A vacant 1920’s wooded bungalow house will have new life again. The old historic house was given to the Grand Central District in St Pete and will be relocated a few blocks away to become St Pete’s new GLBT Tourist Info Center and GDC offices.. The dreams and aspirations of Lorraine Langlois, Exec Dir  Metro Wellness and Community Centers, Grand Central District Officers, St Pete PRIDE board and Brian & Jim Longstreth both of the GDC are seeing fruiitions come true.

This is very important and instrumental in the West Coast of Florida’s fast GLBT growth & areas awareness. Locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The donated historic house on Central Ave was relocated to the vacant lot next door to the Metro Thrift Store on Central Ave. When we were over to the GCD Sunday taking photos, the moving tractor/ truck was hitched to the timbers and had wheels for moving the historical structure later that night. A  $5,000 grant came forth from Florida’s Tourism Dept, Visit Florida in helping the GLBT created destination centers move. The late Sunday night move took over 1 hour 1/2 to complete to its new relocation.

Other major Florida cities Key West, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale & Orlando all have made a major footprint in stepping up GLBT events. The Annual White Party, Fantasy Fest and Key West Pride, Ft  Lauderdale’s multi-many pride events and Orlando’s week long Gay Days in early June.  St, Pete Pride this year did exceed the 150,000 mark with attendees enduring the rainy day and celebrated  especially the gay politically victorious adorned day. That was the week of the U.S. Supreme rulings about DOMA and California’s Prop 8 decisions, all positive in favor to GLBT Americans.

“Now with the new, soon to be GLBT tourist Info center relocated, it is time to get the building rehabbed and opened.” said Brian Longstreth.

 

St Pete GLBT leaders and restaurant owners of Queens Head Restaurant, Paul Smith and Darren Conner just got back from NYC. They got away and got hitched! The restaurant duo had just returned as we went to their English style Sunday Brunch. All smiles, the two are looking for more opportunities in the St Pete area. Nephew Stephen  (of Sonny & Stephen) had served us at the early breakfast hour.

The recommended smoked salmon with buttery scrambled eggs was delish!

 

The streets on Central Ave were very shady with huge oaks covering the sidewalks and streets. New electric power stations for electric and hybrid cars were on each block in the Grand Central District.

Down the block the Lucky Star Bar was open with music echoing in the air. The Garage on Central was still asleep at the noon time hour.  I counted not less than 8 different art stores now in the District. Wow an artists dream and a buyers welcome.

We were told to see the signs posted at the old Enterprise Leasing at 31st & Central. Funny signs!!!