Shane and Ilya embrace in a scene from 'Heated Rivalry'

Tampa Bay has two viral ‘Heated Rivalry’ dance parties this month

The St. Pete and Tampa parties are a week apart, Hollander.

by Selene San Felice May 7, 2026May 7, 2026

A formal, close-up studio portrait of Jean Duncan, the Administrator of Infrastructure & Mobility for the City of Tampa. They have shoulder-length reddish-brown hair, hoop earrings, and are smiling warmly at the camera. They are wearing a dark, short-sleeved v-neck top accompanied by a distinct statement necklace made of large, flat metallic and stone-like discs. In the background, they are flanked by the United States flag on the left and a municipal flag featuring a city seal on the right against a plain, light-colored wall.

City of Tampa pays $350k settlement for lawsuit that alleged discrimination, retaliation and potential nepotism

The settlement came weeks before the city fielded more discrimination complaints over the firing of former Assistant Police Chief Ruth Cate.

by Valerie Smith May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

A dark, high-contrast live concert photograph of punk singer-songwriter Laura Jane Grace performing on stage. Captured from the waist up, they stand in front of a microphone stand with their wet hair completely obscuring their face. They are wearing a black harness-style top over a white shirt with a blue graphic, and their heavily tattooed arms are illuminated by cool blue stage lighting. Directly behind their head, a brilliant red-orange stage light shines directly into the camera lens, creating a striking halo and starburst effect against the pitch-black background.

Music

Photos: Laura Jane Grace plays Ybor City’s Zodiac nightclub

Black Guy Fawkes and Lung opened the show.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Cast of "Until Love Makes Us" wearing modern Mexican fashion.

Arts & Entertainment

USF professor tells queer migration stories in new Tampa play

“Que el amor nos haga (Until Love Makes Us)” opens Friday, May 16 at Stageworks Theatre.

by Selene San Felice May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

Exterior of Say Coffee House with people sitting under umbrellas outside.

Food & Drink

New Vietnamese cafe, Say Coffee House, opens in St. Pete

It’s just a few blocks from Black Crow and Bandit.

by Selene San Felice May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

A direct-flash, nighttime photograph of four smiling concertgoers posing together during Static Fest at The Moontower. From left to right: an individual with a mustache wearing a black graphic t-shirt that reads 'PUNK SAVES'; a person with dark hair and red bangs wearing a black top; an individual with glasses wearing a reddish-brown t-shirt that reads 'LET'S SETTLE THIS LIKE ADULTS'; and a person wearing a black-and-white zebra-striped short-sleeve button-down shirt. Behind the group, the venue's industrial background is visible, featuring a corrugated metal roll-up door on the left and a brick wall on the right.

Music

Photos: Everyone we saw when Static Fest sold out The Moon Tower at Dunedin Brewery

Wes Hoffman & Friends were joined by a host of homegrown punk bands.

by Ray Roa and Ryan Metcalf May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A vibrant promotional portrait of the artist Young & Sick seated in a dark blue chair against a digital backdrop of outer space filled with stars and purple nebulae. They have short brown hair and light stubble, and are looking thoughtfully off-camera to the right. They are wearing a brightly colored, heavy knit cardigan featuring bold stripes of blue, yellow, red, and purple with thick fringes, layered over a white t-shirt with black line-art graphics. Their outfit is completed with black pants patterned with abstract white shapes. The bright, even lighting highlights the rich textures and eclectic mix of patterns against the moody cosmic background.

Music

Young & Sick among bands coming to Ybor City for last-ever ‘Hot Dog Party’

Legendary Tampa concert venue Crowbar will close before August.

by Ray Roa May 4, 2026June 26, 2026

Music

Q&A: At Hard Rock Tampa, Steven Van Zandt explains why he couldn’t make ‘Sun City’ today [PHOTOS]

Springsteen’s 75-year-old right hand man was launching his new Malvado Maple Mezcal.

by Josh Bradley May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A daytime photograph taken through a chain-link fence showing a fire truck with its ladder fully extended over a two-story tan building. The building, identified as the University of South Florida's marine science lab, features multiple large, dark-tinted gridded windows. In the foreground, a bright yellow mooring bollard sits on a concrete ledge just before a body of water. The sky above is overcast, casting a grey, muted light over the emergency scene.

