Crist vehemently disagreed with the notion of denying Christian conservative activist Terry Kemple a seat on a diversity advisory council, even after the unabashedly anti-gay Kemple trashed the very notion of such a board in an email release. Crist said that it would be discriminatory not to allow someone with Kemple’s “values” onto the board. Initial opposition from Commissioners Beckner and Miller led to the matter being tabled, but it now looks like Kemple will be admitted after all.
People & Politics
The St. Pete City Hall reporter is another relative newcomer, having been recruited from a gig in Cleveland a few years ago. In the past year the Times has been branding its reporters online by running their mugs next to their stories. Although Puente is a mellow guy, his photo screams that you better go easy with him, even if you disagree with his latest piece.
Matt Florell’s main business is leasing and managing hosted phone systems from centers in Tampa and Virginia. Two years ago he started getting interested in local government because of his interest — and anger — with red light cameras — a hot topic in St. Pete. The more involved he got, the more he realized that much of the electorate was not engaged in local politics. So he thought he would begin polling, because it wouldn’t cost much and he had the means to do so. The rest is history. Though critics like to question the robo-call system that he employs, his polls proved to be extremely accurate in both the 2012 Pinellas County elections and this year’s St. Pete primary.
Governor Scott shocked everyone by coming out for Medicaid expansion just as the Florida Legislative session was about to commence. And to show everyone how much he really cared about the issue, Scott failed to lobby a single lawmaker to support the legislation.
They’re still thumping around, but fewer hoopties are cranking the bass so loudly you can feel your abdominal wall vibrate. According to springtime news reports by Tampa Bay Times’ Richard Danielson, the Tampa City Council voted 6-0 — without Mary Mulhern, who was absent — to fine drivers whose stereos are plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet. Fines are $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $450 for a third offense. Even though most of the people complaining about noise were African-American, activist Life Malcolm claimed that the ordinance targets young black men.
Most of us look older as we celebrate more birthdays, but former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco keeps getting younger-looking. What’s the secret of his smooth-cheeked, unfurrowed-brow success? Some point to the skill of his wife, botox doc Linda McClintock. Whatever the reason (maybe it’s his sunny disposition?), Dick Greco looks at least a decade younger than his years. It’s rumored that the artist who created a life-size sculpture of the mayor for a bench in the Greco Plaza streetcar station had to smooth out his work after Linda had worked her magic on her husband’s mug.
Florida has come in for its share of bad press lately, but people still flock here for the weather (HA!). Fucking Florida is here to remind them that the Sunshine State is not 100% sunshine. The three girls who run the Tumblr blog do a fantastic job spreading the weird news, warning people about the terrors of Florida driving and Florida tourists, and communicating with their large number of followers. Disclaimer: you may be frightened by the blog’s icon. You have been warned.
The paper not only sent its film critic to the Hollywood premiere of this James Franco/Harmony Korine/bikinis-and-bullets snoozer, it also provided a report on the Austin, Texas premiere as well.
