Russell is Tampa Pride’s emeritus
Tampa Pride is only a month away. And who better to serve as queen for the inaugural pride festival on March 28 than Esme Russell. Russell, a performer, radio personality, Hamburger Mary’s hostess and all-around activist for equality, was selected as Miss Tampa pride emeritus 2015. A formal crowning and ceremony will be coming soon, but expect to see Tampa native of Cuban descent all over the pride festivities in an official capacity
G.Bar isn’t going anywhere
We can admit when we jump the gun on things in this column. When we recently reported that all signs pointed to the forthcoming sale of G.Bar to a bar owner in Orlando, we truly believed our sources. But, the always gracious G.Bar owner Steve Moss set the record straight for us, sharing that the bar hasn’t been sold and that it isn’t going anywhere in the foreseeable future. We were right, though, when we reported that owners of Southern Nights in Orlando expressed interest in the popular Ybor club. Moss said there were inquiries made and a few discussions, but nothing ever came of it. There was a liquor inventory reduction sale, which led us to believe a sale was in the future. But apparently, the sale was exactly what it said it was—a way to reduce inventory and make room for more booze. We’re relieved the Ybor staple is sticking around!
State Rep. Fiorini?
Dan Fiorini, a founder of St. Pete Pride and the feisty owner of Tyrone Frame and Mirror, has aspirations to become a state representative. Fiorini recently told Watermark that he’s considering a 2016 campaign for District 70, which covers portions of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. The seat is currently held by Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) who has launched his own campaign to claim the Senate District 19 seat, which also encompasses portions of the three counties. Fiorini, who would run as a Democrat, says he’s been encouraged by support for a campaign already but admits that it’s still too early to make any kind of official announcement. He has plenty of ideas, he says, and especially wants to focus on transportation issues plaguing the region. If he does announce, we can’t wait to hear the rest of his ideas.
Scarbie is back!
David Mitchell will return to The Flamingo Resort with his hilarious one-person show Lip Schtick! on March 7, 8, 14 and 15. This will be the Sarasota native’s second gig at the resort, after selling out all of his performances in 2014. Mitchell takes guests on a musical and comedic tour through multiple female personalities and celebrity impersonations—all without ever leaving the stage! The return performance is produced by Gypsy Productions and will be held in the resort’s Blu Room theater. For details and tickets, visit FlamingoFla.com.
