Chillounge Party Scene transforms Tampa

The Cointreau Chillounge Night was held in downtown Tampa tonight. As I type this it has about an hour and a half to go. We thought it would be the perfect afternoon outing for our Pekingese…ride in air conditioned comfort over the bridge to the Franklin Street event area, be carried a block or so, walk a block and repeat for the return trip home. It was HOT, right at a steamy 90 degrees as we crashed the preparations for the street party. 4-blocks were closed around the intersection of Zack and Franklin. The historic Tampa Theatre looked almost ready for its big showbiz entrance as they set up the daybeds in front. The pillows were wild and extremely colorful. Dozens of covered seating lounges of every description were arranged on sidewalks and streets. The entire area was beginning to look like the best outdoor party one could imagine. It took six trucks to haul all of the Miami/South Beach style furniture to accommodate the paying guests at several levels. VIP seating was calling me. (Click on the insert to see if you don't agree it looked pretty good.) Plenty of thought went into making the in-crowd and party crowd mighty comfortable and inviting for the eating, drinking and I guess dancing into the night. They have even scheduled a fashion show and Brazilian Samba parade. The Peke, Dr. Porter, navigated his way past staging, food buffets, comfy overstuffed chairs and gauzy awnings – daybeds were aplenty for really kicking back but he was persuaded to keep moving. (This breed of dog does love to be pampered and this was his kind of palace treatment.) The luxurious bars were immense and bottles of champagne were conspicuous. Plus, it is Tampa so expect a full cigar bar. This should be one unforgettable event. (The sweet little dog was almost surprisingly well behaved. He didn’t snap or growl at anyone and was respectful of the furniture, bars and food areas…he had a ball.) I may step outside now and listen for the sounds of Brazil.