Ask The Locals: Olga Bof
The ’Burg’s biggest local-business booster loves everything about her town, but we made her play favorites.
Ask The Locals: Thuy Le
Thuy Le is the owner of three St. Petersburg establishments: Thuy Café, La V and Nouvelle Beauty Bar. If you’ve patronized any of these businesses, chances are you’ve seen the proprietress. The Vietnamese-born restaurateur (her name is pronounced Twee Lay) stands out in a crowd. She’s gorgeous, gregarious and likes a good party. Last summer,…
Ask The Locals: Charlie Justice
Not many people get to say that they grew up in St. Petersburg these days. County Commissioner Charlie Justice is one. He grew up in west St. Pete, closer to Treasure Island than downtown, an area that used to be spotted with large parks that are now strip malls and subdivisions. The former Florida lawmaker…
Ask The Locals: Elihu & Carolyn Brayboy
The revamped landmark building where Chief’s Creole Cafe opened last November in Midtown St. Petersburg is just one of many restoration projects that have been taken on by owners Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, who go by Mr. and Mrs. B. The restaurant was formerly a grocery store and a tavern, and traces of both are…
Ask The Locals: Mike Calta
IF you’re new to the area and haven’t tuned in to classic-rock station 102.5 FM The Bone, Mike Calta’s name might not immediately ring a bell. Most locals, however, are familiar with the show host by both his real name and his former moniker, the one he used in Tampa Bay radio for more than…
Ask The Locals: Chuck Henson
The Bay News 9 traffic guru has a thing for Downtown St. Pete, great marching bands, and cheese grits.
Ask The Locals: Tracy Midulla Reller
Tracy Midulla Reller was regarded as an arts pioneer when she opened Tempus Projects in Seminole Heights. Five years ago, the neighborhood was emerging as Tampa’s hip historic district and Reller, a Hillsborough Community College professor, was emerging as Tampa’s hip alternative arts leader. After a successful nine-year run as the force behind [5]art — a…
Ask The Locals: Manny Leto
You don’t get more Tampa than Emanuel “Manny” Leto. Born and raised in Tampa, the 38-year-old third-generation Italian American — 100 percent on both sides — bears the surname of a local high school (no relation that he knows of), and his ancestors can be traced back to the Agrigento region of Sicily, where he…
Ask The Locals: Matthew McGee
You might have seen him emcee a local event or elicit laughs in one of his acclaimed comedic roles. Actor, singer and freeFall Theatre staffer Matthew McGee has become a familiar face in the Tampa Bay theater scene, bringing Southern charm — and sass — as well as an impressive range to his roles. McGee has…
Ask The Locals: Noah Pransky
Few have as keen an understanding of Tampa Bay as award-winning WTSP Channel 10 investigative reporter Noah Pransky. In the six years he has been in the area, the Boston native and South Tampa-via-Ft. Myers resident has broken any number of big stories. Key among the controversies he’s doggedly followed is the use of red…
Ask The Locals: Wally B
You could call Walter “Wally B” Jennings the godfather of Tampa Bay’s spoken word scene. The community-minded poet, performer and mentor helps young poets find their voice through monthly spoken word events and annual competitions. A better orator than most politicians, Jennings began writing poetry in 1989, inspired by an eighth-grade English assignment. In 1998,…
SARTQ Print Party gives art lovers a reason to cross the Skyway
Tampa Bay galleries take note: This is one cool art party.
Tampa chefs, breweries to reach Culinary Heights
Culinary Heights’ five-course beer feast in Seminole Heights will unite area chefs, breweries and art.
HuffPost profiles the man behind a controversial Pinellas homeless shelter
If you've lived in St. Pete for more than a few years, have you ever wondered where all the homeless people go at night? If you were here a decade ago, you may remember seeing scores of people sleeping on the steps of City Hall and in numerous downtown parks at night, especially in Williams…
Elvis Costello takes a detour through Clearwater
Gabe E. waxes poetic on one of his all-time faves, who stops at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Mon., March 16; playlist link included.
Five knock-your-clogs-off St. Patty’s Day drink recipes
Lucky you. We know what alcoholic delights you’re downing on St. Patrick’s Day.
