Tituss Burgess — the real star of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (w/video)
A true diva and bright light in the binge-worthy Netflix sitcom.
The Hip Hop ABCs: Winner of Letter E; vote on Letter F
You have stumbled upon the second edition of the Hip Hop ABCs, where we try to find out which emcee or group is the best in the game as driven by the letters of the alphabet. No stated criteria. You don’t have to be a certified hip-hop head to vote. All you have to do…
Painters, photographers needed — calls for artists
Centre Gallery, Carrollwood Cultural Center are accepting proposals for new art shows.
Bad mood rising: Nasty campaigning in Tampa’s District 6 City Council runoff is a sign of the times.
They’re supposed to be talking about potholes. But alas, the runoff election for Tampa’s District 6 City Council seat has deteriorated into the same tit-for-tat we’re used to seeing at the state and national level. Political parties and affiliated PACS are paying for attack mailers that target voters in Seminole Heights, West Tampa and other…
The Hip Hop ABCs: The winner of Letter D; vote on Letter E
The alphabetical rap battles continue
World’s Largest Food Truck Festival (Ever) continues to grow
More than 100 mobile kitchens set for the third World’s Largest Food Truck Festival Ever in Tampa.
CL Fiction Contest Readers’ Choice: “Dinosaur World,” by Cameron Hunt McNabb
The I-4 corridor is the most haunted place in Florida. Don’t let the strip malls, flashy billboards, and animated mascots fool you. These haunt in their own way; but further west, in the push of cow plots, strawberry farms, and weather-beaten “for sale” signs, the haunting becomes thicker. It radiates from the waterlogged singlewides, plastic…
CL Fiction Contest Judges’ Prize: “Maybe the Mermaids” by Rita Ciresi
On the cloudy morning I take my husband on his last slow walk around the neighborhood, fog droplets hang in the muggy air. I hold Len’s left hand. With his right, Len swats at the droplets like they’re mosquitoes. “Where are we going?” Len asks. “Around the block,” I say. We pass the end of…
CL Fiction Contest Top 10: “Sun God” by Brooks Peters
My family used to live not far from Mirror Lake, on a nondescript street that culminated in a dead-end. We had moved there from New York when I was 12. Next door was a ramshackle old house that had been abandoned for a long time. The old man who owned it and had lived there alone for decades had…
CL Fiction Contest Top 10: “Lost in Ybor” by Samuel Warmack
What had I expected? The red-brick streets of Ybor peeked through chinks in the armor of the asphalt, marring the sheet of tar. A cold morning had left the handsome streets of the little tourist suburb quiet, the odd rooster or dead leaf my only other friend as I parked farther than was necessary from where I wanted…
CL Fiction Contest Top 10: “Janey’s Solstice” by Jeff Kraftchak
I had a bad dream again last night, baby. Same as I do every night. I miss you Monday, January 27, 2014 3:56 p.m. The call comes over the radio just as I’m getting settled in the patrol car. Criminal Mischief, a fairly common issue, but it’s the location that piques my interest…the Bank of America Plaza.…
CL Fiction Contest Top 10: “High Horse” by Nina Chalama
The sidewalks are voodoo-pinned with bare-branched trees, and as the lamps blink off upon my crossing the street to the corner deli to buy one black coffee and say good morning to my One True Love, my heart pounded with the strength to nail a house. I’m sure this sounds all too dreamy and pedestrian to you,…
CL Fiction Contest Top 10: “Bumping into Gaia” by Brian Lott
Our love appeared when the sculpture did — suddenly, downtown, right outside the Hub. For years I’d been a regular at the Hub, Tampa’s best bar for its unpretentious atmosphere, titanium-strong drinks, all-around incredible staff. But when Maria and I went there on our third date in 2012, the smoky air hummed with magic. We…
Climate madness: A Cornell scientist talks climate change, sustainability and Florida leaders’ feigned ignorance.
The timing is impeccable for Cornell University horticulture professor David Walter Wolfe’s visit to Eckerd College, where he’ll give a public discussion on climate change and its impact on our food supply. After all, even as sea levels rise and increasingly erratic weather patterns threaten Florida’s food producers, top state officials seem hell-bent on ignoring…
Tonight in Live Music: Gasoline Heart, Black Pussy, and John Mellencamp
Concerts happening Thursday, March 19.
Agnostic Front headlines Tampa Pro party at Orpheum
The godfathers of hardcore unite fans new and old in a Tampa SPoT tradition.
Unlike Tallahassee, intelligent climate change talks happen in Hillsborough
Say what you will about carbon sequestration, but if a governing body unanimously supports it, said governing body obviously knows a) there is an excess of CO2 in the atmosphere that is damaging our environment, and b) humans are causing that excess in CO2. Thus, the Hillsborough County Commissioners, which voted to support allowing companies…
Theater review: Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Stageworks continues a tradition of Neil Simon comedies with the playwright’s midlife sex comedy.
