Mark's List Florida: Accommodations  «Bars & Nightclubs «Classifieds «Dining Guide & Reviews «Fashion,  Style & Fitness «Home, Garden & Galleries «Real Estate 
marks list jumponmarkslist marks gay south florida miami beach sobe fort lauderdale key west  lesbian south florida fl list winter festival white party week hotels accommodations lodging restaurants retailers bars nightclubs nightlife jump on marks list pridefest fl lgbt glbt travel tampa st petersburg orlando gay days gay disney
Susbribe to Mark's Email List and the best of Mark's List delivered to your inbox.
Out With Scott Gay Lesbian Entertainment Column Bars Clubs Nightclubs Florida Miami Beach Fort Lauderdale Tampa Orlando Key West St Petersburg The Mad Paparazzi Gay Lesbian Party Photos Bars Clubs Nightclubs Florida Miami Beach Fort Lauderdale Tampa Orlando Key West St Petersburg At The Movies Gay Lesbian Film Theater Theatre Reviews Show Times Florida Miami Beach Fort Lauderdale Tampa Orlando Key West The Art Of Life Gay Lesbian Theater Theatre News Music Florida Miami Beach Fort Lauderdale Tampa Orlando Key West FL
Book of Tens, Gay Lesbian Top Ten Lists, Florida, LGBT
 

   Find a Gay Hotel or Resort on Mark's List

Mark's List Out With Scott Gay Lesbian Bar Nighclub Guide News Hotels Florida Fort Lauderdale Miami Orlando Tampa Key West

   
 
Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail Upcoming Events
Mark's List Sponsor

On Wednesday Jan 30th Scandals Saloon presents Andy’s Birthday (of 2 men on a mic) celebration. They invite you to come celebrate with Andy, Ric and the whole Karaoke gang. 

North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin invites you to a fundraiser in support of Florida Red & Blue Thursday, January 31, from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Amoretto Restaurant, 738 NE 125 Street (Free Parking on South Side). Free Hors D’oeuvres and wine.  Florida Red and Blue is a nonpartisan, independent campaign to protect all Floridians by defeating an intrusive amendment to the Florida Constitution that will take away important rights from all non-married Floridians. www.floridaredandblue.com Please RSVP to scott@scott-galvin.com. Visit www.scott-galvin.com for more details. 

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show runs from January 31st to February 4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Over 1000 national and international exhibitors will be exhibited from London, Paris, Rome, Beverly Hills, Milan New York, Geneva, Tokyo, Munich, Brussels, Vienna, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Sydney (Australia, and much more.: $15.00 for all five days. Information: 239-732-6642 or visit: www.dmgantiqueshows.com 

On Friday, Feb 1st, Noche Latina Fridays presents a Mardi Gras/ Carnaval celebration. Come and get your beads!!!The Show will star house divas Erika Norell, and Alyssa Kartiar, and special guests. In the Main Room DJ Juan Carlos  will be spinning the best mix of Salsa, Merengue, Raggaeton, Bachata, Cumbia, Brazilian and the hottest Latin sounds. Doors open at 9pm, and they feature FREE DRINKS from 9 till 11pm, $5 Mojitos and Caprihanis all night long, FREE Parking for over 300 cars, Huge Patio, and the Hottest Latin Go Go Papi’s from 11pm till close. Noche Latina Fridays is now held at Steel Nightclub.

Torpedo

On Saturday, February 2 DJ Sol brings his eclectic mix of house, dance and rare grooves to Fresh at Torpedo.  Fresh is Torpedo’s monthly party showcasing new DJ talent and new music.  Fort Lauderdale muscle-bears will be out in full force as DJ Sol is the resident DJ for the popular Wooffest pool parties. So put on your dancing shoes and claim your place on the dance floor at the city’s hottest monthly event.  And be warned…next week Torpedo pulls out all the stops as they celebrate their 3-year anniversary with three unforgettable parties! Stay tuned next week for more details. As usual the party starts at midnight and goes until the early hours of Sunday morning.  Torpedo is THE place for after-hours in Fort Lauderdale.  With boozing, cruising and dancing all on offer you are sure to end your night right! 

