Mark Bias and Carrie West (MC FILM duo) USF alumnus were this years honored recipients at the

7th Annual Spring USF  LGBT COMMUNITY GALA CEREMONY at the USF Sam Gibbons Alumni Center  April 14th. Mark & Carrie were recognized for the multitude of achievements they have positively demonstrated to the community at large. They were given a beautiful etched glass teardrop trophy from

Dr. Mark Hafen, Office of Multicultural Affairs and USF Alumni Association, for the high accolade honored  USF 2011 PRIDE COMMUNITY AWARD for Outstanding Contribution and Service to the GLBT Community.

    Acclaimed author, Alex Sanchez known for his compelling young adult books; “Rainbow Boys”, “So Hard To Say” and “The God Box” was the guest Keynote Speaker. Hundreds from USF and the community were in attendance. During the catered function, two GLBT scholarships were also given out to outstanding GLBT students contributing to positive social change from the USF Alumni Association.

 

WOW how time goes by so very fast!!! Our first time at the Pro Shop was in 1980, 31 years ago. The Pro Shop has been THE place in Clearwater! Just like you can’t visit Ft. Lauderdale with out stopping at Georgie’s Alibi. You can’t visit Clearwater without stopping at The Pro Shop!

CONGRATULATIONS Pro Shop on your 35th Anniversary! When is your tell all book coming out?????

The Biggest & Most Fun Bar Crawl to date!!! The winner of the best bonnet went to Mama at The Reservoir Bar. Her prize was a flat screen TV!!! A Huge Thank you to the GaYBOR members whom bars we stopped at! The scary part was that Mama, Mark & Rich lead the crawl and were the responsible adults!!! 

 

Now here were the bar stops.

Starting at The Reservoir Bar

Liquid Lounge

Streetcar

Centro Canteen

Hamburger Mary’s

Blue Dog Bistro

The Crowbar

PLAY Ybor

The Green Iguana

Gaspar’s Grotto

JJ’s Bar & cafe

New York New York

ending at Bradley’s on 7th where we celebrated Esme Russell’s Birthday!

After 13 stops you would think every was done. NO not in GaYBOR many went on to the Honey Pot & ended up at RISE!!!  Now that’s GaYBOR Spirit!!

Viva La GaYBOR!!!

Congratulations to Manny & Mike on the opening of Liquid Lounge in GaYBOR! You are an asset to GaYBOR and fill a much need niche. This intimate club has a Miami Beach meets New York City feeling. Video screens, Hot Bois & classy drinks. Open at 4PM daily Liquid is catering to the happy Hour people and makes the perfect spot to stop in before or after diner & shows. Of course it was packed Friday opening night. We were there Monday night at 9 PM & there was a crowd! Don’t miss this coming Thursday for the “Tea Cup” Happy Hour.   Viva La GaYBOR

 

 

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Talk about a full circle come back! John Santoro opened the original Amphitheater (old spelling) on 7th Ave. Four years ago the club scene lagged, the lounge closed and the building was sold. Now John is back with new partner, Liane Bernati and are leasing out the renovated club. The updated make over they have done is very impressive. For years we said it was like a mini Mannequins Club (formerly in Disney Downtown) having a similar revolving wood dance floor with a huge stage 10 ft in the air. As you enter the new Amphitheatre (new spelling) your immediately hit with clean fresh air! All the dirty 90’s curtains and wall hangings are gone and the new floors are buffed beautiful.  Upstairs the VIP level is now all open. Gone are the individual glass walls and VIP rooms. The most impressive new feature is the sound. By opening up the rooms the new sound wraps around you and makes you feel like you’re in the front row! We understand that the club will be available for special events & private venue. One thing for sure this Phoenix of a club is back & more beautiful than ever!  FMI www.amptampa.com

With a great 80 degree sunny spring weekend in Ybor City the Festa Italiana Celebration had its biggest crowds ever. From Italian movie night, Italian tourists charter traveling over from Italy to Bocce Ball competition, and vino making and Italian wine samplings, that was the warm up of the annual 14th year red tomato ceremony. Sunday was a day to say hit the roof with over 50+ food restaurants touting there authentic regional fares to over 25,000 attendees and a full array of dancing groups and musical talents performing on multiple stages. 

RISE Sundays has become the perfect Sunday Night Club. Now they are featuring not only incredible views of Tampa from the roof top, but Naughty Showers too that need to be seen to believe! This past Sunday The GaYBOR Easter Bonnet Bar Hop held an after party there. Poor Jared had quite the surprise from Mama & her trusted paddle.