Florida Agenda

Galehouse and Wachholtz Were Drugged, Dismembered

By Cliff Dunn

TAMPA – On September 20, an indictment was handed down in the 2003 torture and murder of two gay Tampa Bay-area men. Although he was charged with other related crimes, and was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for his part in the grisly murders, Scott Paul Schweickert was never held accountable for the greater crime. The indictment, handed down by the Hillsborough County Grand Jury, charges Schweicke r t , 47, with two counts of First Degree Murder, in the deaths of Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz. In December 2003, Schweickert— who had come to the Gulf Coast from Illinois—admitted that he and Stephen Lorenzo, a Tampa man, met Galehouse at the popular Club 2606, and lured him back to Lorenzo’s home.

Schweickert claims that he and Lorenzo, 53, drugged, tortured, and killed Galehouse, 26, then dismembered him and dumped his remains in trash bins around Tampa. The next night, they subjected Wachholtz—who was also 26 years old—to a similar fate. A search for the missing young men went on for weeks. The remains of Wachholtz were eventually found in his Jeep Cherokee, but investigators never found Galehouse. Authorities also found other men who had survived their encounters with Lorenzo and Schweickert.X

Lorenzo was charged with drugging nine men, while Schweickert was charged with drugging Galehouse, and for conspiring with Lorenzo. During Schweickert’s 2005 grand jury testimony, he described giving the victims Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), an intoxicant which can be employed as a daterape drug. He also testified to watching Lorenzo choke the men, and said he held Galehouse’s arms and legs while Lorenzo sawed them off. Lorenzo is currently serving 200 years in prison.

The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office hasn’t said why it sought an indictment almost a decade after the murders, but experts cite a possible Miranda rights issue during the investigation as one possible explanation.

Defense attorneys said that Schweickert was never offered legal counsel during questioning, but investigators r e a s o n e d that because S chwe i c k e r t wasn’t in custody, he did not need to be read his rights.

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court found that Miranda rights must be read during “in-custody interrogations,” when a suspect is not free to leave. That wasn’t the case for Schweickert.

Since neither Lorenzo nor Schweickert faced murder charges, prosecutors could not previously pursue the death penalty. The new charges may put capital punishment back on the table.

TAMPA – The executive producer and creator of ABC’s hit sitcom “Modern Family” fired off an acerbic tweet about gay marriage last week to Ann Romney, after the wife of the Republican presidential nominee said that the program about a non-traditional family is her favorite TV show.

During an interview before her speech last week at the Republican National Convention, Romney said that the show, which features a gay couple raising an adopted child, is her favorite on TV. Tweeted Steve Levitan, the show’s creator: “Thrilled Ann Romney says ModFam is her favorite show.

We’ll offer her the role of officiant at Mitch & Cam’s wedding. As soon as it’s legal.”

TAMPA—In Tampa for his first official engagements as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Rev. Fred Luter stated his strong opposition to same-sex marriage. “I believe that nothing, nothing can be politically right if it’s biblically wrong,” Luter said told the Florida Baptist Witness.

“The Word of God says marriage is between one man and one woman,” he added, and insisted that “no president, no governor, no mayor, no politician, no individual can change that fact.” In spite of a congratulatory call that he received last month from President Barack Obama, shortly after his election as SBC president, Luter says that he is “totally against” Obama’s support of marriage equality.

“I told my congregation, I support our president. I pray for him, but on this same-sex marriage deal, I’m totally against it,” Luter said.

TAMPA – The Florida Family Association (FFA) is calling the upcoming “Gay Days” event “offensive” and has condemned those parks and facilities that welcome the LGBT tourists who will be attending.

The Tampa-based conservative organization’s Web site asks “How would you feel if you entered the Magic Kingdom anticipating a normal day of fun with your family only to witness thousands of same-sex couples holding hands, hugging, kissing and wearing tee-shirts that promoted their lifestyle?”

