Hillsborough County has just gone through its own NYC Stonewall of sorts with the rescinding of the Hillsborough County ban on Gay Pride in the county. Now it is PRIDE Week throughout Tampa Bay and word is that another try for Domestic Partner Registry is being planned on the Commissioners docket for August. All would not be applicable if the DOMA and Prop 8 comes down from the U.S. Supreme Court this week in our favor.

A great singing star and first in late night TV infomercial’s was born right here in Tampa. Otis Dewey ‘Slim’ Whitman, Jr.  He was a regular music playing celebrity on local Tampa  TV early morning shows. A man with a yodel in his throat and a song in his heart, passed away this week at age 90. He sold more albums than the Beatles and toured in the 1950’s with Elvis Presley. An entertainer & music icon!

A new 7-11 Convenience Store is in the works to take over La Ultramar Building, the old jewelry store at 7th Ave. and 16th St. in Ybor City. Not all residents are pleased with the corporate’s store move to the historic district. Parking changes, permitting, beer sales all affect local Ybor business. The new concept urban stores are more aimed at the inner city market place with fresh produce, meat and fruit then the classic style 7-11 stores with gas pumps. Hey did you notice the new steel canopy that was built over the Prana Night Club entrance? The 4th of July looks like it will be a big firecracker of events with top name entertainment performing at many clubs and restaurants in GaYBOR.

We hear that a new restaurant (NOT Hamburger Mary’s) and a dance studio are moving into the old Detours Bar on Central Ave. A new parade route had been talked about for St. Pete PRIDE this year. Glad it was voted down!!!