her furniture so this was nothing new. We said sure will be over in a hour. Mary shouted NO COME NOW!!! She tried to move the rug herself and had fallen under it!! When we arrived Mary was laying on the floor with the un rolled rug over her. Luck for Mary’s she could reach her cell phone even luckier was she could reach her cigarettes & lighter!!! After we got her out Mary told us to cut up this ##**# rug and use it to line over van. Every time we look at the rug in our van we laugh. Do you think they smoke cigarettes in Heaven? With Mary there we are sure they do!!!