Walt Disney World does not participate officially in Gay Days, which began in 1991 and will be held this year from May 29 through June 4. Since 2010, organizers say that more than 20,000 participants attend the weeklong schedule of parties and events at Central Florida area theme parks and hotels. FFA’s Gay Days warning alerts supporters that “ust like activists’ attempt to gain access to youthful minds through LGBT characters in video games, they also want to impact a captured audience of tens of thousands of children during the first Saturday of Summer Break.”

As it did last year, the organization is trying to raise money to rent a banner plane to fly over the Magic Kingdom and “warn families about this offensive event before they [arrive] at the park on Saturday.” The group claims that last year’s “banner influenced mainstream family attendance at Disney during Gay Day to DROP between 50 percent to 60 percent.”

“We believe this aircraft banner warning to families SPARED TENS OF THOUSANDS of children from the unexpected exposure to this coming out party,” the Web site warns. Among the things FFA hopes to prevent by the campaign is to help prevent parents from exposing “their children to same-sex revelry.” The group says they have raised about half of the $8,400 cost to fly a banner plane around the park.

TAMPA, FL – Equality Florida presented its yearly “Corporate Voice of Equality” award to the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday, Feb. 25, during a benefit at the Italian Club in Ybor City. Tampa-area realtor Charlie Hounchell, who presented the award, called the Times a “progressive voice for civil rights and human dignity.” Paul Tash, chairman and CEO of Times Publishing Co., accepted the award on behalf of the newspaper. Equality Florida is a civil rights organization with a mission to secure full equality for the state’s LGBT community.

Keith Roberts, a Tampa resident and co-founder of the Tampa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, received the group’s “Individual Voice of Equality” award for his efforts to pass human rights ordinances in Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. The not-for-profit also presented its inaugural “Equality Means Business Award” to the GaYbor District Coalition.

TAMPA, FL – Taking a cue from recent decisions by Orlando’s city government and the mayor of Orange County to establish domestic partner registries, Tampa may become the next Florida city to allow unmarried couples to register as domestic partners. Last week, Tampa City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin proposed a registry to include both straight and gay couples.

“We want to move into the 21st century,” Capin told reporters following last week’s council meeting. “This is the way people live today.” The councilwoman says that a domestic partner registry is in step with the values and needs of a modern society. “It’s not illegal to cohabitate,” Capin pointed out. “So we need to accommodate those people. And there are some people that can’t get married.”

Capin’s proposal is based upon the ordinance that took effect in January in Orlando. A similar plan is expected to be implemented across Orange County with the backing of Mayor Teresa Jacobs, who lent her support to such a measure last week after several months of public soul-searching on the issue.

Orlando’s domestic partner registry permits domestic partners to visit each other in the hospital, make health care decisions for one another, make funeral and burial arrangements for one another, be considered each other’s next of kin for the official purposes of police and other first responders, designate one another as caretaker in the event of incapacitation, and participate in school activities as parents of their shared children. “Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as recognizing or treating a domestic partnership as a marriage,” the ordinance reads.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said he is in favor of creating a domestic partnership registry. “Giving folks who are unmarried but in a relationship the right to be there at a critical time for their partner is humane and absolutely defensible,” Buckhorn stated. Since 2005, Tampa has extended insurance benefits to the domestic partners of city employees. A similar measure was rejected by the rest of Hillsborough County in 2009. Capin’s proposal would call for people who register as domestic partners to receive a card which instructs first responders whom to call in case of an emergency. Domestic partnerships would be tracked by a database maintained by the city. Census data indicates that Tampa has over 9,000 unmarried-partner households. Less than 10 percent are same-sex couples.

COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan, a Square One Creative Event, will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E 7th Ave. in Tampa on Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. The largest and most popular, award-winning art event in Tampa: Square One’s 4th annual fall 2011 Creative and Performing Arts Showcase expands to two nights and will revolve around an international world theme. Friday, November 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.–Over 75 local artists on display with ten other  participating venues. Saturday, November 19 – The Main Event with over 75 local artists on display and live performances from VYB Dance Company, Jeremy Gloff, The James-Lange Theory, On Carlton Row and more with a debut fashion show by Ricky Lindsay. From 7 p.m. to midnight. Proceeds of this event to help benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF).

