Tampa City Council member Luis Viera and Hillsborough County Commission candidate Neil Manimala will host a karaoke event on May 15 at the Corner Club to collect supplies for troops stationed overseas. The event, dubbed the ‘Real Karaoke Smackdown,’ will take place at 1502 E. Sligh Ave. starting at 6:30 p.m. Donations will include snacks, toiletries, and entertainment items for service members.
The drive is curated by Soldier’s Angels, a nonprofit that provides care packages to military personnel. Donors can contribute items like protein bars, ramen noodles, toothbrushes, and board games. Viera and Manimala have listed specific items on their event page, including beef jerky, instant mac and cheese, and pain relievers. Toiletries such as disposable razors and toothpaste are also welcome, along with holiday decorations and letter-writing supplies.
This isn’t Viera’s first foray into karaoke. In 2022, he and former City Council member Guido Maniscalco started the tradition at the Babe Zaharias Club House. The event grew in 2023 when Council member Charlie Miranda joined, and last year every City Council member participated. Manimala is now stepping into the spotlight, sharing a promo video with Viera set to the 1973 song ‘Jungle Boogie’ by Kool & The Gang.
Viera, who is running for Florida House District 67, said the event combines his love for music with a desire to support troops. ‘It’s a way to give back while having some fun,’ he said. The Corner Club has agreed to host the event, and organizers are asking the community to bring donations or attend the performance. No tickets are required for the event or the supply drive.