A very popular person and go to person in historic Ybor City is the Ybor City Development Corp, City of Tampa Manager, Vince Pardo. After 16 years at the helm of overseeing community disputes, business relocations, residential expansion, creating fun or just wanting to voice an opinion about the goings on in Ybor City, Vince is the man to see.

    After a 30 year long stint in local Hillsborough County government services he then became mgr of  YCDC. Vince attended weekly city meetings and regional conferences.

We were immediately introduced when we were opening a new location in Ybor City along with the old SunCoast Resort in the spring of 2007. Very happy, smiling and welcoming personality Vince had an interest in us opening a new gift store in his controlled district. What he didn’t realize there was going to be a lot more to deal with besides Mark & Carrie. We welcomed all of our GLBT friends to come and invest in Ybor City as their were 40 empty storefront spaces along 7th Ave. The ripple effect happened and a large number of new GLBT  bars, stores and non profits were taking up the open invitation. We introduced everyone to Vince to help share our new imaginative direction of GLBT re-branding for the older cigar making district. This also helped Vince in filling the empty spacesand fill the graffiti ‘d stores in the small district. With positive growth we founded of a new GLBT epicenter, GaYBOR District Coalition.  Vince attended every meeting from start up to holiday ventures. The new GaYBOR/ historic Ybor City had a positive growth both in businesses and residential living with lower local crime statistics. This while the depression hit hard financially other areas of Tampa,

    Vince is well admired by the local community and also the Tampa Bay GLBT community. He put things in perspective. He did not show prejudice in the districts challenging diversified interest but an honesty of local townboy opinion.

    Vince worked under 3 Tampa Mayors, Mayor Dick Greco, Mayor Pam Iorio and present Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. He has seen the vibrating fabric of historic Ybor City change that like a chameleon.

    The great farewell at Carne’s Chop House had hundreds of well wishers from all areas of government. Atop the old Muvico Theaters classic signage on top of Centro Ybor was a huge picture of Vince on the 20 ft by 20 ft banner.

    With that we say Kudos and praise to the avid Sicilian winemaker directior and to a great long healthy retirement.

Long ashes to you!

Our Favorite Vince clip….