Growing up here in sunny St. Pete, Florida was a treat. I was lucky enough to live on the west side of town, near park street and Abercrombie Park, just south of the Garden Drive-In. After graduating from Bogie in 1986, I found myself out and about, doing the normal guy stuff. Drinking beers, chasing the ladies, riding bikes all over town, playing video games at Aladdin’s Castle, hanging at the TI Fun Center and of course, at some point we all ended up at The BIG CATCH. And that’s where I, like most everyone else of those days, ended up meeting Jon. The Jon LaBudde. Jon RENO LaBudde, our Buddy. The birthday boy, who tonight, April 29, 2017, at historic venue NOVA 535 in beautiful Downtown St. Pete, aka DTSP, we gathered to shower with love, to honor and thank him for all that he’s done for us! How did we thank him? That’s the fun part! Read on and enjoy the 60th Birthday Roast of Jon RENO LaBudde!

Of course it was a star studded event, plenty of gorgeous ladies, the (mostly honorable haha) Politicians, Mayor Rick Kriseman and Congressman Charlie Crist, both nicely roasting Jonny!

As Jon and I have “matured”, our friendship has deepened, both of us on the small business owner / Entrepreneurial path. I play the role of world traveling, Entrepreneurial “Uncle Mike“, selling 5 Star weddings and events here at NOVA 535 and mentoring via my weekly Entrepreneur Social Club. Jon with Reno Beach Surf Shop, various restaurant and promotional ventures, and as Keller Williams Real Estate Expert. We both promote the F outta our vibrant, world-class city #StPete and it’s downtown, #DTSP. Me via DowntownStPete.com, Jon via his infamous Weekly Burg Blast. We are certainly brothers from other mothers! Love you Jonny!

The real stars and studs of tonight, along with Jonny of course, are the Roasters and show Producers. Theses guys, and ladies, put on a hilarious, touching, entertaining Roast, one that will go down in the history books of St. Pete!

[Maybe it’s an annual event, who is NEXT? I got Roasted for my 40th WOW that was wild…]

Jon’s fabulous brother James LaBudde, the hilarious duo Jeff Klein and Christian Obenshain, DJ Adam Wick, Jon’s most lovely GF Samantha Feyen, along with roasters Cliff Gephart, Larry Sweeny, Hank Hilton, Charlie Crist, Rick Kriseman, Mike Milhoan, Scott Macintyre and Tricia Ulrich. Did I forget anyone?

Support from pals like Jerry Bohannon, Sean Marra, Mike Fox, Tom Gribbin, Joe “Budious” Gray, and so many more were what helped glue this entire evening into one fabulous experience!    BRAVO and THANK YOU ALL!!

The delicious menus were provided by Maggie on the Move and by Catering by Murray’s. Murray and Maggie are amazing, both delightful human beings AND talented, friendly caterers. Bravo!! Also a big thanks to our staff here at NOVA, everyone was most appreciative of your excellent 5 Star hospitality!! Stage provided by “Gandalf” Chuck Taylor at Production Source. Valet provided by Select Valet.

Happy Birthday Jon RENO LaBuddel!! Here’s to the next 60, wow that’s alotta years my friend! We love you!!

Below are ALL the edited photos from our RENO Roast, thanks to BLively Images, please enjoy and SHARE! Since NOVA 535 is locally owned, small business; 5 Star wedding and event venue, we do survive on word of mouth referrals and online reviews. If you enjoyed yourself, please say something nice here! Thanks!!

Looking for a 5 Star Venue to host your wedding, reception, film shoot or corporate event? Get Started here, or via voice / text 949-873-6683 or Sales(at)NOVA535.com