Detours & Diversions: History and Hot Dogs South of the Skyway
"We're going to die here!" a friend posted on Facebook recently. She was at an outlet mall, and I totally get it. Outlet malls are… well, let's just say they're not exactly my idea of a fun Florida road trip. When I think of parts of Florida I want to explore, little-known cracks and crevices…
One Man Breaking Bad — the unauthorized parody hits the Straz
The heartbreaking end of an engaging TV series doesn't necessarily have to mean the end of an era, and such is the case of the ever-popular AMC drama Breaking Bad. While we are still coming to terms with the end of a much beloved show, having said our goodbyes to Walter White, Jesse, and our…
Meet acclaimed authors, friends with UT connections
Weirdos and sketchoids, unite behind your local(ish) literary heroes!
Proposed changes to historic preservation rules draw support, fire
More than 200 people showed up to a public event space at Sunken Gardens Wednesday night to hear about proposed changes to the St. Petersburg's historic preservation ordinance, changes some worry will impose onerous restrictions on their property rights. The crowded meeting was contentious at times, as residents heard about proposed rules that would make…
Sh*t happened 5/28/15: Drones, medical marijuana, staycations and misplaced anthrax
The future is now! Technology is bringing all sorts of great new things into your life, according to Tuesday's news! No, not flying cars. Er, no, not internet-enabled voting. But how about a sky full of drones recording everything, legal pot that doesn't get you high, and opportunities to be your own boss while never…
Poet’s notebook: Republicans and Obamacare
It is hard to have hope. It is harder as you grow old, for hope must not depend on feeling good and there’s the dream of loneliness at absolute midnight… It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything about health care. Our own health, like most middle-class Americans’, is holding steady — although I’ve…
Dysfunctional Grace lands on solid, skull-covered ground in Ybor City
Central Florida’s weirdest shop celebrates Cigar City’s passionate support with a Grand Opening May 29th.
Meet Insatiable author Shary Hauer tonight at Clearwater’s Barnes & Noble
The book is ideal for anyone who’s had a serious love jones.
More calls for Medicaid expansion in St. Pete
With just days before the state legislature has another go at being functional during the three-week special session that starts next week, advocates for expanded health coverage are pitching the idea across the state. On Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, two Democratic State House members and a handful of health care industry spokespeople urged members…
Drink More Wine: A rosé by any other name
‘Tis the season for this underappreciated class of wines.
Rangers win at Amalie Arena forces Game 7 in Eastern Conference Finals
Facing elimination with their backs against the wall, the Rangers kept their Stanley Cup dreams alive last night thanks to goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who blocked 36 SOG. The Rangers scored five goals in the 3rd period, winning 7-3. The Rangers were under pressure and made some good decisions. Both teams have excelled when forced to…
J. Elijah Cho, AMC’s new “Wonderboy”
He’s landed a role on Halt and Catch Fire, and now the Tampa actor hopes to strike while the iron is hot.
Ease of access: Should St. Pete make it easier for neighborhoods to apply for historic status?
From the looks of its skyline, St. Pete is a collection of condo towers. Beyond the high-rises, however, a visitor finds a mix of lush neighborhoods rich in history. Each has its own sense of place. There’s Old Northeast, a stretch of rambling homes near the waterfront. There’s Historic Roser Park, which is tucked into…
SCENE BREAKER: Gibbs kids hit skids, a cellist flies her freak flag and maybe you can see Cumming at Stageworks
Red and The Tempest open, Annapurna gets posthumous notice
Way Back Wednesday: Depeche Mode
A weekly video spotlight on influential artists who came up pre-’00s
Sh*t happened 5/27/15: Bolts lose, Bright House sold, state business incentives & more
In a dusty bar somewhere between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and slightly differing planes of reality, the clock's minute and hour hands met at the top, closing out Tuesday for good. Jesus confirmed the time, shook his shaggy head and laughed. "You were right. Man, I thought I had that one sewn up," he…
Nepal Women and Girls benefit celebration to aid in aftermath of twin eathquakes
The fundraiser will provide direct disaster relief by purchasing supplies within Nepal.