Theater review: Jobsite Theater’s Orlando
A thoughtful retelling of Virginia Woolf’s famous gender bender.
SCENE BREAKER: Pinch pianist, a gory gig and may you be in Mexico before the Devil knows you’re dead
Was American Stage haunted? A historic play in Seminole Heights and more.
Gourmet made easy: Locale launches curbside and to-go orders
That Locale St. Petersburger you’ve been dreaming about? Yeah, you can get it to go.
Hampton Station the region’s newest spot for pies, wings
Casual food and vibes are highlighted at Seminole Heights’ new Hampton Station.
TIGLFF screens “poignant, sexy” rom-com tonight
The title is Boy Meets Girl but we suspect there’s more to it than that.
Savoring spring: Deep-Dish Spinach Quiche
Impress your friends with this spinach quiche that calls for homemade toasted sesame crust.
Restaurant review: Go for the tequila at Hablo Taco
Hablo Taco in Tampa’s Channel District pours enticing spirits, but the food’s zing is missing.
The Hyde Out debuts its dirty sophistication
Hyde Park’s new food- and drink-slinging craft parlor, The Hyde Out, blends art and architecture.
Hobnob with the winners of the CL Fiction Contest
A donation cash bar and complimentary snacks will be provided. Admission is free.
Senator Scott? President Trump? Welcome to the batsh*ttening
As the candidate rosters for the 2016 U.S. Senate and presidential races solidify, Tampa Bay Times political editor Adam Smith is reporting that Governor Rick Scott has his beady little eyes on an election two years hence, the 2018 midterms. That's when Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson's seat will be up, and it's unclear what…
Like no otter — Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s touching rescue (video)
Among the Florida critters out there, river otters are the cutest and most resourceful, but find themselves in life-threatening situations. Thanks to the good folks at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, who rescued three North American river otter kits over the last few days, all approximately three months of age. The three, named Audi, Bentley and Camino,…
Elvis Costello: His Aim Is Still True
A rare one-man show for the legendary British singer/songwriter at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall
Sh*t happened 3/18/15: Stray bullets, growler legislation and Bill Nye
Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. If you remember yesterday at all, congratulations on more-or-less attaining adulthood, or possibly not really being Irish. If, on the other hand, you do not remember yesterday, and feel as though perhaps yesterday hit you very hard with something, took your debit card and spent all your money at bars…
Way Back Wednesday: The Cure, Gang Starr
A weekly video spotlight on artists who came up pre-’00s
A hip hop pot o’gold: new Kendrick Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt, plus live appearances from Lil’ Wayne and Nas
Mr. Illmatic is coming to Tampa, but you’ll have to settle for a club date for now.
Tonight in live music: Laney Jones & The Lively Spirits, Evergreen Terrace
Concerts this Wed., March 18
Two St. Pete food affairs in April to make you say ‘yum’
Snag a seat at St. Pete’s Longest Table street feast, or USFSP’s speaker-loaded food conference.
Rep. Castor calls out PSC chair on crappy energy policy
We already know Congressman Kathy Castor is cool. The Democrat, whose district includes parts of Tampa and a solidly Democratic part of south St. Pete (gerrymander much?), further confirmed her kickassness Tuesday, when she did that thing…what's it called…where you call someone out for allowing power companies to rip off consumers while ignoring the looming…
Bloom Art Center to shows its sense of “Community” Saturday night
Artists may come between noon and 6 p.m. on March 21 to hang their works.
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
Artie Lange is at Mike Calta's Brew Ha Ha on Friday night. This week you have comedians on opposite sides of the spectrum performing. On one hand you have an all-star lineup featuring some of the better-known names in comedy. It's also the priciest ticket of the week. On the other, you have a number…
Bracing for Empire‘s epic two-hour finale
Not since Dallas asked “Who shot JR?” has a prime-time serial earned such rapt attention from viewers.
That was quick: Crist not running for anything next year, but this other guy might
Our dream of another Charlie Crist campaign in 2016 — Senate, House or otherwise — was a short-lived one. Last week the former governor floated the idea of a 2016 Senate candidacy as a Democrat, which would have been his third overall and first as a Democrat (he ran in 1998 as a Republican, 2010 as…
Chef Robert Irvine tackles the impossible in St. Pete
On April 19, St. Pete’s Mahaffey will welcome Food Network star Robert Irvine’s multi-sensory show.
Alonzo King brings “thought structures” to USF’s Spring Dance Concert this weekend
The renowned choreographer contributes to the university’s annual performance.