Sh*t happened 3/12/15: District 6, cheese theft and an only barely related clickbait banner image
Hump Day. How was your Hump Day? It's about being in the middle of the week, jackass, stop thinking of a camel's genitalia. Is Jackie Toledo ducking Guido Maniscalco's challenge to a debate prior to the Tampa City Council District 6 runoff race? Will his gambit make him appear to be a bully? Will her…
Page Turners: Tampa Bay’s literary happenings
Upcoming literary events include author readings, Women’s History Month workshops and open mics.
Driving and driven: A Tampa activist advocates for the program that helps her help others.
Like a lot of people who traverse the Howard Frankland Bridge on a daily basis, Olivia Babis can’t wait for self-driving cars to go mainstream. She has an uncommon reason for such enthusiasm, though. Babis, 38, was born without arms, a condition commonly referred to as a congenital amputation. Still, she drives a minivan across…
Defying labels — Pyramid Inc., PARC and Creative Clay
Bay area arts organizations are changing the perception of “outsider art.”
Dark & Sinful: Spring broken
March is named for Mars, the Roman god of spring, growth, and nature. Out with the old, in with Women’s History Month, American Red Cross Month, American Dietetic Association National Nutrition Month… And the vernal equinox: one night as long as a day. And, of course, spring fever: the restless wait for summer. In Florida,…
Tampa Bay Pizza Marathon: Best in Show & the Top 10
The region’s top Italian pies.
Tampa Bay Pizza Marathon: The locations
These are the tasty Italian mile markers along our food critic’s yearlong jaunt.
Tampa Bay Pizza Marathon: Jon’s journey
Thirty-two pies, 12 months and one five-star-worthy champ.
Transforming Tampa Bay: Pave less, prosper more
No one has ever accused a fast food restaurant or a drugstore chain of contributing charm to the public’s design conversation. These utilitarian structures tend to take up whole blocks, with lots of paving to accommodate drive-through functions and parking. The old-fashioned pattern of long, narrow storefronts strung together close to the sidewalk is much…
Theater Review — Tampa Shakespeare Festival, plus a preview of USFSP’s As You Like It
Tampa’s Bardfest battles a few environmental factors to deliver classic drama. St. Pete gears up for its own Shakespeare in the park.
Everything’s gone green — CL’s St. Patrick’s Day Event Guide
It’s a five-day St. Patrick’s Day weekend, mates. Make the most of it.
More sparks fly in West Tampa/Seminole Heights runoff
Not wanting to debate your political opponent is usually a sign that a) you've got a comfortable lead and don't feel the need to convince people you're right on the issues, or b) you are afraid you will sound dumb when speaking unscripted in public, or c) both. In any case, Guido Maniscalco's City Council…
Tampa LGBT film fest organizers to use gender-neutral restrooms to protest bill that would discriminate
The Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival has announced it will likely require all of its venues to supply gender-neutral bathrooms for festival attendees. Their announcement is a response to a state lawmaker's proposal to make it illegal for transgendered individuals to use bathrooms designated for the gender with which they identify. The bill,…
TBBW 2015: Are we full yet?
A guide to rounding out your Tampa Bay Beer Week merriment.
Five Courses: Diner craze with The Burg Diner & more
The Burg Diner and Kings are two new St. Pete diners, plus other Tampa Bay comings and goings.
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
Ranter-in-Chief Lewis Black heads the pack of comedians gracing stages this week.
SCENE BREAKER: Patronhavior improves, a Facebook fiction and did you know Gutenberg could sing and print?
Here’s what’s behind the curtain this week in Tampa Bay theater… IF ANDY KAUFMAN FRIENDED HIM, THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME: If strict observance of reality is not really one of your hangups, you can now Friend artificial human “Barney Cashman” on Facebook. The amiable, schlubby fishmonger at the center of Neil Simon’s classic ‘60s…
Have you seen this star?
Star Booty salon’s iconic giant star is missing.
Crist for Senate 2.0?