Don’t cry into your KFC Bowl — Patton Oswalt is coming!
Comedy’s avenger of the nerds headlines the Straz Aug. 29.
Album review: Y Los Dos Pistoles, Six Stories High
A new outing from the folk-garage outfit; listen to a track off the EP here.
Rubio says The Gays will ruin marriage, Christianity
As he and others wiggle their way along the presidential campaign trail, Republican U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio will say a lot of things. If you're interested in equality, you're probably not going to vote for him anyway, regardless of what he says. But in case you're curious as to how anti-gay he is,…
Restaurant review: Brick & Mortar’s shades of grey
There are still some kinks to work out at St. Pete’s Brick & Mortar, but the food is mostly sublime.
New Music Tuesday! (May 26): Anti-Flag, Snarky Puppy, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, (Lil) Boosie Badazz & more
A curated list of albums released this week; audio & video included.
Concert review: Rush delivers the R40 goods at Amalie Arena, Tampa
The vet Canadian prog rock band treat a packed house to their 40-year career retrospective tour
Sh*t happened 5/26/15: St. Pete development, Bay area sports & more
A long, hot, moist weekend led us into what's sure to be a long, hot, moist summer full of people doing horrible, stupid things. Which means I'll always have a job! But hey, not everything is an exercise in exasperation: FRIDAY, MAY 22: Hearing the community's opposition to allowing more private waterfront development as part…
Fond farewell to comedy icon Anne Meara
The sassy and charming comedic actor was a talent in her own right.
The Monkees are back on basic cable
A mod American favorite has resurfaced.
Lightning shut out Rangers in Game 5, one win away from Cup series
Lightning goalie Ben Bishop bounced back from Game 4, during which he allowed five goals. He had given up 10 goals over the previous two games. Bishop’s night didn’t start off smoothly as he was hit in the groin by a puck during warmups at the hands of Nikita Kucherov. In the end, things sure…
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
Tig Notaro is at The Palladium's Side Door Wednesday night. Fresh off a holiday weekend, you might be in the mood for some laughs after having to return to work. The Tampa Bay area has you covered with a mix of strong writers, energetic performers, diverse showcases and maybe a puppet or two. Just find…
Go fish — St. Petersburg opens designated lakes
This just in from the St. Petersburg Parks Department: Starting today, 19 freshwater and two saltwater lakes are open for fishing for the summer season, now through Labor Day. Fishing is permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. A freshwater fishing license is required at all freshwater lakes except for children ages 15 and…
The incredible, edible… weeds?
Preserving an ancient practice, “Green Deane” Jordan makes foraging a less dangerous and more fun proposition.
New York Rangers take Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off of a tough loss in game 4 at home in Amalie Arena heading into game 5 against the New York Rangers. The series is tied 2-2. Despite out-shooting and out-playing the Rangers for much of the game, the Bolts were on the losing end of some unfortunate bounces…
Tomorrowland: The future’s so bright you might miss the shade
The optimism’s welcome, but this vision of the future is just a bit too Disney-fied.
Weekend Shift: Dadbod vs. radbod
Dadbod. It’s the newest word-hybrid being pushed into our psyches by the ever trend-reporting internet. Apparently a college girl wrote a blog that went viral arguing that guys who are not muscular, who have standard-issue, no-frills body types, which they deem to belong to dads, are just as fuckable as their gym-frequenting, protein shake-drinking brethren.…
One last chance to visit Sweetwater Organic Farm (until the fall)
Bob Thomas and the Crabgrass Cowboys perform at 12:30 p.m.
