City Side for sale
If you have a spare $300,000 laying around, you could become the owner of one of Tampa’s oldest LGBT bars. City Side Lounge, located on Henderson Avenue near Dale Mabry, is officially on the market. The newly-renovated bar was home to Watermark’s recent “Watermark Wednesday” fundraising event for the Suncoast Softball League and has been a long-time supporter of several teams within that organization. While there was no mention of the status of the property during that event, a reader sent us a link to the commercial real estate site LoopNet.com, which plainly shows the 3,100-square-foot building available for purchase. No word yet on if there are any pending offers, but here’s to hoping it remains an LGBT establishment regardless of who throws down the cash for new ownership!
A grand opening
We’ve written in this space before about the new Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Clearwater. But nothing is official until there’s a ribbon cutting, and it’s especially noteworthy when the mayor makes an appearance. Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos was surrounded by restaurant management, investors and a couple female impersonators to make the official declaration that Hamburger Mary’s is open for business in Clearwater. Cretekos made it to the restaurant located just north of Countryside Mall on Thursday, Oct. 17, to cut the red ribbon. The restaurant is operated by Kurt King and Brian DeChane, who also run the Ybor City location.
Barnes is a Voice of Equality
The organizer of Sarasota Pride has long been involved in the LGBT community of Florida’s west coast. But during Sarasota Pride on Oct. 19, it was revealed that her years of hard work will finally be officially recognized. She is the 2013 Voice of Equality recipient at the upcoming Equality Florida Suncoast Gala on Nov. 10 to be held at The Francis. Equality Florida announced the news during the opening ceremonies of Sarasota Pride at J.D. Hamel Park right before Barnes welcomed everyone to the annual festival held downtown near the marina. Tickets are $100 to the Suncoast Gala and can be purchased at EQFL.org.
Ready, set, donate
The Santa Speedo Run is right around the corner, and runners are already registering online and looking for donations. The fourth annual run will return to Ybor City’s Centennial Park on Sunday, Dec. 1, which is World AIDS Day. Rumor has it the afternoon run, which is only a mile, will be followed by a beer bar crawl. Nothing motivates you to cross the finish line like a cold one waiting in a foamy mug, right? Money raised benefits the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas’ Brighter Seasons for Children charity, and organizers have a lofty goal of $45,000 this year. To register or to donate to your favorite runner, visit ASAPServices.org/SantaSpeedoRun.
