Lorna Bracewell says goodbye, for now
The popular Tampa Bay musician Lorna Bracewell held a farewell concert at ProStar Recording Studio June 26, but hopefully it was a “farewell for now” appearance. The out activist, songwriter, folk singer and performer has sung at LGBT events throughout Tampa Bay for nearly a decade. However, she has moved to Gainesville to pursue a Ph.D., according to her Web site, and that means she has to stay focused.
Tampa anchor gets community service
When you see those folks along the Interstate picking up trash, pay close attention. You could see a local celebrity. Out WTVT Fox 13 anchor Russell Rhodes will serve 50 hours of community service stemming from an arrest in January. The former AIDS Walk St. Petersburg Grand Marshal was arrested after an off-duty Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy spotted his car driving recklessly in a Channelside garage. When the anchor reportedly tried to leave the scene after the stop, the deputy threw him to the ground, causing bruising to his face. Rhodes had a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the Florida limit. Rhodes has returned to his work as morning anchor of Good Day Tampa Bay and issued a short public apology when he returned to the station.
ID Martini reopens as ‘regular bar’
The popular ID Martini gay bar in Sarasota recently closed its doors, just days before the Stonewall Democrats were to hold an anniversary celebration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. But it seems the bar has already reopened under the same name but with a different attitude and management. According to the bar’s MySpace page, MySpace.com/IDMartiniBar, the club is now a “regular bar” and offers live music throughout the week. The nightspot opened in 2008 to much fanfare and quickly became home to several area drag performers. However, rumored staffing changes and conflicts between bar management and entertainers consistently plagued the venue. The new ID Martini will cater to “those who enjoy pool and live music,” and will have teen nights and Latino nights. The bar is open every day but Mondays and will stay open until 2 a.m. on the weekends.
