We are pleased to have researched and compiled a list of  Gay Bars in the Tampa Bay area and calling the collection, "The Bars That Were." This compilation of bars and 50 years of information was contributed to us by over 60 people and many bar owners. We want to thank them and hope that you enjoy this Special Edition.

Pride + Prelude = Theater

American Stage & Gypsy Productions, Inc present "A Night of Alternative Theatre...A Prelude to Pride." This event is part of St. Pete's Pride Festival to Benefit AIDS Services Association of Pinellas, Inc. The fun night of music & skits are all contemporary celebrating gay & lesbian experiences by 20 theater artist performing. The event will be Monday, June 20, Doors open at 6:30 and show at 7:30 pm and tickets are $15.00. FMI 727-823-PLAY.

Commissioners Against PRIDE

This issue is front of the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners in many different ways. Commissioner Rhonda Storms whose claim to fame is to be the one instrumental in rescinding the Human Rights Ordinance in the county. Gays don't need a voice! Her objection to having a "June is Gay Pride Month" in a display at one of our county public libraries is stirring into a much bigger fiasco! The over the top number of e-mails we received this week shows that the "I wanna replace Anita Bryant's face" is not very popular with the Tampa Gay Community!

In case you missed this article, I'm sure it's one that will boil your blood. Maybe a protest at the library could be organized!!

http://www.tampatrib.com/MGB89AUFQ9E.html

or contact

Hillsborough County Government Online - BOCC
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/about/contactus.cfm

Rhonda Storms

TIGLFF Summer Film Series

The 2nd movie of the TIGLFF Summer Film Series at The Palladium Theater in St. Pete will be Wednesday, June 22. This months movie is part of the ST. Pete Pride 2005 Festival Celebration. Showing will be " 29th & Gay" and a short ""Little Black Boot." A special treat will be the director of the film and lead actor will be there. Happy Hour starts at 6:00pm and the Movie begins at 7:30pm. FMI on tickets www.TIGLFF.com .

            "29th and Gay" writer/star James Vasquez and director/actress Carrie Preston (also of the hit film Straight Jacket) WILL ATTEND the TIGLFF premiere of this adorable film.



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"Dishing With Mark & Carrie "

Presents

A GLBT Community Pride Project
"Bars That Were"
191+ & Counting
Pride is a time to reflect.
But Remember
"Today is going to be the future's good old days!"
......Mark & Carrie

MC Film & Friends have put together this list of "Bars That Were"

Now we need the community's help & WELCOME your in put!

Tell us something about your favorite club and email us to be put into the clubs memories archives.

Example: See what Brian & Horst wrote about "The Wedgewood"
We will then post everything on www.MCFILMFEST.com

Please send your memories, additions & corrections to
MCFILMFEST@aol.com
THANK YOU

The Knotty Pine - Tampa 1940's

Disclaimer

All this information is just for fun. We have no idea if it's true or not. When collecting the info we talked with friends, club patrons, bartenders, club owners. Many times they had completely different memories of what had happened. As one person said, "We never went to that club because it was full of old people. Today I realize that we were 21 & old was 30!"

Community Trivia

What Club has moved the most times?
The KIKIKI wins moved 3 times & open one satellite in St. Pete
It's a tie for #2 - The Tampa Eagle moved 3 times & Baxters moved 3 times.

What is the oldest Bar?
The KIKIKI III. #2 oldest is The Pro Shop in Clearwater and is the oldest bar in one location.

What building has had the most Gay Bars located in it?

The winner with 7 names.

Peppers in Gulfport was: ... Cheshire Cat, Kats, Puzzles, Vaughan's Box Office, Twins, Sharp A's & now Peppers & soon to be changed again soon.
A close number 2 with 6 name changes is... The building next to the dog track on Gandy.
Chaps, Copa, Spectrum, The Saint, Benders, Club de Nile

What was the code word bartenders used at the gay bars for a possible police raid?

"Ms Kennedy is coming"

What was the police vice squad motto in the 1950's & 1960's?

