A week ago Monday, August 7, was the third annual Mr. Florida Continental Pageant produced by Samantha Perez. This year the event was held at Boom, and in the end the 2^nd runner up was Yandris West, the 1^st runner up was Edwardo Nunez and the winner was Jose Navarro (this is the 3^rd year in a row that Mr. Noche Latina won Mr. Florida Continental). Performing that night was Lewis Nicholson (Mr. Fla Cont 2005), Jose Vega (Mr. Fla Cont 2004), Tony Desario (Mr. Continental 2005/6), Vegas Dion (Miss Fla Cont 2006), Diva (Miss Fla Cont Elite 2006), Erika Norell (Former Miss Cont), Nikki Adams (Former Miss Cont Elite), and Champagne Bordeaux (Current reigning Miss Florida). There were many dignitaries in the audience but a special shout out to Sandy Laurent (former Miss Florida) who I haven’t seen out in years. It was also nice to see Jim Flint the owner of the Continental system at Florida’s prelim. I would like to wish Samantha Congrats on a fabulous pageant!!!

During the intermission of the pageant I walked next door to the video lounge of Boom where they have moved the Brazilian party that used to be at Chase. As you can see from the picture the party is doing well, and has lots of energy and fun. Don’t forget to stop by Boom this Saturday, August 19^th as they present “Players Ball” the official after party of the Gay World Series. They will feature no cover and free drinks (well & draft) for all softball players from 9-11pm.

A small VIP party was held last Thursday night for the new Seven Nightclub on South Beach. The intimate space has a thirty foot long bar that is raised above a dance floor surrounded by plush velvet covered banquettes. Some of you may remember the space as the home of W.P.A., a restaurant frequented by celebrities and South Beach Glitterati in the early 90's. The nightclub is being promoted by A.J. Cross and we wish him and the owners much success.

Score had a busy weekend. Friday night was the much anticipated 8 anniversary event featuring DJ Manny Lehman who is seen in this photo with nightclub owner Luis Morales and a friend. The legendary South Beach nightclub was packed with throngs of revelers and the music was sensational. Saturday night Score turned it on once again with erotic stars Jay Armstrong and Erik Rhodes. DJ Lazaro Leon pumped out the beat. Congratulations to Score on eight great years!

The Gay World Series came to Fort Lauderdale Monday night. Thousands of players showed up at War Memorial Auditorium for the opening ceremonies. Many dignitaries were saluted during the ceremony, but our hats are off to Chuck Dima, Founder, Player and Coach. He is truly the "Godfather of Gay Softball." The ceremony was followed by a picnic style dinner for all participants and sponsors. After dinner everyone headed over to the Holiday Park ball fields for a Home Run Derby and the Legends game, sponsored by Mark's South Florida List and Georgie's Alibi. In the end, the Alibi team barely beat the Mark's List team 12 to 3! At least we looked fabulous in light blue shirts with Royal blue lettering and we brought our own cheerleader!

Last week in the column I mentioned that Manny who was seen on the T-Cruise was courtesy of one company and I need to apologize to my friend Aaron of Diamondback Pictures, who actually sent the dancer. For more info on Diamond Pictures check out their website at www.diamondbackpictures.com.

Friday, August 18: Another Gay Movie, from TLA Releasing, opens at Sunrise Cinemas Gateway 4, located at 1820 E. Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. For show times visit check Mark's South Florida List.  Directed by Todd Stephens (Edge of Seventeen, Gypsy 83) and inspired by films like American Pie, Porky’s and even Scary Movie, Another Gay Movie imagines a world where being gay is a non-issue and losing one’s virginity has become top priority. Starring fresh-faced newcomers Michael Carbonaro (winner of the 2006 Outfest Grand Jury Award for OUTstanding Performance), Jonathan Chase, Mitch Morris and Jonah Blechman, the film also features appearances by Scott Thompson, Lypsinka, adult film star Matthew Rush, James Getzlaff (Bravo’s “Boy Meets Boy”) comedian Ant, and a full-frontal Richard Hatch of “Survivor.” 

To read Misty Eyez review of this soon to be Cult Classic, Click Here!

