The election of Rick Kriseman as mayor ushered in a new era for LGBT equality in St. Pete. Not only was this straight mayor (unlike his predecessors) happy to march in the St. Pete Pride parade, he also named new liaisons to the gay community, Robert Danielson and St. Pete Police Lt. Marcus Hughes; issued a proclamation declaring strong support for LGBT issues, including marriage equality; and led the raising of a rainbow flag over City Hall during Pride Week. Rumor has it that St. Pete’s Municipal Equality Score from the Human Rights Campaign (which was disappointingly lower than Tampa’s in 2013) is going to go way up this year, and Mayor Kriseman, along with newly elected LGBT Councilmembers Darden Rice and Amy Foster and incumbent Steve Kornell, can take much of the credit.
People & Politics
Don Zimmer was one of the few Yankee or Red Sox players that Rays fans adored, and that’s because the effervescent, super-cuddly “Zim Bear” spent 10 years on our side as a coach and advisor. Zim — who died in June at the age of 83 — got a touching tribute when Rays broadcaster Todd Kalas announced his death during a game against the Miami Marlins. “I felt like I was getting a gift every time we talked,” Kalas said as he choked back tears. “Really sad news.” Deadspin ran this video clip of his remarks.
“This court concludes that a citizen’s right to marry is a fundamental right that belongs to the individual.” Those were the words of Judge Luis Garcia of the Monroe County Circuit Court, whose July ruling was the first in a slew of similar decisions by “activist judges” that may eventually wind up toppling the state’s anti-gay marriage amendment. Fun fact to rub in the face of John Stemberger Republicans: Garcia was appointed by Republican Governor Jeb Bush.
Runners-up: Water Works Park, more breweries
Runners-up: Vinoy Park (St. Petersburg), Crescent Lake Park (St. Petersburg)
