It seems that everything is still running smooth at Bradley’s on 7th as manager Jim is off to visit his home back in Costa Rica. The Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade has a huge number of floats in the parade this year. TIGLFF have moved into their new offices inside Metro Wellness & Community Center on 7th Ave. They are planning a big celebration and Grand Opening in May. They will also have a ticket outlet for the October Gay and Lesbian Film Festival event. The new Executive Director  for the festival is Larry Biddle . More movies will be played at the local Muvico Theatres in Ybor City! An event of the old Tampa Aids Network time period is being revived. Calling all artists! Art For Wellness Gala is in the planning stages for fall 2012. FMI call Carol Spicer at Metro Wellness. The newly formed Ybor Merchants Association will be at Tampa City Hall in regards in making sure there isn’t any fences put up during Ybor City’s Guavaween in October!

News of the new Tampa Domestic Partner Registry hearing coming up in front of Tampa City Council in their Chambers Thursday March 15 at 9:00 am were part of the comments made by Tampa City Councilman Harry Cohen. In regards to the agenda item…”It is all about equality. In our city and throughout our community.” he stated. “Come out to any council meetings to voice your opinions!” Other points he wanted GaYBOR members to be informed of were about the 11 parking garages that the city owns and the upcoming National GOP Convention.

” We have balloon payments on these parking garages coming up and we have to prioritize the monies the city receives. Possibly sell them or raise the parking rates!” Cohen also made mention that the city offices will be shut down downtown and relocated to satellite city offices during the upcoming National GOP Convention in Tampa in August.

Other New items on the GaYBOR Agenda were the Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl is set for April 1st starting at JJ’s Cafe, GaYBOR Days moving to Memorial Day Weekend with the GaYBOR Health Fair set for May 22nd. White Party, Movie Night, Sunday T-Dance, and more events. www.GaYBOR.com.

Congratulations for opening in GaYBOR/ Ybor City  Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Liquid Tampa & Ybor Youth Clinic.

The doors opened and the new Liquid Tampa showed off its new digs to the community. The old Blue Shark on 7th Ave had a major renovation. The large dance floor with 3 balconies, laser lights flashing, and a make-up of glass, tile, brick, metal, sculpture, water and airy-ness made this new club awesome! A lot of the neighborhood businesses came to give there best wishes. The three amigos that own the glitzy club are Manny Alvarez, Mike Mikula and Steve Y. A large queue line was set up along 7th for its Grand Opening.  People said that it was well worth the wait!

The large windows in the front of the building slide open to the outside and lets in the fresh air as if you were sitting on an inside balcony. Three bars, 2 on the first floor and 1 one the upper level balcony provide a full variety of adult beverages.The view of the downtown skyline is direct and beautiful. The hi energized dance music was commandeered by new resident, Intl famous DJ Power Infinti. Open 7 nights of the week on the corner of 7th Ave and 15th Street in GaYBOR/ Ybor City.

President Obama will be the introduction to the Cartoon Network’s 1/2 hour special Docu-toon, “Speak Up” whch is part of the national campaign to stop bullying and bring awareness to the problem. The program is aimed at younger youth showing the hate and seriousness of being bullied. The public service campaign will air Sunday,March 18th 5:30 pm. with an encore at 8:00 pm.

It is very easy to se why Cristinos has been named #1 Restaurant in Clearwater. From the appetizers to home made gelato everything is fantastic. The atmosphere  is warm & authentic Italian with friendly service. From Tampa to all points beyond Cristino’s is definitely worth the drive!!!

You just know that you were made  to be together when your names become one. Darleen n Jurnne

*****

The GLBT Haters: Watch Out for These 12 Groups

*    Parents Action League, Champlin | Minnesota
*    Mission: America | Columbus, Ohio
*    Jewish Political Action Committee | Brooklyn, New York
*    Repent of Burn in Hell Ministry | Loxley, Alabama
*    Public Advocate of the United States | Falls Church, Virginia
*    Save California | Sacramento, Calif.
*    True Light Pentecost Church | Spartanburg, South Carolina
*    Sons of Thundr | Luthersville, Georgia
*    Tom Brown Ministries | El Paso, Texas
*    Windsor Hills Baptist Church | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
*    United Families International | Gilbert, Arizona
*    You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide | Annandale, Minnesota

And then you thought we only had the self credentialed Rev Fred Phelps and his perverted family from Westboro Baptist!  Here are some of the new campaign hate messages;

Sons of Thundr website called “Sodomites can be Saved” where it claims “All homos are: sick, brain damaged, perverts!” Public Advocates says ads warned of a gay conspiracy to “create a new America.”  Parents Action League called for a revision of school curriculum to include “ex-homosexual therapy.” Linda Harvey hosts the Mission:America radio show and has said gays “hate Jesus Christ,” and that employers shouldn’t hire LGBT people. Pastor Tom Brown launched a campaign to take away health benefits from the spouses of LGBT city employees, warning that local leaders wanted “to reward fornicators.”

Hello Carrie,

We are finally getting to the design of the mural and opening up the conversation about the content to community members who take an active role in the spirit of Ybor. I’ve included a brief description of the project below.  We are looking for community members to participate in the designing of the image which will span an entire city block on Adamo.  We would like folks in the community that would be willing to talk candidly about their experiences and life in Ybor City.  We feel that the community that will be looking at it should be able to give their input and participate in the making of it.

We are not only looking for an historical context but also a contemporary vision of the vitality and growth of the neighborhood.  I wanted to make sure that you were included in the conversation.

Below are the dates, times and locations of the open forums, as well as ways to participate online.

We would love to have you tell us about life here.  If these dates don’t work or would rather have us come to you for more of a one on one at your convenience, let me know.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Mike Parker

813-846-2000