Buckhorn helps pack TBBG meeting
The July dinner of the Tampa Bay Business Guild was one of the most crowded in recent memory”and that was all to do with the guest of honor, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The guild invited the new mayor to speak to its members during its July 12 meeting at the Wyndham Westshore Hotel, where he shared his ongoing commitment to equality while highlighting his plans to improve the economy and Tampa's future. Also on hand was State Rep. Rick Kriseman, who has also been an advocate for LGBT equality ever since he served as a councilman with the City of St. Petersburg. On tap for next month's Aug. 8 meeting”Alexis Mateo, a finalist in the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race.
A streetcar named Laughing Cat
The vacant space that was once Streetcar Charlie's didn't remain that way for long. The restaurant at the corner of 15th Street and 8th Avenue in Ybor City is now home to The Laughing Cat Restaurant, which was situated across the street from the busy intersection. The “progressive Italian restaurant” will gain square-footage in the move across the street while remaining in the exact same neighborhood it has called home for years. And, according to sources close to the management, the establishment's famous Italian lunch buffet is moving into the new space as well!
Miss Gulf States meets Gulfport
For the first time, the Miss Gulf States America pageant will call Gulfport, Fla., home when it invades the Peninsula Inn and Spa and the Catherine Hickman Theater. The prelim to Miss Gay America will hold categories throughout the weekend of July 22, but the main competition is scheduled for July 23 at 7 p.m., where presentation, evening gown, on-stage question and talent numbers will be presented on stage of the historic theater in the center of the historic district. Tickets are still available online to see all the glamour by visiting Glitzaholic.com. Last year's winner, Chantel Reshae, was second runner up at Miss Gay America 2011.