Flash Saturdays at Steel presents a special event entitled “Men, Beads and Flesh, A Mardi Gras Event” on Saturday Feb 2nd.  The night will star DJ Angelo Kortez spinning in the main room and DJ T-Promix spinning in the Hip Hop video lounge as well as Mizz Cori as your hostess and shows by TP Lords and Erika Norell. 

Georgie’s Alibi Wilton Manors

Super Bowl Sunday "Gay Tea Cruise!" is on Sunday, February 3rd starring Electra as Bette Midler and featuring Deja, Rod Stephens and the other hot boys. (Note: 3 - 6 P.M. is Pre Game) The after cruise kickoff party is at Georgie’s Alibi Wilton Manors w/ a free buffet at half time. Other upcoming "Tea Cruise" produced events: Sunday, February 10 & 17  Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from 2-5pm.

On Tuesday February 5th Planeta Macho at Score presents "Rio Carnival Party" Starring DJ George Ferrero, with Drums by Javier Sainz, Samba Dancers around the stage and a midnight show by Terisita as Carmen Miranda. The night will also feature $6 Caipirinhas cocktails all night long.

Tuesday, February 26 "Joe Posa Poses" at Lips featuring Joe as Joan, Liza, and Barbara.  Dinner is at 5pm with show time at 6:30. The cost is $36.50 in advance. Sunday, March 2nd, is the next Monthly "Tea Cruise!" To reserve now for any of these events call Peter 954-649-1107.

Intoxiskate

This Tuesday, February 5th, DJ Daniel Kristopherre takes over Intoxiskate as guest DJ.  Get your friends out for a night of great music, skating, and fun.  Doors open at 8pm with $3 beers and $4 drinks all night long.

MDGLCC and Ultra/Pandora Events presents the monthly Women's Networker from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 7 at Chamber Member Shin Wellness; 4500 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 202 Miami . This is a great way to network and meet professional women in our community. Shin Wellness offers both Chiropractic and Spa services in a comfortable and soothing environment. Chair massage, ear acupuncture and dermatological evaluations will be conducted free this evening. In addition, they will have several nice prizes for their drawing. The cost for Members is $5; and potential members $10. For more information call (305) 573-4000 or (305) 495-6969. 

Yuca Lounge

Club Blue monthly networking social is on Thursday, February 7, from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm at Coconuts (429 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale). Club Blue is a monthly social and networking event open to the community and designed to promote the Human Rights Campaign and its membership in South Florida. Join the HRC South Florida Committee each month to network with other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender professionals and learn about HRC in South Florida

Pandora Events presents the anniversary party for “la descarga” on Saturday February 9th at Yuca Lounge. Doors open at 10pm and features DJ Alex H takes you into a musical journey featuring the best of Latin music. They will also feature hot Latin dancers and special entertainment.

Mark's List, Tampa Bay, St Petersburg, Central Florida, Orlando

On Wednesday January 30th at 9pm Decca Broadway in conjunction with Georgie’s Alibi St Petersburg and Peter Thomas presents the original cast recording of the new Mel Brooks musical “Young Fraknstein.” 

On Friday Feb 1 through Sunday Feb 3 the Orlando Ballet located at 1111 North Orange Avenue presents the Pirates of Penzance! This ever-popular Gilbert & Sullivan operetta turned ballet in a simple boy meets girl love story which begins when an orphan is mistakenly apprenticed to a tender lot of pirates and falls in love with the daughter of a Major-General. An accident of birth prevents him from enjoying his new found happiness, but then all is put right in the classic Gilbert & Sullivan finale. Lots of fun and lots of action as the Pirate King, the Major-General, bumbling policeman and a bevy of beautiful daughters fill the stage. An ingenious choral device allows the audience to focus on the dancers. Orlando Ballet's unique staging makes Pirates: The Ballet a great evening for all, and is choreographed by Daryl Gray. For ticket information, please call: 407.426.1739. 

Parliament House

On Saturday Feb 2nd the Parliament House presents the Footlight players cast in the show Mama Mia for 3 performances at 9:30, 11, and 12:30am. Don’t miss it, for this is sure to be something people will be chatting about for a long time to come. Then on Sunday February 3rd at 5:30pm they present a Super Bowl Party (Super Bowl XLII) featuring the Giants vs. the Patriots on all the TV’s in the Western Bar. They will also feature free hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 to 7pm.  

