Tampa – Organizers of the new Tampa Pride announced via a press release Feb. 18 that Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and Hamburger Mary’s owner Kurt King would be the 2015 grand marshals.
“We are honored to feature such high profile community leaders in our first pride parade and celebration in 14 years,” said Carrie West, Tampa Pride president.
Castor has spent the past 30 years of her career as a police officer with the Tampa Police Department and prior to becoming police chief, she worked as the LGBT liaison officer. She was promoted to police chief by former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and was retained by current mayor Bob Buckhorn, who is expected to easily win re-election in March.
Chief Castor has been a staple at LGBT events in Tampa, often speaking on opening night of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and appearing at Equality Florida galas with her partner.
King, a member of the Tampa Pride board of directors, is the owner and manager of Tampa Bay’s two Hamburger Mary’s locations—one in Ybor City and another in Clearwater. He is also a member of the Suncoast Softball League Hall of Fame.
Both will be honored at an event Feb. 23 at Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza in Ybor City at 7 p.m.
Tampa Pride will include a parade down 7th Avenue in Ybor City and a street festival on 8th Avenue.
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