The first ever Transgendered Candidate for Hillsborough County Commission District 4 Jean Batronie was been banned from participating in a live on air public debate on Bright House networks public access channel 20 that was set for August 9, on the COUNTY SUPPORTED cable access show called Voice of Pride. According to Jean, “I was contacted by a Guest Coordinator for the show, and was told that the Station Manager Louise Thompson did not want me to come to her private TV station for the debate.” Jean has been banned from producing a show at the station for four years. Jean and Arleen Batronie produced two shows that station operators temporarily canceled because of alleged rule violations. The Two former show producers at Hillsborough County's public access television station have sued its operators, saying their suspensions violated the First Amendment. According to Jean, “The charges that led to our suspensions were bogus and that they singled us out because the station operators did not like the content of our shows.” Cable subscribers back the station, and some of the more risqué shows it runs by independent citizen producers have rankled Hillsborough commissioners - particularly Batronie's 2004 political opponent, Ronda Storms. “Anyone and everyone is welcome to come down to the station and view the records with regard to the way that these producers' suspensions were handled, and decide for themselves what they think about it," said station manager Louise Thompson. Back in 2001, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms was offended by some of the public access programs, and told Louise Thompson that her mind was already made up not to support funding for public access, and that she would do all she could do to get others on the commission to vote against it. Since then Speak up Tampa Bay has removed any type of programming that the public access channel major contributors the Hillsborough County Commission would find offensive. According to Jean “I will file a suit against the station for breaking Chapter 97 of the Florida Code concerning appearances by political candidates, which is clearly stated in TBCN's Policies and Procedures Manual.” http://www.tbcn.org

This is a simple, kind gesture for our soldiers. If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com , you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.  You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This is a great site; please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them!!!

“The acquisition and re-launch of Gay Travel News is another milestone as Instinct continues on its path as a leader in lifestyle content for millions of GLBT consumers in the U.S.,” states Instinct Founder and Publisher, JR Pratts. “Instinct has already established itself as the magazine to beat when it comes to reader loyalty and satisfaction, and we are committed to bring that same level of excellence to our coverage of the expanding gay and lesbian travel market.” To be re-launched in conjunction with Instinct’s October 2006 Travel Issue, the new-and-improved Gay Travel News offers advertisers a unique opportunity to reach over 300,000 readers per issue. According to San Francisco-based Community Marketing, Inc., gay and lesbian travelers represent a $54.1 billion market—or an estimated 10 percent of the entire U.S. travel industry. “The numbers are staggering,” says Pratts. “Not only that, but this is a group which travels more frequently than most, both within the U.S. and around the world.” Gay Travel News is a quarterly consumer travel newsletter that, since 1998, has solidified its position as one of the most respected sources of travel information in the industry. “It’s a perfect addition to the award-winning content our readers enjoy every month,” says Pratts. “Instinct’s fans—as we like to call our readers—are the types that like to get away, and do it as often as they can. Gay Travel News will provide them with the most up-to-date information on some of their favorite destinations—as well as destinations they have yet to discover.” He continues, “Instinct has always been about providing our readers with top-notch editorials that they can’t find anywhere else, and with Gay Travel News, it’s the next level for Instinct and for the discerning GLBT traveler.” Instinct Magazine, the #1 gay men’s magazine as verified by BPA Worldwide, is an active member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), and has supported the IGLTA for years through various promotions for all IGLTA members in North America. Gay Travel News was created in 1998 by Community Marketing, Inc., a leader in gay and lesbian travel marketing. Current advertisers in Gay Travel News include major airlines, hotels and tourist offices.

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (GLCC) is in the process of developing a multiyear strategic plan to meet the needs of the local LGBT community and our regional and national supporters. Please visit their website at www.glccsf.org, in order to complete their online strategic planning survey.  They request your input about how the GLCC can best reflect and serve our diverse community with relevant programs and services. Completing the survey takes 10-15 minutes. Hard copies and Cyber Center computers are available in the GLCC lobby, as well. The survey will run for 60 days from August 15^th through October 15^th. You opinion is extremely important and valuable to us. The survey’s administration and reporting are hosted by a third-party online service. Survey participants remain completely anonymous while maintaining the integrity of the data collected.  However, if you choose to enter your name and contact information, you could win a $100 American Express Gift Card. For additional information please contact Paul Hyman, Executive Director at phyman@glccsf.org or 954 463-9005. Survey Direct Link: http://www.AdvancedSurvey.com/default.asp?SurveyID=42437