Equality Florida, Florida’s largest GLBTA advocate for GLBT rights, had its annual Tampa Gala at the gorgeous iconic Italian Club Theatre in historic Ybor City with over 300 in attendance. A new recognized and awarded category is the “Equality Means Business Award.” A recognition to the recipients for working together to share equal rights for all in a community or a business. That award went to GaYBOR District Coalition for its hard 4 years work of positive growth and  accomplishments in historic Ybor City and Tampa Bay. Accepting the prized honor plaques from Equality Florida Representative Jim Harper were Carrie West, President of GaYBOR District Coalition, Rich Kerin- treasurer, D. Stephen Moss– co-secretary and Mike Olds -Resident Representative.

In attendance were many political leaders including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, former Tampa Mayors Pam Iorio and Sandy Freedman, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, State Senator Janet Cruz, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, past husband and wife Florida Governor candidates Alex Sink and Bill McBride, Tampa City Council members Harry Cohen and Yolie Capin, former Tampa City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena and emceeing the night was Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

Two other Equality Florida honored awards were given out to Tampa Bay Times Newspaper for its progressive writings and Equality Florida president Nadine Smith honored local Keith Roberts and was given the Individual Voice for Equality Award for helping initiate and lead the fight to passing the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinances in the early 1990’s.