News & Views

Fire officials say USF St. Pete’s marine science lab is likely a ‘total loss’ after weekend fire

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken over the investigation of the fire, but observers claim a lightning strike is to blame.

by Jasmin Parrado May 4, 2026May 5, 2026

A horizontal, behind-the-scenes photograph of four individuals wearing dark green hard hats standing beneath metal scaffolding during a tour of the Tampa Theatre. In the foreground, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay co-owner James Howard, wearing a black t-shirt, glasses, and a beard, smiles at the camera. Behind them stand co-owner Anthony Carbone in a white button-down shirt, and spring 2026 interns Kailey Aiken and Jasmin Parrado. The group is standing on an elevated platform surrounded by grey metal construction poles. In the background, the theatre's historic, ornate gold-and-red painted walls are visible to the left, alongside a uniquely textured ceiling structure to the right.

Arts & Entertainment

Tampa Theatre hard hat tours allow members to touch the sky inside the historic venue

May tours are sold-out, with June dates to be announced soon.

by Ray Roa May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A daytime portrait photograph of former professional soccer player Clyde Best standing in the stands of a stadium. Best is wearing a black baseball cap, a dark zip-up sweater, and a green, yellow, and white Tampa Bay Rowdies scarf draped around his neck. He is looking directly at the camera with a relaxed expression. In the background, rows of empty green and yellow stadium seats rise beneath a shaded concrete overhang, characteristic of Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.

Arts & Entertainment

Documentary celebrating Rowdies and West Ham legend Clyde Best makes East Coast debut in St. Pete

The Bermudian who brought a Soccer Bowl championship to the Bay will be in attendance on May 7.

by Ray Roa May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A close-up studio portrait of St. Petersburg community leader Maria Scruggs smiling warmly against a plain, light-grey background. Scruggs, a Black individual with dark, curly shoulder-length hair, is positioned with their arms crossed. They are wearing a bright red top featuring a tied bow at the neckline and floral lace sleeves. The bright, even lighting highlights their joyful expression and the vivid red texture of their clothing.

News & Views

Maria Scruggs, first to file in St. Pete’s mayoral race, is also the only one to qualify by petition

She says Ken Welch’s leadership ‘doesn’t match St. Pete’s tagline,’ and is saddened by Charlie Crist’s entrance into the race.

by Jasmin Parrado May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

News & Views

Op-ed: Asked how many felons have had their voting rights restored since he took office, Florida’s Attorney General talked about guns instead

AG Uthmeier didn’t touch my other question about Trump.

By Elizabeth CorwinMay 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A daytime photograph of an organizer, Will Kilgore from the St. Pete Tenants Union, speaking on the stone steps of the St. Petersburg City Hall during a May Day rally. Will, wearing a backward red baseball cap, glasses, and a grey t-shirt, is captured mid-speech in the foreground. Behind them, demonstrators hold a large white banner with prominent red and black text reading 'MAY DAY,' 'INTERNATIONAL WORKER'S DAY,' 'WORKERS OF THE WORLD FIGHT!' and 'PARTY FOR SOCIALISM AND LIBERATION / @PSLTAMPABAY'. The group is positioned in front of dark entryway doors with the words 'MUNICIPAL BUILDING' inscribed in stone above.

News & Views

Demonstrators in St. Pete Highlight labor movement during May Day rally [PHOTOS]

Others spoke about rising living costs, gas prices, war in Iran, and immigration enforcement, among other topics.

by Sebastián González de León y León and Dave Decker May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A low-lit, wide-angle photograph of three individuals smiling and posing together on an outdoor patio during a Dyke Night event. The scene is heavily tinted by moody red ambient lighting and overhead string lights. In the foreground, a person with bright orange hair wearing a dark red top sits next to an individual with long dark hair wearing a sheer, patterned black top. Behind them, a third person playfully poses while holding up an open, black-and-white patterned folding fan. In the background, other attendees mingle near a textured red stucco wall covered in framed posters, capturing the lively, alternative nightlife atmosphere of Crowbar in Ybor City.

