MEET THE MARSHALS
GRAND MARSHAL:
AMY DEMILO
Tampa staple
Amy DeMilo
is “an emerging
talent that has scores
of national awards and
crowns with a heart
of gold,” Tampa Pride
President Carrie West says.
As the show director at Ybor’s Honey
Pot and Drag Queen Bingo hostess
at Hamburger Mary’s Brandon, the
award-winning entertainer and LGBTQ
community advocate has proudly called
Tampa home for 25 years. “It’s been
amazing serving this community,” she says,
“and a privilege seeing change and growth!”
“The Tampa Bay community as a whole
is very active and supportive with each
other,” DeMilo adds. “Being named one
of the grand marshals for Tampa Pride
is such an honor and privilege … there’s
nothing more special than being loved and
respected by your community! Let’s make
Tampa Pride a celebration the country
talks about!”
GRAND MARSHAL:
JAMES ENCKE
Tampa Pride
“brings out the
best of us
all,” City Side Lounge
owner James Encke
says. “It shows that
at least for one day
we can all stand together, putting aside
our differences to realize we are a small
community and that we need to look out
for and help one another.”
He says the celebration highlights the
diversity of the LGBTQ community, which
gives us strength. “We need to accept and
respect each other,” Encke stresses. “We
need to stand next to each other and lend
support and encouragement.”
The businessman says he was in shock
to be named a grand marshal but that he’s
honored. “Tampa Pride is not just on 7th
Ave. in Ybor,” he adds. “It’s at Cristoph’s
on Armenia, City Side on Henderson,
Hamburger Mary’s in Brandon. It’s located
in every business, home and venue that
flies the rainbow flag. Thank you again for
the opportunity to serve our community.”
GRAND MARSHAL COUPLE:
NICK STASZAK
& TYLER REED
Nick Staszak and
Tyler Reed are
“a fun-loving
twosome,” Tampa Pride
President Carrie West
says. “Looking at the
new, up and coming
activists, we found a couple that is so
liked for their commitment to paying the
community forward with energy.”
“We honestly didn’t believe it when we
were told,” the duo shares. “We know that
we have been together a long time and
have a good presence in the community,
but to be honored in such a public setting
like this that means so much to so many
people, is truly humbling and special.”
Staszak and Reed, Tampa Bay natives,
have been together for seven years.
“Growing up in this area is a part of who
we are and we have so much pride for
this beautiful city,” they note. “For us to
be chosen to help represent that and help
add to the legacy of this great event is an
honor that we will cherish forever.”
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