"Don't Ask - Don't Tell"

What Performer has performed at the most Gay or Lesbian Clubs in Florida? & Can name them all?
"Judy B. Goode" has performed at 100+ Clubs & is still going strong & is still remembering more!
A.J's (Jacksonville), Apple's Way, Artie's North and Artie"s South (WPB), Backroom Bar, Backstreet, Baxter's, Bedrocks, B.G's(WPB), BJ's, Bleachers (WPB), Blue Jeans, Blue Lagoon, Bobbie V's, Bo's Coral Reef (Jacksonville), Borders, Bottom Line (Fort Meyer), BT's, Cellar Pub (Homosassa), Cherokee Club, Cherry Grove(Miami), Cheshire Cat, Christopher Street (Sarasota), City Lights, Club Chada (Sarasota), Club Caribbean,(Fort Lauderdale), Connection(Ocala), Cove, David's, Dockside, Donnie's club 422, Donnie's Club International, Donnie's Tropical Restaurant and Bar 801(key west) 1470 West, 5101(wpb), 416 (Key West), Flamingo, Foolish Beat, Frankley Scarlett (Fort Walton), Full Moon Saloon, Garbo's (Delray beach), Gold Coast Bar(Fort Lauderdale), Grand Central Station, Inn Exile(wpb), Katzz, K&E (WPB), Keith's, Kevin's Cabaret(wpb), Kim's Club, Kodiak Pub(Orlando), Kozlow's Libation's (Fort Lauderdale), Lighted Tree, Lost and Found, Lu'Lu'Place (Delray Beach), Lovey's Pub (Holiday), Malibu's (WPB), Melody Club (Gainesville), MC Film, Ms Behavin (WPB), New Connection, Northside, Oar House, Oasis, Paradise Parliament House, Pepper Tree, Phil's Place Camp Ground(Reddick), Planet MC, Pro Shop, Rainbow, Rascal's, Ricky J's (Sarasota), Roosters (wpb), Roosters(Sarasota), Roy's, Green Parrot, Sahara, Saucy's, Sharp A's, Sherman's (wpb), Silks, Skippers, Sports Page, Stars, Suncoast Resort, The Coffee Shop (wpb), The Stud (Fort Lauderdale), Tracks, Triangles, Uncle Walt's (Orlando), Vault VIP Lounge, You are Cabaret. Judy was also the warm up act, in 1987, for "Helen Reddy" at Tampa Pride. Also performed at various Tampa prides, St. Pete Pride, Orlando & New orleans Prides & Daytona Beachfest. & "The Reggis & Kathy Lee Show", & Many more straight clubs! Go Judy

"Bars That Were"

421 Salon
Located on Mac Dill Ave in Tampa owned by Bill. Today is "The Rainbow"

1470 Annex
In Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. Closed in 1997. Later become "Kim's Club." Today it's the upscale straight club "Bahasa Lounge."

Angel's
In Tampa located on South Dale Mabry. Closed in 1998. Today is "The Male Room"

Apple's Way
location Central Ave Later became DT's

Azaelea Gardens
In Tampa

Babylon
see "Rascal's"

Backstage

Located on Nebraska Ave Left of Beares Ave. Tampa

Backstreet Mall
Originally opened in Clearwater in the 80's. "Tony H." was a bartender there. Connected to it was a bar called "The Boy's Next Door." Many famous Acts preformed there such as "The Original Village People", "Eartha Kitt", "Divine" "The Weather Girls" And "Judy B. Goode" !!!This whole complex moved to 5th St North in St. Pete, closed in 1987. Owners Mick now lives in Orlando & Marge has passed away.

Baxter's 1, 2 & 3
First opened on S. Dale Mabry then the building was knocked down (today is the Verizon Store) Sandy Moody sang here. Then move in to "Moody's" on South Dale Mabry, Then closed & "Angelo" bought the name & opened where it is today.

Bedrox
On the beach in Treasure Island. Closed in 1997. A one of a kind building designed to with stand hurricanes.

Benders
See "Chaps"

Boy's Next Door, The
Located next to "Backstreet Mall" closed in 1987

Blue Jeans
Located on Gandy Blvd. Closed in 2004. Crazy Billy is still around to day. At "The Male Room" Also see "Rainbow"

Blue Diamond, The

Elegant dance and showbar on First Ave S. in in St.
Pete. The night of its grand opening the line to get in wound around
the block. Frankie DeLee, show director brought in stars from around
the country. Closed in 1980. Rand Hall worked the door and her partner was the
hostess.

Blue Mirror

See "Fuzzy Mouse"

Blue Moon Saloon
See "Rafters"

Bobby V's
Located on Cypress. Owned by "Uncle Tom Barcia" who played the organ & had fish fries! Today it's an office building.

