Tampa Bay: Log Cabins, White Houses

Don Vincente could go Republicanâ┚¬â€Log Cabin style
There really are LGBT Republicans, and the nation's largest LGBT Republican group could set up shop in the heart of the GaYbor District during next summer's much anticipated Republican National Convention in Tampa. According to celebrity dishers Mark Bias and Carrie West of MC Film Festival, the Log Cabin Republicans are considering taking over the Historic Don Vicente Ybor Inn during the convention slated for the weekend of Aug. 27, 2012. As of press time, it wasn't clear if the LCR had signed any contracts with the elegant hotelâ┚¬â€which has hosted LGBT events like the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Watermark's 2010 WAVE Award cover shoot. The massive structure has several boutique-size and large conference rooms that would be available to the LCR and the group would undoubtedly host events for all Republicans and for the LGBT community.

Phillips is White House-bound
Two Tampa Bay area women will celebrate Pride Month in style. Florida LGBT Democratic Caucus president Sally Phillips and her partner, Ercilia Albistu, will enjoy some quality time with President Barack Obama at the White House June 29 to celebrate the close of LGBT Pride Month. Phillips, who was elected to her post last year, said that the reception will include LGBT representatives from around the country. Phillips was on hand at Sarasota's recent Harvey Milk Festival, where she shared her desires to â┚¬Å”electrifyâ┚¬Â and â┚¬Å”motivateâ┚¬Â LGBTs to bring a strong voter turnout to the polls in 2012â┚¬â€a presidential election year.

New home for Dr. Reese
Congratulations to Dr. Karen Reese! The former Tampa Bay Business Guild president has relocated her chiropractic office to 449 Central Ave.â┚¬â€several blocks east of her former location. The change in address will allow the spunky doc to expand her services, expand her office and welcome more patients. The new location is just doors away from the King and I Restaurant and a heavily trafficked shopping district. More is to come, she says of her expansion, and the remainder of 2011 should be exciting for the business woman.