Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: A hot mess of cakes (videos)
Check out the preview videos for tonight’s episode of Top Chef Just Desserts!
Quinnipiac latest poll showing Rick Perry fever among the GOP and vs. Obama
Believe it or not, it's only been 2 1/2 weeks since Rick Perry entered the GOP race for President, but his strong start clearly shows that Mitt Romney has been taking up a lot of space, but not capitalizing on his previous front-runner status. A Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday morning shows the Texas Governor leading…
Mitch Perry Report 8.31.11
Although some pundits might think it's sad that less than 3,000 people participated in last night's St. Pete City Council District one primary election, don't count us among that group. Not when the whole exercise will be repeated again in a couple of months, with the sole purpose of last night being to whittle the…
Kathy Castor blasts GOP plan to cut “hurricane hunters” by 40 percent
For several weeks now, Tampa area Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor has been ripping into a proposal by House Republicans that would cut funding by 40 percent for so-called "hurricane hunters' – military plans that fly into hurricanes in order to measure and track them. The issue has grown in resonance after Hurricane Irene churned up…
Charlie Gerdes & Bob Kersteen advance in St. Pete City Council District 1 race
After a campaign that lasted for months and saw thousands of dollars spent, all last night's St. Pete City Council race in District 1 settled between Charlie Gerdes, Bob Kersteen and Josh Shulman, is that the race now is just between Charlie Gerdes and Bob Kersteen. In an election in which less than 3,000 people…
This week in food and drink
Brew & ‘cue, healthy eating workshops, plenty of wine tastings and more.
Found on Etsy: nifty beverage holders and other bike accessories
Four clever Etsy finds for your next bike ride.
DIY Drinks: Make your own berry infused vodka
A great way to use up the last of the season’s bounty of fruits.
A death reported at Pinellas County’s Safe Harbor homeless shelter
Tuesday afternoon the Pinellas County Sheriff's office reported that a 46-year-old man who had only begun staying at Safe Harbor, the facility for the homeless near Largo, was found dead on Saturday morning Officials say Kevin McMullen, who had been registered at Safe Harbor only since August 18, was found to be "unresponsive" in the…
The American Cheese Society’s 2011 Conference: And the winners are…
The best North American-made cheeses of 2011.
Readers’ Poll 2011: Voting closes midnight Aug. 31
11:59 p.m., to be exact: Vote now for Best of the Bay!
Temple Terrace ‘Bat Tower Talk’ with the Florida Bat Conservancy: Thu., Sept. 1st
Learn about the new location of the bat tower and meet the bats.
Presidency 5 may be a bust, but CPAC event will have it all
The St. Pete Times' Adam C. Smith writes Tuesday morning that Florida's equivalent to the Iowa Straw Poll is rather lacking in any heat, as it approaches in three weeks. "Presidency 5" as the Republican Party of Florida has dubbed it, is supposedly the latest in a series of important straw polls in the Sunshine…
Practical uses for beer (besides getting buzzed)
From plant fertilizer to fire extinguisher.
With Perry’s ascent, time for Mitt Romney to seriously invest in Florida
Mitt Romney will be in Tampa on Friday, where he is scheduled to address the National Hispanic Republican Assembly Convention. Later that same morning, an event will be held in Tampa to celebrate the official grand opening of his Florida campaign headquarters. And from the look of things, it comes right in the nick of…
Mitch Perry Report 8.30.11
Hello everybody. Welcome to Day 2 of the Florida Legislature's redistricting meetings in the Bay area, with this morning lawmakers hearing from folks in Pinellas County, after last night's four hour affair in Tampa, where the refrain, "Show us the maps," was the dominant theme. CL wants to give praise to a story in today's…
St. Pete Times story delivers on questioning hurricane deaths in Florida
Any discussion about whether Hurricane Irene was gratuitously hyped by meteorologists and cable news anchors has to be muted by the fact that a reported 46 have died because of the storm. But when you realize that a much stronger hurricane, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 killed 20 less people, you might want to question the…
New music Tuesday! (August 30)
New releases out this week by Lil Wayne, Mike Doughty, Lenny Kravitz & more (audio & video)
CD review: Beirut, The Rip Tide
Their first full-length in 5 years — and it doesn’t disappoint.
