Project Runway bids Chmura adieu
All good things must come to an end—and that especially is true in the world of reality television. Tampa’s latest reality star Ben Chmura was booted from the March 10 episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway. The Watermark cover boy and the show’s first-ever legally married gay man was ousted after his water-themed gray, shark-inspired pantsuit proved too ambitious. The suit was deemed “bizarre” by host Heidi Klum and Chmura soon found himself in the bottom two with Amy Sarabi. Viewers were disappointed when Chmura was sent packing rather than Sarabi, whose model was described by Klum as “a cat in a baby sling.” Perhaps the most touching part of the show was his phone call to his partner, Bobby Pappadeas, announcing his return home. Chmura is back in Tampa and is still in good spirits, according to several Facebook posts. The designer is working on a new line of fashions he promises to showcase in the very near future.
Resort plans club, shops
Like all of us who are tired of this record-setting cold winter, the Flamingo Resort is looking forward to the summer. The popular LGBT resort is planning a big year, and according to an e-mail from director David Baker, singles and couples may want to keep the resort in mind this season. The Flamingo is actively seeking a volunteer coordinator for a new Flamingo Social Club. The group would consist of folks who enjoy activities like dinners, cruises and more adventurous things like sky diving and sailing. The Resort plans to sponsor events for the to-be-created club. Membership fees could be involved with the club.
The resort is also looking at expanding its retail section and is looking for clothing, necessities and beach-style stores to open up alongside the existing first-floor boutiques. For more information, visit FlamingoFla.com.
What’s in a name?
Metro Charities has changed its name—sort of. The popular organization servicing those affected by HIV/AIDS on both sides of Tampa Bay is now officially called “Metro Wellness and Community Centers.” The organization says that the new name more clearly identifies its role in the cities it serves. Metro’s new office in Ybor City is scheduled to open later this spring.
