The GaYBOR District Coalition in historic Ybor City has voted and changed leadership. With its recognized positive growth in the district, the efforts of grassroots merchants and individuals have now put GaYBOR at the top of GLBT issues and awareness in Tampa Bay! GaYBOR is being recognized worldwide, making it known as ‘a very GLBTA friendly place to visit.’
GaYBOR District Elects New Board
The GaYBOR District Coalition in historic Ybor City has voted and changed leadership. With its recognized positive growth in the district, the efforts of grassroots merchants and individuals have now put GaYBOR at the top of GLBT issues and awareness in Tampa Bay! GaYBOR is being recognized worldwide, making it known as ‘a very GLBTA friendly place to visit.’
And that is a good thing! Over 280 community diverse GLBTA Florida businesses, non-profits and members represent the non-profit GaYBOR District headquartered in historic Ybor City.
Newly elected officers are:
President – Mark Eary, Vice President – Mike Olds, Co-Secretaries – Mark Bias and Brian Betz, Treasurer – Walter Pinillos, Resident Officer – Michael Wilson and Membership Events – Jayme Kosar.
Carrie West is now President Emeritus, Rich Kerin is Emeritus, and D. Stephen Moss will remain on the YCDC Board representing GaYBOR District Coalition.
The group was applauded for the past GaYBOR Days achievements in highlighting GaYBOR VIP & Movie Night, the GaYBOR White Party and having the Hillsborough County Commissioners sign the proclamation for GaYBOR Days. GaYBOR Days received commendations and proclamations from the Florida State House, Tampa mayor’s office, Tampa City Council and the County Commissioners for our combined economic and revitalization of Tampa’s historic district in Ybor City. Furthering the great positive strides & efforts by GaYBOR Coalition, County Commissioner Kevin Beckner brought forth the repeal of the county ban on gay pride in the county and was passed by a unanimous, 7-0 vote.
On the upcoming events includes “GaYBOR’s Annual Mayor’s Luncheon” on June 27th at 11:30 a.m. at Hamburger Mary’s. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is the guest speaker, entertainment by Una Voce Rays singing group, and on the menu is prime rib, chicken or veggie plate. $20 tickets are available at Hamburger Mary’s, Ybor City Wine Bar and MC FILM.
Also, GaYBOR will be having a float in the St. Pete Pride Parade on June 29th.
Niece/Nephew of the Week: Mathieu Stanoch
A major natural gas leak occurred Saturday Night in GaYBOR. Hamburger Mary’s and other businesses in Centro Ybor had to evacuate into the streets at the orders of the Tampa fire and rescue teams. Twelve fire units secured areas looking for a very flammable leak.
Our HERO, Mathieu, was in his apartment above La France. He had a headache and laid down to take a nap. Later his neighbor came home and smelled the gas leak. He woke up Mathieu and got him out onto the back balcony. Mathieu realized the gas source was coming from the laundry room on the second floor across from his apartment. He dashed back into the building and turned off the gas line. Once back on the balcony he was overcome by the gas and was taken by ambulance to Tampa General Hospital. When the firefighters asked if he could walk to the ambulance, Mathieu said, “Oh no, I have to get something in my apartment first.” They asked what? Mathieu told them, coughing that he was, “only in [his] underwear and needed to get [his] pants first!” They just put Mathieu on a gurney and headed out! He was released several hours later.
This could have been a huge disaster in GaYBOR. Thanks to Mathieu’s quick thinking, it didn’t happen.
Oh what a night!
GaYBOR Member of the Week: PFLAG Tampa Bay
This GLBT non-profit is a great source of education, support and advocacy in the Tampa Bay area. The motto says it all: “You have a home with PFLAG.”
At the helm are two great, pioneering spokespeople who have stepped up to the plate for a variety of GLBT issues and causes: Nancy and Lefty Desmond.
