Columns Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Creative Loafing readers respond to Grady Judd going woke, a Paramore cover concert, and more

‘CL Tampa is MAGA now.’

by Ray Roa March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s new experiment in bringing feedback from the mailbag, inbox, and even social media continues. Drop us a line. Facebook responses to ‘Some candidates for Hillsborough School Board agree superintendent should not be an elected position’ (WMNF News) There should be strict nomination requirements involved. A certain number of years teaching in […]

Grady Judd is woke now

Polk County’s favorite lawman is feeling the heat after asking for ‘common sense’ immigration policies.

by Colin Wolf March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

An aerial view of the Florida State Capitol complex in Tallahassee. The historic 1845 Capitol building with its grey dome and candy-striped awnings sits in the foreground, directly in front of the modern 22-story Executive Office Building tower. The surrounding plaza, legislative wings, and downtown Tallahassee skyline are visible under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

More and more, officials are simply ignoring Florida’s public records laws

Requests for public documents can go unanswered for weeks, months, even years.

by Martin Dyckman and The Florida Trident March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Michael Bishop, founder of the Tampa Monitor, speaking into a studio microphone at WMNF 88.5 FM. The person has grey hair and a beard, wearing headphones and a dark blue jacket. The background features a corkboard with various posters, including one for The Beach Boys and an IMAX film.

Tampa Monitor is asking for help to finish building important reporting tools

It’s Sunshine Week, and the website helps all of us keep eyes and ears on Tampa City Council.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

A close-up illustration of the King of Swords from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. A figure with a stern expression wears a yellow crown and a red hood under a blue tunic and purple cape. They hold a large silver sword upright in their right hand against a pale blue sky with a single cloud and soaring birds.

Columns, News & Views, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Oracle of Ybor: Your friend is a fucking asshole

I cannot imagine what it felt like to receive such an atom bomb of a letter.

by Caroline DeBruhl March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

A person wearing purple horns with a purple dyed long mohawk and piercings at a Pride celebration.

Ask a Dyke: How do I stop ghosting and keep connections?

You can’t navigate romance without platonic interactions.

by Jane Dyke and The Sapphic Sun March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Three Tampa Bay organizations building networks to support immigrants

As ICE presence grows, long-time Tampa organizers are protecting local immigrants by building networks of support and resistance.

By Sea Harder/The Sapphic Sun March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

CityofTampa

Tampa Monitor: City Council to hear update to Land Development Code

There are 73 items on the agenda for Thursday, March 5.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Aerial view of the Downtown Tampa skyline and the Hillsborough River on a clear, sunny day. The image shows high-rise office buildings, the University of Tampa, and a major highway interchange with cars crossing the river into the urban center.

Tampa Monitor: City Council to hold special call Fiscal Year 27 workshop on Tuesday

The open discussion lets the body discuss budget priorities ahead of the mayor’s presentation.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Jasmine Burney-Clark, founder of Equal Ground, speaking at a podium during a press conference. She is surrounded by supporters and holding a sign that reads "Protect Black Representation."

Op-ed: the The ‘Parents Over Platforms Act’ sounds good until you read what it actually does

‘Black and brown communities are already dealing with over-surveillance and data collection that gets weaponized against us.’

By Jasmine Burney-ClarkFebruary 26, 2026February 26, 2026

A close-up illustration of "The World" tarot card. A central figure with long blonde hair is depicted partially draped in a purple sash, holding two white wands while floating within a large oval wreath made of green leaves. The background is a solid light green, and white clouds are visible in the upper corners. The image has a classic, textured printing aesthetic with visible Ben-Day dots.

Oracle Of Ybor: I’m about to start a family with a longtime partner, but I keep thinking about my exes

I don’t think I still want them…but I do think I still want them to want ME.

by Caroline DeBruhl February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Tampa Bay writers and AI pros weigh in using Chat GPT this Valentine’s Day

If love is blind, Claude writing your love story has to be worse than catfishing.

by Madison Dudley February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

There’s a lot to love about Jupiter, Florida Aquarium’s goliath grouper

Goliath grouper gather for summertime orgies. Adult females flip gender, as needed. The schools find a way, as community, to survive.

by Thomas Hallock February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

A low-angle, wide-lens shot of two people at a party. The person in the center wears a black cap, white earmuffs, and a black sleeveless shirt with the white text 'WHO ATE ALL THE PUSSY?'. A second person leans in from the right, playfully sticking their tongue out toward the shirt. The background is filled with other dancers and blurred warm lighting.

Ask a Dyke: How do I meet other lesbians IRL?

You don’t have to resort to giving yourself a fucked up haircut and browsing the flower section at Trader Joe’s.

by Jane Dyke and The Sapphic Sun February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

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

Zoom in of a vintage tarot cart featuring The Chariot.

Oracle of Ybor: How do I avoid burnout under fascism?

Balancing strength, stamina and care is key.

by Caroline DeBruhl January 22, 2026February 18, 2026

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