On Sunday February 3rd Trident Orlando, an all male, levi/leather/uniform organization will be having a meeting at 1pm at the Center (946 N. Mills Ave). For more information call 407-228-8272. 

On Sunday Feb 3rd and every Sunday thereafter Chiq Bar St Petersburg features a new cast  starring Esme Russell, Luisa Salome, Amy DeMilo, Melanie Minyon, and special guests. Upcoming guests include Daphne Ferraro, Felicity Lane, Melisa Mason, Joey Brooks, Champagne Bordeaux and Jocelyn Summers. Doors open at 6pm with show time at 10:30pm.  

Georgie’s Alibi St Petersburg presents Tampa Bay’s biggest Gay Super Bowl party on Sunday Feb 3rd at 6pm. The game will be shown throughout the entire club on all TV’s and video screens. In addition they feature a halftime free buffet and their $8 Beer Bust starts at 4pm. 

Superbowl Sunday at Detour St Petersburg is on February 3rd at 6pm. They invite you to come and experience the super bowl on their 5 42" plasma monitors. Hey also feature $1 draft beers during the game and all the free popcorn you can eat!! 

On Tuesday Feb 5th at 6:15pm the Orlando Youth Alliance is a discussion and support group for gay and lesbian teens and their straight friends in Central Florida. Their mission is to provide a trusting and respectful environment in which gay. Lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth and their straight allies can exchange ideas about issues which they are often confronted with in everyday life. Meetings are for youth ages 14-21. Please call if you have any questions. OYA is also seeking adult volunteers who can give at least one Tuesday evening a month to help with meetings and planning events and activities. Ideal candidates should be able to pass a criminal background check and have a strong desire to see GLBT youth become successful GLBT adults. For more info or to find out meeting location call John at 321-439-1098 or email us at OrlandoYouthAlliance@hotmail.com. 

Trans Central Station is a transgender, transsexual, and transvestite group which is a discussion for those in transition and/or their supporters. Cross dressers and gender benders welcome. The monthly meeting takes place the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the Center. This month it takes place on Tuesday February 5th. 

Dani Campbell from MTV’s "A Shot At Love" with Tila Tequila will be coming to Chiq Bar St Petersburg on Friday February 8. 

Mr & Miss West Coast EOY & Miss Florida EOY (double Crowning) on Feb 11th at the Parliament House

