Ybor City couples compete on HGTV's 'Battle on the Block'

Going into the HGTV competition, Tony LaColla and Jose Garboza knew they had the edge.

"Put two gay men's design style against straight couples, there's no question about it," LaColla said. "We're going to win."

LaColla and Garboza and two other Ybor City couples — Steven and Lauren Erickson, and Ryan Clements and Jenna Becker — competed in last week's episode of Battle on the Block. The show pits three neighbors against each other for the honor — and bragging rights — of best design.

The couples received $5,000 in cash, $10,000 in merchandise and the help of a general contractor to redesign their master bedroom in three days.

LaColla and Garboza gave their small bedroom with high ceilings a boutique hotel-style feel. The Ericksons shed their traditional look for a more modern one, and Clements and Becker created a soothing space that reflects their hip style.

Admittedly, none of the couples had much background in interior design, other than an interest and good taste.

And, like most reality design shows, they scrambled to finish on time. The Ericksons said they only got one hour of sleep on the final night.

LaColla and Garboza won based on creativity, functionality and transformation of the space. Judges said they liked the room's mural of Ybor's Seventh Avenue, the blue-and-white color scheme and the recessed shelving boxes.

LaColla, 34, and Garboza, 29, plan to use the $10,000 prize to go on a cruise and redo the master bathroom of their Fifth Avenue townhouse. As promised, they also spent a hefty amount — $700 — on dinner with the other couples at Ocean Prime.

LaColla heard about the show through the Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association, of which he's president. He asked a few of his neighbors if they wanted to participate, and they agreed. Filming took place the first week in March.

LaColla, a planner for the city of Tampa, said the experience was more grueling than expected but well worth it. All of the contestants got beautiful bedroom makeovers, and Ybor City got a boost. Host Genevieve Gorder described the neighborhood as a "trendy hot spot for young, chic couples."

The hourlong Battle on the Block follows contestants at local stores, such as District Designs and Casa Nova. It also highlights Tampa attractions, from the streetcar to the new Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where Garboza is shown acting like a kid at the playground.

"We loved how they portrayed Ybor City and Tampa," said LaColla, after the show's premiere May 15.

He also was pleased to represent the gay community in such a favorable way. He and Garboza were the first gay couple to have their bedroom featured in a HGTV show, he said.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback," LaColla said. "We've gained a lot of Facebook friends."