BOY

Located on the Franklin Street Mall in Tampa

Brass Rail
Located in Tampa Photos of Bobby Smith & Female impersonators Tommy & Jackie Maye 1949. Was not a Gay bar. It was a stripper bar. Might have had drag in on occasions.

Bridge Club
After hours bottle club located on Hillsborough Ave in Tampa behind the airport. With tinfoil ceilings and Christmas lights for color. Located in an industrial park, and if you stayed early enough into the morning, you would see workers working in their warehouses. Famous for Halloween Party by the Pharoes. Closed in the 90's.

Brigg, The
A leather bar see "Northside" - "Joey's", today "Flings On Florida"

Brothers
In St. Pete on 5th Street. Closed years ago. Known for its cruising & disco bar

BT's
Located at 7737 Grand Blvd. in Port Richey. Is now called "Waterside Lounge"

BJ's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. In Tampa. BJ was the mother of all lesbians! Judy B. Goode came out there one night. BJ also owner of the "Oasis." Anybody know where she is today? Darlen said that she saw her & she is doing good.

Buns
Located a couple blocks behind the "KIKIKI III" on Kennedy. It was the old "Carousel" on Platt Street.

BVD's
Located on Busch Blvd. in Tampa. The BVD clothing company threatened to sue if they didn't change the name, so the name was changed to "Boys Video Dance." The Gay Men's Chorus...performed a Holiday concert 1991. It was quite busy for a short time until someone shot a bullet thru the club. Closed in 1992.

Carousel
Opened in 1960's in Tampa on Platt Street. Early days was quite the popular dance place. Later years Famous Porn Star "Joey Stefano" was arrested there. Ceasar ran it in the 60's. The liquor license came from the Desoto Hotel when the hotel closed.

Castle, The

Located in Ybor. MC Film & Manny did a Billy Doll coming out party here.

Casablanca

A women's bar on Bay Pines Blvd in St. Pete, open for about
a year in the early to late 80s.

Chantilly Lace

Located between Fowler & Fletcher on Nebraska Ave. Popular drag club. Next to the Todd Theater.

Chaps
Was a country western bar originally located in Pinellas Park on 49th Street. Then moved to Gandy Blvd. by the dog track. We think this was the first in a long chain of clubs. "Coppa", "Spectrum," "The Saint", "Benders", "Club de Nile"

Cherokee Club
Located at 1320 E 9th Ave in Ybor. It was an upscale New Orleans style women's club. Managed for 7 years by Darlen.

Chrome
Located at 901 N. Franklin St in Tampa. Closed in 2004

City Limits, The New
Located in Brandon

City of Night's

A Bottle club. on Fletcher & Nebraska. Chic Hodges & Jeff owners. Gilda Golden was the MC there

City Side - Neptune
Originally located on Neptune Ave in Tampa. Today they have a new look and are located in the former "Jungle"

Clock

After hours men's club , 26th and 34th St South

Club

1113 Central Ave in St Pete, was the Red Devil. An older crowd but had disco dancing

Club 325

See 1470 Bar in Dunedin. Changed to 1470

Club 2606

In 1988 it changes owners & became "2606" that it is today.

Club, The
Located downtown St. Pete on Central Ave. Closed in the 80's.

Club Central
A fun show bar 26th St and Central Ave in St. Pete that
closed in 1980.

Club de Nile
Famous for it's beds! See "Chaps"

Club Mercedes
Located in Clearwater. The current club owner Chris of "Valentine's" opened this club in 1999 or 2000. The become "Male Box"

Club NRG
Located in Ybor City. Managed by Darlene.

Club Train Station

In Tampa?

Copa
"The Copa" was where "Chaps" (by the dog track on Gandy Blvd.) was. "The Copa" was well known for it's Sunday T-dance. It turned into "The Saint," then "Benders," then "Club de Nile." Today is a straight stripper bar. See "Chaps" also some where in here it was once called "Spectrum."

Cork and Kettle, The
Located in Osprey.
Glenn writes:
There was a bar in the late 60's called the "Cork and Kettle" in Osprey
(below Sarasota) that a lot of us went to because it was really a
restaurant so you could get in under 21 if you went early enough to get
a sandwich before they started checking ID's at night

Cove, The
Located in Tampa on Henderson. Closed in the early 90's. Remember Larry Forman and his gravely voice! "The Cove" changed owners and became "The Wet Spot." Later, it became "The Jungle," complete with a big tree behind the bar. Today it is the new "City Side" also known as "CS."