Arts & Entertainment

Photos: Dyke Night St. Pete’s goth party sells out at Crowbar

Yes, there were clams.

by Ray Roa and Dave Decker May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

A wide live concert photograph of Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals performing on a dimly lit stage. In the center foreground, Laura Jane Grace, featuring dark curly hair and heavily tattooed arms, smiles widely while playing a black electric guitar and wearing a black tank top. The scene is illuminated by striking white beams from above and warm orange stage lights, with a packed crowd visible in the background.

Music

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening May 1-7

Including Laura Jane Grace, Tampa Riverfest, and more.

by Ray Roa May 1, 2026May 4, 2026

A dynamic, live concert photograph of punk singer-songwriter Laura Jane Grace performing on stage. Grace is captured from the waist up, singing passionately into a microphone stand with their mouth wide open. They have curly dark hair, heavily tattooed arms, and are wearing a black graphic tank top.

Music

Laura Jane Grace returns to Ybor City for Tuesday concert

UPDATE: This show has been moved to Ybor City.

by Ray Roa May 1, 2026May 4, 2026

A close-up studio portrait of the singer-songwriter Steve Forbert against a plain, light-colored background. They are wearing a classic black leather jacket, with one hand resting gently across their chest. Wisps of white hair are partially visible against the bright backdrop. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting the texture of the leather and their relaxed, contemplative posture.

Music

‘Romeo’s Tune’ songwriter Steve Forbert plays sold-out St. Pete show this weekend

You cannot win.

by Ray Roa May 1, 2026May 2, 2026

Arts & Entertainment

World’s largest collection of privately-owned Banksy artwork coming to Tampa

The collection, which is estimated to be worth $35 million, includes some of Banksy’s most famous pieces.

by Colin Wolf April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

A photograph of Ken Welch and Charlie Crist smiling during an outdoor event. Ken Welch is on the left wearing sunglasses and a dark button-down shirt; Charlie Crist is on the right in a blue striped polo shirt.

News & Views

Charlie Crist enters St. Pete mayoral race, says he would’ve taken state to court over mural removals

The former governor of Florida is one of five candidates hoping to unseat Mayor Ken Welch.

by Jasmin Parrado April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Beers, Ciders, Spirits, Canned Cocktail, Hockey & more at Bolts Brew Fest - Get your tix now!

Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Tampa Bay has two viral ‘Heated Rivalry’ dance parties this month

City of Tampa pays $350k settlement for lawsuit that alleged discrimination, retaliation and potential nepotism

Photos: Laura Jane Grace plays Ybor City’s Zodiac nightclub

USF professor tells queer migration stories in new Tampa play

New Vietnamese cafe, Say Coffee House, opens in St. Pete

Photos: Everyone we saw when Static Fest sold out The Moon Tower at Dunedin Brewery

Young & Sick among bands coming to Ybor City for last-ever ‘Hot Dog Party’

Q&A: At Hard Rock Tampa, Steven Van Zandt explains why he couldn’t make ‘Sun City’ today [PHOTOS]

Fire officials say USF St. Pete’s marine science lab is likely a ‘total loss’ after weekend fire

Tampa Theatre hard hat tours allow members to touch the sky inside the historic venue

Documentary celebrating Rowdies and West Ham legend Clyde Best makes East Coast debut in St. Pete

Maria Scruggs, first to file in St. Pete’s mayoral race, is also the only one to qualify by petition

Op-ed: Asked how many felons have had their voting rights restored since he took office, Florida’s Attorney General talked about guns instead

Demonstrators in St. Pete Highlight labor movement during May Day rally [PHOTOS]

Photos: Dyke Night St. Pete’s goth party sells out at Crowbar

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening May 1-7

Laura Jane Grace returns to Ybor City for Tuesday concert

‘Romeo’s Tune’ songwriter Steve Forbert plays sold-out St. Pete show this weekend

World’s largest collection of privately-owned Banksy artwork coming to Tampa

Charlie Crist enters St. Pete mayoral race, says he would’ve taken state to court over mural removals