Concert review: Jack’s Mannequin + Guster at The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City
A look back at Tuesday night’s show, with photos.
Tampa redistricting meeting dominated by calls to “show us the maps”
citizens studying voting districts before monday's meeting Although there were definitely divisions among the 93 people who came to speak at the Florida Legislature's redistricting public hearing at Jefferson high School in Tampa Monday night – there was one issue that brought people together. That would be that Congressional District 11, which covers Tampa and…
GOP Young Guns coming to Tampa aren’t that young
As House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor is the second most powerful man in the House of Representatives behind John Boehner. Last year the Virginia Republican teamed up with colleagues Kevin McCarthy from California and Paul Ryan from Wisconsin to write a book they dubbed "Young Guns." 2/3rds of that dynamic trio, Cantor and McCarthy, will…
Kiss summer goodbye with refreshing, wine-based cocktails
With Labor Day quickly approaching it means the official end of summer is near, even though the heat may linger a bit longer than we'd like. Kiss the end of the summer goodbye and ease into autumn with some refreshing, wine-based cocktails filled with exotic fruit flavors and fresh herbs and berries, to enjoy them…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 46
What the CL Music Team is jamming this fine Monday, from The Ramones to Fucked Up to SBTRKT and more (with lots of video & audio).
Watch the Tampa Bay Rays’ “It Gets Better” video
Another reason to love Sam, Sean, BJ, Johnny and Joe.
Readers’ Poll 2011: Which categories are the hottest?
You have less than 48 hours to vote in the Best of the Bay Readers' Poll 2011, which closes on Wed. Aug. 31 at 4 a.m. 11:59 p.m. We told you last week which races are the tightest — and it looks like someone paid attention, because things have changed in categories like Best Italian…
Buckhorn to host townhall meeting via Facebook Tuesday night
During his campaign for mayor, Bob Buckhorn was the only candidate who used Facebook to hold a town hall meeting (and CL was there to document it). Nearly five years into his term as the leader of Tampa, Buckhown is going back to the social media site to hold his first town hall meeting, Tuesday…
Stricter water quality regulations to help keep medical waste off beaches
Bacterial contamination from sewage treatment outflows, contaminated storm water and other sources caused more than 24,000 beach closures or advisories across the U.S. last year.
Easy ways to add fresh fish and seafood to your diet
Choosing a natural protein source like fish and seafood, with healthy essential fatty acids, is a no-brainer for health.
GeckoFest: We’re off to see the Lizard! The wonderful Lizard of Gulfport!
The crowd at GeckoFest 2010. Follow the yellow brick road…that is, the dotted yellow line straight into Gulfport for their 11th Annual Geckofest on Sat., Sept. 3. This year’s theme is “Lizard of Oz.” Echoes of “There’s no place like home” will be ricocheting off food vendors, street performers, craft booths, and main stage productions.…
Mitch Perry Report 8.29.11
Hello again everybody. Happy Monday and all that, as we begin the last week of August, and move into what has historically been the most dangerous month for hurricanes in Florida, September. But while you were worrying about your friends and neighbors to the north, or just going out and having fun of your own…
MSM starts playing catchup with Ron Paul
We've gotta give it up to Fox News today, a day after the Sunday morning talk shows virtually ignored the GOP presidential contest to go wall to wall on Hurricane Irene. FNS with Chris Wallace did their part on that breaking story, including an interview with FEMA director Craig Fugate, but they then pivoted to…
Questioned about his political viability in Tampa, Rick Santorum compares himself to Lincoln
Rick Santorum Of the nine candidates who will be participating in the next GOP presidential debate next week in California, less than a handful have a serious shot at the 2012 nomination. But one of the best parts of the early going of a presidential campaign is having a large variety of choices for the…
Redistricting hearings come to the Tampa Bay area
The redrawing of Florida's Congressional and Legislative districts will take place next year. The decade long ritual is happening in every state of the country, and is always controversial, as the political party in power in most states generally controls the drawing of the maps, and generally draws them more more favorably for their party.…
Tampa attorney named to NCAA’s Committee on Infractions
Chris Griffin The proliferation of scandals in college football this past off-season has led some observers to question whether the NCAA is capable of fixing what is obviously a broken system. Chris Griffin believes it can. The Tampa attorney and former Florida State Seminole defensive back has been appointed to the NCAA Division 1 Committee…
Freezing foods without plastic
The majority of plastic containers designed for freezer use are safe and are a better choice than disposable freezer bags and wraps.