This Sunday in live music: Rush, ODS 4-Year Anniversary Party, Steve Earle and the Dukes & more
Live music happening this Sun., May 24
This Saturday in live music: 97X Backyard BBQ, MoonGoddess 5-Year Anniversary, Sunset Music Festival & more
Skrillex, AWOLNATION, Smash Mouth, and so many others hit town this Sat., May 23
Stupefying Kansas screw-the-poor law not long shot in Florida, actually
Kansas has just passed a law limiting ATM withdrawals from public assistance benefits accounts to $25 a day. Since most ATMS only stock $20 bills, that's really a limit of $20 a day, and out of that $20 customers will likely have to pay ATM fees, too. Kansas lawmakers are, in effect, making it more expensive…
Women represent at Tampa Theatre this week
Tampa Theatre’s presentation of two films within the same week focusing primarily on women is definitely a rare, but important happening.
The Hip Hop ABCs: The winner of Letter M; vote on Letter N
The alphabetical rap battles continue
Lawmakers, nonprofits optimistic governor also thinks selling people is wrong
Tougher penalties for scumbags who deal in human trafficking, and efforts to spread awareness that it's still a problem, could be on Florida's books within weeks, assuming Governor Rick Scott agrees with lawmakers, who overwhelmingly support the policies. A collection of nonprofits heralded the passage of the bills Thursday, thanked their sponsors and called on…
Weekend Tune-Up: Tunes for your weekend by Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Little Dragon & more
A playlist of 15 tunes to launch you into the weekend, Spotify playlist included.
Summer Guide 2015: ReLAUNCH – Expedition to Shell Key
Pinellas County’s chokingly dense development isn’t conducive to sleeping out under (what we can see of) the stars. Even the campground at Fort DeSoto is packed with campers charring their burgers and slapping mosquitos, their kids playing Minecraft on tablets. The only real way to get away from the crowds lies across the water from…
Sh*t happened 5/22/15: EPC, homeless charity sues Tampa and beachy, beachy goodness
Happy Friday! Let us pour a little liquor out for the weekdays that had to die to get us here… The Hillsborough County Commission selected Janet Dougherty — the candidate for whom intense lobbying on the part of private corporate interests recently drew the public ire of commissioner Al Higginbotham — to be the next…
Tonight in live music: K. Michelle, Chris Thomas King, Celph Titled & more
Concerts happening this Fri., May 22.
MOSI premieres an out-of-this-world IMAX film
Journey to Space is far out.
Bard-inspired and art smart: freeFall and American Stage’s new plays
freeFall’s The Tempest: Esta Isla Es Mia opens this weekend; previews of Red begin midweek.
Scott calls for ban on talk of Medicaid expansion, feds say Florida needs $1 billion to care for poor
Eleven days ahead of the state's special legislative session in which lawmakers are supposed to perform their most basic function — passing a friggin' budget, which they weren't able to do during the regular session — Governor Rick Scott sent a decree outlining what he hopes the session will accomplish. Among this list of objectives…
ACLU to new Tampa police chief: stop targeting black people on bicycles
In the wake of Tampa City Council's unanimous approval of new Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward earlier today, a decision sparking calls for major policy changes within the department. Ward was born and raised in East Tampa, a predominately African-American area, and even spent some of his childhood in public housing. He's a 26-year veteran…
Transforming Tampa Bay: Our streetcars, and their original Tampa Heights home, are evolving
Tampa’s streetcars were a force in the community’s evolution, sparking investment and affording easy mobility. Fast-forward 100 years, and streetcar-related efforts are again moving things ahead. An ambitious makeover is underway for the 70,000-square-foot red-brick streetcar barn, located in Tampa Heights adjacent to the Waterfront Park. After the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) blessed their plans…
Dark & Sinful: Summer of the ReVamp
When I was 13, I sat with a bunch of other girls on a lounge chair at the pool while another girl, our ringleader, who filled out her bikini like she was 21, showed us from another chair how to lay out “right” so boys would notice. On your back. One leg straight. One bent.…
A variety of things to do this Memorial Day Weekend
From traditional to offbeat fun stuff, we’ve got you covered this holiday weekend.
Summer Guide 2015: ReFILL – Bay area summer booze fests
Stay hydrated.
