Rick Todd
PUBLISHER
Rick@WatermarkOutNews.com
PUBLISHER’S DESK
Mental Health Matters
IOFTEN REFER TO MYSELF AS AN
Oprah type person, not because I am a media mogul or anything, but because my weight fluctuates very often. Luckily my struggles with my waistline aren’t as public as hers.
It’s a struggle to remain in shape. Finding the time to go to the gym on an insanely busy work schedule is difficult. Although, I had a trainer once tell me we all have the same 24 hours in a day, it’s what we choose to do with them that makes the difference. I wholeheartedly agree, so I should say it’s hard to prioritize physical fitness with a full work schedule.
I did recently, over the past year, manage to drop around 55 pounds. I was adamant about looking how I wanted for my 50th birthday cruise. I joined WeightWatchers and annoyed the piss out of everyone by telling them how many points the food was they were eating, even more so about all the zero-point foods I was eating.
However, I had a goal and I was motivated to achieve it.
I gained about 10 pounds on that cruise and it started the battle I am currently in. Although I am still 35 pounds down from my heaviest, my new clothes are starting to feel a little snug and I struggle to relearn the joy of zero-point eating. Hopefully putting it out in the universe will help me find the motivation I need to drop the pesky 10 pounds I want to lose.
I do think I obsess too much over my physical presentation, which makes me lose sight of another aspect of health that is arguably more important — mental wellness.
I noticed earlier this year that I was gravitating toward a more negative demeanor. To put it in terms of Disney characters, I was losing
the playful Stitch that I adore and comfortably settling into Grumpy. It was cute at first, but my quick-to-react distain became a bit much for even me.
I decided to take a journey through the 12 steps again. I say again because I started the process over nine years ago, making it a third of the way through. I thought I was mentally sound and just let the program slide.
Over time, I started to feel resentful and trapped in the decisions I had made. I spent an unusually large amount of time driving back and forth from St. Pete to Orlando. As I began to go from talking to the drivers of other cars to yelling at them, I figured a reset was overdue.
It’s a fascinating process. First admitting that you need help, that you alone cannot fix yourself or other people. Although I do despise organized religion, I have come to believe that there is a power greater than myself and I truly do believe that — be it the power of the universe or the power of love (thank you Air Supply and Celine Dion).
I am currently working on what many consider to be the hardest step, taking moral inventory of character defects. It’s like Festivus in a way, airing your grievances, but you analyze those grievances. Why do these things bother you and what role did you play in causing that problem? The latter being the toughest question when you feel you have been wronged.
It’s definitely the most useful tool I’ve hit so far in finding peace of mind. I am able to see what triggers me and see that most of these issues are pretty petty. It’s humbling.
The result is common sense: you can’t control other people’s thoughts and actions, just yourself and your reaction. It’s
almost like a great burden is lifting knowing I only have to fix me. When you put pen to paper with detailed analysis it’s easier to find a path to what is right.
It’s a great mental exercise I think would benefit everyone. I walked away with greater empathy and a greater desire to experience joy, which is why as I write this I am on a flight to New York City with my husband to catch up with an old friend and see a few shows. My fabulous
I was losing the playful Stitch that I adore and comfortably settling into Grumpy.
husband has been a huge part of this change, agreeing to uproot his life and move to Orlando to give me the space to reconnect with the joy in mine.
In this issue of Watermark Out News we explore the comradery and joy LGBTQ+ safe spaces like our community sports organizations bring. Central Florida Bureau Chief Bellanee Plaza explores Orange County’s decision to sign the governor’s amended immigration transportation agreement and Editor-in-Chief Ryan Williams-Jent dives into Sarasota’s decision to remove their rainbow crosswalk. For entertainment we meet with Tyler Henry, an LGBTQ+ medium helping Clearwater reach the beyond.
Stay visible, stay strong and support each other.
MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE is a local business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer. Page 15 STEVE BLANCHARD is the former editor of Watermark Out News. He currently works in public relations and hosts the paranormal podcast “Phantom History.” Listen at PhantomHistory. com and more. Page 20
HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI
BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, DYLAN TODD, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT PHOTOGRAPHY
ENTERPRISES LLC, KEN CARRAWAY
BLK JOY FESTIVAL GROWS TO FULL WEEKEND EVENT, TACKLES
LONELINESS THROUGH COMMUNITY
Bellanee Plaza
The fifth annual BLK BOY Festival presented by the Black Health Commission will be held Aug. 15-17 to tackle loneliness by bringing people together in the name of health and wellness.
Black Health Commission is completely volunteer based and was first established in 2019. The organization is centered on community care, health equity with access to all and joy.
Rebecca Desir, founder and executive director of Black Health Commission, says the BLK JOY Festival builds trust in the community. The festival had around 200 people in its first year and grew to over 2,500 people last year.
“It’s just a testament to one, believing in yourself in what you are trying to do — then two, that people will find you when you are on the path of your passion or what you’re supposed to do in life,” Desir says. “Because everyone on my team now I’ve met throughout the journey… so it’s really amazing that now they’re not just my team members, they’re also friends.”
The festival celebrates Black joy, culture and community while providing access to vital tools and resources. It first began as a local gathering but grew into an event that supported hundreds of Black-owned businesses. The festival aims to be a catalyst for healing, connection and change.
This is the first year the festival will spread across the weekend.
There will be a mixer Aug. 15 for health professionals, but anyone is invited to attend. The festival will be on Aug. 16 with extended hours at Lake Lorna Donne Park. For the final day on Aug. 17, there will be a brunch/day party.
The festival will also have peer support spaces for those who may be neurodivergent and want to get a break from the festivities.
While Desir wants the festival to continue to grow, she acknowledges that there needs to be a balance since it is all volunteer based.
“I feel so happy that the program continues to grow, however we are still limited because we are volunteer based,” Desir explains. “Our focus in the upcoming years is really to identify ways to raise funds so that way we have a team that can be dedicated to it full time.”
There will be a kids’ zone with games for children, vendors ranging from small businesses to local community resources, sessions in the wellness zone and performances from local artists.
“We’re super grateful that each organization that will be there on site … will bring their own unique services or resources to the community,” Desir says.
For more information on BLK JOY Festival, visit BlackHealthCommission.com
central florida news
AGREEMENT ADDENDUM:
ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES ICE
AGREEMENT, EYES POTENTIAL LEGAL CHALLENGES
Bellanee Plaza
ORLANDO | The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 to approve a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement Warrant Service Officer Agreement addendum on Aug. 5.
The agreement could allow county jailers to transport immigration detainees to federal detention facilities.
Commissioners Nicole H. Wilson and Kelly Martinez Semrad opposed the agreement.
This comes after a public standoff with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who accused Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and county commissioners of violating state law by initially rejecting the proposed expansion of the ICE partnership. Uthmeier warned that the refusal could result in legal action and removal from office.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also weighed in, saying officials “don’t have the ability to just say you’re not going to be on the team” when it comes to immigration enforcement.
Demings said he signed the agreement under protest and
extreme duress on Aug. 1. He accused the state of using bullying tactics as he defended the county’s previous position to not sign.
None of the commissioners expressed support for the agreement during the meeting, instead they made it clear they did not want DeSantis to appoint board members.
Wilson and Semrad acknowledged the prior threat from DeSantis to remove those who don’t support immigration enforcement.
“This is a hill worth me standing on,” Semrad said tearfully during the meeting.
There were 60 members of the public, including state representatives, that wanted to speak during the public comment period. Many urged commissioners to file a lawsuit.
