Tampa Pride Guide - 2024

BellaBrava & Stillwaters Tavern

Delivering the Best Quality Food & Service

BellaBrava & Stillwaters Tavern in Saint Petersburg, Tampa, and Bexley prepare all our dishes from scratch. From sauces to salad dressings, sausages to desserts, pizza to pasta we strive to create that special feeling that comes from the best food served at the highest level of attention to detail. Service is casual and friendly. Eat indoors or out, lunch or dinner, brunch,* or Happy Hour.

Serving the LGBT community since 2005!

*Brunch is currently offered at Stillwaters Tavern, BellaBrava Midtown Tampa, and Bexley every weekend.

BELLABRAVA | ST. PETE BELLABRAVA | TAMPA

BellaBrava Saint Petersburg

204 Beach Drive NE

Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

ph: 727.895.5515

BellaBrava Tampa

1015 Gramercy Lane

Tampa, FL 33607

ph: 813.524.5226

BellaBrava Bexley

16722 Focus Loop

Land O Lakes, FL 34638

ph: 813.489.4890

Stillwaters Tavern Saint Petersburg

224 Beach Drive NE

Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

ph: 727.350.1019

BellaBrava.com

StillwatersTavern.com

BELLABRAVA | BEXLEY STILLWATERS | ST. PETE

HISTORY OFPRIDE

TAMPA PRIDE 2021 / DAVE DECKER

H NO W A R D

The road to Tampa Pride has not been all rainbows.

BY SUZANNE TOWNSEND

This year marks the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade’s 10th anniversary in Ybor City, but it’s been a rocky road to get here. Growing from a 20-person picnic on a grassy University of South Florida lawn in ‘82 to today’s pride parade in Ybor City drawing tens of thousands of people, the joy of Pride in Tampa has not been without its struggles.

In 1982 the first event that remotely resembled what we recognize as pride today took the form of a picnic and a softball game on the University of South Florida campus, ending with an evening sock-hop. There were only about 20 people there and one attendee recalls there being more spectators than celebrants.

Over the years Tampa Pride grew and parades throughout the ‘90s gained more popularity and support each year. Perhaps inevitably, though, Tampa Pride outgrew its local community.

The 2002 Pride event was set to be held at Raymond James Stadium with Pat Benetar as the headliner and tickets going on sale for $80 a pop. Ticket prices were already high so there wasn’t

even a parade as part of the event. The LGBT community recognized that this was somewhat removed from the queer community itself and felt that it sullied pride and its original reason for being. Sure enough the event was a huge failure and left organizers in debt.

In the wake of corporate pride’s flop, Tampa Pride went on a brief hiatus. During this pause, however, in 2005 former Hillsborough County Commissioner Rhonda Storms put to vote that the Commission "adopt a policy that Hillsborough County government abstain from acknowledging, promoting or participating in gay pride recognition and events, little g, little p.” It passed. All sanctioned pride events in the county were banned. Storms then also added an amendment that would require a supermajority to repeal the ban.

Storms crusade was a huge blow to Tampa’s queer community and a reminder why pride events ever began at all. Especially when just across the Bay, St Pete Pride was the largest pride event in the state. Nonetheless there was hope. In 2005 the mayor of Key West invited Tampa Pride organizers to have “Pride in Exile.” Organizers loaded buses up and shipped out down south. Monroe County hosted Tampa Pride late that summer right on Duval Street.

Then in 2006 the Tampa Museum of Art worked alongside Tampa’s queer community to organize the first Pride & Passion event.

Thomas Wadley Attorney

Ainsley MacDonald Smith Attorney

Ian Stanislaus Gómez Partner

HISTORY OFPRIDE

CONTINUED FROM P. 7

The museum was one of the only organizations in the Tampa Bay area that was not an exclusively dedicated LGBT entity to hold a pride or pride-adjacent event.

At the time of the first ever Pride & Passion gala the museum also hosted exhibitions which reflected themes of diversity and the queer community’s contributions to the art world. Keith Haring was one featured artist. The gala raised funds for the museum’s diversity, equity and inclusion programming and continues to be the museum’s most popular fundraiser year after year.

During the pride ban the community had some allies but it still took years for Tampa’s gay community to get back what it had lost. It

wasn’t until 2013 that the Board of Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the pride ban, in large credit to the help of Kevin Beckner, Hillsborough’s first openly gay commissioner. Tampa Pride made its victorious return in 2015 by holding the first officially sanctioned pride in 13 years.

