A founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Every Friday night you will find a truly authentic Italian Mom’s dinner there. Don’t believe us? Then take a look in the kitchen! LOL The Italian club is perfect for any of your parties from small to large elaborate events. Recently Equality Florida hosted an event there. Give them a call today for more details at (813) 248-3316
Congratulations to Bryan Clancey the new General Manager. The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk offers shuttle service to & from GaYBOR. Bryan was a founding GaYBOR member when he was the General manager at the Hampton Inn & Suite Ybor City.
A founding member of GaYBOR. Don is the owner of Don Arnold A/C.He is also known as ‘Don Don the AC Man! He stays busy especially this time of the year.
It is very hard to find anybody who works harder for GaYBOR than Arica Love. She is always promoting GaYBOR across the state. The big smile & wild personality makes her our bigger than life Angel!!!
The 10th Annual St. Pete Pride is a GO!!! We were founding members back in 2002 at the Grand Central Station when St. Pete Pride emerged! Now St. Pete Pride is the largest Pride event with over 100,000 participants and is a founding GaYBOR member who works together building a bridge to our communities
One of our favorite clubs in all of GaYBOR/Ybor City!!! Founding members of GaYBOR!! Bonnie & tom have always been the very first to raise their hands at the meeting to volunteers. If your looking for the feel of a REAL Neighborhood Community bar check out the Crowbar!!
What can we say about the wonderful Daphne? Besides being a proud supporter of GaYBOR and great friend to the community. I guess she says it all on her facebook page below. Viva La Daphne!!
About Daphne
Titles Include: Miss Gay Florida America, Miss Gay Orlando, Miss Parliament House, Miss Derby City EOY, Miss Blur, Miss Ocala, Miss Hernando FI, Miss Comedy Queen, Miss Comic Strip, Miss Pasco and Miss Clearwater Newcomer.
Top 10 at EOY and MGA. Miss Congeniality at Miss Florida FII am known to many as “The Tallest Drag Queen in Captivity”. Standing at just over 7′ tall in heels, I am the perfect height for any stage. I got my start in high school theatre and have not stopped evolving since. I have been performing in drag professionally for over 13 years and enjoy exploring my sick and twisted sense of humor.
Over the years I have won many titles and received many awards.
I graduated in 2005 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Marketing and I am proud to say that I create/ design just about everything I wear. I interned in 2005 with Vera Wang and feel blessed to have been given that experience.
In July of 2009 I wrote, produced and directed the original stage show “The Evolution of Drag” in Ybor City at The Honey Pot. We’ve produced the show 3 additional times due to local demand and we look forward to seeing how the show EVOLVES.
I perform every Friday night at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor city, monthly at The Honey Pot and throughout Florida on some Saturdays.
I love Mexican food, quiet nights at home and puppies.
I often book private parties, do drag makeovers and am involved in the production of local shows.
A founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition, Peter is not only a member but a good will ambassador of GaYBOR. With weekly advertisements in HOTspots GaYBOR is reaching out to 100’s of thousands of people weekly. A BIG Viva La GaYBOR to Peter & his staff!!!
Dick Clark may have launched Madonna’s career, but Jocelyn met him first! Jocelyn and Dick circa 1977. Is that money we see in her hand too???? LOL LOL
Jenna has been the #1 GaYBOR realtor in Ybor City since day one! She broke many hearts when Jenna married Ryan Clements. Together they make a fantastic couple and are also involved with the Bricks.
In 1997 the then owners, Joey Livingston & the late John Moore, were at MC Film shopping for Lucy memoribila for their new North of Tampa campground, Sawmill Campground. MC Film was invited the first year to come up on the weekends to sell rainbow pride things in the party building. The next year the Suncoast Resort opened and WOW where has the time since gone to??? The Sawmill Campground is a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition in 2007. The bond & friendship between GaYBOR District & Sawmill have been very supportive & strong. Two different GLBT venues yet compatible entertainment areas. Then, last year Sawmill was sold again. This time to GLBT resident owners forming a non profit residential co-op. Who would have thought 15 years later we would be saying “Happy 1st Anniversary “ & Welcome RuPaul to the Sawmill!! Viva La GaYBOR!!!
When not working full time as an environment engineer & attorney, Tripp enjoys donating time to GaYBOR. This past week we caught Tripp lamenting & cutting out passes for the upcoming GaYBOR Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl. Viva La GaYBOR to Tripp
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!!!
