There’s No Place Like Rome

The Róme Venture is the Ambitious Project the LGBTQ+ Community Deserves

STORY BY SARA GIZA ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARVEL STUDIO PHOTOS BY JAMIE TURNER

St. Petersburg based entrepreneur Tom Carlucci is on a mission: not only to create the largest, but “the greatest LGBT+ resort hotel and entertainment complex in Florida.” With the Róme Venture, he is perfectly positioned to do just that.

With a beautiful blend of ancient, classical and neo-classical architecture, Róme will be a visual beacon equipped with modern day technology. The multi venue complex will have a variety of theatres and clubs, showcasing di erent entertainment— tting for any mood, day or night. The membership only resort will include luxury hotel amenities, including pools, cabanas and multiple dining choices. For our friends in recovery, there will also be a fantastic non-alcohol bar.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Tom Carlucci graduated from college with a double major in business and archeology, with the latter stemming from his natural love of architecture which in part is re ected in Róme’s design. “I love Roman and Mediterranean architecture. It just plays so well, into what we can do. Having surrounding columns, everything just looks so beautiful,” he said. Carlucci spent many years working in hospitality, including at casinos and hotels. With a thirst to learn as much as he could, he took full advantage of cross-training programs, spending time working in every area including front desk, housekeeping and dining.

Having been a full-time resident of Florida for nearly seven years, Carlucci has witnessed other LGBT+ venues close their doors, creating a drought of safe spaces our community can gather. Some may say that with the surge in dating apps, establishments are no longer needed to meet others. However, this isn’t just about going out to nd a potential partner. “You want a place you can call your own; a sense of community,” Carlucci said.

As he pointed out, there has been great progress made with LGBT+ rights and laws over the years, “but we’re always just one or two elections away, of potentially having it all taken away.” Historically, LGBT+ venues have served multiple purposes other than meeting partners, including a safe haven to gather with friends, as well as spaces to discuss critical issues the community is dealing with.

“I think it’s important,” Carlucci said, “we do need to have ‘our place.’ In having a property like Róme, if something happens the community can say ‘that’s where I can go for support.’” After being opened, he plans on implementing community outreach into the

services they provide. He hopes to have onsite HIV testing and resources for “We do mental health counseling that individ- need to have uals can discreetly access. As for it being a membership-only ‘our place.’ property, Carlucci said, “I never want to see another Pulse Nightclub. How In having do you prevent that? I think about that a lot. Memberships add an additional a property level of security.” like Róme, Carlucci has dedicated most of his additional free time from the Covid-19 if something era, to seeing Róme into fruition. As with any large-scale project, there are happens the always challenges. “I knew this was very ambitious and would take up most of my time,” he said. Two of the community can say ‘that’s main challenges have been getting the word out, as well as correcting misin- where I can go formation that circulates. He welcomes both questions from the community, for support.” as well as feedback on what they’d like —Tom Carlucci, Founder to see Róme have.

He also credits his husband, who he has been with for 22 years, as being hugely helpful in keeping him organized and on track with the multitude of tasks involved. “On the day that Róme opens, I’m going to be a tearful mess,” Carlucci said. “Tears of joy that we were able to pull it o and feeling both a sense of accomplishment and contribution for our community.”

As of now, phase I of the initial opening is scheduled for mid-2022. While that may seem far off into the future for some, there is a reason for this. “The point is not to do it fast, it is to do it right,” Carlucci said. To make sure Róme becomes a reality, individuals are asked to become a member now.

Your initiation fee of $50, will be considered a micro-loan. It is risk free and fully refundable if the project should get canceled for any reason. The main purpose of this, is to prove to the banking lenders that we do in fact want this. As an added bonus, by joining now, you’ll be considered a founding member and have the low annual dues of $10 plus additional benefits.