Crystals

Located on Central Ave in St. Pete. Closed in the 70's owner Billy Glasser & Jelord Black

Cucujo's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. See "Jimmy Whites"

Dallape's
Located on Main Street in Dunedin closed in the 90's. then became the 1470 West. which closed in 2004.

David's
Located on Gunn HWY. in Carrollwood - Tampa run by Larry Montgomery, who had run the original "Spurs" later the original "Impulse" located on the 1st floor of "Spurs" which later became "The Eagle" then burnt down.

Davy Jone's Locker
Located in St. Pete Beach in the 70's. Famous for drag shows. The Famous "Jewel Box Review" performed there. Mark from MC Film has one of the performers autograph.

Denny's
OK this was not a Gay bar but should have been. Located on Kennedy Blvd. at the Hillsborough River. Where the gay patrons would help themselves to the coffee pots. Across the street was the University of Tampa Dorm. Today it's the Tampa tribune. Across the river is going to be the new Trump Tower. Denny's a vacant lot next to the Tampa Tribune.

Dock Side
In Lakeland

DT's
Located on Central Ave in St. Pete. Owned by Wayne. Today it is "The Grand Central Station - the Platform" See "Stuffed Peppers" - "Apple's Way" -

Duece, The
Located in Tampa just north of the interstate in Tampa Heights. Owners Nick & Abe Closed in the 90's.

Eagle, The
Not to be confused with "Tampa Eagle" this club was located in the "Spurs" building - Ybor City

El Goya/ Tracks/ Pleasure Dome
Located in Tamp's Ybor City on 7th Ave. It burned in the 70's then reopened, Later it became "Tracks", then "Pleasure Dome". Bill Grey & partner ? ,orginal owners of "The Parliment House" owned "The El Goya" till the fire. In 1978 Frank & Bob Fornier became the owners. It was best known for it's Tuesday Nights!!!



      Memory:  I just remembered that during El Goya's heyday, there was a drag club that opened up around four blocks east on 7th, on a nw corner of the intersection. It starred Tissie Malone, Stephanie Shippae's "cousin", and she was one of the first queens to get implants (she had named them). The bar burned down.
Horst

Engine Room, The
Located on downtown St. Pete. Closed in the 80's. Owned by famous local attorney Bob Pope Before "Engine Room "it was called "Kitty's.

Fantasy

Lesbian club on 14095 North Nebraska

Flamingo
Located in downtown Clearwater. Closed in the 80's. Was a nice little bar restaurant.

Factory, The
A large dance club with 2 clubs & VIP Room. Had Tampa Pride there in 1997 after a mixup with the Port Athority over liquor sales. Also see "Parthenon"

Flavour
In Ybor City. Not around too long.

Fire House Pub, the
Located in a Mall at Busch & Florida. The owner was killed in his car behind. Closed early 80's. Rodney who worked at "The University Restaurant" did a male strip on top of the bar on his 30th Birthday There.

Foolish Beat
On Park Ave in Seminole. A women's bar with live entertainment

French Connection

9610 Gulf Blvd in Treasure Island

Full Moon Salon
Open a very short time. Located in the Tampa Eagle #1. See "Impulse"

Fungi's
On Grand central in Tampa where the Save Rite is today.

Fuzzy Mouse

Opened in the late 70's on Howard & Armenia in Tampa. aka "Blue Mirror"

Garage, The
The "Garage" after "Parthenon" then "The Factory" where Boy George Performed in concert.

Gate, The

It was the bar upstairs at Spaghetti Palace. In the early 1960's a police raid and charged people for being deviant at an establishment. There was a code the  bars had if they knew of an upcoming police raid. The bartenders said, " Miss Kennedy was on the way." This was in reference to what some thought President Kennedy might be gay and was the gay reference to being raided. Also it represented the bad sentiment of Provincetown's gay bars being raided and closed in the 60's by US Attorney General Robert Kennedy.

Golden Anchor

Located in Tampa at Hesperdes & Kennedy

Golden Arrow, The
Located on Gandy Blvd. Closed in late 2001. Very popular patio and home to a number of gay organizations. Today it's a vacant lot.