We love this photo of Bradley “Life of the Party” and so true!!! His perfect party would be “Bradley’s on 7th”. We agree!!! Bradley has created one of the most perfect Party Clubs in the Tampa Bay area. Plus it just celebrated its 1st Anniversary.A mix of “Drinks, Divas & Dance!”
As a proud member of GaYBOR daddy Eric brought the first “Florida Leather Weekend 2012? to GaYBOR.
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Feb. 22, 2012
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Manny & Mike
New Bar… Liquid Lounge is moving at least 12? but 1 huge difference, there address is now on 7th Ave. The old BlueShark has totally been redone. The new openness of light through the front windows allow you to see downtown Tampa’s tallest buildings and skyscape. What a great transformation. Glass tiles, zebra wood and metal walls make the new Liquid…liquid! Owners, Manny Alvarez and Mike M. have moved their small 15th Street bar to a 2 story dance club. New added shot bars are on the 2nd floor and an added bar in the front bar area with a wrap around bar rail. A soft opening was last Saturday night during the Sant Yago Knight Parade. It was packed! A real big Grand Opening is set for mid March before the Roughrider’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.on March 17th.
The First lady of Ybor City and the First Lady of MC Film too!!! You will find Miss Brooks every weekend performing at Hamburger Mary’s & Bradley’s on 7th in the Heart of GaYBOR!!!
With a steady hand and mind, Diane & her husband DeanJames have purchased many historical commercial properties in Ybor City and downtown Tampa. The 2 crafty artisans create magic with the making of the historical steel light bridges all along on 7th Ave in Ybor City, Also the fancy flared steel waste baskets throughout Ybor City. Once beginners in the art of glass masters they have ventured into making stain glass windows, sand etching glass and blowing glass. She is a very strong advocate to area history, local preservation groups and safety concerns in Ybor City. A founding member of the GaYBOR District and is a nurse by trade. Diane is very involved with the her grandchildren, their Pennsylvania farm and the many properties she owns and manages.
Meet founding member, Crystal Rivera, the Business Travel Sale Manager & Social Media for the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Crystal has helped out with many GaYBOR events. She works with hotel manager Bryan Clancy, formerly with Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor. We especially remember the times on the St. Pete Float !!! Wink Wink
Steve was one of the original 5 to start GaYBOR. No stranger to the Tampa Bay LGBT Club seen, Steve has been a promoter/owner for 20+ years here. Today Steve & his partners run Florida Entertainment. Something you might know about Steve is…. Not only is Steve the person who books all the Top DJ in America, but most of the DJ’s are also his personal friends!!! You can catch Steve in his favorite spot….the DJ Booths at Honey Pot, G.BAR & The Social.
This brother & sister duo are the stuff that makes Tampa Bay so Great!!! Separate individual businesses but equally committed to helping out the community and customize their great talents in customer care.
Jeff Italiano is the owner of Italiano Insurance Services
A backbone to the Tampa Bay Community for many years. The GaYBOR District Coalition insurance is thru Italiano Insurance.
Terrell Italiano is the owner of “Teamwork Imprint Sportswear”. Talk about a Community TEAM PLAYER!!!! For many years Terrell has supported 100’s of community events. The GaYBOR Bar Crawl t-shirts are just some of the many shirts made here. Viva la Terrell.
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Dec 27, 2011
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Thomas Ward
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000173616525
By day Thomas is a hard working business person. By Night hi is the Crazy Manager/Bartender at G.BAR!!! If your not his facebook friend yet you need to join today. Tomas will keep you up on all the Hottest parties in GaYBOR. Just remember he is on facebook, so be careful what you say to him, especially when we are all cocktailed!!!
Vince is the President of the Ybor City Development Company aka YCDC. Everybody knows that Vince is an all around Great Guy…. but many of you do not know that he is also a Great wine maker. Check out his site http://vincepardo.net/
The owner of JJ’s Cafe & Bar, Fresh Mouth & Centro Cantina. Joe is a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Always the first to raise his hand and pitch in to helps with the many GaYBOR Projects. This past week Joe donated food to the GaYBOR Holiday Party and was on the GaYBOR Bar Crawl. In Ybor City there are many choices to party & eat at. We suggest spending your money with business who support you. Viva La Joe & Viva La GaYBOR!!!
Yanett’s antique store featuring unique items from all over the southeast U.S. This store offers a plethora of one of a kind objects for any design motif. Find that perfect treasure for your old Victorian home, rustic bungalow, modern home, or new urban loft.
Officer Sean Mahabir, Ybor City Community Officer is respected highly by the Ybor City business community. Always helping out with projects and promoting safety in the district. Friendly, and has a sense of humor. Oh by the way did you know he was a shaving cream commercial actor?