“I’m willing to fight, but I prefer to fight from the vantage point of where I am sitting today,” Demings said during the meeting. “...If we are all removed, and others are sitting here, I don’t think the fight would be the same fight.”
Demings also said the courts will have to weigh in and until then the fight isn’t over.
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of Hope
CommUnity Center, released a statement after Demings signed the agreement.
“Hope CommUnity Center stands firmly against any collaboration between local governments and ICE,” Sousa-Lazaballet said. “These agreements do not make our communities safer; they make our immigrant neighbors more vulnerable and erode trust in local institutions.”
At the meeting, County Attorney Jeffrey J. Newton said he felt it was in the best interest of the commission to approve the addendum.
Gabriella Rodriguez, executive director of QLatinx, provided a statement to Watermark Out News. She advised that QLatinx and over 30+ local and state organizations under the “All immigrants are welcome coalition” remain committed to defending due process.
“This ICE agreement was signed under threat of removing local officials from office — a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and community trust,” Rodriguez said. “For our immigrant and LGBTQ+ familias, it means... fewer resources for real public safety.”
A screenshot of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings during the Commissioners’ livestream on Aug. 5.
TAMPA BAY DRAG ENTERTAINER
JASMINE JIMENEZ DIES AT 46
Ryan Williams-Jent
TAMPA | Celebrated entertainer Jasmine Jimenez, also known as Jasmine International, died early Aug. 8 surrounded by loved ones. She was 46.
Friends, family and fans shared the news via social media that day, which Watermark Out News independently confirmed. The Puerto Rico native is being remembered for her compassion, kindness and performances in and outside of Florida.
Jimenez was a fan favorite at establishments throughout Florida, performing at venues like Pulse in Orlando and Hamburger Mary’s locations in Tampa Bay. She was also a passionate competitor whose titles included Miss Royal Pride of Nations, Miss Universe Latina USA, Miss Mundo International USA, Miss Flamingo, Southern Charm All American Goddess and more.
Tampa Bay entertainer Esme Russell, Jimenez’s drag mother, says the performer’s death is heartbreaking for the entire community.
“Jasmine was an exceptional human who was not only beautiful and talented, she was kind, generous and compassionate,” Russell says. “I was proud to be her drag mom … I will miss her very much. God always seems to take the good ones.”
Local tributes have poured in for the entertainer, including from Tampa Pride. The organization noted “Jasmine’s presence was a beacon of light in our community, and her impact will forever be cherished and remembered.”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Alexis Mateo also reflected on the loss. The entertainer regularly worked with Jimenez while she lived in the region.
“It takes someone special to be your friend and someone amazing to become your family!” Mateo shared. “Jasmine Jimenez (Jazmine International) thank you for bringing joy to my life and to remind me that friendship is as pure as your heart.”
Jimenez’s sister Glorivel has launched a GoFundMe to honor the entertainer’s life and legacy, calling her “a light, a force and a source of love for everyone she met.” You can view it at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The family hopes to give Jimenez “the farewell she deserves, one that honors her vibrant spirit and her deep roots in Loiza, Puerto Rico.” As of press time, they have raised over $3,500 of their $25,000 goal “for funeral services in Tampa, Florida, preparation and transport of her casket to Puerto Rico, and burial expenses in Loíza, our family’s hometown.”
“The outpouring of love from friends, fellow performers and supporters has been overwhelming,” Glorivel wrote. “... She was crowned with numerous pageant titles, yet her proudest achievements were in the lives she touched through her artistry and advocacy.”
A Celebration of Life and Benefit Show is planned for Aug. 31 at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor. Proceeds will benefit Jimenez’s family.
tampa bay news
PETITION LAUNCHED TO SAVE ST. PETE MURALS
Ryan Williams-Jent
ST. PETERSBURG | A petition to save St. Petersburg’s street murals was launched Aug. 2 after the state threatened to withhold funding over inconsistent “pavement surface markings.”
The Florida Department of Transportation issued a memo July 2 after the Trump administration launched a “safety initiative” for roadways and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy targeted rainbow crosswalks in particular. City officials subsequently confirmed that they intend to comply with any federal and state requirements.
“We will continue to work with our state partners to understand the scope of the memo, timeline for relevant actions and discuss if any of the City’s public art qualifies for an exemption,” Public Information Officer Samantha Bequer told Watermark Out News, efforts that are ongoing.
S.O.S., or the Save Our Street Murals campaign, has over 1,500 signatures as of press time. It was launched by LGBTQ+ entrepreneur Brian Longstreth, a St Pete Pride co-founder and owner of Casa del Merman at GayStPete House.
The murals it supports include the Black History Matters mural at the Woodson African American
Museum and the Grand Central District’s Progressive Pride Street Mural. The latter’s publicly funded effort was installed in 2020, an initiative led by St Pete Pride.
The organization weighed in on FDOT’s memo July 31. “We are also deeply concerned about the ban on artistic expressions on public crosswalks, specifically targeting rainbow imagery that represents LGBTQIA+ pride and inclusivity,” President Dr. Byron Green-Calisch said in a statement. “For many, the rainbow imagery on our streets is more than just decoration, it is a beacon of hope, a sense of belonging, and affirmation in public spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies gather and celebrate.”
The petition echoes this, noting St. Petersburg is “a city renowned for its vibrant artistic community and rich cultural tapestry, street murals and public art play a vital role in our everyday lives.” It calls them “symbols of our diversity, a celebration of our unique identity and a testament to our city’s spirit as the ‘city of the arts.’”
“We urge our local government officials and community members to rally against these external influences and take decisive action to protect our street murals and public art,” the campaign reads.
“By advocating for local rule, we can ensure the preservation of
our city’s artistic soul, maintain low accident rates through traffic calming art, and continue to promote an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.”
The petition lists St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch as well as City Councilmembers Lisset Hanewicz and Gina Driscoll as “decision makers.” Watermark Out News reached out to the city and each councilmember’s office for comment, receiving a response from Driscoll.
“The health and safety benefits of integrating public art into crosswalks, intersections and other infrastructure are well-documented, and I believe St. Petersburg can make a strong case for allowing these elements to remain in place,” she says. “We’re dedicated to making our city safer for all — and we’re not going anywhere.”
“Join us in standing up for Saint Petersburg’s identity, for our public art and for the values that make our city a beacon of creativity,” the petition reads.
Advocates also announced they would gather at St. Petersburg City Hall Aug. 14 to advocate for officials to save the artwork, speaking with City Council and more.
Read more and view the “Save Our Street Murals” petition at WatermarkOutNews.com.
ST. PETE’S PRIDE:
St. Petersburg’s Progressive Pride street mural is repainted in June.
PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
NINA YANKOWITZ
IN THE OUT/OUT THE IN ON VIEW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Nina Yankowitz, Draped Impotent Squares, c. 1969, Acrylic spray on canvas. Courtesy of the Artist and Eric Firestone Gallery. © 2025 Nina Yankowitz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
EXPLORE
THE VAULTS
FIRST GIFTS, 1962–1966 ON VIEW THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2025
Rembrandt van Rijn, Dutch, 1606–1669, Christ Disputing with the Doctors: A Sketch (detail), 1652, Etching and drypoint on paper, Gift of Margaret Acheson Stuart
CREATIVE FREEDOM
WOMEN AS DECORATIVE ARTS ENTREPRENEURS AND CONNOISSEURS, C. 1900-1940
ON VIEW THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Clara Driscoll, American, 1861-1944, Manufacturer: Tiffany Studios, American, active 1902-1932, Daffodil Lamp Shade with Iris Base c. 1900, Leaded glass and bronze; modern wiring, Gift of Mary Alice McClendon in honor of the Museum’s 50th Anniversary
BAROQUE MASTERPIECES FROM THE FONDAZIONE ROBERTO LONGHI
OCTOBER 25, 2025 THROUGH MARCH 22, 2026
Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, Boy Bitten by a Lizard (detail), c. 1597, Oil on canvas, Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi, Florence, Italy
NATION & WORLD NEWS
DAVIS ASKS SCOTUS TO REVISIT CASE, MARRIAGE EQUALITY RULING
Kim Davis, a former Kentucky clerk who infamously opposed marriage equality, is once again asking the Supreme Court to review her case and revisit Obergefell v. Hodges. A federal judge previously ordered Davis to pay a total of $360,000 in damages and attorney fees after she refused to issue marriage licenses to two same-sex couples in 2015, which she has appealed. SCOTUS previously declined to hear her case in 2020. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus was among those to urge SCOTUS to reject Davis’ bid, noting “no judge in any lower court has ruled in favor of Kim Davis or her bigotry. No justice of the Supreme Court should.”
ANTI-LGBTQ+ HATE CRIMES REMAIN HIGH
Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes remained high in 2024 despite the overall decline in violence and other crimes according to data from the FBI’s annual crime report that was released on Aug. 5. Attacks motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation comprised about 17% of all hate crimes last year while 4% were based on the victim’s gender identity. At the same time, local jurisdictions reported a decrease in all manners of crime, including murder, violent crime, and motor vehicle thefts. The Human Rights Campaign called the finding “especially concerning” in light of anti-LGBTQ+ efforts by the Trump-Vance administration.
AIR FORCE TO DENY RETIREMENT PAY TO TRANS SERVICE MEMBERS
The U.S. Air Force will deny trans service members who served 15-18 years the option to retire early, separating them without retirement benefits. The move means that they will now be faced with the choice of either taking a lump-sum separation payment offered to junior troops or be removed from the service. A memo said that the choice to deny retirement benefits was made “after careful consideration of the individual applications.” All transgender members of the Air Force are being separated from the service under the Trump administration’s policies.
NEW US VISA POLICY TARGETS TRANSGENDER ATHLETES
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Aug. 4 it will ensure “male aliens seeking immigration benefits aren’t coming to the U.S. to participate in women’s sports.” The announcement notes USCIS “has clarified eligibility for certain visa categories: O-1A aliens of extraordinary ability, E11 aliens of extraordinary ability, E21 aliens of exceptional ability, and for national interest waivers (NIWs), to guarantee an even playing field for all women’s athletics in the United States.” The new policy comes roughly six months after Donald Trump issued an executive order that bans transgender women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
SARASOTA TO REMOVE LGBTQ+ PRIDEWALK
Ryan Williams-Jent
SARASOTA | The City of Sarasota will remove multiple art installations, including its LGBTQ+-focused PrideWalk, after the Florida Department of Transportation threatened to withhold funding from cities over inconsistent “pavement surface markings.”
The PrideWalk currently covers the five-corner intersection of Cocoanut Ave. and 2nd St. It was the first major installation of its type in Sarasota, an initiative led by Project Pride in 2021.
Planning for the venture began after the nonprofit’s inception in 2019. Project Pride enlisted supporters to fund the effort and officials approved the PrideWalk for one year, as was standard. Project Pride then successfully collected signatures to make it a permanent fixture.
Now, city officials have notified FDOT that it will be removed to comply with the state’s directive, which falls in line with the federal government’s targeting of such murals. The Trump administration notified all 50 states last month that the U.S. Department of Transportation was introducing
a “safety initiative” seeking consistent roadway markings.
“While there are no City-owned installations impacted by the Florida Department of Transportation’s updated pavement surface markings policy, the City of Sarasota has identified multiple installations within the city limits that will require removal to be in compliance,”
City of Sarasota Communications Specialist Luke Mocherman confirmed to Watermark Out News. “The City has notified FDOT of its intent to comply with the revised policy.”
Project Pride released a statement condemning FDOT’s memo July 21. The organization called the PrideWalk and installations like it “vibrant expressions of community, joy and belonging,” noting that they “do not compromise safety but help people feel seen and affirmed.”
“Project Pride SRQ affirms that visibility saves lives,” they continued. “LGBTQ+ youth, elders and families deserve to navigate public spaces feeling welcomed and included. Removing these symbols sends a harmful message that queer Floridians are not valued members of their communities. We reject that message.”
“I am deeply disappointed by the City’s decision to remove Sarasota’s PrideWalk following pressure from FDOT,” Project Pride President Justyn Hunter-Ceruti tells Watermark Out News. “The PrideWalk is more than a crosswalk — it is a symbol of love, visibility, and belonging for our LGBTQ+ community and allies.
“This removal sends a harmful message, especially at a time when our community is facing increased marginalization across the state,” he continues. “While we respect the need for compliance with state agencies, we believe our city can and must do more to stand firm in its values of inclusion and equity.”
Hunter-Ceruti adds that Project Pride remains committed to working with local officials and community members “to ensure that LGBTQ+ visibility is not erased — but reimagined, preserved, and expanded in meaningful ways.”
Sarasota joins at least two other Florida cities in removing or reimagining LGBTQ+-focused crosswalks or street murals. The City of Boynton Beach in South Florida repainted theirs July 16 and West Palm Beach announced they would reimagine theirs on July 17.
FLORIDA RENEWS BID TO ENACT ‘ANTI-DRAG’ LAW
Bellanee Plaza
Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration has renewed efforts to enforce a 2023 law utilized to prohibit youth from attending drag shows, even as the measure continues to face legal challenges.
Attorneys for the state filed a motion at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to allow almost statewide enforcement while a fight about the constitutionality of the law continues to play out in federal court. If granted, the only business that wouldn’t have to enforce the law would be Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando, which successfully challenged the statute in 2023.
A U.S. District Judge sided with Hamburger Mary’s and issued a preliminary injunction to prevent enforcement statewide.
The state’s most recent motion notes that “Such a stay will fully protect HM’s (Hamburger Mary’s) rights for the remainder of this appeal while allowing the state to enforce its duly enacted statute geared at protecting children in other establishments in the state.” Florida has asked for a rehearing on the injunction in June, a request that remains pending.
The state’s request focuses on a Supreme Court decision regarding Donald Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, which barred a “universal” injunction. It is unclear how the Court of Appeals will respond to Florida’s
motion or if it will agree to narrow the injunction.
DeSantis has defended the law, stating, “We are going to remain a refuge of sanity and a citadel of normalcy.” He added that children shouldn’t be exposed to inappropriate content. Last month, Florida Attorney General Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier targeted a Vero Beach restaurant after it hosted an LGBTQ+ Pride event featuring drag.
If the appellate court agrees, businesses that host drag shows could once again face enforcement actions that include the potential revocation of liquor licenses. It would also prohibit local governments from issuing public permits for events that could expose children to the targeted behavior.
AZupka Counseling
“Leigh Shannon” Fugate
LEIGH’S VIEW
PUBLIX IN COLLEGE PARK will get six self-checkout kiosks even though this location has always been one of the smaller stores without the variety of items like the Hollianna store. For my Central Florida family, LGBTQ+ and many other loyal customers, this change feels like a loss.
