A close-up group shot captured with a wide-angle lens, creating a distorted, high-energy effect. The subjects are dressed in vibrant extraterrestrial costumes and makeup, standing in a dimly lit nightclub. A glowing neon "PHOTOS" sign and streaks of colorful light from a digital screen create a festive, party atmosphere in the background.
Partygoers at Cocktail in St. Petersburg, Florida on Dec. 31, 2025. Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

It’s not really the new year in the Tampa Bay area until a drag queen rappels down the wall of St. Petersburg’s most popular gay hotel. Thank god for Adriana Sparkle, bearded beauty of the Bay.

As the cock, I mean clock, struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, the queen who’s bucked the system since 2017 rang in 2026 as part of The Mari Jean, Cocktail and The Wet Spot’s UFO-themed, “Space Sluts Save the World” end-of-year throwdown.

Here’s everyone we saw partying. Happy new year everyone.

All photos by Dave Decker/Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

This article appears in Dec. 25 – 31, 2025.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...

Dave Decker is a songwriter and photographer living in Tampa Bay.