New Music Tuesday! (March 17): Modest Mouse, AWOLNATION, Twin Shadow & more good stuff
Check out this week’s most notable releases
Sh*t happened 3/17/15: NCAA, Tampa makes Travel+Leisure‘s 20 quirkiest cities list
Monday was a steampunk tumbleweed rolling in ominous silence through an abandoned cowboy theme park without the help of a breeze. The USF women's basketball team found out they'll start their potential trip to a Tampa Final Four slot at Amalie Arena in … Tampa, at the Sun Dome. I don't know a whole lot…
Tonight in live music: The Delta Saints, Quincy Mumford and the Reason Why
Concerts this Tue., March 17.
South Tampa Carmel Kitchen rolls out new brunch menu
Snag a Southern-style weekend brunch from chef Kim Bailey at South Tampa’s Carmel Kitchen.
Early voting in caustic Dist. 6 runoff begins
Early voting polling sites are open for the sixteen or so people who still plan on voting in the runoff election between city council hopefuls Guido Maniscalco and Jackie Toledo. Monday through Sunday, polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so we hope poll workers brought a book. District 6 covers a…
Sh*t happened 3/16/15: Attack mailer, Hunahpu’s Day, Valspar Championship
The weekends come and go. Some of them linger; others shoot by so fast we can hardly consider Friday before Monday's here. Let's not allow it all to slip past. Let's ruminate, shall we? FRIDAY, MARCH 13: Several members of the Tampa City Council voiced their displeasure over "attack ad" mailers bad-mouthing District 6 runoff…
TBBW 2015: A truly happy Hunahpu’s Day
Festgoers still packed the house at Cigar City’s annual Hunahpu’s Day, but the changes were felt.
TBBW 2015: Local lovers test Florida waters at the Mermaid
The Mermaid Tavern’s Local Love event Friday offered more than a dozen local breweries’ pours.
Mad Max: Beyond the Spring Breaker Terrordome
Spring Break will end soon. In the meantime, remain vigilant and calm.
Sawgrass Tiki, Ray’s Vegan Soul team up for afternoon tea
Teas and light bites set for Sawgrass Tiki Bar’s low-tea soirées with Ray’s Vegan Soul in St. Pete.
This weekend in live music: Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Journey, Adventure Club & more
Concerts this Sat.-Sun., March 14-15
TBBW 2015: Mad Beach screens Blood, Sweat, and Beer film
Two breweries’ stories and more were featured during Thursday’s Blood, Sweat, and Beer showing.
Do This: The Weekend Top 10
Safety Harbor Seafood Festival, Opera Tampa’s Butterfly, SunLit’s Kerouac party, Lewis Black, a Harry Potter parody, St. Pat’s, Tampa Bay Beer Week and more.
Weekend Tune-Up: Tunes for your weekend by Tame Impala, Modest Mouse, Kendrick Lamar & more
A playlist of 15 tunes to launch the weekend; audio included along with Spotify playlist.
The Hip Hop ABCs: The winner of Letter C, vote on Letter D
The alphabetical rap battles continue
Sh*t happened 3/13/15: St. Pete noise, Manatee sex sting & Frozen 2
Good morrow. It's Friday the 13th, a day many fear or otherwise consider unlucky. Thank heavens we have yesterday's news to help put things into contextual perspective: The St. Pete city council decided to form a task force to help find ways to ease tensions between downtown residents who moved there for the cultural bustle…
Disney’s new Cinderella: Squeaky clean and kinda bland
A wholesome, (not-so) fresh take on a very familiar fairy tale.
Cigar City Brewgrass Festival hits both sides of Tampa Bay this weekend
More than 20 artists play the Skipperdome and Ferg’s, with very little overlap…
Tonight in live music: Blair Crimmins, Navigateur & more
Concerts this Fri., March 13.
Movie review: The Cobbler
An ambitious new Adam Sandler flick can’t let go of its lowbrow tendencies.
TBBW 2015: Beer buffs swarm Funky tap takeover in Tampa
Funky Buddha Brewery drew the masses to its pre-distribution kickoff party at Cigar City Cider.
RIP to a whimsical beauty — Kimberly Hendrix: May 17, 1969-March 11, 2015
Kimberly Hendrix was known around the arts scene as a lively, animated soul. The 45-year-old fashion designer worked under the label K.Hendrix. She split her time between L.A. and St. Pete and always possessed a big-city savvy and busy-bee, nocturnal energy about her. She smiled a lot, gave warm hugs and professed her love of…
Telling Tampa Bay — local veterans tell their stories live as part of a national project
The Florida Humanities Council’s project, directed by Lisa Powers, has been therapeutic for both the vets and audiences alike.
Listen: Lundy, “PSA Part 2 (Lundy’s America)”
Rising Tampa MC drops surprising, fresh debut single
Tonight in live music: Big K.R.I.T., Emilyn Brodsky, Mason Jennings, River City Extension
Concerts this Thurs., March 12.
Tampa Bay Pizza Marathon: Best in show
CL’s food critic spent a year on the trail of the Bay’s best pies — here are his ultimate favorites.