Grand Central

Located in Central Ave 11th in St. Pete where the police station is today.

Green Parrot
Located at 1030 E. Main St in Lakeland. For years was one Floridas oldest Gayclubs. Today it's called "Pulse"

Gus N' Lil's
Owned by the original owners of "Knotty Pine" on Henderson. Started out straight but when they weren't making much money tried to turn it gay. Nobody really went back.

Horny Bull, The
Tampa's real first drag bar, where Gilda, Roxanne, Kim, Bobbi, Sandi Cher, Eve Starr, and so many others got their start. The club didn't even have a liquor license!

Howard Ave Station
located at 3003 North Howard Ave. Opened December 1987. Closed in 1995 after a famous drug raid. DIVINE did a Tampa appearance, in Feb. of 1988, two weeks later she died. (She also appeared at Backstreet Mall in Clearwater.) A Great Dance Club!!! Remember Claudia?

Impressions

Dance club

Impulse (Same name two different Clubs & owners years apart.)
Originally located on the first floor of "Spurs" in Ybor. Then another Club (not related) , years later, called "Impulse" opened on S. Nebraska Ave. Later became "Tampa Eagle," "Full Moon Salon" and then "Rain."

In Town Lounge

105 Garden Ave, Clearwater, very cruisy

Jack's 809
On Pass-a-grille. Was around in the late sixties. The Hurricane, a well known straight restaurant bar now stands in it's place.

            Memory: Sue, my aunt's partner, e-mailed me:

I wrote a blurb about Jack's 809 in the early 70's when I bartended there.......that's the bar I "came out" in.......St. Pete Beach.....open air during the day and "mixed"......gay at night........had to be buzzed in......"Joy to the World" was the first song I danced to with another woman........Scared shitless at the time. Glenn White

Jeremy's

In St. Pete after "Westside" before KIKIKI 4

Jimmy White's
Early sixties which later became a lesbian bar "Cucujo's." This then became "The Old Plantation", "The Village Station"

A 1959 Wedding at Jimmy Whites

Joey's
See "Northside", now "Flings" on Florida.

Jungle, The
See "The Cove"

Katzz

In St. Pete, held Miss PrideFest Pageant 1987 there.

Keith's Garage
Located in north Tampa today it's called "Keith's Bar"

Kim's Club
Located on Kennedy Ave. A women's Magic club. Owned by Kim Magic. See "Annex"

Kitty's
See "Engine Room"

KIKIKI 1, 2, 3, 4
The oldest Gay Bar in Town!!!
First opened downtown Tampa next to the bus station. Then move to a new location downtown, Where they had a restaurant, which took over breakfast chaos from the infamous "Denny's" on Hillsborough River. Then moved again to Kennedy Blvd. Once opened up a second location in St.Pete in the old "Westside Lounge location". Today it's still owned by Caesar the brother of Rene Rodriguez who owned "Rene's" on Kennedy.

Knotty Pine, The
One of the first Gay bars opened in the 50's in Tampa. It became the original KIKIKI

Pictures from The Knotty Pine.

Kozy Korner

New Port Richey on South Blvd

Lighted Tree, The
In Pass-a-grille Beach. Brian Feist, Editor of the Gazette, bartended here 1988-189, along with Katrina Miller (she does Sign Laguage intep at area events now) & Jean Wright, who we think now lives in Key west. This was one of the best beach bars ever!

Lilly Langtrees
Open 1980 close in 1984 located downtown Clearwater next to the bus station. Club owner named Gabby ( Famous Lady who wore chop sticks in the bun of her hair) See later passed away and the her family close the bar. Silks would later open in 1988 in this location.

Lost & Found
See "Triangles"

Male Box

See "Club Mercedes"

Mai Thai, The
In the early 80's it was a Gay Hotel on Clearwater Beach. It's the birth place of "Balcony Bingo." Today it's a Day's Inn

Mango's
In Clearwater on US 19. Closed in 1997 Originally opened as "Rocky's"

Margie's
Located on Kennedy Blvd. Tampa a women's club. Sharon Romero that managed the club now lives in New Orleans.

