Dove Wimbish of the First United Church of Tampa rides a float and spreads the word of love. Credit: Chip Weiner
Dove Wimbish of the First United Church of Tampa rides a float and spreads the word of love. Credit: Chip Weiner
Following a 13-year hiatus, Tampa Pride returned to sunny skies, cool breezes and a rousing welcome from the City of Tampa and thousands of parade-goers from the LGBT community and their friends and allies. Grand marshals included soon-to-retire Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and Kurt King, Ybor city restaurateur and community leader. The parade marched down Seventh Avenue and lasted a little over an hour. The street festival, which went on all day, was held in Centro Ybor and along 8th Avenue between 14th and 17th streets.
There were a few moments of tension just before the parade when plumes of smoke rose over Seventh Ave. It turns out the smoke was from a mattress factory fire a few blocks east of the parade route which was extinguished in about 20 min. according to Tampa fire department officials. There was no delay of the parade and no one was injured.
Tension grew as smoke billowed over Seventh Ave. from a fire at a mattress factory just east of the parade route. Credit: Chip Weiner
Bryce, a dancer for Liquid Tampa, on Seventh Avenue. Credit: Chip Weiner
Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, who is scheduled to retire May 8, was one of the Grand Marshals for Saturday’s event. Credit: Chip Weiner
Randy Rodriguez, a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, entertains the crowd on Seventh. Credit: Chip Weiner
Angelic Hennquez and Autumn Berquist telling it like it is. Credit: Chip Weiner
The Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps, or ROTC. Credit: Chip Weiner
The good seats: Dozens cheer from the balcony of Hamburger Mary’s. Credit: Chip Weiner
Bob Buckhorn tries out a Boss Hoss motorcycle trike in the staging area. The mayor said just sitting on it was enough; he wasn’t quite ready to ride it. Credit: Chip Weiner
Co-Grand Marshal Kurt King, Ybor city restaurateur and community leader. Credit: Chip Weiner
Clerk of Hillsborough County Circuit Court Pat Frank, who was instrumental in performing the first gay marriages in Tampa, practices her bead-throwing technique. Credit: Chip Weiner
Rev Pressley Sutherland, senior pastor, Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa Bay. Credit: Chip Weiner
Una Voce, the Florida Men’s Chorale, perform on the Centro Ybor Courtyard stage. Credit: Chip Weiner
Mr. St. Pete Pride Aaron Phoenix performs in the courtyard at Centro Ybor. Credit: Chip Weiner
Desmin Secola and Jay Lee have been a couple for nine months. Credit: Chip Weiner
Ms. Tampa Pride Esme Russell performs on stage at Centro Ybor. Credit: Chip Weiner
Pamphlets with Ticket to Hell on one side and Ticket to Heaven on the other were distributed in front of Centro Ybor. Credit: Chip Weiner
Tom Hammond, Shadow, and Topher of the Tampa Leather Club on Seventh after the parade. Credit: Chip Weiner
