Hamburger Mary’s is open
After months of speculation, news reports of certain locations and a premiered TIGLFF video showcasing her arrival, Hamburger Mary has finally settled in Ybor City. The kitschy restaurant officially opened its doors this week at 1600 E. 7th Ave. on the second floor of Centro Ybor. With a few “practice” runs, the restaurant is now serving lunch and dinner daily and promises to bring some of the fun staples that have made the chain a success in other markets—including Mary-oake, daily happy hour specials, free Wi-Fi and shows. Hamburger Mary’s Tampa is open daily at 11 a.m. For more information and to check out upcoming events visit HamburgerMarysTampa.com.
St. Pete Art Walk loses funding
For years area residents have enjoyed the tradition of visiting Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg to find eclectic works of art for everyone on their holiday list. But it looks like that tradition could come to an end. After another rough year for the local economy, the City of St. Petersburg is making cuts—and it has targeted the St. Petersburg Art Walk. According to local artist Andrea Pawlisz, the City has decided not to sponsor the annual art show, which means artists relying on the annual Christmas shopping frenzy don’t have anywhere to exhibit. Hopefully another alternative location will present itself before the holidays really get rolling.
Rain holds off for Santa Parade
While events were getting cancelled throughout Tampa Bay because of cool, rainy weather the first weekend of December, the Annual Santa Parade marched on through downtown St. Petersburg—and the weather cooperated. While the temperatures stayed cool, the holiday spirit seemed to fill those in attendance and those participating in the annual event. The LGBT twirling groups—ROTC and the St. Pete Twirling Project—were both on hand to showcase their talents and represent the LGBT community and area celebrities, newscasters and political figures were happily greeting revelers along the route.
