St. Pete Pride 6-30-2012

Posted on July 3, 2012 by admin

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of St. Pete Pride – THANK YOU for making the 10th Annual Pride in Paradise such a huge success!! With record numbers in attendance and clear beautiful skies, the 10th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival & Promenade was the best one yet! We’d especially like to thank all of the many volunteers who helped make this day and the events throughout the month of June possible. Without the community – this event wouldn’t exist and we should all be very proud.

For one day, a record number of folks – gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight and of all races and nationalities came together as ONE on the streets of St. Petersburg to celebrate their diversity, strengthen the bonds that pull us together and increase recognition for further LGBT Equality. THANK YOU for being a part of that astounding accomplishment.

At the end of the weekend I was reminded of a simple lesson – “Act like you do on the day of Pride – where diversity is celebrated, our advances in equality are acknowledged and our fight is recognized.” Just imagine the difference in the world if we considered that with everyone we met. Even after a long Pride weekend here in Florida and beyond the tiredness the important reasons of Pride ring clear.

Many have asked the question, “Where was the flag?” Just to put all rumors to rest – the flag was scheduled for the 10th anniversary and we are also disappointed that it wasn’t part of the festival it has been a part of since its inception. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the flag which is donated for use annually from a group in Ft. Lauderdale did not make it to the festival. It is planned for a return in 2013 and make sure to save the date for the 11th Annual Pride in Paradise on June 29, 2013!!

With Pride,

Chris Rudisill
Executive Director
St. Pete Pride

Post your photos of the event on www.facebook.com/stpetepride

Stay tuned for more events coming soon!! www.stpetepride.com

GaYBOR District was proud to showcase GaYBOR to Switzerland leaders

Posted on July 2, 2012 by admin

GaYBOR District was proud to showcase GaYBOR in Historic Ybor City with 20 business and government leaders from Switzerland, Edelweiss Airlines executives, 6 Swiss GLBT journalists, a Swiss TV Camera crew and European TV personalities. The “asked for tour” by the Swiss delegation requested a tour of the GaYBOR District in Historic Ybor City. The night included a European style dinner at Laughing Cat Restaurant and then an Official Meet & Greet event with local Tampa leaders at Don Vicente Historic Inn. Other samplings of the Landmark designated district were at Jose Marti Park, G.BAR, Stone Soup Company, Metro Wellness & Community Centers, TECO Streetcar, King Corona Cigars, Hamburger Mary’s, Honey Pot, Centro Ybor Complex, Bradley’s on 7th and Liquid Tampa.

Many Tampa City and Hillsborough County officials were very instrumental in participating in the “Discover GaYBOR District Swiss Tour”. THANK YOU to the GaYBOR GLBTA Business and Community residents in making these international guests very welcomed to GaYBOR/Ybor City – Tampa!

Carrie West, President

GaYBOR District Coalition

6-30-2012

1st Gay Pride Celebration at Tampa VA Hospital

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

A Great First Veterans Administration Pride Tradition started with an auditorium of GLBT organizations exhibiting. A super luncheon by Hamburger Mary’s, a most impressive decorated rainbow cake from Publix Grocery and the Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor behind the mic at Tampa’s James Haley VA Hospital Friday. “Let people know who you are A new division of positions in the VA hospitals is the GLBT Liaison group. A first for the U.S. Veterans Hospitals across the country since President Obama claimed June Pride month and let GLBT military members enlist openly and stay in the military.

In attendance were veterans and hospital workers both GLBT or just supportive of the new GLBT groups efforts. PFLAG, Bear Groups, United Church of Christ, GLBT magazines, U.S. Veterans Administration, Dishing with Mark & Carrie and GaYBOR District Coalition.

The St. Pete Pride’s Stonewall Commemorative Reception

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

6-29-2012

The St. Pete Pride’s Stonewall Commemorative Reception Sponsors Night at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts was another great undertaking for St. Pete Pride. The 10th Anniversary of St. Pete Pride’s VIP event had the finest in entertainment. Una Voce Florida Men’s Choral sang and entertained in a choreographed show stomping rendition of classic and modern revamped signature songs. “Hostess and Mistresses of So Many Things” comedic Christine O’Leary just didn’t start the St. Pete fire she added fuel to the great comedy of laughter in the crowds. Awarded by St. Pete Pride’s Chris Rudisill for years of continuous Pride laughter, a framed picture of the famous lesbian on the cover of Watermark Magazine.

And we haven’t even gotten to the over the top Blue Boy and Pink Girl flower arrangements yet!

Phillo Dough with Tomatoes

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

Put layers of phillo dough in a pan butter each layer.

add layer of dijon mustard.

next layer of soften cream cheese 1-2 cups

top with tomatoes slices

salt & pepper & fresh basil & thyme

Bake @ 400 for 25 minutes

Fiatori Green Beans

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

Saute 1 cup chopped onions in olive oil (or even better bacon drippings)until translucent.