People love it for the vintage look, once nicknamed “Xanadu” by the gays,” friendly employees, the service and the neighborhood feel. It is the kind of place where you can chat with the staff and feel like someone knows your name. So when I heard that six self-checkout stations were being added, I was shocked. And I wasn’t alone.
Many people I’ve spoken to are upset, and about 80% of them are strongly against the change. Most say they would be okay with one or two self-checkouts, but six feels like too much for a store this size.
A manager named Latoya confirmed that the six kiosks were being added, while a few express lanes would remain. But she didn’t say how many cashiers would stay or how many would lose their jobs. That is a red flag to me. When I asked a few employees about it, only one of them even knew it was happening. The rest were completely unaware. This store has always had a small-town, friendly vibe. It feels like we are losing that. Some people are okay with a few self-checkouts, especially if they are just picking up a few things. But many others want none at all. People want service and a smile. People want the human interaction that
used to be a normal part of shopping. Have you ever really stopped to think about how self-checkouts have changed shopping? I have thought about and researched this subject so much.
I personally miss the days when spending your money meant being treated like a valued customer. What we are seeing now in many big stores is the result of replacing people with machines. Companies like Walmart added self-checkouts thinking it would save money and speed things up. But it hasn’t worked out that way. Studies have shown that theft has gone up. Stores now spend a lot of money on security, surveillance cameras and staff to monitor customers. It has gotten to the point where police are called in to deal with small thefts. In some cases, elderly people who forget to scan an item have been accused of stealing. Here is something I didn’t know until I started researching — some stores can press charges for theft even if you haven’t left the building. They save surveillance footage and can build cases against people for things that happened days or even weeks earlier. It is hard to believe we’ve reached a point where people can also be arrested for mistakes made at a self-checkout machine. This all feels backwards. These machines are supposed to make shopping easier, but they’ve created new problems instead. And now, taxpayer dollars and police time are being used to support companies that removed staff and shifted the work onto us — the customers. I don’t shop at Walmart or other stores that only have self-checkouts.
I try to support small businesses where people still greet you and ring
you up. Even if it costs a little more, I would rather spend my money where I feel respected. At Target recently, I saw something strange. All the cashier lanes were open, with no wait. But the self-checkout line was packed — 20 people deep.
money for medication. Others might just not care. But the machines make it easier to steal and harder to feel like you are part of a community.
I believe that businesses should earn our money by providing service. If you want me to shop with you,
To the decision-makers: you are about to take something special and make it ordinary. That is a shame. I hope you’ll listen to your neighborhood customers and keep this store a place where service still matters.
And if I continue
It made no sense to me. Maybe some people feel like self-checkout gives them more privacy, or maybe they are tempted to skip ringing up some items. But that just adds to the problem.
Self-checkout has made it easier for people to make bad decisions. Some of them might be struggling — a parent trying to feed their kids or someone without enough
Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate is a local business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer. A strong advocate for getting out the vote and creating political change, he is a past candidate for local political office. He’s been happily married to his husband, Joey, for 37 years. These machines are supposed to make shopping easier, but they’ve created new problems instead.
treat me like a person, not a problem to be managed by cameras and machines. Back to Publix in College Park: I think this is a mistake. You will have more theft for sure, more noise from the kiosks and more crowding near the front door. It is already a tight space. If the plan is to keep a few cashier lanes, then please actually do that. If not, I may have to rethink where I shop.
shopping here, I hope you never ask me to use a self-checkout. I came for groceries, not for a job.
Sylvie Trevena
THE GOOD PAGE FEATURES
positive LGBTQ+ news in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, uplifting and inspiring stories highlighting locals in our community. In this issue we roll into Pride Skate Tampa, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary earlier this month.
Pride Skate began as a community roller skating event in 2015, one that has grown into a symbol of inclusion, freedom and queer joy over the last decade across Tampa Bay. It began when DJ Greg Anderson was asked to join an already existing Pride event at United Skates.
His suggestion to add drag performers helped shape the safe space into what it is today. Tampa Bay entertainer Conundrum was a host in the early years, while fellow fan favorite Aquariius has hosted since 2020.
Not only has the local LGBTQ+ community supported Pride Skate through the years, but its venues have also worked to provide fun, safe spaces for patrons. Ages 18 and up are welcome, and all people within the LGBTQ+ family are encouraged to attend.
The Good Page
Pride Skate Tampa celebrates a decade of queer joy
“United Skates and Skateworld Tampa have been extremely supportive of Pride Skate since day one,” Anderson says. “They also employ LGBTQ+ employees and have done so for years, even prior to Pride Skate’s existence.”
The last 10 years have seen this event grow and thrive, with word-of-mouth keeping patrons coming back to the rink year after year. Attendees have a great time in a space where being themselves is celebrated.
That was certainly the case Aug. 2, when Skateworld Tampa hosted this year’s 10th Anniversary celebration. Anderson provided the music and Aquariius was joined by area entertainers Joziah O.K. Bangkx and Alice Marie Gripp.
Anderson says he’s most proud of the safe space Pride Skate has become over the years.
“I think my favorite thing and what I enjoy the most is watching everyone having a great time roller skating with their friends and loved ones — not having to hide or look out for folks that will hate on them,” he explains. “Everyone that is there is made to feel welcome, and they have security there to ensure everyone’s safety each event.
“Plus, the drag shows too!” he adds. “We also do a game of Roller-Skating Limbo right after each show. People really enjoy that.”
Anderson also wants the LGBTQ+ community to know Pride Skate is here to stay.
“We are not going anywhere,” he stresses. “With love and support from loyal customers and new customers … I feel like we have another 10+ years ahead of us.”
Gripp says she loves events like Pride Skate because of the community they cultivate. She was thrilled to entertain at this year’s milestone.
“For 10 years, this event has created a space where we can show up as our full selves: loud, proud, joyful and unapologetically queer,” she explains. “I perform at
events like this because the joy is resistance, the visibility is power and every spin around that rink is a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder that we’re not going anywhere.
“There is also something about skating that mirrors our movement as a community,” Gripp continues. “It takes balance, momentum and the willingness to keep going even when things feel unsteady. We’ve been knocked down more times than we can count, but we keep showing up, supporting each other, and making space for joy in the midst of everything. That is what Pride Skate represents.”
Pride Skate Tampa will return for its next outing Oct. 4. Don’t miss the limbo on skates and learn more at Facebook. com/PrideSkateTampa. You can also learn more about Anderson’s other events at GregAndersonEvents.com.
Interested in being featured in The Good Page? Email Editor-in-Chief Ryan Williams-Jent at Ryan@ WatermarkOutNews.com in Tampa Bay or Central Florida Bureau Chief Bellanee Plaza at Bellanee@WatermarkOutNews.com in Central Florida.
PHOTO COURTESY GREG ANDERSON
Steve Blanchard
WHEN HAWK EHNES PULLED HIS
car into a parking lot near some kickball fields in Tampa Bay, he wasn’t sure he’d made the right decision. He hadn’t played the sport since middle school.
“I drove around that parking lot four times because I didn’t know if I could put myself out there,” he remembers. “I finally told myself that if I hate it, I can always leave.”
That was seven seasons ago. Ehnes not only stayed for his first open play with HotMess Sports St. Pete, but he also enjoyed himself and found friends. Through the seasons he eventually became a referee and is now a manager of
the kickball league that had caused him so much trepidation.
