Con’Drag’ulations all around
The Miss Heart of Florida pageant was held at the Honey Pot in Ybor City Dec. 16 and Miss Britney Moore walked away with the sash and the crown. First runner-up went to Alexis Mateo. The evening was organized and emceed by Esme Russell and the crowning achievement of the night – pun intended – was the presentation of the first-ever Miss Heart of Florida Lifetime Achievement award, which was given to Tiffani Middlesexx.
After nearly five decades in the business, Middlesexx was recognized for her contributions to drag culture and pageants and now the Lifetime Achievement Award will forever bear her name. Congrats to all involved!
Toys for Tots Drive deemed a success
There’s one thing that can be said for the entertainment community of Tampa Bay: it can really turn it out when it comes to charity fundraisers. More than 30 drag queens, vocalists and performers participated in the annual Toys for Tots Holiday Drive at Georgie’s Alibi on Dec. 11, hosted once again by Kori Stevens. The annual drive encourages the donation of new, unwrapped toys for the popular children’s charity and tips collected by performers were donated to the cause as well. In all, more than $1,000 was collected in one night and multiple vehicle-loads of toys were donated to Toys for Tots within days of the huge charity event.
Speedos on national television
For the first time, the Tampa Bay Santa Speedo Run received national attention when CBS picked up its local affiliate’s coverage. The annual run brought out nearly 200 runners and raised money for the AIDS Service Association’s Brighter Seasons for Children program. On the coverage, organizer Jay Aller can be hear explaining the run to a CBS cameraman and video footage showcases a lot of skin in Speedos and some festive reindeer-type runners taking to Palm Avenue.
Metro parties with clients
Several hundred clients celebrated the holidays in the parking lot of Metro Wellness and Community Centers in St. Petersburg on Dec. 15, complete with a live broadcast by Radio Disney and barbecue for everyone. The annual celebration was held under the parking structure of the non-profit located across from Georgie’s Alibi. According to Chris Rudisill with Metro, clients from as far away as Pasco County attended the party.
