More reality stars in the making
Tampa Bay seems to becoming a hot spot for reality shows. According to our friends Mark Bias and Carrie West of MC Film Festival, Home and Garden Television is filming a new “clean up your street” series right in the heart of Ybor City in the next few weeks. Two straight couples and one gay couple are scheduled to appear in the filming at local stores, parks and clubs. Tony LaColla and Jose Garboza, Brian Clements and Jenna Becker and Steve and Lauren Ericson are all reportedly on board for the new show. Hopefully, the folks at HGTV will showcase the recent renaissance of Tampa’s historic district in the last few years. The Cigar Capitol of Florida has had a myriad of crime troubles over the last few decades but has seen renovations and improvements of late, especially since the inception of the GaYbor District Coalition a few years back. Here’s to showing the nation how to literally “clean up the streets.”
Mamma Mia! come back tomorrow
After audience members waited more than an hour in the lobby, the Van Wezel was forced to cancel the Feb. 27 performance of Mamma Mia! The company presenting the ABBA-based musical with a huge gay following had technical difficulty with its sound equipment and, after immediate efforts to fix the problem were unsuccessful, patrons were told the show was cancelled. The LGBT-friendly venue opened the show on Feb. 23 and it had a successful closing day on Sunday, Feb. 28. Patrons who were at the canceled show were given the opportunity to see one of Sunday’s performances or get a full refund.
Partners reopens under new ownership
After nearly a year of sitting vacant, Partners Sports Café in St. Petersburg has reopened its doors. The LGBT sports bar at 2924 5th Ave. N. closed suddenly last year when its former owners planned to remodel. Soon, however, a “for sale” sign appeared on the marquee and another LGBT business was in the history books. Fortunately, new owners have stepped in and the new Partners Sports Café has opened its doors as a bar/bistro and still caters to the LGBT community. The neighborhood establishment is open daily and offers a full menu.
