Dishing with Mark & Carrie April 8, 2010
Deb Hunseder and Steph Callahan of the group Halcyon will be opening a new club where Spurs used to be (Kevin and Jeff will definitely be missed in GaYbor). With all the friends the girls have made over the years you just know this is going to be GREAT! This past year after the Night Parade we stopped at Spurs and Halcyon was performing. Later that week some friends in North Carolina wrote the there was a whole story in the local newspaper about the Night Parade and our photo with Halcyon was in it! What a fun, crazy, small world we all live in! WELCOME to GaYbor, HALCYON!
City Councilman John Dingfelder had a social thrown for him with over 100 gay guys in attendance. John wants to leave the Tampa City Council for a run at the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners District 1 seat. The election isn’t until November. We do recognize and cheer the leadership of elected gay Commissioner Kevin Beckner. The hosts were George, Rich, David and Chuck. Tampa activist Keith Roberts refreshed the minds of everyone about the Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinance travesties about 15 years back. John Dingfelder represented and helped defend the GLBT community battle in the Florida State Supreme Court. Things have changed, times have changed, so please get involved politically.
We decided to take a drive of South Tampa establishments. First stop was City Side. There were many familiar faces around the bar and owner Billy and manager Jimmy were busy chatting it up with the patrons. Next stop was the Rainbow Room. There was karaoke a go-go, the famous international psychic Madam DJ, great drink specials, pool table and the best volleyball courts in Tampa! Next was on to one of our favorite stops, Chelsea Nightclub. As we entered, owner Nikki was right at the door to greet us. Now here is a party, with hot dancers Mica and Stevie and a drag show featuring diva Amy Demilo and 2 newcomers. With the weather finally turning back to normal spring temps we can’t wait for the next cookout on Chelsea’s wonderful large outdoor patio. Thank you, South Tampa friends, for an incredible night!
A new gay restaurant has appeared on the charts in St. Pete in historic gay friendly Kenwood neighborhood. The menu is great and the specially prepared entrees makes you want to make reservations for today and tomorrow. Partner’s Sports Cafe (2924 5th Ave N) opened right around the corner from famed and popular Georgie’s Alibi.. The new owner, John M., has 2 other popular places in St. Pete, Pepperz Lounge and Liquor Store and the Oar House on 22nd Ave South. We were told by many before going that the food was excellent and priced right! We welcome you to Tampa Bay.
The next GaYbor District Coalition meeting is Friday, April 9th at 4:00 at Streetcar Charlie’s. This is a GLBTA coalition of businesses and residents from around Tampa Bay. Plans for the summer events including, Gay Days at Disney, St. Pete Pride and the full week of gay events in July at GaYbor Days. Great networking and all residents and businesses are welcome to attend. GaYbor now has resident memberships for anyone, anywhere to join for $35.00 per year and businesses are $75.00. GaYbor.com