Tampa chose the month of March for its pride event, in part to set it apart from neighboring St Petersburg's massive June celebrations where attendance can be in the hundreds of thousands, but also because of the spring month’s more Florida-friendly weather. It has also become the unofficial pride event for spring breakers.

The community had a lot to celebrate that year with the federal legalization of same-sex marriage and Pride’s return to Tampa marked the closing of a dark chapter in the city’s history.

Organizers raised $128,000 to fund Tampa Pride through corporate sponsorships, donations and entry fees. A commitment from the

TAMPA PRIDE 2023 / DAVE DECKER

KEVIN BECKNER / C/O KEVIN BECKNER

City of Tampa provided police, paramedics and cleanup crews. Then Tampa Police Chief and current Mayor Jane Castor was the first openly gay person to hold either of those positions in Tampa and was chosen to lead the 2015 100-unit parade as Grand Marshall alongside local activist and Hamburger Mary’s owner Kurt King.

Tampa remembered their brothers and sisters in Key West who supported them during the pride ban by featuring a 100-foot section of the 1.25-mile Sea-to-Sea Key West rainbow pride flag, which extended from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in Key West.

After the parade ended, the party went on in festival form on the streets of Ybor City with over 100 LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses. The event drew around 20,000 people to Ybor City that year and has continued to grow over time.

LGBT revelers still have had to face bigoted protesters at Tampa Pride events over the years. In 2016 police had to separate Tampa Pride participants and homophobic picketers when a screaming match broke out in the street. In 2017 Tampa Pride highlighted a tribute for victims of the Pulse NightClub shooting that happened the previous year. Tampa Pride hosted survivors, first responders and bar staff from Orlando. Nonetheless, the queer community’s strength in numbers and in spirit have kept Tampa Pride safe.

In 2021 Tampa was one of the first cities to

celebrate pride since the Covid-19 pandemic first struck the states. The event was a celebration of community after an extended period of isolation, as well as a space to reflect upon activism in the midst of the sunshine state’s ongoing battle against queer liberation.

Just this year, the Hillsborough County Commission passed on issuing a proclamation for Tampa Pride.

The city’s rocky history with Pride should serve as a reminder that the first pride was a riot–that pride has always been political. Though there are still strides to be made towards tolerance, particularly in the sunshine state’s legislature, it comes as a relief that the community and its allies no longer march brick in hand, but hand in hand.

TAMPA PRIDE 2023 / DAVE DECKER

ANA CRUZ (L) AND TAMPA MAYOR JANE CASTOR / DAVE DECKER

All you need is love.

AND A PLACE TO STAY.

Set in the heart of Tampa, Hilton Tampa Downtown is convenietly located to many of Tampa’s attractions including the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Amalie Arena and the Tampa Convention Center.

Escape to an urban oasis at our rooftop pool bar or indulge at 211 Restaurant and Lounge offering bold flavors and signature cocktails. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, Hiton Tampa Downtown is ready to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

TAMPA DOWNTOWN

BOARDSTATEMENT

Tampa Pride Board

PRESIDENT Carrie West

TREASURER

Howard Grater (medical leave)

INTERIM TREASURER

Joe Ebbing

IT

Derek Durum

RECORDER OF THE BOARD

Debbie Cano Ducko

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR

Johnny Negron Valentino and Eduardo Negron

5K RAINBOW RUN DIRECTORS

Dan & Vanessa Russell, Elliott Wheeler

SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR

Carol ‘Mama’ Steen - Sponsorship

EVENT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Danny Workman

TRANS COMMUNITY

Liaison Dr. Ru Ducko

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Anthony Marinelli

MS. TAMPA PRIDE (TIE)

Charlotte Caballero, Phaedra E Rose

MR. TAMPA PRIDE

Dante Medina

As President of Tampa Pride 2024, I welcome everyone to our Great City of Tampa, where G.O.A.T. goes a long way. Sports teams, educational systems, nationally recognized hospitals, businesses, home roots, political leaders, and our TAMPA PRIDE

ORGANIZATION

LEADERSHIP, which is known nationally and worldwide, are fantastic.

DECKER

Yes, TAMPA PRIDE, aka the “ FUN PRIDE!” is a great place to live and be yourself. While enjoying our week of events in Tampa, enjoy the sights on and around the bay waters and the Hillsborough River. The rainbow-silhouetted buildings and bridges will shine throughout the Tampa night sky.