Tampa Bay plays host to a growing army of mobile eateries
On-the-go gourmets.
Colombiana: French twisted
Yet another lemon rolls off the Luc Besson assembly line.
Afraid of the Dark? Don’t be.
The Guillermo del Toro-scripted remake of a ’70s chiller doesn’t bridge the generation gap.
Green tech: Sneaker harnesses kinetic energy to power small gadgets
Instep Nanopower Tom Krupenking and Ashley Taylor of the University of Wisconsin have come up with a way to harness the energy created by human motion to power small gadgets, like smart phones — through the sole of a sneaker! Their concept — called the Instep Nanopower — utilizes the kinetic energy of someone walking…
Mitch Perry Report 8.26.11
Welcome to the weekend, CL and MPR readers. Not to make a big deal out of this, but we're actually taking today off, theoretically, though we may pop up with post later in the day – our first day off since April 18, which only happened to be the day that the HART board fired…
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Happy Hours
Eat and drink on the cheap!
Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2011: Who’s winning?
Have you voted in this year's Best of the Bay Readers' Poll? If not, you'd better hurry: The poll closes at 4 a.m. 12:59 p.m. on Wed. Aug. 31. The tally so far has already broken records, and with less than seven days to go, we're expecting all of the races to go right down…
We’ll always have Bush: New AP poll shows overwhelming amount of Americans blame former Prez for economy
Nobody's digging on Barack Obama these days. As the President enjoys his remaining days on Martha's Vineyard, his latest poll numbers are the worst in his 2.5 years in office, hitting a rock bottom low of 38 percent in the Gallup daily tracking numbers earlier this week. The prime factor in that lowly number of…
Fall Arts 2011: Grey Gardens, Janet Biggs, Elvis Costello, Ringling Fest
What to watch for this season in music, movies, art, theater and more.
Bob Graham to speak in Tampa next Tuesday
Not since he retired from political life back in 2004 has former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham been so accessible and candid with his views on the state of the state and the nation. That's because he's been speaking out and making public appearances since the publication back in June of Keys to…
Tampa City Council gets reassurance on QTI program
Within days of each other last month, both the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council approved a combined $1.1 million in local government incentive money after being advised by their respective economic development staffs that if they didn't, the unnamed Tampa company was about to move over 1,600 jobs out of Florida. But…
A dunce’s confederacy: Our Idiot Brother
Paul Rudd and a superb ensemble cast make the comedy a welcome arrival.
Fall Arts 2011: Movies
What to watch for at festivals, art houses and the cineplex.
Top Chef Podcast – Just Desserts season 2, Ep. 1: Soda shop sweets and fairy-tale treats
Hear the hilariously irreverent new episode of the Top Chef Podcast where we kvetch about Top Chef Just Desserts.
Bill’s Sports Binge: Football, tailgating and peanut M&M’s
You can tell fall is just around the corner, folks! The little punks America's future has migrated from terrorizing shopping malls to school halls surely to learn about sexuality, self-confidence, and overall feel-goodery (plus if there's time, reading and math…but there won't be time), high temperatures are in the low 90s, the leaves are beginning…
Pinellas Tea Party member to Ken Welch: Politics is a contact sport
Hamilton Hanson is Tea Party member who regularly appears at County Commission meetings in Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas County. This past Tuesday night he spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting, but unlike some of his compatriots, did not call out or speak out of turn while sitting in the audience during the…
Mitch Perry Report 8.25.11 –
Good morning everyone. We begin our news day with two reports regarding that sometimes raucous Pinellas County Commission budget workshop that occurred Tuesday afternoon and went into the evening. The lone Democrat on the board, Ken Welch, took particular umbrage at some of the behavior of some Tea Party members, which you can read about…
Can a museum café rival a museum’s main attractions?
Culinary exhibits.