For more information, please visit www.squareoneflorida.com/cosmopolitan.html.

gancho weekend tampa 2012
January 27 through 29, 2012 in the Ybor City Historic District.

Main events include “Havoc” with DJ Abel at the Amphitheater Ybor on Friday, January 27, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Gancho” with DJ Ralphi Rosario at the Ritz Ybor on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Unleashed with DJ Oren Nizri at Rise, Sunday, January 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Urban Body” Gasparilla Headquarters Party at Urban Body, Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For tickets, hotels and info visit: www.ganchotampa.com.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan, a Square One Creative Event, will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E 7th Ave.

in Tampa on Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. The largest and most popular, award-winning art event in Tampa: Square One’s 4th annual fall 2011 Creative and Performing Arts Showcase expands to two nights and will revolve around an international world theme. Friday, November 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.–Over 75 local artists on display with ten other participating venues. Saturday, November 19 – The Main Event with over 75 local artists on display and live performances from VYB Dance Company, Jeremy Gloff, The James-Lange Theory, On Carlton Row and more with a debut fashion show by Ricky Lindsay. From 7 p.m. to midnight.

Proceeds of this event to help benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF). For more information, please visit www.squareoneflorida.com/cosmopolitan.html.

gancho weekend tampa 2012
January 27 through 29, 2012 in the Ybor City Historic District. Main events include “Havoc” with DJ Abel at the Amphitheater Ybor on Friday, January 27, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Gancho” with DJ Ralphi Rosario at the Ritz Ybor on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. “Unleashed with DJ Oren Nizri at Rise, Sunday, January 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and “Urban Body”Gasparilla Headquarters Party at Urban Body, Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For tickets, hotels and info visit: www.ganchotampa.com.

the sunday bbq
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!

4TH FRIDAY PUB CRAWL – HALLOWEEN EDITION

Friday, October 28 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Grand Central District Association, 1600- 3100 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The fourth Friday of every month, meet new people, enjoy great food and drink in the Grand Central District. Start at The Burg (5 p.m.-6 p.m.), The Hideaway Café (6 p.m.-7 p.m.), Steel City Brewhouse (7p.m.-8p.m.), Beak’s Old Florida, (8p.m.- 9p.m.), The Queenshead Bar (9p.m.- 10p.m.), Mr. Sun’s Lucky Star (10p.m.- 11p.m.). Next crawl: November 25.

SEX–CRAZED ZOMBIES

On Friday, October 28, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Honey Pot (1507 E 7 Avenue in Ybor City). It’s not your brain they’re after! Sex-Crazed Zombie promises to be the best theme party yet. Elaborate sets, prime muscled undead everywhere, creative production shows with a cast fresh from the grave and the addition of even more state-of-the-art lighting and effects for that proper graveyard feel. Their theme parties generally get crowded fast so plan on arriving early.

No cover before 10:30 p.m. and $5 cover after. $1 drinks from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a spectacular drag show at 11:30 p.m. VJ Greg Anderson in the Main Room and V.J. Charles spins in the 3rd floor VIP room.

DEAD SEXY GUAVAWEEN

Saturday, October 29, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Honey Pot, 1507 E 7 Avenue in Ybor City. Dead Sexy Guavaween, A Sexual and Violent Affair is the biggest Guavaween party on 7 Avenue. Halloween costume contest, winner will take home $1,000 worth of cash and prizes. This year will be spooktacular. No cover all night.

JOEY D’S PENITENTIARY

Halloween Weekend with Parade and Joey D’s Haunted Penitentiary will be held October 28 through 30 at the Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City, Florida. Sawmill’s annual Halloween Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, emceed by Crystal Chandelier. Contests with cash and other prizes for Best Individual Costume, Best Group, Best Float, and more. Make your reservation now at 352- 583-0664 or visit on a day/evening pass.