Add 1 can plum tomatoes, salt & pepper, 1/2 can of water,

add 1 bunch fresh green beans (ends cut off)

Cook low simmer 15 minutes.

Carrie’s Columbian Salad

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

Toss together

1 Head of lettuce cut up

4 tomatoes cut up

1 sweet onion chopped

1/4 c mozzarella cheese shredded

1/4 olives

Dressing

drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oli

juice of 1 large lemon or lime

10 dashes Worcester sauce

6 cloves garlic smashed

salt & pepper

Watermelon Soup

Posted on June 29, 2012 by admin

This is our Niece Meagans Favorite when she was a little girl.

1 whole watermelon

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup power sugar

1 TB each lemon & lime juice

1 container vanilla yogurt

Cut up seedless part of watermelon into cubes and put into 1 gal jar or pitcher

Into a blender with the rest of the watermelon & lightly blend. Put this into a strainer to remove the seeds.

Pour over cubes & add the rest.

Chill in refrigerator.

Our beautiful Niece Meagan all grown up!

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 6-27-12

Posted on June 27, 2012 by admin

Happy St. Pete PRIDE & PRIDE Month

St. Pete PRIDE is HERE!

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The 10th Annual St Pete Pride Promenade and Street Festival called “Carnivale, Pride in Paradise” is this Saturday and is rain or shine… Oh Boy! With over 100,000 attendees from around the world present, it is a party not to be missed. The parade kicks off at 9 AM sharp! Prior to that Georgie’s Alibi’s early opening eye opener breakfast and Una Voce Men’s Choral Pancake Breakfast at King of Peace MCC on 5th Ave. Over the top entertainment with singing icon Debra Cox singing and performing for the Pride day events. An all day Gay Pride Party., If you haven’t been listening to radio station 98.7 FM they have been doing a lot of great advertising for all about the St. Pete Pride events and will be broadcasting from the parade route. See you from the GaYBOR float! or stop by the GaYBOR booth for the FREE GaYBOR Party Punch Pass, next to HOTspots Magazine booth on Central Ave.

And Saturday night offers comedic vogue lipped lesbian and friend Christine O’Leary doing her standup “An Evening with Christine O’Leary”at the Metro Wellness & Community Center. Christine will leave you laughing! Doors open at 7 with the show at 8 PM.This is a benefit for Metro Wellness & Community Centers.

Prior to this Saturdays activities is Thursdays Stonewall Commemorative Reception sponsored by Carlton Fields at St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts at 7pm. Special events are also included with food and cash bar available as you walk through galleries of art collections known around the world. Side rooms have entertainment including comedian Christine O’Leary and the Una Voce Florida Men’s Choral performing.

Volunteers Needed

Like to have some fun & meet new people? Volunteer to help with he GaYBOR Booth in the St. Peter Pride Street Festival! Our booth#317 is located between 23rd & 24th on the North Side of Central Ave next to the HOTspots Magazine Booth. Volunteers are needed to work 1 hr shift from 9AM – 2PM. Call MC Film at 813-247-6233 to sign up today. THANK YOU & Viva La GaYBOR!!!

Surprise Prominent PRIDE Guests from Switzerland

WOW! It is another honor to have international guests visiting GaYBOR. Saturday night a group of 20 VIP’s from Switzerland are touring the much worldwide talked about GLBT district, the GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City. Included in getting this tour together is GaYBOR Members Tampa Bay & Company, new to Tampa from Switzerland with direct flights – Edelweiss Airlines, St. Pete Pride and the historic GaYBOR District. 6 International magazine editors from Europe, a Swiss TV crew, European VJ/DJ’s and political figures. The guests will be treated to a variety of GaYBOR stops including historic and GLBT friendly hotels, restaurant treats, shops and night clubs attractions.

So Saturday in busy Pride night Ybor City and you see a group being led by GaYBOR Ambassador hats say “hi”. You may be on European TV or in one of the European and Swiss National magazines.

GaYBOR BINGO is Monday

This Monday, July 2nd at Hamburger Mary’s is another Funday Night GaYBOR Bingo at 7pm. Exciting prizes and Miss Melanie Minyon chattering out the Bingo numbers!

FREE Super Value GaYBOR Party Punch Cards

Pick up your FREE GaYBOR Punch Card at the St. Pete PRIDE Street Festival. Discounts, FREE Shots & So much more all in GaYBOR District!!! The GaYBOR Booth #317 & is located between 23rd and 24th street on the North Side next to HOTspots Magazine. See You all at the Festival!!!

Red Dress Ball

Congratulations to Perpetual Indulgence, Tampa Bay Leather Tribe & Bradley’s on 7th,

on a Great Event “The Red Dress Ball” held at Bradley’s on 7th!!! You all are what makes Tampa Bay & GaYBOR so FANTASTIC!!!! See the Photos below.

