Overheard in Tampa Bay: Pageant season is among us!

Overheard in Tampa Bay: Pageant season is among us!

Bangkx takes ASAP crown
Performer Ashley Bangkx was crowned Miss ASAP 2015 at Blur Nightclub in Dunedin, becoming the 10th impersonator to claim the title in as many years. The pageant featured three local performers from Tampa Bay and four former title holders were either at the judges table or performing special numbers throughout the night. Outgoing Miss ASAP 2014 Monica Moore served as emcee for the evening and pointed out that everything she wore was red—in honor of the AIDS Ribbon. One outfit—a sparkling red pants suit, could be made into the iconic ribbon, she explained, after standing with her legs slightly apart and her hands clasped above her head. Bangkx will begin her reign as Miss ASAP immediately and will be at the organization’s fundraisers, like AIDS Walk Tampa Bay, Dining Out for Life and the Santa Speedo Run.

Atwell shows support on wedding day
Upon first glance, one would have thought that the two women embracing and laughing were getting ready to tie the knot on the morning of Jan. 6 in Sarasota. But upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Sarasota Pride chairperson Cindy Barnes and Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell celebrating the historic day. Atwell has been a long-time supporter of LGBT equality and initiatives in Sarasota and a personal friend to Barnes. Atwell has appeared at Sarasota Pride every year it’s been at JD Hamel Park and also makes it a point to appear at other LGBT events and festivals like the Harvey Milk Festival in May. Atwell could be overheard telling Barnes, “I wouldn’t miss this. We’ve worked so hard to achieve this day.” Thank you, Commissioner. We couldn’t have done it without advocates like you.

Shaking a (Flamingo) tail feather
Pageant seasons is in full swing in Tampa Bay, and soon, a new Miss Flamingo 2015 will be crowned. Performers are signing up now for the Monday, Jan. 19 pageant at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg and the night will be hosted by Sassy Devine. The winner of the annual pageant will receive a crown, flowers, a sash and a cash prize. She will also automatically receive four bookings at the Flamingo in the upcoming year. But runner-ups won’t walk away disappointed. They will also walk away with prizes. Packets for the weekend are available at the resort’s front desk or by calling 727-321-5000. There is also still time to enter. So ladies, get that talent number perfected!

Not yet sold
At the end of 2014, Watermark ran a story about the possible sale of Georgie’s Alibi. As regulars can attest, the bar is still going strong and the staff is still all smiles. But that For Sale sign is still out by the corner. That’s because there hasn’t been any final deals made, as of yet, but the real estate agent involved in the transaction tells us that there are many interests in the property and the chances of the bar remaining LGBT are incredibly good. No further details are available yet, but you can bet we’re paying close attention in hopes that the iconic bar remains—in one form or another.

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