Sawmill Campground's Gay International Film Festival Announced - A unique theme party weekend has been announced for March 28 – 30,  at Sawmill Resort, Dade City, Florida (1 hour between Tampa and Orlando.)  The festival is a charity fund raising event for Frances House (and other AIDS Charities) that will attract thousands of guests to more than 8 concerts, parties and special events celebrating both Gay and Adult Cinema. Headlining the event will be the Florida Premiere of RuPaul’s new film Starrbooty. The screening of the film premiered at the West Hollywood Film Festival and RuPaul will also perform music from the film plus her greatest hits including “Super Model” on Saturday, March 29. Other gay films will also be screened throughout the weekend at the 100 acre resort. “This will be a wonderful festival for Florida’s gay community and I am thrilled to present my new project STARRBOOTY and a concert for a terrific charitable cause” said the gay icon RuPaul. Also headlining the event will be Falcon Film’s Lifetime Exclusive director and model Matthew Rush. Rush is America’s #1 gay adult film director/star. He will host Falcon’s Garage Party Part 1 on Friday, March 28 and Part 2 on Saturday, March 29 from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.  This unique Circuit & Film theme party concept has never been seen in Florida. The 4000 sq foot indoor/outdoor party includes the “Hollywood Palace” clothing optional play area, Falcon’s Dirty Dozen Dancers including unique “Shadow” dancing/VIP area and party strippers, Dance pit starring Parliament Houses superstar DJ Brianna, All you can drink free beer and BBQ and more. “I have never seen a circuit party like this…only a gated private club could do something like this and I am really looking forward to attending…it is going to be the party of the year!” said Falcon Films director/star Matthew Rush. Other parties and events included in the 24 hour a day three day festival include: Friday, March 28 7:00 pm cocktail party & 8:00 pm Super Jackpot Bingo hosted by Falcon’s Matthew Rush. $850 in cash prizes and a $500 50/50 is guaranteed for the festival kick off. Friday, March 28 10:00 pm Mr. Sawmill Bear In Film Contest. Bears compete for a $250 cash prize for a fun and entertaining show on the main stage. Friday, March 28 11:00 pm to 4:00 am (in addition to Falcon’s Garage Party) Woody’s Nightclub will offer hot high energy dance music starring DJ Rob and the Courtyard Stage will offer the best of Country music. Saturday, March 29 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sirius Radio National Pool Party. Festival participants enjoy a clothing optional pool party at Splash Bar with a Sirius national Film Festival radio broadcast including high energy dance music. Saturday, March 30, 2:00 pm Mr. Sawmill Leather In Film Contest. Leather enthusiasts compete for a $250 cash prize for a fun and entertaining show on the main stage. Saturday, March 29 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm LIGHTS, CAMERA….ACTION! SHOW & AUCTION. Festival participants enjoy an entertaining concert starring DIVA Soprano Susan Falcone and the band Cover To Cover. Falcone performs with Imperial Symphony Orchestra and the concert will feature the music of Sarah Brightman, classic opera and will combine with the best of “Gay Icons” from Broadway and Hollywood film. The party will also include an auction for the Festival charities. General admission tickets include both the Susan Falcone and RuPaul concerts. Guests may purchase VIP front seats for just $20.  The special tickets will include seats for both events, private VIP cocktail waiters and more. Sunday, March 30 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday t dance & pool party starring parliament houses DJ Brianna.  Splash Bar will host a hot clothing optional pool party with hot Sunday T Dance. Sunday, March 30 at 8:00 pm. is the Tisted Diva’s Comedy Drag Show. Sawmill’s Gay International Film Festival comes to a close with a wonderful show featuring Film Icon’s of yesterday, today and tomorrow in this hilarious and entertaining show. Sawmill Resort is a 100 acre gay resort and offers Festival guests Day & Weekend Passes plus accommodation choices of Cabins, RV’s, and tents. Additionally more than 300 hotel rooms are just 5 minutes from the gate. If you would like more information about this event please call Charity event chairperson, Al Ferguson at 941-953-7988 ext 109 or email Al at al@legendaryjourneys.com

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail Valentines Day Weekend at The Boardwalk
Boardwalk

 

On Thursday February 14 (Valentines Day) famed bartender Vickie Bennett presents The Birdcages Grand Opening which is their new 100 seat front patio restaurant featuring casual and sexy food. Then on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (15, 16 and 17) Boardwalk features Falcon Studios exclusive Roman Heart performing live!

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail Dances From The Heart Benefit

My Friend Scott Lapin is producing an event entitled “Dances From The Heart” which is a Pre Valentines Evening of Dance, Music & art, and is a benefit for his loving mother Gloria LaBarge in her fight against Mesothelioma Cancer on Saturday Feb 2 from 7:30 to 11pm at the Gold Coast Ballroom. There will be performances by Grammy nominated Broadway and recording artists Danny & Lauren Kosarin, Singer, songwriter and recording artist Veronika Sandor, Salsa Sensations Isaac & Laura Altman, Tango Stylings of Michael Vincitorio and Fridalitz, Ballroom showstoppers Claude & Ginnette Guay and David & Kaye Lines, Amazing Latin kids Gian & Brianna and many more. Admission is $20 and includes all the above entertainment, dancing to the sounds of DJ Adrienne, Fine art auction and Chinese Raffle, lite menu with gourmet desserts by Joy, and a Wine Bar by D’Vine Wine. They will also be featuring a $2000 CASH Money Tree where there will only be 1000 tickets sold! Pre-sales are throughout the month of January, and Tickets are $20 each or Six for $100. If you play the Lotto you know that these are some GREAT odds! Send your personal check, made out to Gloria LaBarge, for the number of tickets you wish to purchase, including your address and phone number to Scott Lappin’s 890 SW 20th St. Boca Raton, FL  33486. At approximately 10:45pm on February 2, 2008, the night of “Dances from the Heart” your ticket stubs will be placed in the raffle basket along with all of the other guest’s tickets there that evening. They are expecting over 400 people! There will be designated “ticket watchers” who will have your ticket numbers right in front of them when the winning number is drawn.  If you are the lucky winner, your name will be announced and your personal “ticket watcher” has been instructed to shriek with joy, jump up on their table, cartwheel across the floor, hug multiple people, run to the podium and KISS the MC, and accept the CASH envelope in your name.  You will be called immediately and, if possible, your comments will be passed on to the audience, right then and there!  You will receive your money through the mail within the next few days.  For more information call Scott at 561-901-6711 or visit www.dance4life.biz

