All doors lead to Pom Pom’s
Retired Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Woodard has been busy renovating an old gas station in the Grand Central District for his new restaurant set to open in late June. Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, a popular, eclectic hang-out near downtown Orlando, is scheduled to open its second location at 2950 Central Ave. in time for St. Pete Pride. In the meantime, Woodard is looking for people to donate old exterior doors and for artists who want to paint them. The completed artwork will be featured in the first “Art at Pom Poms St. Pete,” when the restaurant opens. If you have an exterior door—plain, cracked, decorated—to donate or you want to lend your skills to the project, please call Woodard at 407-451-5705.
McCray-Taylor takes comedy queen title
Tampa Bay has a brand new comedy queen—Kyla McCray-Taylor. The performer took the title during the annual Tampa Bay Comedy Queen pageant held at The Honey Pot in Ybor City on Sunday, May 18. The Fort Lauderdale resident is known for her comedy, and is the current Miss Fort Lauderdale Comedy Queen as well. When she’s not on stage, Kyla (also known as Trenton) is the assistant manager at Hair Cuttery in Wilton Manors. First runner-up in the 2014 pageant was Alyssa Lemay and second runner-up was Muffy VanBeaverhousen.
Mr. Code announces first charitable event
It’s never too early to plan—or raise money. So Mr. Code 2014, Woody Barnes, is preparing for his 2015 trip to International Mr. Leather. And yes, you read that date correctly. Barnes won the title in March and has a full year to raise money and awareness for his appearance on a national stage. His first charitable event will be held July 11-13 at Flamingo Resort and benefits the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. Expect to see local celebrities in a swimsuit competition, ranging from drag queens, Sisters of Perpetual indulgence and men dressed as, well, men. Plans will also include a dunk tank and special drinks to help fill the coffers for ASAP.
The lure of yogurt
The mind behind Outings & Adventures is at it again, and this time he’s using yogurt as bait! Robert Geller is once again raising money for the SMART Ride by inviting friends and acquaintances to socials. Last year it was a fondue experience. This year Geller has coordinated socials at Yogurtology and the first one is at the 3017 Gandy Blvd. in Tampa location on Tuesday, May 27. The gay twist on the classic ice-cream social begins at 6 p.m. and is a mix-and-mingle to introduce attendees to the ride and to learn how they can help raise money for HIV organizations. Geller said that 20% of the purchase price of each sale goes directly to the fundraising and those feeling especially generous are invited to bring cash or checks as well. Get details on upcoming socials on both sides of the bay at OutingsAndAdventures.com.
