Even though Tampa’s downtown skyline hasn’t changed in 8 years, a lot of good is happening. The infrastructure renovation of downtown Tampa is going full speed ahead. They are working on things that are often hidden below the streets, but need to be financed and addressed. We have to have the foundation before we can expand into new basic need developments.
On another Tampa redevelopment story, a very memorable landmark in Tampa has been demolished. The 15,000 square foot West Tampa Convention Center has been razed and is changing from community forum center, political rally stop, Anniversary & birthday party venue and a place for the Tampa GLBT Community Center events in the 1990′s. The cleared land site will become a new Dollar General store. The 40 year old Columbus Ave. sparkle of Centro Espanol de Tampa, the Spanish/ Cuban community center for the West Tampa cigar factory workers, activities center was too much for the diminished mutual aid society.
Annual GaYBOR Days Set for May 24th – May 27th
The Annual GaYBOR Days in historic Ybor City is set with four days full of activities, parties and events. Special VIP Party, Special Feature Film at Muvico Theaters by TIGLFF/ GaYBOR, Special RUPAUL Drag Race Celebrity Shows and other special shows at Hamburger Mary’s, Honey Pot, Gaspar’s Grotto, G.Bar, Bradley’s on 7th and Ybor City Wine Bar plus numerous other shops and clubs events.
You Can Not Make This Up
North Tampa Show
About 5 years ago singer/ comedian Judy B. Goode was performing at Keith’s Lounge on Nebraska Ave in North Tampa, located about 10 miles north of GaYBOR. Tea Cup got all dressed up to go and see her. Red Sequin jacket, wild shirt & fabulous shoes, glasses, hat & of course the Tea Cup in hand. Nephew Mathieu took one look and said “Uncle Mark you are not allowed to go north of Hillsborough Ave without a guard in that outfit!”
So, Carrie drove and Tea Cup & Mathieu were chauffeured off to the show. When we arrived at Keith’s there was a very HOT happy dancer from Gainesville performing too. Mathieu, being the youngest person in the room by 20 years & the grinning dancer hit it off right away. At 10 PM the show was over & the dancer was getting off too. All three of us cordially invited the striking southern draw smiling young dancer to meet us at G.BAR back in GaYBOR. The dancer actually said, “Do you think there will be anybody there on a Saturday night at 11PM?”
He had never been to GaYBOR before. He did come to G.BAR that night. Actually he had sooooo much fun that he performed many more times in GaYBOR. Then he moved to live in GaYBOR and today is a bartender at Bradley’s on 7th. His name (and a Mark & Carrie nephew) is Bradford
Miss Joey Brooks
Performer, Ambassador, Host & now Author is there anything Miss Joey cannot do? A founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition, Miss Brooks has been active promoting GaYBOR & her community. She always has a naughty simile on her face. You just never know what will come next!!! www.facebook.com/MISS.JOEY.BROOKS
Mark & Carrie Nephew/ Niece of the Week
We have had the honor of watching Josh grow from a student to a fine young man. Josh has worked in GaYBOR for years. All the while working even harder to get a double major from USF. www.facebook.com/josh.przybysz