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail Wilton Manors Club To Host Official RSVP Cruise Bon Voyage Party
Advertisement

On Friday, February 22, Bill Huelsman and Terry DeCarlo in association with Bill's Filling Station will present the official RSVP Exotic Caribbean Cruise Bon Voyage Party, aptly named “Booty on the Bounty”. RSVP’s exotic Caribbean cruise, which leaves from Fort Lauderdale on February 23, will carry over 1800 gay men and women aboard the Holland America ship Zuiderdam for a seven day all gay cruise to ports of call that include Belize, Roatan (Honduras), and Cozumel. Just a few of the onboard events planned during the seven days include a Retro party, Leather party (sponsored by the Barracks Bar of Palm Springs), RSVP’s famous Underwear parties, the hysterical Swim Suit Pageant and the decadent “Bad Boys in Boots” party. Many, Many more events are in the works and the headline entertainment will be announced in the next couple of weeks, DJ’s on the cruise include Robbie Leslie, Randy Bettis and Dan DeLeon. The pirate themed party will feature special decorations, drink specials, sexy pirate bartenders, VJ Gary Nolan, surprise entertainment, giveaways, and a sexiest sailor contest at midnight hosted by Nikki Adams. The event is free admission and is sure to be attended by all those sailing on the cruise as well as South Floridians wishing them a Bon Voyage.For more information on this and other RSVP cruises visit Http://www.RSVPVacations.com

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

Grassroots Campaign Launched to Increase ADAP Funding

A group of AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) advocates have launched an ADAP federal funding awareness campaign throughout the Unites States, including in Broward County. Spearheaded by The AIDS Institute, volunteers are being recruited to obtain signatures on postcards asking the U.S. Congress to support needed full funding for ADAP and other Ryan White services for fiscal year 2009.  The Institute is a national HIV/AIDS advocacy organization originally established in Florida before relocating offices to Washington, DC, and set a deadline of March 14 for return of signed postcards by the volunteers.  Supporting the Postcard Advocacy Project is the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP). Once collected, the cards will be distributed in person to leaders of the House and Senate health-related appropriations subcommittees, along with copies to the constituents’ own Representative and Senators.  The goal is to make a significant impact to improve reduced funding by Congress for fiscal year 2008 which has had a serious negative impact upon thousands of people with HIV/AIDS in the United States who need ADAP and Ryan White assistance. Plans are being made now to enlist support for the postcard project from Broward County  organizations and businesses, including bars and restaurants, so a wide cross-section of citizens affected in any way by lowered ADAP and Ryan White funding or are concerned about inadequate funding will have their views expressed. Volunteer to help make this project successful by contacting Tom Rouland at Tom@Rouland.org or leave a message on 954-812-3469 with your name, email address and/or telephone number. 

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

Sidelines Sponsors “2008 Athlete of the Year”

Sidelines Sports Bar
Sidelines Sports Bar  is proud to be named as one of the Official Sponsors for Sports Out Loud’s inaugural “Athlete of the Year Award”. In conjunction with Media Out Loud, LLC, publishers of Sports Out Loud, the new and only gay sports magazine in the country, Sidelines Sports Bar, along with a number of national gay organizations, have enthusiastically agreed to promote this sporting award. This is a first for Sports Out Loud and according to their CEO and publisher, Eric Carlyle, the award promises to be an annual event given that nominations have already begun to be submitted. The 2008 Athlete of the Year Award honors gay athletes who have a commitment to personal achievement by actively participating in an individual or team sports, supporting and encouraging others in sports, and showing a commitment to the GLBT sporting community and the GLBT community. All entries received in the offices of Media Out Loud, LLC, on or before March 8, will be reviewed by the Initial Selection Committee. A representative from Sidelines Sports Bar will be part of the Initial Selection Committee. The winner will be announced in the May issue of Sports Out Loud by way of being the subject of a featured article in the magazine. A photo shoot and a selection of prizes will also be awarded. Mr. Carlyle goes on to say, “We are honored to have John Amaechi, Mark Tewksbury, and Doria Biddle as the Final Judges selecting the winner”. Sports Out Loud was a labor of love created by Eric Carlyle, CEO and Publisher and his business partner, David Riach, men who felt that athletes who represented the GLBT community were not being recognized for their athleticism and dedication to the sports they play. To find out more about the 2008 Athlete of the Year Award, or to submit a nomination, visit www.sportsoutloud.com. Sidelines Sports Bar, with its 16 flat-screen TVs, 3 pool tables, 3 dartboards, and other video games, continues to provide a fun, friendly and comfortable environment for gay men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports. Sidelines Sports Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them here on Mark's List at Sidelines Sports Bar.
Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman to step down after five years

Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and a national leader in the struggle for equal rights and social justice, will step down in April to lead the Gay & Lesbian Program at the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Foreman has led the Task Force for five years and helped propel the organization to national prominence as an outspoken and unwavering advocate of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. The Haas, Jr. Fund, located in San Francisco, provides more grant support to LGBT organizations than any non-gay-identified foundation in the nation. “We cannot adequately express our gratitude to Matt for his exceptional leadership over the last five years,” said Mark Sexton, Task Force board co-chair. “During his tenure, our staff grew to 54 full-time positions and our budget more than doubled to nearly $10 million. Our programming expanded strategically, our public profile increased dramatically, we’ve granted nearly $5 million to state and local partners. And most importantly, the Task Force has played an essential role in building our community’s grassroots strength. He has truly been an inspiration to so many who believe in equality for the full breadth of our LGBT community.”  Foreman called working for the Task Force “the greatest honor of my life.”  “I will always love the Task Force, our work, our board, and our staff,” he said. “Having served for 18 years as the executive director at three LGBT organizations, I’m incredibly privileged to be able to continue to work in and for the movement in a new role at the Haas, Jr. Fund. I have no doubt that the Task Force will continue to be the uncompromising progressive voice of the LGBT movement and to thrive and help lead our community to complete equality.” Alan Acosta, Task Force board co-chair, said a national search would begin immediately to find Foreman’s successor. Foreman will work with his senior executive staff in the interim to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. “We are blessed to have an extraordinarily strong and deep management team,” Acosta said. “Working with Matt, the senior leaders of the team have built a dynamic and well-run organization that is respected inside and outside the movement. We are in great shape to keep pushing our mission of building our community’s political power and continuing the outstanding successes of the Task Force over the last few years.”  Acosta said the Task Force’s programmatic priorities for next year include building congressional support to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in 2009, defeating an expected anti-marriage constitutional amendment in California and launching the organization’s new Academy for Leadership and Action, designed to support skills and leadership development for state and local activists. Foreman’s direct speaking style and incisive critiques have helped raise the profile of Task Force and garnered significant media attention. In speeches, panels and op-eds, he has assailed right-wing leaders for homophobic actions and opposition to LGBT rights and challenged allies to fight for LGBT equality. At the same time, he has earned a reputation of working collaboratively with other groups and led the organization in building broad coalitions. Most recently the organization’s leadership was evident in its instrumental role in the formation and growth of United ENDA, a coalition of more than 350 national, state and local organizations opposing efforts to strip protections for transgender people and others from a federal nondiscrimination bill. “Matt Foreman’s leadership solidified the Task Force as a home for the entire LGBT community,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. “As LGBT people, we might not all look the same, think the same, act the same, or need the same things — but we all know the Task Force respects all of us, fights for all of us and cares about all of us in the LGBT community. I look forward to continuing to work with the Task Force that Matt has built, as it continues to fight on for uncompromised equality for all of us.” “The Task Force has been a significant partner for us in no small measure because of Matt’s leadership,” said H. Alexander Robinson, executive director/CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition. “The Haas, Jr. Fund will have a leader who is unwilling to compromise his principles and fully committed to inclusion. More importantly his firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBT civil rights movement and our communities will be an asset in his new role.” Roey Thorpe, former executive director of Basic Rights Oregon and current director of state services at Equality Federation said, “Matt has been in the trenches, working for change on every level from local to national and his leadership reflects that. He understands the power of grassroots organizing as few others do. What I admire most about Matt is that as a leader he never flinched, consistently bringing a clear, courageous voice for nothing short of full equality for our entire community. That’s the kind of leadership our movement needs.”  Foreman has the relatively unique distinction of serving as the executive director of a local, statewide and national LGBT organization — the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (1990–1996), the Empire State Pride Agenda (1997–2003), and the Task Force (since 2003). When he steps down, Foreman will have served as Task Force executive director longer than any prior director.