This year, you will be amongst the record crowd participating in the many festivals on March 23.

Health & Wellness Fair, Artisan Market, Food Truck Alley, and the 2 large Festival grounds at HCC Festival area and Cuban Club Courtyard. 70 day-time performers, inside and outside, are on stage in the Cuban Club Courtyard, where bars are set up for refreshments and food-trucks galore.

A record number of entries are in our Diversity Parade that kicks off at 4 p.m. with the 120-foot historic Key West eight-color Rainbow Flag that will drape 7th Ave.

Adding in high school marching bands, LGBTAQ+ organizations, corporate sponsors, a variety of friendly parade float krewes, our local backing political leaders, and leading will be TAMPA PRIDE Grand Marshals. This is an experience.

PRIDE at NIGHT, in the CUBAN CLUB Courtyard our Headlining Concert shows, and we will have you on a night of memorable fab.

Thank You as we Celebrate YOU this Year 2024.

—CARRIE WEST, PRESIDENT

DAVE

Brand new Channelside District apartments featuring upscale interiors, premier amenities, and downtown views. Explore everything the Tampa Channelside has to offer.

ENTERTAINMENT

GAT TAOY

B‘Idol’ finalist David Hernandez among Tampa Pride headlining entertainment.

BY RAY ROA

abriel Pabon from “90 Day Fiancé” is a guest on Tampa Pride’s parade floats, but he won’t be the only celebrity in town.

It’s been almost 20 years since David Hernandez blazed his way through the seventh season of “American Idol” with powerhouse performances of songs by Wilson Pickett, The Temptations and that made believers out of Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul while also changing the heart of ice cold Simon Cowell.

“This isn’t it for me,” Hernandez said after finishing in the top 12. The boy who started singing at six years old made good on his promise. Hernandez, 40, is just one of three of the top men from that season who are still active (the other Davids, Cook and Archuleta, continue to tour and record music), and he’s in Tampa as part of post-Pride parade headlining entertainment.

Hernandez, who came out in 2016 eight years after “Idol,” arrives in support of a 2022 EP, Don’t @ Me, which he’ll pull from for his headlining performance on Saturday night.

There’s no cover for the Pride @ Night afterparty at The Cuban Club in Ybor CIty on Saturday, March 23.

Hosts include Orlando diva Imani Valentino, Miss Tampa Pride 2024 Charlotte Diamond Star and Phaedra E. Rose, Mr. Tampa Pride 2024 Lane Cardoza, Dante V, Kc Starz, Ericka Pc and more.

Here’s more on the post-parade performers.

Coco Montrese

Born in Miami, Miss Coco Montrese found fame after being crowned Miss Gay America in 2010. THe 49-year-old’s star was boosted in 2013 with a spot on season five of “RuPaul's Drag Race,” and another turn on the bo ob tube for season two of “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.” Her colorful sass has been a hallmark of her performances at Disney World and at shows across the country.

Actual Bank Robbers

After initially meeting while working at a theme park, the five-piece indie-rock band came together in 2015, released its debut Checklist a year later, and garnered a reputation for high energy sets (and can play a plethora of covers from Abba to the biggest Billboard hits of today).

BOBBY QUILLARD

PRIDEMONTHOUTLINE

O D U T ABOUT A N

The best events to get into before, during and after the Tampa Pride parade.

BRUNCH, DANCE, RUN AND MINGLE AT THIS year’s Tampa Pride. When Carrie West and Mark Bias-West revived Tampa Pride, as we now know it, 10 years ago, they started with a festival, a diversity parade, and a focus on community health and wellness.

Since then, the events have expanded to include a Pride Music and Art Festival, Pride at Night, an Interfaith Pride Service, and, new this year, a Rainbow Run. Here are all the official and unofficial Pride events we could find happening through the rest of the month in Tampa.

