Blog Post: Peacocktail Party Sponsors

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead. It’s time for METRO’s annual fundraiser presented by Mail Meds. The PeaCocktail Party will benefit youth, seniors, Trans and other essential LGBTQ+ programming provided by METRO throughout the Bay area. We are proud to have environmentally conscious and community driven organizations choose to invest in the work we do.
Our breadth of programming continues to grow, from our first intergenerational LGBTQ+ outing, to hosting the second annual Trans Fashion Expo later this month. We are able to provide these services due to generous donations from our community. Below are some of the ways our sponsors positively impact the community many of us are fortunate to call home.

Since 2012, Tampa International Airport’s fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles have saved more than 517,000 gallons of gas. Through their terminal recycling program, they have diverted approximately 1,100 tons of solid waste from landfills each year.

On top of bringing world renowned performances to the Tampa Bay, the Straz prioritizes arts education to underprivileged youth. Since 2007 the center has partnered with Metropolitan ministries to offer children facing uncertain futures theatre and dance classes at no cost.

Established in 2004, Mail-Meds Clinical Pharmacy has operated successful medication adherence programs with specialty clinics, disease management initiatives, managed care organizations and individuals.

Since 1991 they have been serving the needs of the HIV community in Florida and now the southern part of the country. “We are now moving into an era of prevention, not only of HIV disease itself but the long-term complications associated with long-term HIV treatment, as well as the aging process. This disease is definitely not going away, and it will require continued efforts in all age groups to look at all aspects of this disease.” Dr. Vilma Vega, Medical Director, CAN Community Health – Clearwater, FL.

Since 2012 the Tampa Bay SPCA has decreased shelter euthanasia by 50% and seen a 16% increase in pet adoptions. The shelter rescued more than 6,000 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, parrots and even pigs in the last year.

PeaCocktail is a bold and colorful party celebrating the beauty in diversity of people in Tampa Bay, made possible in part by the generosity of these organizations. Attire for this event is casual. Come colorful and come as you are! Tickets can be purchased at the link below.

Blog Post: LGBTQ Welcome Center Rededication

The past four years we have been proud of this Center serving as a welcoming light to those visiting and those who call our community home. When it opened in 2014, St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ Welcome Center, a project of Metro Wellness & Community Centers, was only the third of its kind in the nation. Since then, it’s become a well-known safe haven to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered members of our community, of all ages, in the heart of a city known for a vibrant gay community. Through original programming, most offered at no cost by Metro Wellness & Community Centers, the Welcome Center is home to popular programs for LGBTQ seniors and youth throughout the week—providing a place of comfort to meet and socialize with other members of the community.

“It was our goal to create a safe place for those looking to build a network of friends or find access to LGBTQ-friendly resources,” said Lorraine Langlois, CEO of METRO. “Whether someone is just coming out or in a new city looking to make friends, we want St. Petersburg to have a resource for all.” Starting today, the Welcome Center celebrates its newest role as a resource for LGBTQ tourist interested in learning where to stay, what to see and where to eat. The Center features delicious Working Cow Ice Cream, local favorite KAWA Coffee and a newly launched store that gives visitors the opportunity to buy original St. Pete merchandise from local LGBTQ artists.

Having embraced a spirit of inclusiveness, the City of St. Petersburg has earned a perfect score on LGBTQ social issues from the Human Rights Campaign 4 years in a row. “The City of St. Petersburg is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ Welcome Center,” said Mayor Rick Kriseman. “Its location on Central Avenue is a vivid illustration of equality being central to everything we do in the Sunshine City.” The LGBTQ Welcome Center is located in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. Operational support is provided by individuals, families, and businesses through programming such as community talks, lunches, LGBTQ networking, sporting events, cultural activities and discussions with community leaders. “The new LGBTQ welcome center reaffirms St. Pete/Clearwater’s reputation as both welcoming and inclusive,” said David Downing, President & CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.

Visit St. Pete’s LGBTQ Welcome Center, seven days a week, at 2227 Central Avenue or online at LGBTQWelcomeCenter.org. Look for the house with the rainbow flag on Central Avenue, we cannot wait to meet you!