Columns

Dishing with Mark & Carrie Dec 3, 2009

December 2, 2009

Everybody in GaYBOR was very excited to see the opening of Tribeca (TribecaSalon.com). This classy, state of the art salon offers a full range of beauty services from color to cut and everything in between. In the back there is even a classroom! On one side is the nail shop Becky a Bento Box of Beauty (http://BeckyShop.com) offering pampered nails and makeup. The crowd of over 300 was treated to hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with a special DJ! Across the courtyard at L’ Olivier’s there was a party hosted by TranZitions Hair Salon. Owner Holly and group were having too much fun at the show. Also there that night (to the surprise of Miss Amy Demilo) was a group of 22 women called – you know we can’t make this up – the Blue Thong Housewives of Brandon! The Tampa Firefighters Hottest Heroes Calendar Party featuring Tampa firefighters and EMS was held at the Ritz and was a benefit for the Widow’s and Children’s Fund! There were hundreds of women (and Mark) jumping up and down up next to the stage as they were auctioning off the firefighters.

On December 5^th the Parliament House will be celebrating its annual Winter Party where they light up the courtyard. Start the night off with a laugh in Wanzie’s “Glittering Star Studded A Christmas Carol.” Tickets are only $12 for the show at 8 pm and include admission into the club for the night! Regular cover applies for club entry but the courtyard celebration is a complimentary gift to the community, which will include Santa’s arrival pulled by hunky reindeers that toss presents to the crowd at 11 pm and the beautiful Christmas carols being sung by the Mistletones! The annual pictures with Santa Charity for Hope and Help will be taking place in the video bar starting at 11:15 pm. Bring that special someone for your picture with Santa and help with this special fundraiser. They will also feature two special holiday shows with The Footlight Players at 10 pm and 12 am.

Around Town

Newly elected openly gay St. Petersburg City Councilman Stephen Kornell was visiting GaYBOR and was caught playing the Pianos in Ybor! The streets of historic Ybor City are decorated for the holidays. Red bows on lamp posts and colorful bells on the light cradles are adding a festive touch to the district. Big events coming include the Santa Fest Parade on December 5th and GaYBOR Holiday Bar Crawl December 6th. GaYBOR District is getting ready for the big Annual GaYBOR Holiday Store Decorating Contest. $1000’s of dollars in goods and in-kind are going to be given away to 4 of the best decorated storefronts and 1 residential home at the next meeting. JJ Cafe is now open on 7th! Owner Joe has Big Mouth and Cantina in Centro Ybor. The Bario Latino Commission has moved ahead with passing remodeling plans for the old Badcock Building on 7th at the gateway of Ybor City. The major renovation project will be partially done by March when the new tenant Metro Charities’ administrative headquarters will be moving in. Revolution in Orlando celebrated their 2 year anniversary in a weeklong celebration that people are saying will be remembered for months to come!