Overheard in Tampa Bay: Waterlogged, Gala Rouge and Best of the Bay

Metro Health set to party at the train station
Metro Health, Wellness and Community has announced the third annual Tampa Bay Gala Rouge, and this year they will have it in a new venue. The historic train station in the vibrant warehouse arts district of St. Petersburg will play host when the event takes place Nov. 7. Gala Rouge, which promises to be “a true voyeur’s delight,” will feature live entertainment, open bar, food, special guests and honorees. It will also have silent and live auctions. Gala Rouge benefits Metro LGBT Centers and programs and the new Metro Health Centers. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.metrotampabay.org.

And the award goes to…
Creative Loafing has entered Stage 3 in the voting process to find out the Best of the Bay. This is the 25th anniversary and you get the opportunity to say who, what and wow… I like it, I love it, I want some more of it for Tampa Bay. From now until Sept. 8, you can vote for the best of in an array of categories, including Best Restaurant, Best Food, Best Bar, Best Local Band, Best Theater and many more. Not only do you get a say in venues and locations, but you also get to vote on the people in the area in categories like Best Local Politician, Best Local Activist, Best Couple and more. Oh, and don’t forget to vote for the few not-so-great categories also (we’re looking at you, Pam Bondi, for Worst Local Politician). Winners will be announced Sept. 24. For information on the Best of the Bay 25th Anniversary party Sept 23 at The Mahaffey visit www.cltampa.com/botb25.

Come rain or come shine
The Tampa Bay area resembled the Lost City of Atlantis a few weeks ago when areas were flooded with as much as 12 inches of rain within two days. Streets were flooded and destroyed with potholes, buildings and homes were affected by water damage and many were without power for days. Even at press time, in parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties ,some people are still without power. One bright spot was HIV/AIDS facilities were able to conduct business without any disturbance in services. According to AIDS Services Association of Pinellas (ASAP) Executive Director William Harper, short of a few appointments that had to be rescheduled for the next day, no one was without medications or services because of the weather. Most businesses seemed to be doing fine with no dramatic drops in attendance at local bars and restaurants. One thing that the storm did bring was some amazing pictures and some amusing videos (we’re look at you Jimmy!) of people trying to drive (and in some cases swim) through the streets.

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