I try not to watch the president when he’s on TV. I’m sure somewhere there is an argument to be made that I should watch so I am informed, but I’d rather just read about the highlights. It’s like watching a comedian fail. I get uneasy, embarrassed for him and the country. Why is it so difficult to speak in coherent sentences?
Now I have this image of the commander in chief hugging the American flag while mouthing, what appears to be, the word “mama” at the Conservative Political Action Convention. This of course preceded an hours-long stream of consciousness oration that mimicked a cocaine-induced rant.I hate to get too wrapped up in politics on this page since I understand, like all communities, Watermark attracts both conservatives and liberals. I’d rather debate issues than people, but I find it impossible to believe that anyone could watch this man on TV and look up to him.
In this issue of Watermark we release the results of our annual Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence (WAVE). Rather than dwell on a perceived lack of presidential leadership, let’s celebrate our community and those that rise to the top.
It was a record-breaking year for voting in the WAVE Awards. Watermark supporters are asked to vote in two rounds, the first being our nomination round which launches every January. Readers are asked to fill in the blank for their favorites in roughly 50 categories. From that our team calculates the top three vote getters and launches our finalist round. Here, voters are simply asked to click on their favorites from the list of three.
From year to year, some of the categories change. We look at popularity of categories as well as reader suggestions to determine what will be asked the following year. I’m looking at you, DJs. We hear you. The one constant in this poll is that the results are 100 percent reader generated. The winners are truly your collective favorites.
Straying from tradition, our editorial team has decided this year to highlight some of their favorites in areas not voted on by readers. Keeping in that spirit I will be highlighting what stands out in our community for me.
I have the unique privilege of living in both Central Florida and Tampa Bay. A constant theme of excellence in both areas is the arts. The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and Straz Center for the Performing Arts both brought stellar performances to this season’s Broadway tour. Local performances are equally impressive. Blue and her talented Venue family put together more eclectic and amazing performances than what seems humanly possible. Tampa Bay’s glass art scene is a wonder of its own. The Imagine Museum highlights the history of glass art beautifully. The Morean Center offers you the opportunity to make your own glass art. One session with them and I was hooked.
Central Florida and Tampa Bay also feature great community leaders, who are often praised in these pages. This WAVE issue is no exception. It warms my heart to see Tampa’s Nancy and John Desmond getting so much recognition this year. In addition, rising stars are emerging as the future of the LGBTQ community. Impressive among them are QLatinx’s Christopher Cuevas. I recently sat on an advisory panel with Christopher and their passion for giving visibility to the nonbinary community was eye opening and impressive. Metro Inclusive Health’s Cole Foust is equally inspiring. His artistry and passion for community work gives me hope on the forward progression of the LGBTQ movement. Both are genuinely good people.
You can’t talk about excellence without saying that Central Florida and Tampa Bay are killing it when it comes to food. Trina Gregory’s baked goods at Se7en Bites are what inspired me to start baking. I can’t walk into her restaurant without buying five or six different treats. My Tampa Bay must eats are St. Pete’s Central Melt grilled cheese sandwiches and Old Key West’s fries. I can’t pick a favorite there; it’s like the ultimate “Sophie’s Choice.”
In addition to celebrating the best of the area, Watermark talks to “America’s Got Talent” contestant Jackie Evancho about her new album and her performance at Trump’s inauguration. In Central Florida news we announce the KindRED Pride Foundation and their plans for Red Shirt Pride Day at Disney. Tampa Bay news focuses on the closing of two more Hamburger Mary’s restaurants as well as the upcoming Manatee Pride. Our Last Page returns this issue with a focus on Watermark staff member Dylan Todd.
We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
