A week ago Monday was my last day in Orlando for this trip and I was so happy to be able to attend the annual Miss Large and Lovely Pageant. This was my first time attending this pageant and I was very impressed with its professionalism and how smooth the pageant ran. Congrats to the producer Loc Robertson, the 11 contestants who all brought it, the new Miss Large and Lovely, Dorae Saunders, and a special shout out to Addison Taylor who was magnificent on the microphone! Also on Monday night, right here in South Florida, was the return of the Miss Florida Continental Pageant. Congrats to new owners, Franchesque, Nicolette and Keith for what I am told was a well-run pageant and a special congrats to one of my favorites, the beautiful April Chanel, for capturing the title.
Last Wednesday, Ruffskin celebrated the opening of its store in South Beach, and A-List New York celebrity (and my favorite calendar model) Rodiney Santiago showed up. Friday night was the monthly Wilton Manors Artwalk and once again it kept the streets of Wilton Manors busy with spectators. Over the weekend, Chef Art Smith presented his annual Big Gay Ice Cream Social at the James Hotel, which was free and open to the public. I am not a foodie, but among the crowd I noticed Chef Lorena Garcia (Taco Bell), and Chef Andrew Zimmer (Bizarre Foods). On Saturday night The Pride Center presented their annual Evening in Paradise. This year the theme was Carnaval and it took place at the Manor House in Richardson Park. Congrats to Bobby Keyser for once again taking the decorations over the top and to Robert Boo and his staff for another successful event. Right down the block My TropiXXX presented their “Pitchers and Catchers” fashion show at the Village Pub, which featured many HOT models (YUM). It was a fundraiser for the Village Pub’s Smart Ride team (Very Important Peddlers). I was thinking that I would like to be involved in picking the models nest time…hehe!
Friday, February 28
Pride South Florida presents the 2nd annual Comedy Night starring Judy Gold and Bruce Villanch at the Parker Playhouse. For tickets go to ParkerPlayhouse.com.
Swinging Richards presents the official kickoff party for Fort Lauderdale Pride. This is a perfect opportunity to go by and see some of the hottest dancers in South Florida take it ALL off for you.
Score’s Filthy Gorgeous Friday’s presents Mardi Gras featuring costumed dancers, beads, percussionist and masks. Hosted by The Pennyback Boys and music and videos by DJ Willy Gee.
Saturday, March 1
Pride South Florida presents the 37th annual Pride Fort Lauderdale festival taking place 
starting today at Holiday Park/War Memorial Auditorium. The theme this year is “Ladies of the 80’s” and star Judy Tenuta, Tiffany, Lisa Lisa and headliner Sheena Easton. For more information, see the interview with Sheena Easton in this magazine or go to PrideSouthFlorida.org.
In addition, Pride presents the first ever Miss Pride Plus taking place in the War Memorial Auditorium starting at 2 pm both days. The categories are Presentation, talent, evening wear and Q&A. The event will be honoring Jasmine Dumant Lords (the honorary Miss Pride Plus, and hosted by Electra, Kitty Meow and Erika Norell. Entry fee is $75 and the evnt will feature $2,000 in cash and prizes. For more information, please contact Corrie (A.K.A Oda Mae) at 954-687-5287 or Jasmine at 954-562-7489.
More than 1,000 people will gather at Vista View Park in Davie to join the fight to find a cure for a deadly illness (8:30 am – Registration, 10:00 am – Walk Begins). ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the South Florida community is rallying together to change that. With only two to five years to live, these patients have an urgent need. should call 888-257-1717, or register online at WalktoDefeatALS.org
In honor of Pride Weekend Epic Saturdays at The Manor presents “A Deeper Love, A Gay Pride Party” starring live on stage Zhana Saunders singing her hits “Alegria,” “Pride,” and more. In the ballroom catch the sounds of DJ Oren Nizri and don’t forget that in the Ivy Lounge and Patio Noche Latina Saturdays presents DJ Nena along with hostess Viva Mirage and special guest celebrating his pride at winning Mr. Noche Latina is Rolly Villaverde. 11pm to 4 am with no cover.
