Central Florida ?s on guys, neighborhoods, and where the scene went

[SirKenLDesign]

Hi guys, 

Newbie here.

I know there's a few other threads on Orlando related questions but most seemed focused on short visits and included the same list of half a dozen or so guys. I thought my questions were different enough to warrant a new thread and not a reply. 

I previously lived in Orlando and via some gogo boys I got to know some local adult performers. They mostly all lived together and also escorted. I never hired any of them but I learned a lot from them and it felt nice knowing they felt safe at my place. I previously frequented Hammerheads, Full Moon, and Stonewall bars. Hammerheads (on Palm Pkwy) was similar to strip club experiences I've had. 

I recently moved back to Central Florida after a few years away. It seems all my previous spots have closed or changed and the guys I was previously familiar with have all moved on. 

After a trip to Puerto Vallarta and way too much time at Perverts, 69, and Wet Dreams, I've realized how much I miss the old scene I used to frequent. I'm also not having as much luck now with the standard dating apps (Recon, A4A, DaddyHunter, and Growlr mostly). After my paid experiences in PV, I'm thinking hiring a few guys might be a good way for me to find where the party has moved in Orlando or at least be able to find some regular options for a night-in. Thoughts? I know many of my old acquaintances prefered visitors over locals. 

Also, I'm currently in a month to month as I look for a place to settle down. I'm thinking DeLand. It seems to have a decent gay scene and isn't insanely priced. I previously lived in Winter Park which was conducive to late night visits after the bars closed in downtown. I know that's not as possible that far out but I'm thinking there might be a wider selection of guys if I split the difference between Orlando and Daytona Beach. My thought is that area may also allow me to meet guys in Daytona along with Orlando. Do any of you have experience with this area?

Lastly, I've been recommended Johnsons in Tampa for something similar to Hammerheads but I was hoping to find something closer to Orlando. Do any of you have any recommendations for good spots? I know there are some private, members groups around town but no idea where to even begin to find them. For reference, I greatly enjoyed Perverts over the other two in PV. Decor and drink choices are secondary for me (which is why I'm not a fan of Anthropologie, I can watch guys sitting on their phones at Starbucks...).

I really enjoyed the upfront nature of things in PV. At Hammerheads I was always able to find a guy that at least talked to me and took my money. That seems to be nearly impossible now but maybe I'm just out of the loop. I'm really missing those late nights at Stonewall and Hammerheads these days! Even Club Orlando is no longer 24/7! 

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

TL:DR Apps and bars no longer work. Where's the scene in Central Florida now? How are the guys/scene in Volusia Co.? 

[SirKenLDesign]

Also, if anyone is in the area, I'm always up to grab a drink and swap stories. I don't frequent the tourist area often but I'm always around downtown, Seminole,  and East Orlando. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Orlando, for having such a large population of gay people, has really, really shitty nightlife.  Club Orlando seems to still be going strong.

I'd go back to Winter Park, as it's upscale, has an Austin-like vibe and is super gay friendly.

Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater has a scene, but it's super laid back.  Also, the tourist contingent (also much like in Orlando) makes it tougher to find guys who stick around long enough to become friends (or regular fuck buds).

As a side note, I was a little surprised to see how many guys are available for rent or gratis (Grindr) in Tallahassee.  It's the young male population of FSU and the apps there are always packed with some truly stunning gents.  I'm there about once a month and have always had a ton of guys to pick from if the mood hits.

 

 

[Stormy]

I visited the Parliament House last time I was in Orlando.  What delicious fun.  Too bad it’s gone