BY JENNIFER RING

You Are Loved, An Interfaith Pride Service: Tuesday, March 19 Downtown Tampa community center and cafe The Portico hosts an Interfaith Pride Service at 7 p.m. Get there early (and look for Michelle Sawyer’s big “All For Love” mural featuring two gators and a rooster) if you’d like to nourish your stomach before feeding your soul at this Tampa Pride event. The Café opens at 5:30 p.m. The Portico, 1001 N Florida Ave., Tampa. theportico.org/event

Balance Tampa Bay, FAMLeague, and Gaybor District’s Pride Kickoff

Party: Thursday, March 21

Kick off Pride in downtown Tampa with Brianna Summers, DJ Mike Sklarz and special guest Tampa Pride Grand Marshal 2024 Gabrielle Fearce Santi at this benefit party for Balance Tampa Bay (an LGBTQIA+ volunteer organization founded in 2011 with the mission to promote fellowship, fun and philanthropy throughout the LGBTQIA+ community and

Tampa Bay as a whole), Ybor City’s Gaybor District, and FAM League sports entertainment. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. $35. Haiku Tampa, 808 N. Franklin St. Tampa. balancetampabay.org

Disco In the Dungeon: Saturday, March 23

The Castle is one of the many spots in the Tampa Pride travel guide, and it welcomes Pride partygoers for a night disco party where DJ IX spins on the dungeon. 10:30 p.m. castleybor.com

Grove Soho’s Tampa Pride Brunch: Saturday, March 23

The day of the Tampa Pride Parade is going to be a long one, so start it right with brunch at Grove Soho, featuring free brunch bites, $15 bottomless mimosas, $4 seltzers, $3 BJ shots, and a drag show hosted by Adriana Sparkle at noon. Afterward, catch a free shuttle from Grove to Ybor City for the parade. 11 a.m. Grove Soho, 406 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. @ grovesoho on Instagram

THE PORTICO / RAY ROA

PRIDEMONTHOUTLINE

Tampa Pride Street

Festival: Saturday, March 23

Tampa Pride’s street festival stretches from the Cuban Club to Hillsborough Community College, with vendors in the HCC parking lot and along 9th Avenue between 13th and 15th Streets. One part health and wellness fair, one part variety show, and one part artisan fair, the street festival brings a little bit of everything to Ybor City.

Tampa Pride Band kicks off the festivities at the Cuban Club Courtyard at 10:45 a.m. The entertainment continues with a new performance every hour leading up to the diversity parade at 4 p.m.

Entertainment Directors

Johnny Valentino and Deb Ducko have planned an afternoon full of drag, live music, ballroom, and magic that continues into the evening at the Cuban Club. In between performances, wander Ninth Avenue, where you’ll find food, crafts, and health and wellness

Resources.

10:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The Cuban Club, 2010 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba, Ybor City. tampapride.org/festival

Diversity Parade: Saturday, March 23

Carve out a spot along Seventh Avenue before 4 p.m. for the annual Tampa Pride Diversity Parade. Organizers expect about 150 groups to participate in the parade, which typically lasts a little over two hours and runs west to east, starting at Nuccio Parkway all the way to N 20th Street. Multiple bars along the route typically offer some sort of watch party. 4 p.m. Along Seventh Avenue in Gaybor, Ybor City. tampapride. org/parade-2/

Pride at Night: Saturday, March 23

After the parade, make your way back to the Cuban Club for Pride at Night, starting with Tampa Bay Legends of Drag, hosted by Esme

Russell and starring Melanie Minyon, Felicity Lane, Joey Brooks, Kori Stevens and Jocelyn Summers at 7 p.m. Pop-rock cover band, The Actual Bank Robbers performs, Coco Montrese from RuPaul’s Drag Race Live Las Vegas, and American Idol finalist David Hernandez in this four hour long concert and show at the Cuban Club. Read more about it on p. 25. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. No cover. The Cuban Club, 2010 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba, Ybor City

GirlPride Tampa:

Saturday, March 23

Head to Crowbar for some Girl Pride. This Women’s Pride concert features performances by The Cheaters, DJ Ace Vedo, Deb Hunseder, Tampa Bay Diva Jessica Taylor, The Naughty Girls of Burlesque, The Dirty Dolls, and Anarkitty which formed at Girls Rock Camp St. Pete. 1 p.m.-9 p.m. $30. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. @GirlPrideTampa on Facebook

House of Fuego’s Pride Vibes

Party ‘til 5 a.m. at House of Fuego’s Pride afterparty happening at a Seventh Avenue venue jus across the street from Hotel Haya and behind

to Southern Nights. This circuit event celebrates love and acceptance with Missionary of Happiness