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Nov 23, 2011
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Chef Luigi Cavallaro
Luigi is very pleasant and outgoing and Luigi’s Catering has earned a flawless reputation for fine food, presentation, style and service. With his recent opening inside the Don Vicente Historic Hotel, Things have gone very well since his move. Luigi will personally meet with you to create a special menu for your event and give you all of the information you need. Luigi will show you a variety of menus, and pictures of food and displays. Stop in and see and visit the creative Italian chef.
The publisher & founder of Watermark Magazine. A founding member of GaYBOR District Coalition. We have had the pleasure of knowing Tom since the start of Watermark. Tom is lucky to live with his 4 legged friend, Duncan.
In 1998 Jack & his family took on the task of renovation the Don Vicente Inn de Ybor. Jack is known as Mr. Ybor after receiving the “Ybor Man of the Year Award “ in 2002. He has renovated over 14 of the historic Ybor City Buildings. Today the hotel it’s one of the Crown Jewels of Ybor City. Proud members of GaYBOR, the Shiver family have hosted GaYBOR meeting and events for many members. Jack & his family always makes you feel welcome and at home at the Don Vicente! As Walt Disney said, ” When you wish upon a star… makes no difference who you are”
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Nov 2, 2011
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Bardda & Freddy, Owners of New York, New York Pizza
Founding members of GaYBOR!!! This duo not only make the best Pizza in Ybor but sure can have fun too!!!
Founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Muvico Centro 20 proudly hosts GaYBOR and others meeting, events, bar crawls & private screenings. A week doesn’t go by that you will not find complementary Movie tickets in the Hamburger Mary’s BINGO bags! Muvico also has a full adult beverage bar for your added enjoyment! The extreme tall horizontal marquee and bright LED lights circumvent the center of the historic district. This is a must do in Ybor City. The “Movie & Dinner Date” has taken on a whole new meaning to now include… “Dinner & Movie and Shopping, Arts Shows,Drag Shows, Cocktails & Dancing the night away!!!!” Viva La Muvico & Viva La GaYBOR!!!
Shere & her husband, Eric are founding members of the GaYBOR District Coalition. Both are champion fighters for all human rights. Their expansive newly remodeled restaurant/patio bar Gaspar’s Grotto is the perfect spot for your celebrations & events.
Vincent is a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition. A generous community supporter who’s office is right here in Ybor City, above Coyote Ugly. Something that a lot of people do not know about Vince is that he is fluent in French & Italian!!! He is also the President of Pro Agents Sports Management & a Certified Contract Advisor, (NFL) National Football League Player’s Association! GO VINCENT!!!!
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Sept 27, 2011
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Mario
from Island Florist Ybor City
Every wonder where do all those wonderful flowers come from? Wonder no more there are from Island Florist in Ybor City. A founding member in the GaYBOR District Coalition, Mario & his staff are always there for us & you!
We all know Judy is a wonderful performer!!! But did you know IS that at age 6 when Judy’s teacher asked her… “What your favorite football team” Judy said “Well my mom’s a Cleveland Browns Fan and so is my Dad so I’m a Cleveland Brown Fan!” The teach asked…”If your dad is a idiot and your Mom’s a idiot, doses that make you an idiot too?” Judy relied “NO that makes me a Pittsburgh Steelers Fan!” HERE WE GO BROWNIES HERE WE GO, WOOF WOOF!!!!
Bonnie is the co-owner of the Crowbar in Ybor City & is a proud member of GaYBOR. She was recently appointed to the Ybor City Development Corp., Bd of Directors. It is easy to see why The Crowbar is named #1 spot for LIVE Music in Tampa!!! With Bonnie & Tom everybody is welcome at the Crowbar all the time! Famous for her Wednesday 4:00 Happy Hours too. Next time your in GaYBOR stop by the Crowbar & say “Hi.”
David Karst has been a long time friend and is also one of the founding members of GaYBOR District Coalition. David is the Director of Suncoast Project, a part of AIDS Services Association Pinellas (ASAP). This weekend is AIDS Walk St. Petersburg 2011, one of many projects that help finance ASAP services and keeping the community informed and educated. On a monthly Saturday night the ASAP mobile unit would be parked in Czar parking lot with FREE HIV Testing. The mobile unit will returning soon David has told us. Always helpful and pleasant to work with. Country music and country men are David’s favorites!