Discotekka in association with Milancita and Danny Villar present Carnival with Brazilian DJ Just Oliver and afterhours DJ Carlos G.
The Ramrod presents their 67th monthly (first Saturday of the month) Pig Dance starring 
special guest DJ/Producer Alex Ramos (Musclefest LA, Beach Bear Weekend, Winter Music Conference, Roxy NYC).
Bigger Saturdays at Score presents Rio Carnival featuring the music of DJ Rodolfo Bravat with hot Go-Go’s and Samba dancers on stage. Plus Dj Troy Landon in Score lounge 7pm – 12am.
The Broadway Tenors: David Burnham, Lewis Cleale and John Cudia hit the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center tonight at 8 pm and tomorrow at 2 pm. Tickets are $40 and $45 and can be purchased at AventuraCenter.org
Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour hits the Parker Playhouse for her only Florida show at 8pm. For tickets or group discounts call 954-462-0222 or go to ParkerPlayhouse.com.
Starting today, Alibi and Bill’s presents Proud and Strong for Pride Weekend starring Jennifer McClain, DJ Chuck Knowles, Cashetta., a Jazz Brunch and Misty Eyez’ Trannie Palace.
Monday, March 3
The Village Pub is featuring an evening filled with events starting with vocal artist Phil Barnes 
at 6:30, RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party at 9 pm and their popular Dragacide Mondays hosted by Misty Eyez at 10pm (must sign up between9-9:30).
World Out Games 2017 Town hall Meeting takes place at 7 pm at Sidelines Sports and Video Bar. This will be a meeting of all the GLBT Sports Teams in Broward County.
Tuesday, March 4
The 9th anniversary of the Mack Power Lunch takes place at Grille 401 (401 East Las Olas Blvd) from 11:30 am–1:30pm. Reserve your lunch now at MackPlanet.com.
Planeta Macho presents Carnival In Rio featuring a tribute to Carmen Miranda by Adora and Teresita “La Caliente” and Marco along with his hot male dancers. Music by DJ George Ferrero.
Wednesday, March 5
C*ck Fight Wednesdays is the Amateur strip contest started last week at Floppy Rooster, but if you missed it, it will continue every Wednesday. The contest begins at midnight and features $300 cash for the winner who is chosen by the audience.
Hot Stuff
Adams Interiors is featuring a FREE Leather Upgrade with the purchase of any Stressless seating or ottoman until March 24. If you haven’t sat or lied down in a Stressless product, you do not know what you are missing!
The Spa Cabanas is happy to announce the addition of a new staff member, Brandon Kelly, who will be assisting them with Skin Care, Manicure-Pedicure’s and all your hair removal needs. With spring approaching, make sure and check out their ad in every edition of Hotspots to see what their specials are. Give them a call and schedule an appointment today at 954-565-2307.
This is HOT
Dubbed the German Brokeback Mountain for its portrayal of forbidden love between two police 
cadets, the award-winning drama FREE FALL will be available on DVD starting March 4th from Wolfe Video. Part of a new wave of powerful German cinema, director Stephan Lacant’s first feature film tells the dramatic tale of a man who finds himself outside the clear-cut boundaries of his world. Acclaimed performances from Hanno Koffler, Max Riemelt and Katharina Schüttler provide a moving portrayal of what happens when life plans crumble and there is no way left to fulfill the needs of the people you love.
FREE FALL collected numerous awards on the film festival circuit, including the Jury Awards for Best Feature at the Philadelphia Q Fest and Louisville LGBT Film Festival, as well as Max Riemelt winning the Audience Award for Best Actor at Atlanta’s Out on Film. In addition, the film was nominated for Best Debut Film and the Teddy Award at the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival. SYNOPSIS: With a promising law enforcement career and a child on the way, Marc’s (Hanno Koffler, Summer Storm) life is going according to plan until he meets the free spirited Kay (Max Reimelt, Before The Fall). They start jogging together, bringing a breath of fresh air into Marc’s life — and, for the first time, he develops feelings for a man. Torn between the life he knows so well, and the exhilaration of this new adventure, Marc finds himself in a state of free fall. FREE FALL has a runtime of 100 minutes and is not rated. Available at WolfeVideo.com for $24.95 USA