As Florida politicos look ahead to 2016 (holy shit, that's next year), Democrats will have to decide which candidates they will offer up to get beaten with a giant stick made of shredded up Koch brother dollars. The kids over at the Cable News Network are reporting that among the wide-open field of potential Democratic…
Way Back Wednesday: Madonna, Common
A weekly video spotlight on artists who came up pre-’00s
Tonight in live music: Hundred Waters, The Sing-Off Live Tour
Concerts this Wed., March 11
Sh*t happened 3/11/15: More Scott, one less Buc and a spiritual glory hole
The sound grew like faraway thunder, starting as a feeling in the back of the teeth and growing, until it blotted out all the senses, as if some impossible winged machine were passing overhead. When it was gone, he asked the old man what the hell it could've been. "That," said the old man, "was…
Medicaid expansion bill clears committee, League of Women Voters pretty stoked
A proposal to extend health care coverage in the state to more than a million people who aren't quite starving (except when they have medical bills) easily cleared a State Senate committee Tuesday, reports the News Service of Florida, but it faces a rough go in the State House. The Senate Committee on Health Policy unanimously…
Gasparilla Music Fest 2015 in review: The Good, the Ugly & the Unforgettable
A Best-of breakdown from Modest Mouse to Gogol Bordello, with pics.
WADA’s ArtsXchange is poised to become a reality in St. Pete
The newly renamed complex will change the face of the Warehouse Arts District.
Possible lifeline for Woodson African-American museum
City and museum officials stood in front of the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum Tuesday to laud the first step in a process they hope will make the museum safe and sound. Outlook on the museum's future appeared gloomy in the wake of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority's move to sell the building…
New Music Tuesday! (March 10): Madonna, Jeff The Brotherhood, Will Butler & more
Releases out this week with audio & video, plus a brief look back at noteworthy albums that dropped March 3
Sh*t happened 3/10/15: Scott’s DEP, pier designs, school testing hacked
Monday was but an ephemeral dream that coursed silkily through a young Wall Street broker's mind, during a quick nap after a cold, snowy trudge and a warm, flaky knish. It was reported that just after governor Rick Scott took office, a mandate came down through the ranks of the state's Department of Environmental Protection…
Concert review: Aesop Rock with Homeboy Sandman at State Theater, St. Petersburg
Aesop Rock outshines and outraps them all this past Sat., March 7
Tonight in live music: Murder by Death with O’Death, Two Cow Garage
Concerts this Tue., March 10 (media included)
Creative Loafing Fiction Contest Top 10: Which story gets your vote?
Writers were asked to take their inspiration from works of art in galleries, museums and public places.
From Galatoire’s with love: A Bourbon Street brunch at Roux
Roux welcomed New Orleans chef Leon Galatoire into its kitchen Sunday morning. It was awesome.
Pier review: public survey results are in
St. Pete residents cast thousands of votes in a non-binding survey for seven design proposals for the St. Pete Pier over the past couple weeks, and the results are in. The winner, with 10,751 votes, 6,306 of them verified residents of the city, is Destination St. Pete Pier, the one where the original inverted pyramid…
There’s no climate change in Florida because Rick Scott says so
You know how Florida is flat and surrounded by water, water that is slowly encroaching on coastal areas? Well, the vast majority of scientists is warning about the effects a warming planet are going to have on humans — especially humans who live in Florida — in the near future. If you haven't heard, it…
Counter culture: Kings Street Food plans next-gen diner fare for St. Pete
Hot dogs, shakes and other diner-style items to be offered at St. Pete’s Kings Street Food Counter.
Saki Endless Sushi opens second eatery in Tampa
Tampa residents may now get a taste of Clearwater’s Saki Endless Sushi at its Carrollwood locale.
Sh*t happened 3/9/2015: Testing, Beer Week & more cops for St. Pete
And we're back from beers, bars, music and the Renaissance Festival; here's hoping you enjoyed the weekend, whatever your pleasure. FRIDAY, MARCH 6: In wake of a badly botched test rollout that included faulty equipment and unprepared administrators and students (and that everyone saw coming a mile away), the Times makes an admirable and reasonable…
Kids in the Hall hit O-town on May 9
Tickets go on sale March 13 to see the Canadian sketch comedy legends.
TBBW 2015: Coppertail’s new tasting room debuts
Some celebrated Beer Week’s start at the Coppertail Brewing Co. grand opening in Ybor.
This weekend in live music: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Aesop Rock, Santana & more
Concerts this Sat.-Sun., March 7-8
Weekend Tune-Up: music for your weekend by Skizzy Mars, My Morning Jacket, Braille & more
It's the first weekend of March and we have to start it off right with the first installment of a new music playlist series: Weekend Tune-Up. Each week, I'll be bringing you a Friday playlist to rocket you into the weekend, sharing some brand new music along with some other must hear jams. 1. Purity…
In bacon we trust: America Loves Bacon fest kicks off ticket sales
Can there ever be too much bacon? You decide at Tampa’s America Loves Bacon festival April 11.