Anne Louise, RuPaul Drag Race Star Nina Flowers, and an opening set by DJ Kurtis Jose. 10 p.m.-5 a.m. $45108. Venue on 6th, 1701c N. Republica de Cuba, Tampa. thehouseoffuego.com

Orange Party Pride

Sunday Tea Dance: Sunday, March 24

Orange Party—which has a mission to embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and empower our community through music, dance, and philanthropy—comes to Tampa’s renowned Showbar for a post-pride celebration. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. $50-60. Showbar, 1613 E 7th Ave., Tampa. orangepartyflorida.com

Balance Tampa Bay, FAMLeague, and Gaybor District’s Pride Brunch: Sunday, March 24

The Brunch game surrounding Tampa Pride is strong. Brianna Summers hosts this all-you-can-drink Pride brunch benefiting Balance Tampa Bay, FAMLeague, and Gaybor District. The party features Jewels Sparkles Miss Renaissance Rising Star, Keirra Ka’oir

Summers Miss Heart of FL Newcomer, and DJ Greg Anderson. Noon-3 p.m. $50. Haiku Tampa, 808 N Franklin St., Tampa. balancetampabay.org/tickets

TAMPA PRIDE DIVERSITY PARADE / DAVE DECKER

STAY PL AY AN D TRAVEL

BY SUZANNE TOWNSEND

Welcome to Tampa Gay, a destination that prides itself on embracing diversity. Whether you’re just visiting or a new resident experiencing Tampa Pride for the first time, there are plenty of fun things to do and places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites. Read the full guide at cltampa.com.

NIGHTLIFE

Bradley’s on 7th

An Ybor City staple, Bradley’s struts around with the title of Tampa Bay’s premier gay bar. Open 365 days a year, Bradley’s has everything you’d want in a night club: daily drink specials, drag performances and dancing (duh). 1510 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. bradleyson7th.com

The Castle

The Castle is welcoming to all whether your go-to “going out” fit is full leather, a fur-suit or just jeans. Open Friday-Saturday with DJs spinning gothic and industrial dance music in three sections. “Everyone is welcome, nothing is taboo,” are words the Castle lives by. 2004 N 16th St., Ybor City. castleybor.com

City Side Lounge

If your Airbnb or hotel is anywhere near South Tampa and Palma Ceia, you owe City Side a visit. A three-decades staple of the gay bar scene, the cozy space pours ‘em strong and has three different bars, with programming that includes game nights, karaoke, drag bingo, bear nights and more. 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. citysidelounge.com

Cocktail St. Pete

Stiff drinks, hard liquor and raging good times: that’s what Cocktail is made of. Adjacent to the night club is its daytime counterpart The Wet Spot pool bar. If you get bored of all of the drinking, dancing and drag shows you can do some shopping in the Back Room for sexy gear, apparel and toys. 2355 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. cocktailstpete.com

Pro Shop Pub

This Clearwater spot is a reminder that it wasn’t always safe to be out. Unassuming from the outside, Pro Shop looks like an everyday corner bar, but it’s served the community for about half-a-century. 840 Cleveland St., Clearwater. proshoppub.us

The Saint

You guessed right, sinners are welcome at this St. Petersburg that serves seven speciality drinks alongside an expansive spirts list and does not allow patrons to take phone calls inside. “Conversation and connection take precedence over loud music/people,” the bar writes. You must know the password to get past the confessional entrance. Ask a priest, I guess?

49 24th St. N, St. Petersburg. thesaintspeakeasy.com

Showbar

A relative newbie on the Ybor City gay bar scene, Showbar pulls out all the stops. The spot features dueling pianos at the heart of the fun, backed up by drums and a band that plays requests that usually include everything from ‘80s and ‘90s hits to today’s chart toppers. 1613 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. showbarybor.com

SHOPPING

Atlas Body + Home

Across the bay in St. Petersburg, Atlas has stylish contemporary mens clothing focusing on leisure and resort-inspired attire. 919 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. atlasbodyandhome.com

TRAVEL

La France

Located in the heart of Ybor City and at the center of the Tampa Pride parade route, La France has been selling the fanciest of vintage duds to

artists and entertainers. The March calendar includes names like Tim McGraw, Tom Segura and Disney on Ice. 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. amaliearena.com

The Dalí

There are over 2,400 of Dalí’s works housed in the museum including sketches, oil paintings, photos and manuscripts. The

stylish Tampeños and Tampeñas for the last 50 years. Even if you don’t walk out with anything, a visit to the window and spin through the dressing room can brighten up any day. 1612 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. lafranceybor.com