Michael is the co-owner of The Liquid Lounge in GaYBOR. An active member of the GaYBOR District Coalition, Michael’s positive energy & can do spirit has created a fantastic Happy Hour in GaYBOR. There are now 3 LGBT Happy Hours in GaYBOR!!! The night and late night energy (HOT MEN & STRONG DRINKS) at Liquid Lounge is a great pick me up when out bar hopping. Stop by Liquid Lounge & say “Hi” to Mike today.
The marketing director of The Hyde Park Village. Jocelyn is so very full of life! Her positive attitude & big smile is so contagious! The next time your in the Hyde park Village going WOW think of Jocelyn!!
Mamma is the Spark & Life you find at The Reservoir! Known for her naughty smile & paddle. Don’t tell her it’s your birthday unless you want a spanking!!! Everybody calls carol “Mamma” which is only right since she has 6 children of the own & now is even a Grand mamma. Caution I wouldn’t call her Granny!!!
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August 9, 2011
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Michele & Tom Keating
Michele is the Director of Development & Tom is President of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. When not working on Ybor projects they are the new proud grandparents! Their page is new so join it today.
A founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition, Sharon is a shining star in our community. An artist, professor, historian, world traveller & designer she is an inspiration to all of us. Sharon works at the Art Institute as a prof teaching art history. With her style, humor & class you know that class rocks! The next time you see her in Ybor City introduce yourself to her for a wonderful experienced. Viva La GaYBOR!!!
Scott holds the new position of GaYBOR Member at Large on the board of GaYBOR. We all know him as the WILD Club promoter. His party ”RISE Sundays” is on everybody must do list!!!! Scott was just named
“New Father Of the Tampa House of Infiniti” aka Scott Infiniti now!!!!
Mike Olds is on the GaYBOR District Coalition Board and YCDC Board. Here he represents the Ybor City residents. Together with his life partner, Scott W.(who happens to be a housewife of GaYBOR!) . They just celebrated their 25th Anniversary! Now that calls for a big Viva La GaYBOR!!!
Even if he did cut us out of his profile photo we still do like Rich!!! On the GaYBOR board as co-secretary & treasurer Rich takes pride in our community. Original from Philly PA he moved here in the 1980’s and is living in Ybor City. He describes himself on facebook as…”Laid back, weirdly humorous, opinionated and independent!” We agree with all that!!! The next time you see Rich out and about introduce yourself to him.
Don Barco is the owner of “King Corona Cigars” in Ybor City. He was also a founding member of the GaYBOR District Coalition! King Corona is our favorite place for Cuban cafe’ con leche’ & town gossip! Don and his wife, Brenda had a small cigar shop in the old Ybor Square Cigar Factory for many years before moving to the 7th Ave shop. Involved in all Ybor City boards and local city politics, most all political candidates have a forum or event at King Corona. Many of our small GaYBOR meetings are also held here in this friendly welcoming environment. With a large outside cafe patio, you can enjoy people watching while in the great outdoors. When the Hillsborough County Commissioners did not sign the GaYBOR Proclamation, Don was one of the first to stand up and say that’s not right!
As board member Richard said, ” I just love Don! He is a Straight, Gay FreedomFighter!!” Stop by King Corona today for a sandwich, lunch, fine handmade cigar, variety of coffees, assorted fine wines, unique books & a good time!!!
To know Tessa is to Love her!!! A proud supporter of GaYBOR & Ybor City. Tessa Shiver & her brother Damon run the family hotel business, ”The Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn”http://www.donvicenteinn.com. At the Inn Tessa & Damon have hosted a wide variety of GLBT Events. From GaYBOR Meetings, GLBT Holy Unions, Catered Banquets to Circuit Parties and coming soon a Leather Event in their Dungeon. Oops I meant to say basement!!! This is an historic pathway of Ybor City. This building was the first building to be built by cigar maker, Vincent Martinez Ybor in his new founding city in 1896.
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June 22, 2010
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Kurt King
One of the hardest working guys in GaYBOR, Kurt (ahmm…aka Kurtrina) is also one of the owners of Hamburger Mary’s & is the new GaYBOR District Coalition Vice President. Kurt has been active in the Tampa Community for over 30 years. Dating back to the original Baxter’s Days, Angels, Male Box, Copa, and Matrix. Be careful what you say. Kurt has a great memory & just might remember you back in the day!!! He was a Michigan State Football player you know!!! LOL !!! Become his facebook friends today at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000051170574
You just never know what these guys will come up with next !!! Over the past 4 years as GaYBOR member they are the first to say YES to GaYBOR Events. On your next trip to Ybor stop by & say Hi to the guys & their crazy fun staff!!! Viva La GaYBOR
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