Off to The Villages
It was a packed crowd at the Gulfport Casino as women from throughout Tampa Bay gathered to celebrate the retirement of Suzanne Noe. Noe, the founder of ProSuzy.com, stepped away from the business two years ago but still handled the financials. Now, Noe is completely out of the business and will relocate to The Villages in Central Florida later this spring. Guests were invited to sign a large banner noting Noe’s retirement and a DJ provided dance music all night. ProSuzy.com is still active, but it is now under new ownership.
Tampa Pride already expected to expand
The rainbow flags from the inaugural Tampa Pride haven’t even been rolled up yet, but organizers are already talking about the 2016 celebration. Word is that the entertainment stage, which was in Centro Ybor this year, will move to Centennial Park just down 8th Avenue. For those familiar with the Santa Speedo Run, that’s where the start and finish line is for that charity run each December. One organizer also told Watermark that they expect to use more of 8th Avenue in 2016 to accommodate even more street vendors, since the festival sold out this year. Get details, as they come out, at TampaPride.org.
Bears for youth
The Tampa Bay Bears plan to have a splashing good time on April 11 when they throw a pool party at the Gay St. Pete Guest House. The BYOB party will raise money for LGBT youth in the Tampa Bay area. The bears will bring the meat (insert joke here), which includes burgers, hot dogs and other refreshments. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish and any alcohol they may want to contribute. The club is seeking members to volunteer with set up and clean up. For details or to RSVP, contact John Metsker at John.Metsker@gmail.com.
Kicked into high gear
Those great folks at Balance Tampa Bay are at it again. For the fifth year, the group will hold Kickball for Kids at the Hyde Park Softball Park on Swann Avenue in South Tampa on April 25. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and raises money for Feeding America’s Kid’s Backpack Program. The program provides free and easy-to-prepare weekend meals, and funds free or reduced-price lunch programs. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and after the games, The Lodge will host an after party. For details, find Kickball for Kids on Facebook.