The relationship with sports can be complicated for LGBTQ+ people. For many, they spent their youth on the sidelines or avoiding participation altogether because of a fear of discrimination. For those who did play, they may not have felt like they could truly be their authentic selves.
Opsasnick, interest continues to surge due to a need for more safe social spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
“I had my own experience in the queer community as a lesbian and found HotMess in Nashville when I wasn’t sure who I was,” Opsasnick recalls. “It was a safe space to let me be who I am, and I needed something different than whatever else was out there. That’s what we do in St. Pete. You never know what someone’s experience is, and we try to take the pressure off with HotMess.”
Opsasnick started the league three years ago. She says a player’s skill level is less important than simply being social.
Of course, both Orlando’s Central Florida Softball League and Tampa Bay’s Suncoast Softball League have offered sporting outlets since the 1990s. Likewise, Pride Bowling in Dunedin has welcomed the community for more than 16 years and Orange Blossom Bowling Association in Central Florida opened its bowling lanes to the community in 1985. It continues to provide a safe bowling outlet for the community at Altamonte Lanes.
Running groups like the Orlando Front Runners and Walkers, tennis groups like the Orange Blossom Tennis Association, the Orlando Roller Derby and more sports organizations throughout the state also regularly host tournaments and games for LGBTQ+ fans and allies.
Those open doors and welcoming atmospheres are just as important today as they were 30 or 40 years ago, says Bobby Agagnina, commissioner of CFSL.
But things have changed, particularly in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, with offerings that continue to expand via groups like OUT Sports League.
“We started with kickball and now we offer seven different sports, a different one every night of the week,” says John Teixeira, who it in 2018. “Next, we plan to offer pickleball in the fall. The response has been amazing.” Bowling, soccer, dodgeball, volleyball and even corn hole are now on the schedule.
There have been similar swells in interest with HotMess Sports in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. The chapters offer inclusive activities to anyone looking for a social outlet.
According to St. Petersburg League Commissioner Marta
love and support beyond the sport of softball.”
Teixeira agrees that safe spaces are necessary for the queer community. He wants anyone joining OUT Sports to know that they are in a welcoming environment, regardless of experience or skill level in whatever sport they choose to enjoy.
“I like to tell people who may find sports inaccessible that they should give us a chance,” Teixeira says. “When you’re playing in a league which is 99% LGBTQ+ players, a lot of people understand your trauma or your background and they know this can be a scary endeavor for you, especially if you are a first-time player.”
OUT Sports players regularly support new members, even offering guidance on how to play and friendly paths to understanding the rules. Teixeira says that their sports are intentionally less aggressive and more “chill.”
Opsasnick says the vibe is similar with HotMess and notes that members are always willing to assist and help newcomers learn the basics. The hardest part, she says, is showing up that first time.
“The whole point of HotMess is to come and hang outside and be active,” Opsasnick says. “No one will judge you for what you wear, who you date, what you look like or how you run. Nobody cares. Overall, it’s just come out and be your authentic self.”
“We all have this experience of being picked last for a sports team at school and I think we sometimes see sports as intimidating,” he explains. “As queer people, something pushed us away at some point but we’re coming back to it and discovering that there is a group of people who enjoy sports and who are out here having a great time being themselves. It doesn’t matter who you are. That’s why spaces like ours exist and continue to exist.”
SSL Producer Ron Frank echoes that sentiment. He says the league has welcomed all players since it tossed its first slow pitch in 1994.
“LGBTQIA+ people want to be able to act in accordance with their true self in a safe and accepting environment,” Frank notes. “Many of our members have become part of our chosen family, providing
That’s an experience Marshall Ayers has had since joining CFSL in 2012. Not only is he an out gay man playing one of his favorite sports, but he also gets to share the softball diamond with his parents and his two sisters, who all play ball. It’s a level of support and community that allows him to thrive.
“When I returned to Orlando after college, I really didn’t know how to make friends,” says Ayers, who is also a commissioner with the league. “I didn’t think there was anyone else here like me. When I found out about the softball league through the Center, I showed up not expecting to see many people.”
Ayers’ low expectations were shattered when 40 other new players joined him that day, a decision he says changed his life. He soon found himself socializing on and off the field.
“I lived with my parents, was getting ready for law school and just sat around the house,” Ayers notes. “I told myself, ‘This can’t be
it.’ I joined the league and seeing so many people like me — and so many people not like me — was just wonderful. I’ve never looked back.”
Even more impressive than the influx of players throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay is the willingness of those leagues to collaborate and work together. Gatekeeping is virtually non-existent and memberships cross multiple lines for players.
It’s a gentleman’s agreement of sorts, Ayers says. When he’s not playing softball, he’s on the kickball field or playing dodgeball with his friends at OUT Sports.
“We all go to each other’s events,” Ayers explains. “It’s all just about having fun.”
Opsasnick echoes that sentiment, noting HotMess is not in competition with other local leagues.
“One of us doesn’t have to lose for one of us to win,” Opsasnick says. “We are all here to provide a safe space for queer people to play sports. I encourage everyone to try different things out. It’s good to have so many options.”
The leagues can accomplish much more by working together than by working alone, Agagnina says. He advises that providing more options expands each organization’s reach and influence, which benefits the community at large.
“As a gay person who enjoys sports there was always this feeling of shame of who I am or that I can’t be myself in a sports space,” Agagnina says. “Now with all of these offerings and with a larger view of acceptance and equality, there are more places to be active and be your true self now more than ever.”
Since it launched seven years ago, OUT Sports has seen phenomenal growth. When it started, 75 players participated — and this year, Teixeira says, more than 5,000 individual players have experienced at least one sport. He largely credits word-of-mouth.
It’s a similar story for HotMess, which began with 65 kickball players three years ago and has since seen more than 1,700 individuals participate. It shows an ongoing need for social spaces in the community.
SSL has also evolved, Frank says, but its mission to provide a safe space remains intact. He explains that the league has “started holding more social events throughout the year, planned additional community service projects each season and raised money for local charities.”
Connecting beyond the field is particularly important for organizers. When she hosted her first open play event, Opsasnick was among the participants who didn’t know anyone — and she, too,
Every LGBTQ+ sports league offers events that are not directly tied to a court, field or game.
OUT Sports hosts beach days, a talent show and even a camping retreat that mimics the reality show “Survivor.” The softball leagues hold fundraising events for local charities and HotMess invites the community to its own drag shows that raise money for charitable causes.
experienced many proud moments throughout the years,” Frank says.
According to Opsasnick, HotMess is all about having fun, being social and enjoying a shared activity. Aggressive behavior or hate is never welcome, and that’s something she monitors. She also encourages her members to get to know each other during and after games.
For Agagnina, he’s most proud of the Orlando Meltdown Softball Tournament, which has been
We are all here to provide a safe space for queer people to play sports ... It’s good to have so many options.
“The point of OUT Sports is to try to get the queer community off their apps and to meet people organically in person,” Teixeira says. “I think a lot of people in our community find it intimidating to go up to someone at a bar and just say, ‘Hey.’ But in this circumstance, in this environment, you have something in common.”
Many players have found that LGBTQ+ sports leagues can build friendships and even romantic relationships. Agagnina says he has made many friends through the league and has seen CFSL adapt to the community’s needs.
“We have almost 700 members and we had 41 teams last season,” Agagnina says. “The league continues to evolve, and we always want to be sensitive to the needs of the membership.”
was looking for community. Now she’s found it.
