Tampa Bay: Who hung up his bar towel?

Tampa Bay: Who hung up his bar towel?

Frerichs’ last call
Countless bar patrons in St. Petersburg have chatted up, drooled over and conversed with Jake Frerichs, the dark haired, handsome bartender at The Garage on Central over the last few years. But Frerichs is hanging up his bar towel for a new career with Times Square Properties, a real estate company in downtown St. Petersburg, and he poured his last drink as a full time bartender on April 12.

The handsome, straight ally worked the bars at The Flamingo Resort and at Beak’s Old Florida restaurant before landing at The Garage. He has also been an active participant in St. Pete Pride – riding on or marching as part of various floats – and a fundraising walker in AIDS Walk Tampa Bay. His new position as property manager will put Frerichs in charge of maintenance and leasing at the downtown property. But that doesn’t mean he’ll never tend bar again. Frerichs said he will return to The Garage during large events, such as St. Pete Pride or themed nights.

Equality Florida honors locals
Amid all of the hustle and bustle of the Equality Florida Pinellas Gala on April 20 held within the Salvador Dali Museum, five individuals were recognized for their ongoing commitment to LGBT equality and activism. Hostess Katee Tully introduced the crowd to Metro Wellness and Community Centers CEO Lorraine Langlois, C1 Bank CEO Trevor Burgess, educator and former Pinellas Schools Superintendent Julie Mastry Janssen and 16-year-old philanthropist Allegra Kartha during a small ceremony at the beginning of the annual gala. Kartha, Tully explained, held a yard sale earlier this year and raised nearly $3,000, which she donated to Equality Florida. Also on hand that evening was St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster, who read a proclamation declaring April 20 Equality Florida Day in St. Petersburg.

Nae Nae Dominatrix named Miss Comedy Queen 2013
A packed house crowded the Honey Pot in Ybor City for the annual Miss Comedy Queen 2013 pageant on April 14. Judges and the audience chose Miss Nae Nae Dominatrix to represent Tampa Bay for the next year. Several former winners made special appearances at the show, including The Minx, April Fresh, Chi Chi La Lique, Ginger Minj, Nicky Monet, Kathryn Nevets and Melanie Minyon. Nae Nae Dominatrix received $500 along with her crown and paid entry into the National Comedy Queen pageant.

Softball league announces new officers
The Suncoast Softball League held its annual elections during the games held on Sunday, April 21, giving teams several hours to cast ballots for commissioners and other officers. The organization announced its new elected officers the following day. Kevin Hansen was elected League Commissioner and Jim Michener was named B Assistant Commissioner. Ed Levesque and Eric Bickerstaff were elected C and D Assistant Commissioners, respectively. The league elected Drew Drosinos as secretary, Scott Lenker as treasurer, Andrew Mason as Parliamentarian and Kyle Streng as the NAGAAA Representative.

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