Marilyn's Closet
In St. Pete on 4th Street North. Today it's the "Hideaway"

Mariposa
Located in Redington Beach. Closed in 1997

Matrix
See "Rascals"

Mecca

At the Castle in Ybor City Sunday Nights

Meeting Place, The
Downtown Clearwater by the court house. 70's until early 80's. The Flamingo Bar and Grill would later open in this location in 1987.

Mike's Pub
See "Village Inn Lounge. Today is "KIKIKI III"

Moody's
In Tampa first on Moody Ave. Then moved to S. Dale
Mabry & joined up with "Baxters." Today it's a Lowes parking lot.

New Connection, The
Located in St. Pete on 31st street. Today it's "Georgie's Alibi."

Northside Lounge
In Tampa on N. Florida Ave. Then became "The Brigg", Then "Joey's" Today it's called "Flings on Florida"

Oasis

Located in Tampa on Dale Mabry. Closed in 1997. Owned by BJ & was a ladies bar.

Ocean Club, The
Located on Clearwater Beach

Ohio Bar
Torn down in the 70's and replaced by the GTE Building. located at Polk Street, one block from the "Ohio" was the "KIKIKI 2"

Old Plantation (The OP)
Opened 1978 located on Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Closed in the 80's. Later became "Village Station." 2003 was knocked down and today is an office building. Also see "Jimmy Whites"

Mark & Carrie of MC Film Write:

The year was 1980 and we had just moved to Tampa. Our friend Steve Buck from Minneapolis was visiting and we drove his new car to "OP" for the best T-Dance in town & parked the car on behind the club on North "A" Street. Leaving the club, Carrie jumped in the back seat & Steve in the drivers seat. Mark getting into the front passengers seat noticed that the windshield was broken. Just then a guy came out of the bushes & said "You boys have a problem?" Mark said "Ya somebody smashed the windshield" The guy said "O, now your going to get robbed get down on the grass" pointing a gun. Mark who had a couple of cocktails said "If you want to rob somebody do it when they are going into the bar not coming out of a bar!" Then sat down in the car & closed the door. Steve & Carrie didn't know all this was going on. Mark said in a calm voice "Steve start the car now!" The guy jumped on the front hood of the car pointing the gun. Marks said "Steve punch it in reverse" he did & the gun went off & the guy fell off the hood. The police tried to find the guy, but he got away. Now for the real strange part! Seven years later Mark & Carrie bought their 1st house on the same street 5 doors from where this happened!

Other End, The

Rand Hall writes:

A cozy women's beer, wine and juke joint on Maderia
Beach that was popular for many years. Bartenders included Yancy and
D.J. Local women's bands, Buffalo Shoes, Silk Heat and others, as well
as out-of-town performers, often played there. It was torn down in the
80's and replaced by a marine supply store.

Other Side, The
Located at 5571 4th St n in St. Pete. This club just went up for sale.

Officers Club, The
Located on the North end of the Franklin Street mall in Tampa. When you entered the club you were greeted by a jeep with head lights. Our dear Metropolis bartender Jack Saver worked here.

Papillions

Mixed gay bar on W. Hillsborough Ave

Paradise
Located in North Tampa on Nebraska Ave. Drag bar. Closed in the 90's

Paradox
Located at 3003 North Howard Ave in the old "Howard Avenue Station"

Parthenon
In downtown Tampa. Later became "The Factory," then "Garage."

Pelicans
Located on 22nd & Broadway about same time as "El Goya"

Pleasure Dome
Located in Ybor See "El Goya" & "Tracks"

Puzzles
In Gulfport on Gulfport Blvd. later became "Sharp A's" now "Peppers"

Rafters
Located 2 blks away earlier. Then moved to 66st & 54th Ave N. Then became "Blue Moon Saloon" and today is "Fox & Hounds"

Rain
Located in Tampa in the former location of the "Tampa Eagle" See "Impulse."

Rainbow
In St. Pete on Gandy Blvd. and then US 19. The Gandy location became "Blue Jeans" & today is "The Frat House."

Rainbow Club, The

Located in The harbor House on the River in Tampa. Was a Black Lesbian Club. Later became "Tampa Eagle #3"

Rascals
Located on MLK in Tampa. Formally was "MR. C's" Asian Food. Closed in 1999. Later became "Matrix" then "Babylon"

Razzle

A Gay bottle club on Beares Ave.

Red Apple Restaurant, The

Not a Gay bar but should have been. The after hours breakfast place. Located on S. Dale Mabry. In the 80's there was a drive by shooting there & killed a person sitting in a window booth. It has been re-modeled many times and to day is Fred Fleming's BBQ .