Zazoo’d

David Fischer’s mark is all over Tampa Bay and while he gets to let loose at Cocktail and The Wet Spot, his touch is also the hallmark of the creativity inside this St. Petersburg boutique and design firm. 631 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. zazood.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Amalie Arena

The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning also hosts concerts from world-touring

Dalí Dome immerses visitors in a multi-sensory experience of the surrealist’s works with a Dalí Alive 360° experience. 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali.org

David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Through the rest of the month, downtown Tampa’s sprawling performing arts center hosts everything from locally-grown productions at Jobsite Theater to Broadway, concerts and more. 1010 N Macinnes Pl., Tampa. strazcenter.org

Museum of Fine Art

With gorgeous views of the St. Petersburg waterfront and low-key one of the best cafes in the ‘Burg (Café Clementine), the MFA is approaching its

60th anniversary and showcases art from thousands of years ago, plus work from the latest modern day masters. 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org

Tampa Museum of Art

The TMA—one of the first cultural institutions to signal boost and fundraise for Tampa’s gay community—offers a range of engaging temporary exhibitions as well as one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the southeastern U.S. in its permanent collection. There are also opportunities to attend art classes and education lectures. 120 W Gasparilla Plaza., Tampa. tampamuseum.org

Tampa Theatre

Tampa’s nonprofit movie palace features all sorts of entertainment events including comedy shows, short films and independent documentaries. The theater opened in 1926 and has since become a beloved community landmark with its beautiful realistic starry sky and Mediterranean courtyard. The single auditorium hosts over 700 events every year. 711 N Franklin. St., Tampa. tampatheatre.org

ATTRACTIONS

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens boasts 335 acres of animal theme park and fun for friends and family. Thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters like Montu and SheiKra, and those who like a more chilled theme park visit can feed kangaroos at Kangaloom or check out animal shows at Pantopia Theater. 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com

The Florida Aquarium

The aquarium is located in downtown Tampa and is home

SHOWBAR / DAVE DECKER

PINK TRIANGLE LEGACIES

Coming Out in the Shadow of the Holocaust

March 14 | 6:30 pm

The Florida Holocaust Museum 55 5th St S, St Petersburg, FL

Historian Dr. Jake Newsome tells the dynamic and inspiring history of the LGBTQ+ community’s original pride symbol by tracing the transformation of the pink triangle from a Nazi concentration camp badge into a widespread emblem of queer liberation, pride, and community.

Drawing from unexplored archival sources and original interviews, Dr. Newsome showcases the voices of LGBTQ+ Holocaust victims and a rich tapestry of queer lives who found meaning in the pink triangle in a postHolocaust world. The presentation will be followed by Q&A and a book signing. thefhm.org/events

For more info, email mbrenner@thefhm.org

TRAVEL

to some of Florida’s most intriguing aquatic creatures. There are inshore exhibits with animals like sea otters and pufferfish and a huge tank with sea turtles, tarpon, sharks and more. Ever wonder what a jellyfish or anemone feels like?

Several touch tanks offer the experience of making contact with creatures of the deep. 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa. flaquarium.org

St. Pete Pier

Take the Cross-Bay Ferry over to St. Petersburg and check out the pier for stunning views of Tampa Bay. After your stroll along the pier you can check out the St. Petersburg Museum of History and grab a bite to eat at Doc Ford’s or Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro. 600 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. stpetepier.org

OUTDOORS

Hillsborough River State Park

Just east of Tampa, this state park is over 3,000 acres of nature trails and wildlife viewing. A variety of habitats include pine flatwoods, cypress swamp and hardwood hammock. Visitors may fish or kayak along the river or hike and bike the trails, checking out Florida’s wildlife like herons, bass, deer and alligators. If you’d like to get away from the bustle of the city there are both camping and glamping options, and pets are always welcome. 15402 U.S. Hwy-301, Thonotosassa. floridastateparks.org

Manatee Viewing Center

South of Tampa in Apollo Beach is a truly amazing sight. During the winter months

manatees gather around the TECO power plant in a massive congregation. The plant’s expulsion of warm water into the bay makes it a lovely warm patch of water for manatees to escape the cold waters of the gulf. This year the Manatee Viewing Center saw a record high number of manatees. 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach. tampaelectric. com/manatee

