Inside Outsider
We know we tend to get political over on our Uprisings political page in the back of the book, but this juicy nugget of political climbing has all the makings of canceled soap opera, or so we hear. A few weeks back, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, announced his bid for U.S. Sen Marco Rubio’s seat as Rubio ascends into the toxic ether of a failed presidential bid. Grayson’s aide, Susannah Randolph, obviously a Democrat, jumped in the race for Grayson’s seat, joining a smattering of reputable politicos in what looked to be a fair race. Then, out of nowhere (not really, because she’s been dropping hints all along), Grayson’s out-of-nowhere girlfriend Dr. Deena Minning hopped into the fray in late July, signaling an absurdist rendering of a catfight. Not to worry, though. Minning’s political ties don’t stretch far from Grayson (if you don’t count being a lobbyist for Big Pharma), so the race will likely go on as it was. Or will it? Inquiring minds want to know (Minning doesn’t talk to the press, hilariously).
Orlando’s 50 most Powerful
Orlando magazine released its list of Orlando’s 50 most powerful; these individuals have some major clout in the city beautiful.
The list included several LGBT allies,including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who won the top spot! Another ally, who recently announced he was running for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s seat, is U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, at number 24. Carol Wick with Harbor House is at number 28. Number 39 is Scott Maxwell with the Orlando Sentinel, long time LGBT rights supporter and “malarkey” columnist. Number 49 brings Ken LaRoe, the CEO of First Green Bank , and, at number 50 is City Commissioner Regina Hill.
The influential out and proud members on the list included openly gay George Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resorts at number 10. Noted as the power couple Ted Maines and Jeffrey Miller get the number 30 and number 31 spots. Coming in at number 44 was high-haired Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan! The list also included some not so friendly names, but they didn’t make our list.
So Much ‘Mella
Carmella Marcella Garcia, the grand ole gal of the South, was making the Central Florida rounds recently. She paired up with former Miss America Ericka Dunlap for a special two-woman show at Pulse on July 18. Carmella then made her way over to Parliament House where she murdered it on stage during their 40th Anniversary Celebration week. Carmella will be rounding out her Orlando tour at her home away from home, Southern Nights on July 31.
You’ll Have a Ball
The annual HRC Disco Bowl returns to the Colonial Lanes on Sunday August 16th. Last year the event drew some great competition and creative costumes, and not to “toot-toot-hey-beep-beep” our own horn, but Team Watermark won for best group costume.
Miss Sammy and the newly engaged Gidget Galore will bowl you over with their comedic hosting. Gidget’s engaged! What?
