Sunshine State of mind

By ROB BECK, RYAN LEE AND MATT SCHAFER
Southern Voice Atlanta

Pensacola, Miami and Orlando kick off
Summer for gay Atlanta travelers

GAY ATLANTANS ARE already buying up sun block and packing swimwear for a mass exodus to Florida that has become a Memorial Day tradition for thousands.

Nothing says summer like the beach, so our neighboring state to the south became a natural destination. At first, an increasing number of us made an unofficial trip to Pensacola Beach. When party promoters caught on, that turned into a days-long party in the panhandle city. Another unofficial gay day at Disney World in Orlando also grew through the years into a week-long dance party.

And when Sizzle in Miami became a black and Latino gay mecca for Memorial Day Weekend, Florida became the home away from home to kick off summer for gay Atlanta. Here's a rundown on all three events for those planning to go, and a temptation for others who want to check it all out before they commit.

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