Tampa Riverwalk Rentals

Active adventurers can explore Tampa Bay from the water or land with Riverwalk Rentals. It offers affordable stand-up paddle boards and kayaks that guests can take out on the water or bikes to rent and ride around the riverwalk area of Downtown Tampa. 505 Water St., Tampa. tampariverwalkrentals.com

LODGING

Gram’s Place Hostel

For a music-themed stay, Gram’s Place, which has been in operation for more than three decades, offers private, semi-private and dorm-style rooms. The Tampa Heights neighborhood hostel also has a full kitchen for guests to use and an outdoor patio

complete with a jacuzzi. 3109 N Ola Ave., Tampa. tampahostel.com

Hampton Inn Ybor

The Hampton Inn in Ybor is located right on the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade route, and stumbling distance from all of the afterparties in Ybor after dark. Definitely stop by The Bricks restaurant on your way in and out of the inn. 1301 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. hilton.com

Hilton Tampa Downtown

One of Tampa's longest running hotels is a go-to for conventions, with a outdoor pool and more. 211 N Tampa St., Tampa. hilton.com

JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street

These two Marriott hotels are connected via a glass skybridge three floors up, and are just walking distance from Tampa Riverwalk, Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena and Sparkman Wharf. The stunning rooftop pool and bar offer gorgeous views of the city and the river. 501 and 510 Water St., Tampa. marriott.com

CONTINUE ON P. 38

FLORIDA AQUARIUM / VISIT TAMPA BAY

TRAVEL

CONTINUED FROM P. 35

Le Meridien

This centrally located hotel is a century-old Historic Federal Courthouse built in 1905 and transformed into a chic hotel in 2014. And yes, the pool was part of renovations. Its stunning architecture with corinthian columns and original courthouse furniture make it a special place to stay in Tampa. 601 N Florida Ave., Tampa. marriott.com

nini, Acropolis, Carmine’s Tampa Bay Brewing Co.), or emergent hotspots like Big Easy, 7th + Grove and others. Here are a few great spots outside of the district.

BellaBrava

Casual yet urban in feel in the heart of Midtown. Smart, friendly service. New World Italian cuisine with modern flair. 1015 Gramercy Ln, Tampa. bellabravatampa.com

Hooch & Hive

This West River bar and restaurant is known for its live music. There are vegan-friendly food options on the menu as well. 1001 W Cass St., Tampa. hoochandhive.com

Tradewinds

Voted Best Hotel in the 2022

Best of the Bay Awards, the resort is St. Pete Beach's go-to for fun-seekers of all ages. 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach. tradewindsresort.com

DINING

Ybor City is full of fantastic dining options whether you’re going for the tried-and-true favorites (Columbia, Ber-

La Setima Club

This highly-rated lounge offers a selection of natural wines and craft beers. The food menu features delicious Louisiana-inspired vegan dishes, with a constantly changing specials board, friendly service, and the best bathroom on Seventh Avenue. 815 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. lasetimaclub.com

Lilac

Michelin Star recipient located in the lobby of the stylish Tampa Edition Hotel. The five-course dining experience offers Mediterranean influences, Florida-focused ingredients and French techniques. 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa. lilacrestauranttampa.com

Noble Crust

A marriage between Italian food and southern ingredients, something they like to call “Deep South Italian.” The menu offers both brunch and dinner and highlights pizzas and craft cocktails. Locations in St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, and Carrollwood location. noble-crust.com

Oggi Italian

Small, authentic Italian spot on Davis Islands offering complementary antipasto to start and espresso to finish, bringing out a comfortable and family-style atmosphere. 236 E Davis Blvd, Tampa. oggiitalian.com

Salty Nun

This Lesbian-owned bar serves a gnarly brunch. The smashburgers are all unique while more traditional BLTs, multicultural starters (pierogies, anyone) and lunch classics round things out. 2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. saltynun.com

Stillwaters

Brunch, an all-day menu and happy hour, Stillwaters nails classic fish, but offers more from pot roast to comfort food, deviled eggs and seemingly everything in between, all next to a strong house cocktail menu that includes the refreshing #75 (rhubarb gin, strawberry simple, lemon, fresh strawberries, prosecco, simple syrup). 224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. stillwaterstavern.com

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HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK-STEVEN/ADOBE