INAUGURAL BODY PAINT COMPETITION

Inaugural Body Paint Competition will be held from November 4 through 6 at the Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 U.S. Highway 98 in Dade City. This will be a professional body painters’ competition and black light body party. Make your reservations for this new themed weekend. Professional body painters and models will compete for cash and prizes Saturday day and evening. Weekend includes DJ Skittles on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, clothing-optional pool, cabin, RV and tent sites available or visit on a day/evening pass. Call Lucy’s at (352) 583-0664 for more information.

The Dollhouse Review
Mimi Imfurst presents The Dollhouse Review St. Pete: Welcome to the Dollhouse on Friday, September 30, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi, 3100 3rd Avenue N in St. Pete. Mimi Imfurst is hosting this exciting cabaret-style drag experience. With sit-down service, this is going to be completely and absolutely fabulous. The final Friday of every month, Georgie’s Albi transforms itself into the Dollhouse Review celebrating a new theme every show. This month, Dollhouse is celebrating little girls, a world of dolls and candy – it’s a teenage dream, a slumber party and a world where girls just want to have fun.

Featuring Mimi Imfust and the Dollstars–Anjila Cavalier, Madisyn Michaels and Naomi Wynters. Come early and get a seat. Showtime 9 p.m. No cover.

BLACK LIGHT BODY PAINT WEEKEND
Bare As You Dare/Black Light Body Paint Weekend will be held the weekend of September 30 through October 3 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City, Florida. Expanded nudity policy that weekend with professional body painter, Douglas Stevens – you supply the body, Sawmill supplies the paint. Laser light clothing optional pool party Friday night with 2-4-1 drinks after BINGO ‘til 10 p.m.; fabulous deejays; Splash pool bar and café. Reservations 352-83-0664.

Tops & Bottoms Weekend with S&M Ranch
October 7 through 10 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway in Dade City. Columbus Day is Monday so make it a long weekend. Free Thursday or Sunday night stay with your paid weekend reservation. Highlights include S&M Ranch’s first Beer Bust with $10 all the beer you can drink weekend, the Trident Motocycle Club on Saturday, clothing optional pool. Reserve now at 352-583-0664 or visit on a day/evening pass.

“ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”
A live production of the “Rocky Horror Picture” featuring The Sawmill Players, from October 14 through 17 at Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City. Dig out your Rocky Horror costumes and get ready to do the Time Warp again. Don’t miss this hysterical weekend. Make your reservations now. Sawmill supplies the props. Reserve your cabin, RV or tent site today or visit on a day/evening pass at 352-583-0664.

JOEY D’s PENitentiary
Halloween Weekend with Parade and Joey D’s Haunted Penitentiary will be held October 28 through 30 at the Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 US Highway 98 in Dade City, Florida. Sawmill’s annual Halloween Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, emceed by Crystal Chandelier. Contests with cash and other prizes for Best Individual Costume, Best Group, Best Float, and more. Make your reservation now at 352-583-0664 or visit on a day/evening pass.

COSMOPOLITAN
Cosmopolitan, a Square One Creative Event, will be held at The Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. 7th Avenue in Tampa on Friday and Saturday, November18 and 19. Square One’s 4th annual fall 2011 Creative and Performing Arts Showcase expands to two nights and will revolve around an international world theme. Friday, November 18 fromhttp://floridaagenda.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=9551&action=edit 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.– Over 75 local artists on display with ten other participating venues. Saturday, November 19 – The Main Event with over 75 local artists on display and live performances from VYB Dance Company, Jeremy Gloff, The James-Lange Theory, On Carlton Row and more with a Debut fashion show by Ricky Lindsay. From 7 p.m. to 12 midnight. Proceeds of this event to help benefit Pediatric Cancer Fund (PCF). Please visit Squareoneflorida.com/cosmopolitan.html.

The Sunday BBQ is Back
Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort.

Flamingo Bingo
Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com.

gay bowling
First Thursday of each month from
10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736-1282.

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO
Every week, you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg.

THE NEARLYWED GAME
Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won’t want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended!