Columns Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

A sunlit outdoor view of the entrance to the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Dale Mabry Campus. The main signage consists of a concrete wall featuring the HCC seal and a large, grey mesh structure adorned with blue hawk silhouettes. Green shrubs line the base of the sign, with a clear blue sky and several palm trees in the background.

Letters: Hillsborough College is ready to play ball with the Rays, but are students getting shut out of the deal?

Is it in the best interest of Hillsborough College students and the surrounding community to confine academic growth while continuing a trend that prioritizes lucrative sports industries, unaffordable housing, more concrete and cars?

By Jeffrey RubinsteinJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Spring brings the same optimism to newly minted Hillsborough College as it does for the Tampa Bay Rays and its fans. And while no hot topic could topple AI generated student content, everyone who attended Faculty In-Service Day on the Dale Mabry Campus awaited the latest update from President, Dr. Ken Atwater. Everyone wanted to […]

An infrastructure map highlighting neighborhood relief zones near Hyde Park and the Palma Ceia Golf Course. Major roads like Howard Avenue, Armenia Avenue, and Bayshore Boulevard are labeled to provide context for a city flood mitigation project.

Tampa Monitor: City Council set to vote on ‘Resilient’ South Howard flood project this week

The $64+ million dollar project still hasn’t had a final design or price tag presented but council will be voting to approve an amended $10 million grant agreement Thursday.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor January 5, 2026January 6, 2026

A view looking out over a calm bay through tall, thin blades of green marsh grass in the foreground. Small ripples move across the surface of the water toward a dense line of green mangroves on the opposite shore.

Away in a mangrove, there are reminders that if we help it, Boca Ciega Bay can heal itself

City Wilds.

by Amanda Hagood December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Tampa Monitor: CRA and land use decisions include potential land for TGH facility in Ybor City

Tampa City Councilmembers, meeting as the CRA, will also vote on the CRA services agreement with the city.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

A close-up, low-angle view of the Tampa Police Department building. The exterior is composed of dark stone and reflective glass, with the American flag mounted on the right.

Tampa Monitor: Plan to sell downtown police headquarters is moving forward

The expected selling price is $36 million.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

Two people walk away from the camera down a brick street, wearing Pride flags draped over their shoulders like capes. The person in the center wears a classic rainbow flag over a denim jacket, while the person to the right wears an asexual Pride flag featuring horizontal stripes of black, gray, white, and purple. They are walking amidst a crowd at a sunny outdoor event, with buildings and metal barricades visible in the background.

Ask a Dyke: How do I date as an asexual sapphic?

How can you form a natural connection with someone you’re into while also making sure they’re down with a sexless partnership?

by Jane Dyke and The Sapphic Sun December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

A shot from the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas:" Two female Who characters with distinctive facial prosthetics and elaborate hairstyles look at one another with expressions of shock or surprise. The woman on the left wears a brown dress with a white lace collar and a green brooch, while the woman on the right wears a dark patterned dress and a festive red and green beaded headband. In the foreground, the blurry green fur of the Grinch is partially visible.

Arts & Entertainment

How the Grinch’s gay moms gave us hope for Christmas

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) will always be the ultimate LGBTQ+ Christmas movie.

By Evelyn Long/The Sapphic SunDecember 2, 2025December 2, 2025

A bird's-eye view of the Florida State Capitol buildings. The classic, dome-topped Old Capitol is in the foreground, flanked by the modernist tall office tower and two shorter buildings with white domes. The city lights of downtown Tallahassee glow in the background.

Florida Legislature is not your friend—unless you’re a developer, a lobbyist, or a fetus

Ever get the feeling the Florida Legislature hates you?

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

A close-up illustration from the Seven of Swords tarot card featuring a figure in a red fez and orange tunic. He moves stealthily, carrying a bundle of five swords in his arms while looking back over his shoulder at two swords standing upright in the ground against a bright yellow background.

Oracle of Ybor: How do I beat the winter blues?

The cards indicate connecting with the good in others, even when it’s tough.

by Caroline DeBruhl December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Low-angle view of the Tampa skyline, showing the historic City Hall building with its clock tower, contrasted against several taller, modern glass skyscrapers under a blue sky with white clouds.

Tampa Monitor: Back from break, council will vote on stormwater, TPD data sharing, and more

In total they will be approving over $90 million in spending.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

A dilapidated, abandoned white boat is partially submerged in murky swamp water near the tree-lined bank, surrounded by cypress trees and moss.

A prayer of thanks, as hurricane season ends, along the Hillsborough’s triple oxbow

Another Creekshed reflection from City Wilds.

by Thomas Hallock November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

14 things Florida can be thankful for

Ron DeSantis, he’s only got another year to smash things up around here.

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

High aerial view of the downtown Tampa skyline, showing dense high-rise buildings along the Hillsborough River, which flows into Tampa Bay. Highways and urban development surround the central core.

Tampa Monitor: Council takes another step towards increasing multi-modal impact fees

The fees have not been increased since they were adopted in 1989.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

View of the historic Old City Hall building in Tampa, showing the clock tower and architectural details against a clear blue sky, framed by dark tree branches.

Tampa Monitor: Council to vote on $7 million for private armed security at city facilities, more

Establishment of the Charter Review Commission, grants for TPD and more are among 80 agenda items for Nov. 20.

by Ray Roa November 17, 2025November 21, 2025

The Five of Swords tarot card from the Rider-Waite deck is centered among a pile of scattered cards. The card depicts a man holding three swords and looking over his shoulder while two defeated figures walk away, leaving two swords on the ground.

Oracle of Ybor: I’m worried about my somewhat controlling daughter who moved from Florida to rural Missouri

Her husband is kind, but can be a bit cocky, too.

by Caroline DeBruhl November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

A Tricolored Heron stands in shallow, watery terrain surrounded by green plants, showing its dark blue-gray feathers, white belly, and long yellow bill.

Sarasota Audubon Society saves bird sanctuary from nearby development

Property next to Celery Fields was targeted for development by the nation’s largest homebuilder.

by Craig Pittman and Florida Phoenix November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Close-up of a person wearing a denim jacket, holding a dark-colored iPhone with the triple camera system visible on the back.

Ask A Dyke: My summer fling blocked me—do I still have a chance?

She broke things off awkwardly and I could not feel normal about it. I have literally never been loved so passionately.

by Jane Dyke and The Sapphic Sun November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Close-up illustration of the Three of Cups Tarot card from the Rider-Waite deck, showing three figures celebrating together by raising three golden cups against a blue background.

Oracle of Ybor: I’m in a ‘What am I doing with my life?’ spiral

The cards suggest spending the next six weeks reflecting.

by Caroline DeBruhl November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Group photo of six people, including a Black woman in a white blouse (Naya Young, center-right), standing in a city council chamber in front of the official City of Tampa seal and a wood-paneled wall.

Tampa Monitor: Tree trust fund, $350K for the ferry, and a $67 million question in front of city council this week

New Tampa City Councilwoman Naya Young will cast her first votes from the dais on Thursday, Nov. 6.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

View of downtown Tampa skyline centered on the historic City Hall building with its clock tower, flanked by much taller, modern glass skyscrapers, including the PNC Bank building.

Tampa Monitor: City attorney apologizes after proposing policy change that would’ve redefined neighborhood leaders as lobbyists

City Attorney Andrea Zelman said it was never her intent to infringe on the public’s ability to speak to their elected officials or the administration.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor October 27, 2025October 28, 2025