“I was 100% in the same boat as those others who attended open play that day” she says. “I met a couple of people at that point, and it is how I have made all of my friends here.”
Teixeira adds that he has even seen players go on to get married.
“That connection means a lot to a lot of people,” he notes, adding that he once asked a forum of OUT Sports participants the reason behind them joining the league. Their responses surprised him.
“When we asked the group which members joined us to play sports, one person raised their hand,” Teixeira says. “When we asked who joined to meet new people, literally 97% of the people there raised their hands.”
donating to charities for 26 years. But he wants his organization to do even more.
“I would love to see a scholarship program that the organization creates to give back to a queer athlete coming up, maybe a D1 scholarship or something,” he says. “That would be a point of tremendous pride not only for me as a gay teacher, but as a commissioner of this league.”
SSL is proud of its successful teams and trophies, Frank says, but its greatest accomplishments are the community outreach events it plans.
“Whether that be community service projects we hold each season or the money we raise to support our local charities in the Tampa Bay area, our league has
“Everyone is there for a good time and they know it’s a queer league,” she says. “We welcome everyone, LGBTQ+ and straight … here you can sign up as a free agent and I will place you with an existing team or a bunch of other free agents. Being thrown in together can be intimidating; but once you meet everyone, it gets easier.”
“Sports may not seem like a logical first instinct for a queer person,” Teixeira notes. “But in the lens of being a recreational sports league, you’re going to have more opportunities and it’s going to be more accessible than you think.” Ehnes echoes that. He has seen members of HotMess try multiple sports and expand their social circles in the process. As is the case with so many new things, taking that first step is the hardest.
“It’s okay to be nervous and it’s okay to be terrified. I was terrified,” he says. “But once you are out there it’s a very natural progression of humans meeting like-minded humans — and for me that was a pivotal point that changed my life.”
For more information about CFSL and OUT Sports League, visit CFSLeague.org and OUTSportsLeague.com.
Learn more about HotMess Sports St. Pete and the SSL at HotMessSports.com/ StPetersburg and SuncoastSoftball.org.
OUT AND IN PERSON: Members of OUT Sports League in Orlando in 2023. The organization offers kickball, dogeball, cornhole, volleyball and soccer. It was “created in the years after Pulse to provide a safe, social and inclusive in-person alternative to bars and apps for members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet and interact,” their website reads. PHOTO COURTESY OUT SPORTS LEAGUE
TYLER HENRY CONNECTS COMMUNITIES IN CLEARWATER
Deborah Bostock-Kelley
ON THE EVENING OF AUG. 26,
Tyler Henry, one of the world’s mostcelebrated mediums, will bring “An Evening of Hope and Healing” to Tampa Bay.
For LGBTQ+ audiences, his highly anticipated live show is more than an event. It’s a shared experience, a call to community and a deeply personal journey with a star who has always worn his heart — and his authenticity — on his sleeve.
Henry needs little introduction. Since TV’s “Hollywood Medium,” “Live from the Other Side” and two books, “Between Two Worlds” and “Here & Hereafter,” he has become a household name, crossing spiritual boundaries and challenging old stereotypes about who can communicate with the other side.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, his presence feels especially resonant. He’s young, openly gay, newly married and unafraid to show vulnerability — a rare combination in the world of celebrity and spiritual guidance.
“I’m so excited to get to visit, and when it comes to the show, it really is a two-part show,” Henry says. “The first part, I share a little bit about who I am, what brings me there, and just the life experience that has kind of indicated to me the three most valuable things that people can get out of the evening: those big questions of what we believe happens when we die, why people seem to come through the way that they do — and that gives people insight and preparation for the shared experience, which is what the event leads to. I focus on the audience and relay messages and do readings, and it’s a very interactive experience.” When it comes to his spontaneous readings, Tyler describes the process as equal parts spiritual intuition and emotional resonance.
For Tyler, it’s less about picking someone at random and more about following a kind of energetic pull — what he likens to a “rubber band sensation” that draws him toward a particular individual in the crowd. The unique layout of Ruth Eckerd Hall even enhances this process.
“The opportunity to separate the audience into quadrants really helps me,” he explains. “When I can do that, it helps expedite the process.”
If you’ve seen Henry perform live, you know that his shows are anything but ordinary. Forget the velvet-rope mystique of old-school psychics; Henry’s events are lively, interactive and deeply inclusive.
He works without pretense, letting the energy of the crowd guide him. For those in attendance, expect a night of spontaneous readings, emotional moments and revelations that can change the way guests see their lives — and their loved ones.
He shares, “I think that’s what makes it so unique, is that it’s interactive and it’s a shared experience with a large group. And that energy is just unbeatable and really beautiful to participate in.”
For anyone worried his psychic abilities have diminished since having brain surgery, be assured Henry is better than ever.
“I recently underwent surgery for a colloid brain cyst, and I was told that that was one in three million, the odds of that,” he explains. “The surgery for it was really just to alleviate pressure on my brain, which was creating a number of symptoms and ultimately would have taken me out if I didn’t do something about it.
“If anything, I feel a lot clearer. I feel like I’ve been able to concentrate more and have more energy, which has actually been essential to doing readings,” he continues. “I learned very early on that there was some relationship to sleep and psychic abilities and the subconscious.”
The LGBTQ+ community has always sought spaces for healing, acceptance and visibility. For many, Henry represents all three. His presence signals a shift in mainstream spirituality, one that embraces diversity and encourages authenticity.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed scrutiny across the country, Henry’s show at Ruth Eckerd Hall serves as both entertainment and affirmation.
When asked which historical figure he would choose to connect with, Tyler says, “Harvey Milk would be an interesting one right now to talk about the way forward. I think there’s so many people who have been influential in humanity and contributions. And I think we can learn from the past… so I would call upon the past to try to move forward in the future. I think that’s the power of knowledge and what we can glean from people who have passed.”
This perspective beautifully encapsulates the heart of Henry’s work: drawing wisdom from those who came before us to light the path ahead.
His candidness is part of his charm, both on and off stage. He’s not above poking fun at himself or sharing the cute aspects of everyday life. Such moments of levity are woven throughout his performances, balancing the profound with the playful. Henry’s shows aren’t just about messages
from beyond; they’re about celebrating life, love and the ties that bind us all.
Henry’s work is a gentle reminder of what we share. His philosophy is both simple and profound: healing comes when we listen, not just to each other, but to the voices of those we’ve loved and lost. The live show at Ruth Eckerd Hall will feature all the hallmarks that made Tyler a star — his keen intuition, quick wit and ability to make even the largest theater feel intimate.
Ultimately, Henry’s appearance is about more than spiritual readings or celebrity. It’s about coming together in a spirit of curiosity, openness and community. For those who’ve faced loss, questions, or uncertainty — especially within the LGBTQ+ community — his show is a beacon. It’s a place to be heard, to heal and to celebrate the stories that connect us all.
Tyler says it best: “I love the group environment. I think that’s what makes it so unique — it’s interactive and a shared experience with a large group. That energy is just unbeatable and really beautiful to participate in.
“There’s something about a crowd that’s so powerful, there’s a shared experience that everyone goes on and, going into it there’s so many different degrees of belief and lack thereof and expectation,” he continues. “By the end, people have shared this experience and often leave smiling and having even connected with other people who have shared in their grief experience.”
As the lights dim and Henry steps onto the stage, audience members will feel more than excitement — they’ll feel a surge of connection, a sense of possibility and the reassurance that no one is truly alone.