Nude Nite: 2015 photos of extreme dreams
Drop your inhibitions and embrace your dreams
Friday Fight Night
During this past weekend's UFC 184, Ronda Rousey continued her climb to greatness in the world of mixed martial arts as she ended her women's bantamweight championship match with Cat Zingano in typical fashion — sheer dominance. Rousey's submission of Zingano in 14 seconds was two seconds quicker than her railroading of Alexis Davis in…
They Never Forget
The Greatest Show on Earth ended a tradition of cruelty this week when the Feld family – that's the parent company for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – announced elephants no longer have a place under the tent. The Feld family sent out a press release to that effect Thursday, and NPR, the…
Sh*t happened 3/6/15: Shorts
Let's keep it short and sweet on this beautiful Friday, shall we? No, don't speak; it's better this way, really. A Clearwater man was arrested for running a prostitution ring out of his home. "Pimp My House," indeed. Blurby boobily something something yadda Rays baseball. Riverside downtown Tampa building Rivergate Tower, also known as "the…
Cops may have busted St. Pete mural vandal
The turd who upset St. Pete's tight-knit community of working artists by scribbling "Facebook.com ——-> HTWOO the artist" on a handful of lovely downtown murals has allegedly been caught, police say. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Jonathan Scott Corbett, 24, was already in jail on violation of probation charges when police charged him with three…
Tonight in live music: Tommy Emmanuel, Empire Cinema and DieAlps!, John Wesley Band + more
Concerts this Fri., March 6
Chappelle show! Tickets on sale Friday for fourth show
Comedian Dave Chappelle is out of hiding, for a little while at least, and is touring the United States. He will be stopping in the Tampa Bay area with four shows at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, and another two on Tues., April 14, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. A…
Do This: The Weekend top 10
Jemaine’s new vampire comedy, the triumphant return of Shakespeare in the park, smart-ass comedians, Boyz II Men, Loretta Lynn, GMF, Florida Orchestra movie music and art, art and more art.
Fifth BurgerMonger hits South Tampa next month
In April, Tampa’s South Town Center will house the latest packed patties-slinging BurgerMonger.
Tampa home health care workers decry paltry wages, lack of benefits
Monica Russo As the initiative for a fifteen dollar minimum wage expands from fast food workers to contract professors and beyond, the Seminole Heights Public Library in Tampa served as the launching point for a move to unionize home health care workers as part of the ongoing Fight for 15 movement. Wednesday's town hall meeting…
Community classroom: Harvest Hope kitchen debuts to Tampa
Tampa’s Harvest Hope Center Kitchen plans to educate locals on nutrition and cooking techniques.
Ask The Locals: Tom DeGeorge
Tom DeGeorge has been entrenched in the Ybor City nightlife scene since 2001, when he was brought to town to run The Masquerade (now The Ritz Ybor) and not only managed it but lived above it until it closed in 2006. By then he’d fallen in love with the historic Tampa district, and later that…
Poet’s notebook: The liberal arts
Some things you know all your life. They are so simple and true they must be said without elegance, meter and rhyme, they must be laid on the table beside the salt shaker, the glass of water … The liberal arts have often been under the gun, but more so in recent times, when the…
A matter of the heart: bill would require CPR training in schools
She thought he had the flu. That’s what Kaycee Teets assumed when officials from Seminole Heights Elementary School called last year to tell her that her son, first grader Keith Coty, had a headache and was throwing up. But when she got to the school, she says, everyone was frantic, and her son was lying…
Sausage party: a look at the 2015 legislative session
Remember last October, when there were all those ads on TV about woodsheds and other peripheral nonsense? Well, roughly half of the people you saw in those commercials are in Tallahassee now, makin’ laws. And you know what they say about laws and sausages — you don’t want to see either of them being made.…
Led Zeppelin concert experience coming to movie theaters on March 30
Watch a one-time showing of classic Zeppelin performances on big screens around the bay.
Sub Ap! launches its new quarterly magazine with Generationals and Rose Quartz
The throwdown happens at Crowbar tonight