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

Naked Grape Wine Company

Please join the Naked Grape Wine Company on Wednesday, February 6, for a tasting event featuring the Two Hands "Picture Series" portfolio of wines. The Two Hands series of wines hails from South Australia's Barossa Valley, and they are gorgeous and exquisite wines. Wine Spectator has called the Two Hands winery the "finest operation south of the equator." This tasting will offer everything from a light and crisp Pinot Grigio to a powerful and seductive dessert wine. The majority of the Two Hands portfolio is built on Shiraz and Shiraz blends. These wines have wonderful bouquets, luscious fruits, exotic spices, and long and pleasing finishes. Not only are these delectable wines, but the labels on the "Picture Series" are also whimsical and fun. Cindy Woodman from Trans-atlantic Wines will be our host for this tasting event. Many of you know Cindy from past tasting’s and from the help she has occasionally given Naked Grape behind the wine bar. This tasting will run from 7:00PM until 9:00PM. You may begin making advance reservations by calling the wine bar at 954-563-5631 and reserving with a major credit card. Or, let them know you want to attend the tasting the next time you come in to the wine bar. The cost of advance reservations is $10.00. Walk-ins at the door will be $15.00, but many past tasting’s have sold out before the date of the event. So, reserve a place for you and your friends today so that you do not miss out on the opportunity to sample these exquisite wines. Remember, February wine tasting on Wednesday, February 6.

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

New Owners Take One Tea Lounge In An Exciting New Direction

One Tea Lounge, located on Wilton Drive, is under new ownership.  Local businessmen David Mayer and Howard Elfman have taken the helm and have many ideas on how to take the cozy tea spot to the next level. The first plan is to educate the public on the health benefits of drinking tea. Studies have shown that certain teas can help lower cholesterol, raise metabolism and help with erectile dysfunction. Educational workshops are planned for the future, as well as tags of information on each of the 70 canisters of tea from China and South Africa now available at One Tea Lounge. Tea tastings are also being planned. Another idea is a makeover of the interior. What now is a minimalist yet cozy look will soon be transformed into a more colorful space with lots of plush seating and bigger tables so customers can spread out with their laptops and enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi. "We want to make it fun, whimsical and cheery," stated Mayer. There will be a few changes to the menu, but regulars need not worry – favorites items like their asparagus coconut potato soup, Pho soup bowls and baguette sandwiches will still be available. An eclectic mix of sandwiches and fresh salads will be added, plus many other sweet and savory surprises. An exceptional line of coffee will be served at One Tea Lounge that is locally roasted daily and served fresh to each customer in their own French press. Mayer and Elfman are overflowing with ideas and enthusiasm. They are interviewing their customers to find out what they like and take their opinions very seriously. The business partners said they want to make this hidden gem the best it can be. "There will be changes and improvements, but we will continue to have a very peaceful and Zen atmosphere," said Elfman.

 

The fifteenth Winter Party FestivalSM, runs from February 27 through March 3,  From family picnics to fashion shows, cocktail receptions, interfaith services, and pool parties to dancing on the beach, the festival delivers something for everyone.  Programs include a jazz brunch, exhibits on LGBT history and civil rights, youth events and a dinner for the transgender community.  The climax of the Festival is the famous Winter Party Beach Party, which will attract more than 6,000 attendees to North America's largest gay beach party the afternoon of Sunday, March 2.  Ticket prices range from $5 for single events to $500 for a pass that allows entry to most of the nearly two dozen events.  For information, tickets and a complete list of events, visit

Mark's List Florida Gay Lesbian Nightclubs Hotels Dining Retail

Featured Events

Hump Wednesdays

On Wednesday Jan 30th is the return of Hump Wednesdays at Jet Set (the old China White Location). The night features DJ Chaos, and is hosted by Mizz Cori, with VIP by Jordan Bailey, and also features an open bar till midnight and no cover all night long!!

Silence The Hate ’08 - Founder Scott Hall,