Summer Guide 2015: ReSERVE – Bay area restaurant openings
Many food and drink joints are scheduled to join the area’s long list of great spots this summer.
Summer Guide 2015: ReTREAT – A trip to the Panhandle
Head north by northwest to enjoy a Florida region that’s not just a little more “Southern,” but a wildly diverse swath of the Sunshine State. The Panhandle not only offers nature preserves you can easily get lost in (it’s no wonder several X Files episodes were filmed there) and those famously cool springs and caverns,…
Summer Guide 2015: ReTURN – A Rays fan’s request
There are two wildly successful teams in the Tampa Bay area, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Rowdies, a soccer team that suddenly has taken Tampa Bay by … storm. There are two other teams in the area, the Buccaneers and the Rays. Both teams have problems. The Bucs’ problem is obvious. The Bucs are…
Summer Guide 2015: ReVIEW – Indie film alternatives to summer’s blockbusters
Beyond the multimillion-dollar summer tentpole flicks.
Summer Guide 2015: ReSAIL – crewing a boat off Davis Islands
I’m not the adventurous sort. In fact, sometimes I’m not even inclined to leave the house. But one night last fall, I was enjoying a show with my friend DC when he leaned over and murmured, “Last race of the season next week. Wanna go sailing?” He happened to catch me in a perfect storm…
Summer Guide 2015: ReLOAD – A trip to the local gun range
The cathartic thrill of target shooting.
Lightning beat Rangers in OT of Game 3
Following a triple overtime the night before between the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks, which was 3 minutes short of playing 2 full games, the Tampa Bay Lightning came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the New York Rangers in OT. Nikita Kucherov scored the overtime game-winning goal, his second OT goal and…
Sh*t happened 5/21/15: Bolts win, Scott loses, Duke postures
Welcome to Thursday, your antidote to Wednesday. In truth, yesterday was not, all told, such a horrible 24 hours in which to exist on this plane of reality. Mostly. The Lightning hockeyed the shit out of that little round, flat black thing to beat the Rangers 6-5 and take a 2-1 lead in the finals.…
Summer Guide 2015: RePLAY — Summer Concerts Preview
A look at tours hitting Tampa Bay now through Sept. 1
Summer Guide 2015: ReCYCLE – Curbside comes to St. Pete this summer (finally)
Neighborhood by neighborhood, large blue bins are finally showing up on residential curbs in St. Petersburg this month. They mark the start of the city’s first citywide curbside recycling program. The fact that such a program took so long to institute in St. Pete is not a little ironic, given that the city was the…
Summer Guide 2015: ReMARRY – Gay marriage and the SCOTUS decision
Come late June, we’ll all either be celebrating or lamenting the decision on same-sex marriage handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court. And it all hinges on one guy. In April, the court debated, and appeared split on, a case that was consolidated from four separate cases in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. The case…
Summer Guide 2015: ReCOIL – Calculating the thrills at Colossal Curl
There’s something about staring down a towering, tubular plastic water slide that awakens one’s amateur physicist. Waiting in line at attractions like Adventure Island’s brand-new Colossal Curl, you fuzzily crunch factors like mass, height, velocity and slope in determining a) the maximum amount of thrill such a ride is likely to offer and b) the…
Summer Guide 2015: ReLAUNCH – Expedition to Shell Key
Pinellas County’s chokingly dense development isn’t conducive to sleeping out under (what we can see of) the stars. Even the campground at Fort DeSoto is packed with campers charring their burgers and slapping mosquitos, their kids playing Minecraft on tablets. The only real way to get away from the crowds lies across the water from…
Tonight in live music: Florida Folk Scene Showcase, Singer-Songwriter Night @ Tre Amici, Thantifaxath
Live music happening this Thurs., May 21
The third annual Burgatory Fest 2015 & PBR Burger Bash hits St. Petersburg
The Wolf-Face anniversary-cum-Memorial Weekend party invades the 600 Block on Saturday; hear tracks by a few performers now
ReFRESH
Dive right in with CL’s Summer Guide 2015.
