You Just Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
One of our favorite drag performers had just gotten off work and was picked up by her boyfriend. The two of them stopped at the crosswalk on 7th Avenue and 16th Street in front of Centro Ybor. Out of nowhere, a pickup truck came racing down the street and hit the back of their car. The pickup then pulled over into the side street. The driver jumped out and checked his truck for damage, then drove off. Meanwhile, the car had lunged forward 20 feet and stopped right in front of people drinking martinis on the sidewalk in front of Carne’s. One lady grabbed her cell phone and called 911. The dispatcher on the phone asked, “Is anybody hurt? Do you need an ambulance?” The lady replied, “No, I think everybody is OK…but wait…OH NO, I THINK THEIR DOG IS DEAD! It’s not moving! It’s just laying there!” and she started to cry. The person next to her says, “Excuse me, lady, but that is not a dog. It’s her wig that was knocked off!”
Balance Tampa Bay Masquerade Ball
Last Saturday night, the Tampa Bay organization that helps out so many area charities, Balance Tampa Bay, threw their first Masquerade Ball benefit for ASAP/Empath Health. The party welcomed 800 attendees. A colorful, costumed couple on stilts had their share of pictures at the entrance, and so did Balance Tampa Bay president, Scott Kligmann. At the other end was Art Smith with Channel 125 interviewing the masqueraders. The pace-setting music was sensational with DJCK spinning turntables.
The organization’s host and hostesses greeted the costumers and led them into a fantasy arena of mystique. Some were dressed very elaboratately. It was a very classy, colorful party that we believe will be a big annual event. Club officer Mike Hydorn made sure that the party was in high gear right from the time partiers walked through the doors.
This first of many special events was held at the newly renovated District 3 (formerly an old gay icon bar, The Factory) venue in downtown Tampa. Club owner Gary Alan gave us a preview of all the parts of the new events facility. What we used to really enjoy was the patio. Now it is even better, with a two-story deck to view Tampa’s downtown and new Channelside District. It was a great time, and kudos to the Balance Tampa Bay group of volunteers who put on such a great community event.
Tampa Pride 2016 General Meeting
The next general meeting for Tampa Pride is set for Tuesday, August 25th at the Hampton Inn Ybor City Conference Room at 6 p.m. Get involved with all the enjoyment of the annual Tampa Pride festivities. Everyone is welcome to participate. We welcome and need new volunteers and their new ideas. Tell your friends, social groups and company associates.
The Tampa Pride Launch Party is going to be held September 17th at City Side Lounge. More info coming soon. The Tampa Pride Parade and Festival is set for March 26, 2016 in historic 
Ybor City.
Tampa Pride Gay Mexican Cruise
This year something new has been added. Tampa Pride is putting together an El Goya Reunion Party and a Pillage & Plunder Event on the First Annual Tampa Pride Gay Mexican Cruise, taking place from March 28 through April 2. The new gay cruise will be on Carnival Cruise Lines and will leave from Tampa’s Port. The Tampa Pride Cruise is being set up by ALandCHUCK.Travel. Make plans for a super week of great Pride memories!
