ST. PETERSBURG, FL–“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the ‘rumors’ are true and Georgie’s Alibi St. Petersburg will cease operations at the close of business on Saturday September 19th,”Alibi’s Facebook page reads.
While the news came as no surprise to its customers, who had known for a year that the property was for sale at $595,000, the reality of the situation still hit many quite hard.
“The real estate and an adjoining parcel have been sold to a developer who plans on building new housing units,” the announcement continues. “We can’t thank the greater St. Petersburg community enough for their support over the past 15 years. Technology and the greater acceptance of alternative lifestyles have impacted the viability of gay venues throughout the country, and The Alibi was not immune to this phenomena. Thank you everyone for 15 wonderful years of memories!
Robert Barnum of Earnest Realty represented the owner, Ron Gofrank, in the sale. “I speak with the owner daily,” Barnum said, was quoted as saying last year. “He was one of the original three partners but they all bought each other out. They sold [the] Wilton Manors and Ron bought out the others. Now Ron lives out of town. As an absentee owner, it’s difficult for him. He’s got some health issues. He not old and he’s not dying—but as we get older we can’t do as much so he’s not able to be here. So it’s hard to run a business that far away.”
Alibi employed 40 employees, several of whom had been with the bar for its entire run. Barry Bunts in the long-time general manager and vp. The sale does not affect the other branches of Alibi, located in Wilton Manors and Palm Springs, CA.
Katrina Gilbert Grinfield, from St. Petersberg, was quick to lament her sadness at the news.
“I have so many memories at Alibi. As a straight woman, I always went with friends to dance and just be free. Never ever did I have a bad time. The staff are some of the classiest and down to earth people I’ve met while living in Florida. Many friendships were forged there and have stood the test of time since . I am so sad for the staff and for the patrons this was a place of acceptance, fun, and safety. I hope you find another location and carry on with what you started in St Pete. I had so many firsts in Alibi. Dancers, $3 teas, the drag shows, awesome bands like Halcyon. I had my first pride there …so sad the building may be tore down and taken away but you can’t take my memories!!!”