Red Devil

See Club

Red Zone, The
Located downtown Tampa, the building was Club XS now where Temple is at Diesel.

Rene's
Opened 1972 in Tampa on Kennedy Blvd. This was once Tampa premier drag club, under the watchful eyes of Rene himself and his brother Ceasar. this is also where our favorite Reno bartended. Reno today is at "Metropolis."

Rendezvous

Located on Central & 16th in St. Pete. Closed in 1958

Rocky's
Opened on US 19 in Clearwater. Later became "Mangos"

Rodney's

The restaurant located in "Spurs"

Rumors

mens gay bar located 4502 South Dale Mabry

Sahara
Located at 4643 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Was also known as Backside Club. To day it's a liquor store. A Famous woman's club.

Saint, The
See "Chaps"

Saucy's
Located on Gulf to Bay in Clearwater. Closed in the mid 80's. Today it's a Amscot Building

Sharp A's
Located at 4918 Gulfport Blvd. in Gulf Port named after the owners 2 Sharp A's dogs. Was originally called "Cheshire Cat" then "Kats" some where in there it was called "Puzzles" Today is "Peppers."

Sherwood, The
In downtown St. Pete on Beach Drive across the street from the St. Pete Yacht Club It was attached via dumbwaiter to "10 Beach Drive" next door. The decor was campy Sherwood Forest murals & heavy velvet drapery. Owned by two successive straight couples. Mary & Joe then Ed & Sharon. David Wood, a large & jolly person was a very popular pianist there. He was later killed in a car accident near Sebring, FL.

Side Trax
In Clearwater on Gulf to Bay Blvd. It was a video/stripper club. TODAY it is a CHRISTIAN BOOK STORE!

Silks
Infamous short lived video bar 1988 until 1990. Best know for it's $4.00 Sunday Beer Bash ( "All You Can Drink And Not Tip" LOL !!! as Tony H. remembers )
Today it is a "Emily's" Restaurant.

Spaghetti Palace

On with another club " The Gate" above in St. Pete Beach, Joe & Mary were owners of this gay club. Later they owned the Sherwood.

Spurs
A leather bar located in Ybor. To get to the wild second floor you went up the fire escape on the building next door, the walked across the roof to the balcony on front of the building. This club also had a restaurant on the first floor and coffee shop on the side. Later this building burned down. Today the walls are still standing. Tom Lewis name keeps popping up?

Spectrum
See "Chaps"?

Stars
Located on North Dale Mabry. Was the first Gay sports bar. Owned by Michael. Closed in the 80's

Solar
Located on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa. Was a FAB 2 level dance club. Closed in 1997

Southern Nights
Located east of El Goya in a two story building.

Sporter's Bar

In Sarasota

STINGERS

Levi leather Bar on Central Ave in Sarasota

Stuffed Pepper, The
Located on Central Ave. Later it became "DT's." Some where before it was "Apple's Way"Today its "The Grand Central Station & the Platform"

Sundaze
Located in downtown St. Pete. Lady's T-dance Closed in 2003

The Last Picture Show
In Lakeland behind a restaurant. You enter thru the alley.

Tiffany's

Located in Holiday. Closed in 2001

Tip A Few

Located in Holiday. Frank of "Frank & Tony's" worked here

TJ's Upper Deck

Main Street Bar & Restaurant

Tracks
Located in Ybor Grace Jones performed here in 1994 & Carrot Top was back stage with her. . See "El Goya"

Tampa Eagle 1, 2 & 3
Channel Side, Then Franklin Street, then Harbor House on the river in Tampa. See "Impulse"

Tradewinds

Located on Central Ave. between 2nd & 3rd. on north side.

Triangles
Located on Roosevelt. Then it became "Lost & Found", then "Lost Boys" & today it

"Club Z 109"

Trolley Stop

In Ybor City 1 block west of El Goya in Ybor City. Opened in the mid 90's.

Tropic's
A Restaurant Bar located at 2801 S. MacDill Ave in Tampa. Mark & Carrie celebrated their 25 anniversary there. The popular Mgr was Charlie. Closed in 2003. Today it's a medical building.

Tropical Heatwave

In Tampa , 1987 held Tampa's Pride Night there 1987.

Turtle Club
Located in Clearwater by the airport. This was a straight club that was Gay on Sundays & Tuesday. It was later torn down.

Twins

See Sharp A's

Uncle Charlie's

Located in downtown St. Pete in the early 80's. A women's bar with pool tables.

Vaughan's Box Office

Yacht Club

on US 19 at Gulf to Bay Blvd , dance club and restaurant

Village Inn Lounge
Where KIKIKI III is now Originally "Mike's Pub", they changed the name when "O.P." went to "Village Station"

Village Station, The
Located on Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. See "Old Plantation" and "Jimmy White's"

Was the former "OP" on Kennedy Blvd. The bar complex was doubled with upper balcony around the dance floor. City officials would not grant a liquor permit to the newly constructed building and then closed mid 90's.

V.I.P.
Located in Treasure Island. this was a combination Mexican restaurant/Gay bar

Wedgewood, The
Located on 4th St South & 22nd Ave in St. Pete. The club was an old motel/restaurant. It had a large glassed in dance floor with lights in the palm trees out side. There was also a piano bar and a stream ran thru the courtyard.
Horst & Brian Write:
Hi again you super guys!
       FANTASTIC coverage! Remembered a lot, and some rekindled old flames.
I'd like to add to "The Wedgewood" that Grace Jones did her very first tour there 1978 (I have pics), entering the stage on motorcycle, and introducing her trademark "cat glasses". On her second tour there, she was carried in on a couch because she had broken her leg a few nights before at a show in Miami. Grace Jones' first tour, which took her to the Wedgewood, was in 1978. (I, of course, was a mere youngster working as a barback ).

Westside Lounge
Located at 4900 Central Ave in St. Pete. It closed in 2001 then became the "KIKIKI 4" which closed soon.

Wet Spot
Located on Henderson in Tampa. Closed in 1997. Also see "The Cove"

Was the former "OP" on Kennedy Blvd. The bar complex was doubled with upper balcony around the dance floor. City officials would not grant a liquor permit to the newly constructed building and then closed mid 90's.

You Are Cabaret
Located on Kennedy Blvd. just east of "The OP". It was a small neighborhood gay bar

Zoo, The

Located in Palm Harbor on US 19 & Klosterman. Closed in 2001

                      Where are they now?
Did you work or party at any of these clubs?
Add your name to the e-mail list today.
Somebody out there might be waiting to renew an old friendship!

Gilda Golden now lives up in North Carolina  Jurassicblonde@aol.com

Judy B. Goode   JuGoo7@aol.com
Famous Cabaret Singer Performer www.JudyBGoode.com

Kim Magic 813-833-2931

Mark (Tea Cup) & Carrie   mcfilmfest@aol.com
Owners of MC Film Festival, Mark a famous local bartender & stilt walker

In Closing
We are hoping to put this list of memories into some Gay Archives. We hope that Bill Ragan & Rex Maniscalco, who have taken so any photos could put something together also. Good luck to Gilda who says she is writing a book. Ric Castillo had hundreds of videotapes from all the shows he had been in and choreographed, but when he died his family wanted to wait to give any away. Now they have moved. Hopefully the tapes haven't been destroyed, and maybe someone out there is in touch with the family. These tapes would be a treasure to remember the 70's & 80's.

This was mostly bar history, but there is also activist history too. Believe it or not, mostly starting with the USF Gay Coalition in the late 70's early 80's. But that's another story......

A Special THANK YOU! for Your Support & Input:
Horst & Brian, Lloyd, Sonny & Steve, Tony & Buddy, Judy B. Goode, Larry Wilson, Wayne P. of DT's, Rex Maxiscalco, Mike & Will, Keith Frey, Bill Hewes, Chris @ Valentines, Darlene @ Flirt, Jack Sarver & Dan K., Gilda Golden, Glenn W, Bobby Smith & Kay Thompson, Danny Valdez, Victor & George, Brian Feist, Kim Magic, Rand Hall, Ms Sue, Spencer, Johnathan & Nate, Tom Barcia & Mark, The KIKIKI Group,   Anonymous Persons,   & the Internet

THANK YOU ALL!
Mark & Carrie

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Dishing with Mark & Carrie

MC Film Festival

1628 Central Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-894-6233 Central Ave. Store
727-866-0904 Suncoast Resort Store
Web site: www.mcfilmfest.com

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