Featuring articles on newly elected and first out Largo city commissioner Michael Smith, and emergency meeting on how to push Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs towards a county-wide domestic partner registry, new Sarasota nightclub Throb, 7 Deadly Plays, Orlando production of Hedwig, and all-new exciting redesign and much, much more!
On the Cover:After coming out three years ago, Michael Smith has accomplished a lotâ┚¬â€Âfrom dropping more than 100 pounds, finding his partner and becoming Largo’s first openly gay commissioner in November when he beat incumbent Mary Black with 54% of the vote. Photo by Nick Cardello
Pg. 15: | “We were going for what we call an “edgy elegance’ kind of a vibe.”Ronny Barnett, of Sarasota’s new nightclub, Throb
pg. 21 | Budge an inch: Hedwig and the Angry Inch is re-imagined at The Abbey in Orlando Jan. 11-20.
pg. 9 |.Orlando news
Concern over Orange County’s slow response to Orlando’s new domestic partner registry prompts leaders to plan an emergency meeting; Orlando mover and shaker Randy Ross has tossed his hat into the ring to become Orlando’s next out city commissioner; more.
pg. 13 | Tampa Bay news
Largo Commissioner Michael Smith talks about the pressures of being the city’s first openly gay elected official and the budget woes facing his city in 2012; The GLBTA Democratic Caucus preps for its Winter Conference in Tampa next month; more.
Pg.16 | State, Nation & World
The City of Lake Worth abruptly voted in December to terminate Susan Stanton from her position as City Manager; New Year brings civil unions to two states; HIV vaccine study approved in Canada; more.
pg. 31 | In Depth: Fitness
With a new year comes resolutions, most centered around fitness goals. Contributor and personal trainer Joseph Kissel offers his five tips for improving your fitness in 2012. Publisher Tom Dyer shares his experience with Cool Sculptingâ┚¬â€Âa way to literally freeze your fat away.
