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Dishing with Mark & Carrie
4-02-04
Good Bye Old Friend & Thanks for the Memories!
The wrecking ball started to take down an old Gay Icon "OP"
in Tampa this week. Making way for a new 4 story office building and 3 story
parking garage on Kennedy Blvd. Back in the late 50's the club opened as
"Jimmy White's" later the club became "Cucujo's"
, a lesbian bar. In the late 70's early 80's the club became the famous
"Old Plantation" also known as "The OP." This
was the first Gay bar experience for a lot of people. This was one of
the places that we both went to when we first moved to Tampa.
It holds a lot of gay history too! Because of the beatings and
robberies at the bars a group formed the Bay Area Rights Council (BARC)
for gay awareness and political power. The group
was a forefront to Tampa Bay Pride and the political
organization, now known as Equality Florida. OP
even had it's own song remember "O-P, O-P, what fun for you & me ...." The
OP was also famous for the wild Sunday T-dance! Then the Texas
group purchased the club and the name became "Village Station."
They then did a huge remodeling addition and face-lift.
Complete with covered outside patio, over 12 urinals in the men's room, and
the two story cedar lined walled, dance floor with a fantastic dance sound
system, outrageous light show that dropped from the ceiling and all those
bartenders! I remember it being packed...always packed! After building
problems with the city the club closed and became other non gay clubs for the
past 12+ years. Maybe it's a good thing that they are taking the building down
.... That way the walls can't talk!!! Good Bye Old Plantation &
Thanks for the Memories!
Old "OP" coming down
Good Bye "OP" (left) Alan, former
bartender at "OP"
The Hottest Book in Town!
"Cigar City Mafia" a complete history of the Tampa
underworld by Scott M. Deitche. Everybody is talking about
this wild book. If you don't have your copy yet run to Borders today. The book
contains photos and stories of many people you will know! Including a Gay bar
owner of today! It's amazing how the much the Mafia liked & supported the Gay
Community and still do today. Back in college days (1980s) many of us worked
for the named families. We personally worked and knew the Scagliones
and Rodrigues.
Drag Idols
Thousands of dollars were raised this year for "Positive Life Force."
The grand finale was at Club Z109. Ms Amber, Sally and Mitch were
as gracious hosts as always. The judges were Terrell, Billy & David.
We might add that Billy looked fabulous in the silver
sequins! Behind the bar were Pickles & Darby. Chi Chi
leaned over and said that in her next life she wants to come back as
Darby's bar towel! We'll second that! All the trophies were donated
by a 5 year old super beauty Queen! This years winner is Debbie - Mr.
Waterside Landing 2nd & 3rd place went to Ms Lexie and Ms.
Jaye Chambers both from Grand Central Station.
Congratulation to all the pageant winners and to the biggest winner of all our
community!
Tea Cup & Jaye Chambers BT Pickles Ms Dafney
Tea Cup & Joan BT Darby
Lei Shannon
Vicky Lawrence performed her ONE woman show recently. The
second half of the show was Mama from the TV show Mama's Family.
Look who snuck back stage (Not dressed) with her husband for a photo...
Miss Lei Shannon. We understand that her fab Orlando store,
Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, is now open on Sundays and Staring
Page King. Check out her very fun web site at
www.ritzyrags.com
 Lei,
Vicky Lawrance & Lei's Husband
Up Coming Events
City of Imagination will presents "The Lawn Chair Literary Event"
with Tinamarie Hansen & Steven Regins April 18th at 2pm @
Clymer Park for more info visit
www.stevenregins.com . C.G. Mitchell, author of
"Marching to an Angry Drum, Gays in the Military" will be doing a book
signing at MC FILM FESTIVAL on Central Ave, May 1, 2-6PM.
The 15th annual Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
is coming October 7-17. Join their e-mail list today for all the exciting
details! Visit
www.tiglff.com
People are Talking
Last weekends fabulous T-dance was full of Spring breakers. A group were in
the middle of the dance floor playing spin the beer bottle. Who ever the
bottle pointed to had to dirty dance the rest. Of course Tea Cup
was playing! What a combination on Saturday Night at
Lunar, Leather Guys, Feathers to Leather Group,
AOL chat room 40+ Lesbians and a Wedding Party! Jay & his Lover
have started a new web site
www.idontlikethatbitch.com We can't wait to see whose photo's will be on
it next! Over at The Male Room Billy was not in the
buns contest...Thank Goodness! At City Side, showing off his voice
was Bartender Mike. Were those handcuffs we saw in your back
pocket or C rings? Beautiful bartender Linda was spotted with
a new bike GO MAMA LINDA! Special Congrats to Daniel
Harris on Tuaqua Bartender Award. Just in ... Clothing store,
Tops and Bottoms is leaving St. Petersburg.
A festive Saturday Night at Lunar
Mr Hot Daniel...Is that Real?
Singing bartender Mike
Spring Break Kids Linda on new
wheels
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