Past Prides

Gay Pride Fever is sweeping across the Tampa Bay Area. Let’s take a minute to remember some of the LGBT Prides in the Past. At one time in the early 1990’s there were 2 separate community Pride events. One in St. Petersburg and one in Tampa. Our First Tampa Pride was in early 1980’s and it was held in an outside field at USF. Singer Helen Reddy was the headliner with Miss Judy B. Goode as the opening act!!! The local gay bars all had softball teams and the teams played competitive softballl games! Later there were Pride celebrations at the University of Tampa Pepin Field, Port of Tampa, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Performing Art Center, Raymond James Stadium and even in Ybor City! Gary owner of the The Parthenon/ Garage/ (today is the ) Underground Lounge brought in top entertainment like Boy George & Chi Chi La Rue. One time Gary called us the night before and wanted a 20 ft Rainbow flag & 5 cases of Wet lube. We had the lube but the flag was a no. LOL LOL. Then there was the Gay Pride at Tracks in Ybor City. Once the crown jewel in the LGBT Community, the El Goya went on to become Tracks, Pleasure Dome and today is Czar.

At the 1990’s Tracks event there was Pride festivities in the parking lots, inside and even down 7th Ave. Imagine that!!!

July 3rd & 4th 2012 in GaYBOR

Here in GaYBOR/Ybor City the party continues for another week. With July 4th on Wednesday this year there are many BIG PARTIES Planned for July 3rd & 4th! Visit www.MCFilm.co for more details.

GaYBOR Member of the Week

Fox Massage – Russell Fox

https://www.facebook.com/FoxMassage

www.fox-massage.com

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A founding member of the GaYBOR District. Russell is always the first to volunteer to be a big help.

Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/ Niece of the Week

Zack Henry

https://www.facebook.com/zackrh

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It seems like yesterday when Zack was working at G.BAR and said he was going into the medical field to become a doctor. He went on to med school. He starts his internship soon. Congratulations Dr. Zack!!!

Look Out Matt !!!

Our favorite camera man at ABC Action News, Matt McGlashen was almost killed by a falling tree Saturday Night. Check out this video. Toward the end you can hear yelling watch out! We even saw this on National Evening News!!! Glad everybody is OK

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/tree-falls-into-home

Grand Opening & Love Our Mayor, Bob Buckhorn!!!

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn in GaYBOR/Ybor City at Carne’s Chop House Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies on 7th Ave. and announcing a 11 million dollar grant from the federal government to finish Tampa’s Famous Riverwalk all while doing the ribbon cutting honor. Over 500 people were present for the announcement and the opening ceremony at the steakhouse. Carne’s is located in the former gay entertainment stop, L’Olivier Cabaret in Centro Ybor. Congratulations to Carne’s Chop House owner Jason Fernandez. on making a major venture in the historic Centro Espanol location in the historic Ybor district. Jason thanked a lot of his former restaurant employers and friends that later became his mentors. Jason also owns Bernini’s Restaurant and Hot Willy’s Hot Dogs also in Ybor City.

Tea Cup & Judy Visit Mickey Mouse!!!

What a Great time we both had in Orlando. You can just image all the trouble we got into! LOL LOL At one point Judy B Goode turned to Mark with a very serious face and said “OMG I just realized something!!! Do you think people here think we are a straight couple?” Mark turned and said, “OH No they probably think… Do you think that pour lady knows her husband is Gay!!!”

We were headed back to the hotel on a very packed bus late at night. Judy was in her “Help I’m Talking and can’t stop Mode” when she started to talk with a young couple & their daughter. The husband said to Judy, ” Sorry we don’t speak too much English, we are from Argentina.” Judy said very proudly, “Great I speak Argentinean” with that she broke out into song, singing, “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

The whole bus soon joined in. It was definitely a Gay Disney moment!!! LOL

Carrie told the 2 before going to “not get goofie or bring Goofie home!”

You Just Can Not Make this Stuff Up!!!!

The names have been changed to protect the innocent! Kinda – Sort of. LOL

“Funny Water at the SunCoast Resort”

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A SunCoast Resort Memory. There was a fancy Gay Car Club banquet dinner in the second floor convention room. The guests were all served water. After a few sips people started to comment “I’ve heard of lemon in the water before but never garlic. Hum… this must be a southern thing??” Soon some people were saying it was actually very nice change. The truth was there was no water on that floor. The kitchen servers had brought the drinking water over in buckets from the kitchen. The buckets were the same ones pickles came in. Once the servers realized what was going on there was a big laugh in the kitchen. LOL LOL LOL PS Nobody told the group. They still think that we put garlic in our water in the south!!!

For more SunCoast Resort Memories Visit https://www.facebook.com/suncoast.resortmemories