Gay Days Orlando 2016
What started as Gay Days at Disney is now all of Orlando. There are parties everywhere!!! For those who choice not to fight the crowd the parties here in Tampa will be over the top. Have Fun & Drive Safe.
May 31 – June 6
SCHILLER’S
One of our favorite stores in Tampa. Its a cross between the TV Shows American Pickers, Barn Builder & Black Dog Salvage. If you have seen any of these shows you know what we are talking about. Interesting doesn’t begin to describe the eclectic treasures you will find here. The owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. Tell they mark & Carrie sent you. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter. Located in the trendy North Hyde Park at 1002 North Rome Ave. You will spend hours looking here.
Wood Window Make Over
As many of you already know we are in the process of restoring a Historical Southern Plantation home in Gary Town. Located just East of Ybor City. Located inside the home were 2 original Hillsborough County Courthouse windows. They were in bad shape with water and termite damage. Our friends at Wood Window Makeover did an unbelievable job restoring them. We highly recommend them for all your restoration projects. Located across the street from Schiller’s in North Hyde Park.
woodwindowmakeover.com
TAMPA PRIDE 2017 Planning Meeting
With all the area Pride events coming up TAMPA PRIDE 2017 is starting their plans for March 25, 2017!.
After a very successful Tampa Bay Pride Parade & Festival in historic Ybor City in the GaYBOR District last spring the committees will again be coming up with new ideas and Pride events.
Are you interested in heading and working on any of the many committees? Now is your opportunity. Bring your great ideas for a start of another great TAMPA PRIDE.
Meeting is at Hampton Inn Ybor Conference Room , Tuesday June 7th at 6 PM.
See you all there!
Obituary; David Karst
David Karst, Suncoast Project coordinator passed away this past week. He was the face for ASAP, AIDS Services Association of Pinellas and was the beginnings of the Suncoast Project, a the small CDC funded AIDS outreach as the coordinator that started at the Suncoast Resort & Hotel complex in South St. Pete in late 1990s. The gay health project grew into a large facility at the famed gay resort, testing, counseling and handing out information about the silent deadly virus.
David worked hard bringing funding into a taboo health subject in the gay world, HIV. As coordinator he had teams and health staff counselors handing out information and testing stations all over St Petersburg at events, festivals and gay bars in the ASAP mobile unit used for testing clients discretely for HIV.
David wore the smiling grin on his face most all the time. He had the most pleasant demeanor about himself and about life. He needed it for the empathy and sympathy the tests brought to the tested clients. Sometimes good and heartfelt and other times reality check and sad.
FREE TESTING signs were visible on the mobile van and thousands of men knew that they had to be tested. The quick test was convenience for the possibly infected but not knowing individual.
As times changed and the Suncoast Resort closed, David brought the mobile testing unit to the newly formed gay area in Tampa in the GaYBOR District in historic Ybor City for Free testing every Friday night.
Immediately David had ASAP join the gay friendly changing organization district group. He furthered the cause by going setting up the colorful mobile unit to the gay encompassed large outdoor campground, the Sawmill Campground in Dade City.
The Flamingo Resort opened and so did the return of staple offices for the Suncoast Project.
Top fun associated events that showed the fun side of awareness was the Miss ASAP Pageant, and Dine Out For Life fundraising events for the community to get involved in. David was the start and in the center of the activities.
Your work will long be remembered. Your generosity was always seen. Your love of human spirit showed.
A Day of Celebration of Life for David Karst is in the plans by his so many loved friends. We will keep you informed.