He says, “My hope is that people’s greatest take away from it is that it’s not just about the loss, that it’s really about honoring the love and the validations that reinforce that.”
Whether you come seeking answers, closure, or simply a night out with chosen family, Henry’s show at Ruth Eckerd Hall promises an experience that is interactive, uplifting and always deeply meaningful.
Tyler Henry’s “An Evening of Hope and Healing” will be held Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Learn more at RuthEckerdHall.com.
announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT
CONGRATULATIONS
The LGBTQ+-inclusive Tampa Bay Comic Con was held Aug. 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center. Read more and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and other local entertainers raised over $1,000 Aug. 3 for mentoring programs, after school programs and school supplies for local public school students. Read more at Facebook.com/TampaSisters.
Kurt’s Place opened at the former City Side Loung Aug. 7 after months of delays. “I’m just excited to finally get through everything and to be able to reopen in South Tampa where I first started,” owner Kurt King told Watermark Out News. “I started in Tampa at the original Baxter’s and it’s exciting to have the doors open after five months.” Read more at WatemarkOutNews.com.
Project Pride has announced Aug. 8 that Tom Edwards has been hired as the Sarasota nonprofit’s new executive director. Read more soon at WatermarkOutNews.com.
CONDOLENCES
Jasmine Jimenez, the beloved Tampa Bay drag entertainer also known as Jasmine International, died Aug. 8 at 46. Read more on p. 10.
LOCAL BIRTHDAYS
Sarasota activist Chuck Redding (Aug. 14); Former Tampa Bay bartender CJay Tauber, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch (Aug. 15); Tampa Bay entertainer Jay Miah, Tampa Bay photographer Josh Shipp Aug. 16); City of St. Petersburg Training and Development Coordinator Jim Nixon, St. Petersburg interior designer Scott Velez, Tampa Bay entertainer Alexis De La Mer, Tampa Bay photographer Kimberly DeFalco, Enso owner and chef Mathias Padilla (Aug. 17); Tampa Bay performer Macaviti, Sarasota orthodontist Michael Radall, St. Petersburg realtor Dan Casper (Aug. 18); Lakeland singer Danny Pate, Tampa pastor Scott Manning, Former St. Pete ASAP Executive Director William Harper, Love the Golden Rule’s LJ Sosa (Aug. 19); MHK Director of Strategy and Pharmacy Jimmy Singkhapophet, St Pete Pride staple Immani Love (Aug. 20); Clearwater bear Keith Schorr, Brandon restaurant exec. Rob Roberts (Aug. 21); Thrillseeker Brandon Taylor, Flight attendant Kaitlyn Lampasso (Aug. 22); Tampa Bay retailer Charles Germaine, The Hotchkiss Group’s Sonny Hotchkiss, Caretaker Mariam Mai (Aug. 23); Writer Karen Brown, The Taylor Company Founder Scott Taylor, Tampa Bay mainstay Corey Peterson, Tampa Bay entertainer Kamden T. Rage, St. Petersburg actor/director Steven Flaa, Channel 125 owner Dick Woelfle, Tampa Bay entertainer Dante Valentino (Aug. 24); Tampa Bay realtor Tom Malanowicz, Spring Hill psychologist David Chandler, St. Pete Twirling Project veteran Steven Caruso, Tampa softballer Andrew Cohen, Optician Sharon Greene, The Ball manager Marc Kennedy (Aug. 25); Come OUT St. Pete’s Joshua Wallace, Hillsborough County educator Laurie Walls, Tampa Bay entertainer Ja’Staria Sherrington (Aug. 26); former St. Pete Pride board member Carl Lovgren, Keller Williams’ Dallas Coffield, Tampa Bay realtor Scott Fulghum, GaYbor President Walter Giovanni (Aug. 27)
1
BDGR BUSINESS: State Rep. Michele Rayner represents Bracy Davis, Gantt & Rayner law firm at the Pinellas County Courthouse Aug. 6. PHOTO VIA REP. RAYNER’S FACEBOOK
2
SEASON’S GREETINGS: Kioshi Aguero represents the holiday season Aug. 8 at Cocktail’s Anything But Clothes party. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
3
CLEANUP CREW: Project Pride volunteers attend the nonprofit’s street cleaning event in Sarasota July 31. PHOTO VIA PROJECT PRIDE’S FACEBOOK
4 HER ONLY HOPE: “Princess Leia” pleads with “R2D2” at Tampa Bay Comic Con Aug. 2. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
5
TEAM TAMPA: Tampa City Council members form the “Tampacrats” for a karaoke battle Aug. 2. PHOTO VIA THE CITY OF TAMPA’S FACEBOOK
6 FOR THE CHILDREN: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and supporters take the stage at Enigma Aug. 3 after raising funds for local youth. PHOTO COURTESY THE TAMPA BAY SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE
7
DISCO DUO: DJ Mike Sklarz strikes a pose Aug. 8 with visiting special guest TS Madison at Disco Pony. PHOTO VIA DISCO PONY’S FACEBOOK
8
HAVING A BALL: (L-R) Nick Caraccia, Fondi Anne Carrington, Theresa McGivern and Nikos Daras announce Shelter Strong will serve as the Closet Ball 2026 beneficiary Aug. 2. PHOTO VIA CLOSET BALL 2025’S FACEBOOK
announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT
1
COMMUNITY CARE: Black Health Commission gathers at Lake Lorna Doone on Aug. 9 to paint art installations for the fifth annual BLK JOY Festival. PHOTO VIA BLACK HEALTH COMMISSION’S FACEBOOK
2
CONGRESSMAN & COFFEE: U.S. Rep. Darren Soto speaks to local veterans at Lake Nona Orlando VA Healthcare System for Coffee With The Congressman on Aug. 7. PHOTO VIA REP. SOTO’S FACEBOOK
3
EARLY KICKOFF: Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet stands next to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer during his official kickoff campaign for Florida House District 42 at The Abbey July 29. PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
4
STAR POWER: Coco Cavalli accepts tips from Denise Merritt, board member of the Pride Chamber, at the organization’s monthly business connect in the Renaissance Theatre Company Aug. 6. PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
5
CAMPAIGN SUPPORT: Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and Lyn Henderson take a photo together Aug. 5 during a house party to support Eskamani’s run for mayor. PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
6
LOCAL IMPACT: Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith attends a town hall Aug. 2 in Senate District 17 with Rep. Johanna Lopez and other town members. PHOTO VIA CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH’S FACEBOOK
7 ORLANDO BEAUTIFUL: Volunteers gathered in the LGBT+ Center Orlando July 31 for a neighborhood cleanup to celebrate Orlando’s 150th anniversary. PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
8
OUR RIGHTS: Orange County Democrats vice-chair Sonya Stevenson protests against the ICE agreement outside the Orange County Administration building on Aug. 5. PHOTO VIA ORANGE COUNTY DEMOCRATS’ FACEBOOK
CONGRATULATIONS
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed seven new directors to its board. Rick Cardenas, Joseph Conte, Ryan DeVos, Ted Edwards, Leila Jammal, Tony Jenkins and Marc McMurrin began their two-year term July 31.
Corsets & Cuties celebrates 10 years as a burlesque cabaret troupe this month.
26Health celebrates 10 years as a Central Florida health center this month.
Florida Blue Foundation celebrates 25 years as the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue and one of the largest foundations in Florida this month.
Keegan Thomas Glover of Abiding Presence Faith Community has been certified as a Licensed Lay Minister of the Reformed Catholic Church. His ministerial responsibilities include outreach to the LGBTQ+ community.
