Tampa Bay Ne s

LGBTQ ars, restaurants announce co id-19 c osures Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA BAY | A number of LGBTQ establishments have announced closures and suspensions in response to COVID-19, which prompted Florida to halt on-site dining and alcohol consumption in facilities March 20.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued his executive order to reduce the coronavirus’ spread. It limited restaurants to takeout or delivery and followed his mandate to close nightclubs and bars beginning March 17 for 30 days. The Asylum in New Port Richey, Pasco County’s premiere LGBTQ bar, announced its permanent closure just one day later. “The COVID-19 outbreak continues to cause more suspensions, business closures and community bans across the country until further notice and it’s these current events, unfortunately, that come at the crossroad of also wanting to move on,” its owners shared March 18. “Effective immediately, The Asylum Nightclub will be closed permanently.”

The two subsequently thanked supporters. “Your consistent patronage and constant support for our community and this venue has not, and nor will it ever, go unnoticed or unappreciated,” they wrote.

DeSantis’ order also prompted the postponement of Dining Out for Life (DOFL) Tampa Bay, originally scheduled to take place in various restaurants and bars April 30. The 15th annual fundraiser benefits Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) and raised more than $47,000 last year.

“As an organization that provides comprehensive services to people at risk of, or living with HIV, EPIC has an obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of our community,” EPIC shared March 23. “We have taken several steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide our most essential services.”

EPIC added that they hope to reschedule DOFL for late summer or early fall. They are currently working with national and statewide partners to choose a new date. “Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this difficult time in our communities and our country,” they noted.

St. Petersburg staple Punky’s Bar and Grill subsequently suspended operations March 23, launching an “SOS: Save Our Staff” fundraiser for employees. “This is an unprecedented time for all of us, especially our servers, bartenders and cooks,” they shared.

“We are so thankful for the 17 employees who work so hard every day at Punky’s,” it reads. “The reality is they are STRESSED! They don’t know how they will pay their rent, bills, and put food on the table for their families. We are hopeful this will be short lived and we can get back to normal soon but it may be awhile.”

As of press time, the employee fund has raised more than half of its $5,000 goal. “We love you all,” organizers shared. “A big celebration is to come for all on the other side of this!”

For more information about EPIC, visit MyEPIC.org. For more information about Punky’s or to donate to their SOS fund, visit PunkysBar.com.

Legacy of love

Community champion Robert Barnum dies from COVID-19 complications

Ryan Williams-Jent

ST. PETERSBUR G | Community champion and realtor Robert “Bob” Barnum died March 27 from complications of COVID-19. He was 64.

Barnum’s death was among three coronavirus-related deaths confirmed by the Florida Department of Health of Pinellas County March 28.

Barnum was the broker and owner of Earnest Realty, Inc. as well as its sister company. He worked as a Pinellas County realtor for more than 25 years, where he was also an ardent supporter of the arts and adjunct professor at the University of South Florida.

His advocacy extended to a number of community organizations. He worked closely with Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) St. Petersburg, Equality Florida and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Community leaders and organizations from throughout Tampa Bay responded to the news, sharing their condolences and reflecting on Barnum’s impact. CASA, which serves as the official domestic violence center for Pinellas County, called him a cherished leader.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Bob Barnum’s passing due to complications from COVID-19,” they shared March 30. “CASA is made of many dynamic volunteers – some working in the trenches while others serve in a leadership role. CASA’s volunteers serve as the 3rd leg of a stool – supporting along with the staff and community – those we serve.

“He lived CASA’s mission and vision,” they continued. “In all the various positions held over his 9 years serving on the CASA Board, he was consistently passionate, funny, candid, genuine and loving. As a community leader, he opened up doors for CASA, raised money and enlisted individuals who became board members. He was never shy about sharing why he was passionate and was willing to refocus conversations back to CASA’s core issue – providing services to those seeking safety.”

His legacy and contributions continue, they noted, asking supporters to stand up to silence through advocacy, prevention, intervention and support services in his honor.

DEARLY MISSED : Robert Barnum passed away March 27 at 64. Photo courtes y Bar num’s Facebook

“COVID-19 hitting closer and closer to home,” St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman shared March 28. “Bob Barnum was a great guy. He was especially kind to the St. Petersburg Police Department and dedicated himself to many causes in our city. I will miss our friend and forever be thankful for his support.”

The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) subsequently reacted to the news, noting that Barnum had sponsored the annual Civilian of the Year Award since 2015. It recognizes civilian police employees for their personal dedication and professional contributions.

“The St. Petersburg Police Family is heartbroken over the death of Bob Barnum,” SPPD shared. “He was a thoughtful and generous friend to our department … We will miss Bob’s genuine sincerity and support.” Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith also reflected on the loss. “He was a generous supporter of Equality Florida in our early days and he was a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence,” she shared March 28.

“He had all the dirt on the ‘Golden Girls’ and he introduced me to circus art,” she continued. “My condolences to his family and the network of close friends his big, generous personality drew into his life.”

Barnum is survived by his brother Scott. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial was livestreamed March 30 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Largo.

Your St. Pete / Tampa Bay Real Estate Team

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