Roman Gardens sees management shift
Details are still sketchy, but it looks as though Roman Gardens in Gulfport is under new management. The Italian eatery and bar, located at the corner of Beach Street and Shore Boulevard in the very LGBT-friendly city, closed suddenly earlier this month. Paige Chafin, owner, originally opened her restaurant in the Grand Central District. About a year ago she relocated to Gulfport and added a rooftop bar overlooking the water. Rumor has it that Chafin is in negotiations to sell at least part of her share in the bar, which caused the temporary closure. In early June, an already-planned ProSuzy event prompted the reopening of the establishment, and employees and several volunteers stepped in to make sure the women were content. Since then the restaurant has reworked its menu, booked new entertainment and may change its theme. Stay tuned.
Artists earn another award
Artists Scott Durfee and George Medeiros are at it again. The owners of Spathose can add more bragging rights to their trophy case. The couple’s “Scarlet Letter” has been accepted into the online “Break the Silence Project,” which encourages the exploration of issues surrounding sexual violence through creative means. The pair earned a Judge’s Award of Merit in Manatee Art Center’s “Flashback—A 60s Revolution” show with the same submission. For more information or to see the Spathose artwork, visit Spathose.com.
New bar to open in Clearwater
Pinellas County is getting another LGBT bar. Tru Lounge is slated to be an upscale LGBT night spot that features tapas, sushi, California pizza and other delectable treats for the palate. No opening date has been announced as of yet, but the venue’s web site, TheTruLounge.com, will share details soon. More information is also available via Facebook and the restaurant already had nearly 200 contacts after just a week of the profile launch. It’s sure to be a new high-end attraction for LGBTs and allies from both sides of the bay. The bar will be at 2325 Ulmerton Road in the Feather Sound area.