Opera Orlando was recently awarded a $125,000 grant from Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation for the Opera’s upcoming 10th anniversary season. The grant specifically supports the company’s new, expanded shop space and the hiring of a full-time marketing director.
GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation has appointed Brian D. Pieninck as its next president and chief executive officer.
The fifth annual BLK BOY Festival presented by the Black Health Commission will be held Aug. 15-17. Read more on p. 8.
Savoy Orlando will celebrate its 21st anniversary with a weekend of events Aug. 22-25.
LOCAL BIRTHDAYS
Central Florida singer Billy Mick, Regalia owner David Lang (Aug. 14); Orlando performer David Almeida (Aug. 15); Central Florida performer Tymisha Harris (Aug. 16); Orlando entertainer Tod Kimbro, Tony Award-winner Kenny Howard, Orlando chef Hazel Jandik (Aug. 17); Orlando actor Chris Shepardson, Central Florida athlete Brett Harvey, Orlando lawyer Paul San Giovanni (Aug. 18); Orlando-based actress Daniella Sagona, Central Florida performer Danielle Hunter, Orlando artist Steven McCune, Winter Park Playhouse’s Todd Long (Aug. 19); Orlando LGBTQ+ activist Sam Graper (Aug. 20); Hope CommUnity Center’s Debo Ofsowitz, school teacher and ally Tabatha Schmidt, GayMovieDB founder Brandon Taylor (Aug. 22); Orlando International Airport’s Pedro Aponte, Orlando graphic artist Marcus Vale (Aug. 23); Sunnyland Slammer Shana Moshen, Ally and activist Karen Brown (Aug. 24); Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Universal Brad Partridge (Aug. 25); Orlando’s Eddie Mora, Central Florida singer and actress Jill Wilson, Former Watermark film critic Stephen Miller (Aug. 26); Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse coordinator Benjamin Cox (Aug. 27).
community calendar
CENTRAL FLORIDA
“Sister Act”
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, AUG. 15-17, 8 P.M. & 2 P.M.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER
FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, ORLANDO
The feel-good musical, “Sister Act” is coming to Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips. Presented by Little Radical Theatrics, the show is based on the hit 1992 film, filled with gospel music, dancing and a truly moving story. “Sister Act” is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship and sisterhood. For more information, visit DrPhillipsCenter.org.
Watermark Out News’ Out and About Networking
THURSDAY, AUG. 21, 6 P.M. FAIRVILLA, ORLANDO
Watermark Out News presents its August Out & About Networking, a free social networking mixer, hosted by Fairvilla and benefiting Come Out With Pride. Attendees must be 18+ to attend. Light bites will be offered and with a business card, your first drink is free. There will be chances to win raffles prizes and proceeds from the raffle will go to Come Out With Pride. For more information, visit Watermark Out News Facebook page.
TAMPA BAY
Tyler Henry
TUESDAY, AUG. 26, 7:30 P.M.
RUTH ECKERD HALL, CLEARWATER
Medium Tyler Henry returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for “An Evening of Hope and Healing.” The LGBTQ+ star of Netflix’s “Live From the Other Side” and “Life After Death,” who also starred on E!’s “Hollywood Medium,” will reflect on his career and engage with the audience. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets begin at $50.75. Read our interview with Henry on p. 23 and buy tickets at RuthEckerdHall.com.
Gecko Ball
SATURDAY, AUG. 23, 6-10 P.M.
THE MARIA CENTER, GULFPORT
Gulfport’s signature Gecko Ball celebrates 25 years. The end-of-summer celebration’s theme is “25 Years & Still Weird” and will feature live music, a costume-filled party and the crowning of the Gecko Queen. Ticketssare $35 or $400 for a table of 10. Every guest will receive a free “Gecko World” T-shirt. Purchase your tickets and read more at VisitGulfportFLorida.com.
EVENT PLANNER
LIFETIMES
Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Aug. 16, Disco Pony, Tampa. Instagram.com/ DiscoPonyNightclub
Shade Showcase: “It Came From Lakeland,” Aug. 16, The Garage, St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage
Satur-Slay, Aug. 16; 23, Thyrst, Largo. 727-240-0150; PlurCentral.com
The joy Ride Pool Party, Aug. 16, Casa del Merman, St. Petersburg. 727-310-4130; CasaDelMerman.com
St Pete Pride Drag Bingo, Aug. 20, The Study, St. Petersburg. 727-827-2024; StPetePride.org
Silent Hawktion & Back to School Bash, Aug. 21, HCC Performing Arts Building, Ybor. 813-253-7386; HCCFL.edu
“Flamingo Fest,” Aug. 23, Studios at 5663, Pinellas Park. 727-313-2250; Studios5663.com
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Southern Nights 11-year Anniversary with Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Aug. 15, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Aug. 15, Magic Kingdom, Orlando. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld. Disney.Go.com
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Aug. 15, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Nate Bargatze, Aug. 16-17, Kia Center, Orlando. 407-440-7900; KiaCenter.com
Margarita Festival, Aug. 16, Live At The Pointe Orlando, Orlando. 407-506-0473; LiveAtThePointeOrlando.com
2025 BLK JOY Festival, Aug. 16, Lake Lorna Doone Park, Orlando. Orlando.gov
The Champagne Orchestra, Aug. 17, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Jesse & Joy, Aug. 18, House of Blues, Orlando. 689-329-2583; HouseOfBlues.com
Zachariah Porter, Aug. 22, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org
Katy Perry, Aug. 22, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com
Sisaundra Lewis, Aug. 22-23, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Dystinct’s Bababa World Tour, Aug. 23, The Beacham, Orlando. 407-839-1847; TheBlockOrlando.com
Great White & Slaughter, Aug. 23, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-7625; Entertainment.HardRock.com
ST: ORL: Trek to Orlando, Aug. 23-24, Doubletree by Hilton Universal, Orlando. CreationENt.com
Shrek Drag Brunch, Aug. 24, Funny Bone Comedy Club, Orlando. 407-480-5233; Orlando.FunnyBone.com
The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn Tour, Aug. 24, Camping World Stadium, Orlando. 407-440-5700; CampingWorldStadium.com
The Struts, Aug. 26, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-7625; Entertainment. HardRock.com
TAMPA BAY
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” Through Aug. 24, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-229-7827; JobsiteTheater.org
Speak with Pride, Aug. 15, The Werk, St. Petersburg. 727-289-8685; StPetePride.org
August Meeting with David Jolly, Aug. 25, Museum of History, St. Petersburg. TigerBay.org
WMNF’s Big Gay Bingo, Aug. 25, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 813-239-9663; Facebook.com/BigGayRadio
Monthly Relationship Builder, Aug. 27, The Sourdough Co., St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/Groups/ LGB2BPlus
Ballroom Drag Bingo, Aug. 27, Red Mesa Cantina, St. Petersburg. 727-896-8226; RedMesaCantina.com
SARASOTA
Pop-Up Pride: Pride Through the Decades, Aug. 27, Voco Hotel, Sarasota. PPSRQ.org
Hosted By:
Rick Todd
Jeremy Williams
Award-Winning Care. Decades of Dedication.
At Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, our commitment to expert, compassionate care has spanned generations. For more than 100 years, we’ve been the trusted healthcare resource our community depends on. From advanced cardiology and comprehensive emergency services to personalized women’s care and leading-edge brain and spine expertise, our dedicated teams deliver award-winning care — close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/Bayfront