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"Dishing with Mark & Carrie"

If you ever wounder if PRIDE is necessary, simply go read the comment section of any news story about the PRIDE Parade and Festival… author unknown 

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Register TODAY for Tampa PRIDE 2025

https://tampapride.org/

Spend the Weekend in Ybor City. Click HERE

Ybor City Changing Spirit

From 1988 to 2016 we were the owners and operators of the Pride Stores,” MC Film”. At closing we were the longest running Pride stores in America. Located at 9 locations in 5 cities. In 2007 we opened a store in Ybor City. In 2008 with others, we started the GaYbor District Coalition in Historic Ybor City. Carrie was appointed to the board of the YCDC. Carrie told the board he was so very surprised that Ybor City did not decorate for the Holidays. They asked him what did he want to do? Well, for starts let’s clean up the store fronts and put a red bow on the lamp posts. That year we went to all the K-Marts and bought all the large red bows in town LOL! (notice the Big Red Bow in the photo)  The next year the GaYbor District Coalition headed the decorations. “Snow on 7th” was the idea of the GaYbor District. Then YCDC found some money and we purchased used holiday decorations. We even purchased the Holiday tree from the Old Hyde Park Village. Of course we dressed up the tree with much holiday flair!!! Then we started a with a fun group of volunteers to decorate the lamp posts and streetcar stops. The group would meet for a light breakfast in Ybor City sponsored by Ybor City merchants. Then off in teams with ladders and decoration to hang. The lighting of the tree was a huge community event. There were Marching Bands, Dancers, Holiday Costumes, one year even had acrobats high in the air. The best part was the diversity it brought to Ybor City!! This was an event many of us looked forward to every year. Then after many years the YCDC said it was too much of a liability for the city and took the decorating away from the volunteers. Talk about killing community HOLIDAY SPIRIT!!! Then the event became “family friendly.” It was always family-friendly, planned out before but now the definition of family-friendly had changed.

This reminds me of years ago there was a seminar at Metro Inclusive Health in Ybor City. The professor was a transgender person. She said,” Whenever straights say “family friendly”…. RUN  the other direction as fast as you can. They will be talking about their family only and not ours.” As the YES Team are busy putting up this year’s decorations, they look nice. It is sad there is no spirit behind the decorations and the corporate stand alone tree. happy holidays 

Tampa PRIDE Meeting @ The Hamton Inn & Suites Ybor City 

Reserve you space in

 Festival & Parade today at

www.TampaPride.org

THIS SATURDAY @ Southern Nights Ybor City 

THIS SUNDAY

Joush & Tea Cup @ Show Bar 

GaYbor District in Historic Ybor City Bar Crawl

Join us next Sunday (11/17) after Showbar’s drag brunch for the GaYBOR District Coalition Thanksgiving Bar Crawl. Bringing canned food items ensures local families have plenty to eat on Thanksgiving.

🦃 Check-In @ Showbar

🦃 3 PM - 6 PM

🥫 $15 (no canned goods donated)

🥫 $10 (5 canned goods donated)

🥫 FREE (10 canned goods donated)

Rays plan to play 2025 season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field

The Rays are planning to play the 2025 season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the rival New York Yankees. The Rays have been looking for an interim home since Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field last month. Under a repair plan revealed Tuesday, the Trop won’t be playable until the 2026 season. More Info 

“The Infiltrator” Filmed in Tampa & Ybor City

This classic movie, based on a true story, was film in Tampa & Ybor City in 2016. The Infiltrator takes us back to 1986. How many places can you recognize in the film? Available now on Netflix. 

HEYGMA

https://www.facebook.com/events/2138680506566094

Southern Nights Tampa 

Click HERE for more Southern Nights PIC's

Bradley's on 7th 

Click HERE for more Bradley's on 7th PICS

Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard

Click HERE for more

Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard PICS

You Just Can Not Make This Up!!!

One day at MC Film, Our Gay Pride Store, a favorite customer walked in and asked for a job. With a surprised look we said would love to but could never afford him. The retired executive just laughed and said after he retired there was just so many times, he could rearrange his furniture. What a perfect place for a Gay guy to work at… our Gay Pride Store. Mr. Mike started to work for one or 2 days a week. We were lucky to have him and learned so very much from Mr. Mike.

When you are open to the LGBTQ+ public all kinds of people walk thru the door. 99% are great. The 1% could be having a bad day, high or drunk, on or off their meds, etc.etc. etc. Mr. Mike was very calm and had a deep southern accent. This was the 1st time we heard “Bless your hearts” & “Your just full of all kinds of special”.  Many people would ask all kinds of advice, especial from Mr. Mike who mentored many. Mr. Mike stayed with us until the store closed 16 years later. Today, Mr. Mike is in this 90’s and we talk every week. 

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NOW OPEN “The Rainbow Carriage House”

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Ybor City and Tampa at The Rainbow Carriage House. This newly constructed 2-bedroom apartment is a true gem. The space is a harmonious blend of old and new, as the Hosts salvaged parts of their historic 1890 Cigar Forman home before it was demolished. From the doors and molding to the tin ceiling and wall paneling, every detail tells a story. Modern amenities like cable TV, wifi, central heat & air ensure your comfort. Admire local Ybor artists' work throughout the home. Step outside to the patio area, complete with a fire pit and a beautiful butterfly garden made in the bamboo. With two designated off-street parking spaces, convenience is at your fingertips. The Rainbow Carriage House is a celebration of LGBTQ+ PRIDE, ROMANCE & LAUGHTER, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/106464432194518872

Stay at "Villa Del Playa #2"

HYNCA
MUST DO EVENTS
PHOTOS of the WEEK
Caught @ Bradley's on 7th
Click HERE for more photos of Bradley's on 7th

Caught @ Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard

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Caught @ Southern Nights Tampa
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Tea Cup
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Caught in Ybor City

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Experience GaYbor/Ybor City at “The Rainbow Carriage House”

NOW OPEN “The Rainbow Carriage House”

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Ybor City and Tampa at The Rainbow Carriage House. This newly constructed 2-bedroom apartment is a true gem. The space is a harmonious blend of old and new, as the Hosts salvaged parts of their historic 1890 Cigar Forman home before it was demolished. From the doors and molding to the tin ceiling and wall paneling, every detail tells a story. Modern amenities like cable TV, wifi, central heat & air ensure your comfort. Admire local Ybor artists' work throughout the home. Step outside to the patio area, complete with a fire pit and a beautiful butterfly garden made in the bamboo. With two designated off-street parking spaces, convenience is at your fingertips. The Rainbow Carriage House is a celebration of LGBTQA+ PRIDE, ROMANCE & LAUGHTER, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1064644321954518872


Stay at "Villa Del Playa #2"


Thank You!!!

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Until Next Week...
Mark & Carrie