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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

Thank You to the City of Tampa

On behalf of Tampa Pride, we sincerely express our gratitude for recognizing the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade as one of the top 5 events in the 2024 year review.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and individuals who have played a vital role in making the Diversity Parade a reality. Your support is truly appreciated, and we are grateful for your contributions

This Saturday @ Southern Nights Ybor City

Holiday Spirit @ Bradley’s on 7th

The Great Elephant Migration on Miami Beach – The Only Florida stop.

This is a carefully planned drone shot with red caution cones and security to fly my drone straight up and straight down without flying over people, The Herd will be there until December 8th! Between 36th and 37th street on Miami Beach.

These are life like reproductions made of branches from an invasive plant species, metal bases and other materials Photo by Lee Smith Photography

https://thegreatelephantmigration.org/

Applications open for first-ever dog-friendly cruise

This Saturday - The Judy B Goode & Paul Thomas Show

https://www.facebook.com/events/410902048461739/410902061795071

Hillsborough County LGBTQ Democratic Caucus

From Richard Gonzmart – Columbia Restaurant Ybor City

The grand chandelier in the historic Don Quixote dining room at the Columbia in Ybor is decorated for the holidays. For five decades, this elaborate chandelier has graced the room.

Purchased at an auction for $3,000 in 1972 from the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach, the chandelier’s worth was appraised in 2004 by a lighting expert at $250,000.

The chandelier has five layers of curved brass arms, each holding a candle-shaped light.

The chandelier has 360 small prisms and 105 large prisms that hang from 15 arms. Long sparkling prisms dangle from each candle base like icicles. Others, shaped like sea shells, are worth more than $500 each.

After discovering the fixture's worth, research revealed the chandelier’s story: It was crafted in France in the late 1800s and took a craftsman close to two years to complete. In 1956, it arrived in Florida, where it hung in the Eden Roc. At the time, the hotel was a luxurious destination for celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball and Ann-Margret.

When the hotel closed for renovations in the 1970s, the Columbia’s third-generation owners, Cesar and Adela Gonzmart, purchased the chandelier for their restaurant.

Columbia Hall of Fame employee George Guito, who worked at the restaurant more than 60 years, brought the chandelier to Tampa and spent nearly four days hanging it in the Don Quixote, which opened as Tampa’s first air-conditioned dining room in 1934.

The chandelier was a natural fit in the Don Quixote room, a large dining room where painted tile artwork dots the walls and flamenco dancers in bright dresses entertain crowds.

In 2005, the light was refurbished in time for the restaurant’s 100th anniversary. Eighty-four of those prisms were replaced at a cost of about $15,000. Three years ago, the chandelier was removed and cleaned during restoration of the dining room’s ceiling.

(Portions excerpted from the Tampa Bay Times)

Just For Fun

Florida’s Futuro House on top of a Strip Bar. Check out this fun film on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18H5gvwBr2/

Southern Nights Tampa 

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Bradley's on 7th 

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Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard

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Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard PICS

You Just Can Not Make This Up!!!

Every December we remember and laugh about this. We had an employee at MC Film, in Ybor City, that was…. Should we say was “All Kinds of Special”, in a fun way. One holiday she came to her part time job and announced that she was all done with her gift shopping. She had got her Mom & Dad a washer and dryer, her brother a new gaming system, and her sister a new TV.  WOW we asked if she had won a scratch off or something. With a big …” I’m so proud of myself smile” … she announced “No I went to rental store and got the first week for just $1.00 each. Now they are on their own to make the payments. LMAO This reminds us of an old family saying. Never tell anyone your problems. 95% of the people are glad you have the problem and not them. The other 5% are your family. Wonder what her family thought about the rental payments. LMAO 

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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
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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"


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Until Next Week...
Mark & Carrie