(((HUGS))) Tea Cup aka Mark

    Friday night was an El Goya Reunion Party and brought back great memories of days past. Bradley’s on 7th was the host to the 30 year old kindling. Hosted by Joey Brooks and a cast of performing entertainers that haven’t performed in years. Attending and performing were some of the Ybor City’s Golden Days Drag stars. The numbers and outrageous outfits were spectacular. Bobbie Lake, Melanie Minyon, Gilda Golden and Joey Brooks. The place was packed with memory hounds, well wishers and renewed friendship seekers. Also was longtime area favorite Drag Star, “Hey Everybody” Stephanie Shippae.

    Memories of the 1980’s days of the very popular gay bar were portrayed by the smiles, talents and friendships that people developed. This was a very visual exciting youthful gay bar that many found out and acted upon their true inner feelings and found a comfort zone.

    “Straight or gay, El Goya was a very popular place to take visiting dignitaries to.” said former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. ” Most people had never even seen a real drag show and it was a very interesting place to take our city’s VIP visiting guests. I loved it. And so did the guests.”

    “Mayor Dick Greco had a reserved table in the front of the stage whenever he wanted it.” commented reunion host Joey Brooks.

    Ybor City’s famous El Goya closed in late 1980’s changed to Tracks and then Pleasure Dome and now Czar.

“It was so unique back then in Ybor City that it was one of 2 businesses that stayed open after dark, the Columbian Restaurant and El Goya. “ said Horst Glamsh, a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, bartender and El Goya Bar frequenter.

 .

.

The WBO Featherweight boxer, Orlando Cruz announced himself as a “Proud Gay Man.” Cruz, 31, from Puerto Rico said, ” he wants to be the best role model to kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career.” He is also the first fighter to come out openly gay!

    Nationally # 4 ranked in the featherweight class by the World Boxing Organization.

 .

    Row Boat Mediterranean Cuisine / R Bar have been great supporters of GaYBOR District. The gyros and special daily ‘Mediterranean Dish of the Day’ are really scrumptious. And recently the owners, Jad & Jordan have opened an Ybor fun getaway bar called, R Bar! The restaurant makes daily the great deserts including Bakalava, besides the Greek salads, Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaf) appetizers, Turkish Coffee and yes, the Gyros, Kabobs and Falafel!

    Their very special event is coming October 18th at 5PM. Their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and local leaders celebrating the newly opened establishments to GaYBOR /Ybor City. Located on the corner opposite MC FILM at 8th Ave and 15th Street. Everyone is invited to help celebrate.

Welcome to GaYBOR / Ybor City. facebook/ Rowboat