After months of planning and preparations the BIG 2011 “Historic Holiday Spirit” Ybor City Kick Off Event was finally here! The greater Ybor City community came together (150+ people) under the leadership of GaYBOR District Coalition, YCDC & Florida Entertainment to festively decorate the main streets and parks of Historic Ybor City for the Holidays 2011! The volunteers were made up of residents, Tampa Park’s Dept, City employees, business owners, HCC Ybor, USF, church groups, nonprofit organizations and many friends of Ybor City. There are many other special and memorable events planned through the month of December. For times & dates please visit YborEvents.com
Historic Ybor City “Historic Holiday Spirit” Decorating Party 2011
After months of planning and preparations the BIG 2011 “Historic Holiday Spirit” Ybor City Kick Off Event was finally here! The greater Ybor City community came together (150+ people) under the leadership of GaYBOR District Coalition, YCDC & Florida Entertainment to festively decorate the main streets and parks of Historic Ybor City for the Holidays 2011! The volunteers were made up of residents, Tampa Park’s Dept, City employees, business owners, HCC Ybor, USF, church groups, nonprofit organizations and many friends of Ybor City. There are many other special and memorable events planned through the month of December. For times & dates please visit YborEvents.com
Tampa Mayor Buckhorn and Hoffman Porges Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting
Another positive step in reviving Historic Ybor City retail took place with the re-opening of Hoffman Porges Art Gallery on 7th Ave. The new owners had a great, classy ribbon cutting ceremony with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn cutting the ribbon and hundreds of city officials, businesses and residents attended and thanked the new owners, retired Air Force General David Scott and his imaginative designer wife, Jill for re-opening an Ybor art stay for over 20 years. Local and national artists have items in the gallery for display and for sale! “The layout changes weekly and we have over 6,000 sq. feet to fill.” Jill told us. “We are very happy on the welcome we are receiving.” The new gallery is at 1907 East 7th Ave in Historic Ybor City.
Congratulations 5 Year Anniversary of G.BAR
G.BAR is one of those few wonderful clubs where you “Expect the Unexpected!” Their 5 year anniversary lived up to their reputation! On stage was a 5 foot tall birthday cake complete with a golden model dancing who was surrounded by dancing Men and drag queens tossing out limited edition music CD’s by resident VJ/DJ Greg Anderson. Girls in cake dresses were passing out shots of Cake Vodka. There was a Champagne toast and so much more. Congratulations and THANK YOU to club owners, D. Stephen Moss and Steve Donahue for your positive vision for the Tampa Bay GLBT community.
Miss Tiffany Middlesex Farewell Performance
On her 63 birthday Tampa legend Miss Tiffany Middlesex gave her farewell performance at Bradley’s on 7th. She was the Diva at the famous Tampa’s Rene Night Club in the 1970’s thru 1990’s. Tiffany was a former Miss Florida F.I.in addition to 20 more distinguished titles. The rooms were packed with many faces we had not seen in a long time. Miss Joey Brooks cast members performed their hearts out for Tiffany. The Grand Finale was Miss Tiffany herself looking more beautiful than ever before! We all know she said this was her farewell performance but everybody is hoping it is not!
New Gay Restaurant/ Bar Opens in Downtown Tampa
The Metro Restaurant & Lounge located at 511 North Franklin Street in downtown Tampa is now open!. It is just south of the Tampa theatre. Owners, Bill & Marc wanted their club to be a “Step Out of the Ordinary!” We are excited to report that is just what this club is! A very clean contemporary, smoke free LGBT club with a wonderful grand piano and tons of CLASS! The menu is impressive and as Lucy Ball would say, “very tasty too!” The menu is on line at Metro-Tampa.com.