CBO report on unemployment: economy will still stall even if it is President Perry or Romney
Doug Elmandorf with the CBO As President Obama struggles at the polls while the economy continues to slag, some economists have been questioning how much this president (or any other) could actually do to jump start an economy that was in horrible shape when he inherited the office in January in 2009, and despite some…
Live and Local Spotlight: Amy Winehouse Tribute
D’Visitors and special musical guests performs songs by the songstress tonight at The Hub
20 Under 25: Ryan Monroe
Singer, 17, St. Petersburg
20 Under 25: Sam French
Director/playwright, 19, St. Petersburg and Pittsburgh.
Sharpe steps in
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe hopes a moderate Republican can still win in the left-leaning District 11.
Fall Arts 2011: Visual Art
What to watch for in Tampa Bay galleries and museums.
20 Under 25: Evan Lovejoy
Painter, 21, Tampa and Sarasota
20 Under 25: Hannah Bettes
Ballet dancer, 15, Deland
20 Under 25: Adrian Errico
Video artist, 21, Tampa
20 Under 25: Scott Draft
Video artist/curator, 24, Tampa
Tallahassee-based outfit Holiday Shores bring their breezy sounds to Summer Jam 7.
Nathan Pemberton and his band — Holiday Shores — once got kicked out of a hotel. While this might suggest he's some sort of delinquent who happens to write pretty songs, a short phone conversation with the frontman of the Tallahassee-based alt-pop outfit quickly proves otherwise. He sounds easygoing, seemingly indifferent to the extremely bright…
7 things to do this weekend
Pub Crawl Thru Grand Central, Peace Awards, The Neighborhood Watch, Lizard of Oz, Derby Dancing Party, 2 For 2 and silent Peter Pan.
What To Watch For: Etcetera
Coming up this fall: John Oliver, Woody Allen, Darth Vader duds and more
20 Under 25: Joshua Veasey
Artist and fashion designer, 18, Lakeland & Miami
Swatting Flies
Local playwright Bill Leavengood’s latest isn’t up to his usual standard.
20 Under 25: Bright new talents
Shining a light on Tampa Bay’s promising young artists
This week in live music: Erasure, Train & Maroon 5 + more
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 David Dove & Ms. YET w/No Milk/Merchandise The next installment of WMNF's Outreach Series is a free all-ages show headed up by Houston experimental duo David Dove & Ms. Yet, the former a musician who employs sub-bass electronics and special effects to his trombone explorations, the latter an artist of movement who…
20 Under 25: Team Rock-It West Wing
Slam poets, Tampa: Eric “Gravity” Almanzar, 18; Curtis Davis, 18; Nia Scott, 15
20 Under 25: Sarah Escarraz
Set designer, 18, St. Petersburg & Winston-Salem.
20 Under 25: Zack Biss
Singer/guitarist, 14, St. Petersburg
Irene, Cano, Gaddafi and more …
Shit Happened from Aug. 17-24, 2011.
20 Under 25: Laura Spencer
Artist/illustrator/designer, 22, St. Petersburg
Fall Arts 2011: Theater
What to watch for from local companies this season.
20 Under 25: Blaine Krauss
Singer/actor, 19, St. Petersburg & Cincinatti
Sun worship
Wonders abound in the universe, even if at times they’re a little confusing.
20 Under 25: Hannah Beach
Ballet dancer, 16, St. Petersburg
No sweat
Is it wrong to sell my son’s used gym clothes to online fetishists?
20 Under 25: Kaneesha Heath
Filmmaker, 21, Tampa
20 under 25: Hunter Payne
Thingmaker, 21, St. Petersburg
20 Under 25: Jon Didier
Printmaker/rapper, 23, Dunedin & Orlando
Fall Arts 2011: Music
What to watch for in concerts this season, from New Pornographers to Elvis Costello.
20 Under 25: John Pfingsten
Pianist, 11, Lutz
Nipplecharms: Non-piercing jewelry review & giveaway (NSFW)
Nipple Shield I’ve had both nipples pierced two times each. I love the way pierced nipples look, and the way they draw attention to my chest at a topless party. Unfortunately this type of piercing hurts constantly, at least it did for me. Even putting on my bra in the mornings was painful. After months…
Activists hold rally for clean air
This Wednesday, clean air advocates held a rally in downtown Tampa to support the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated air quality standards which will be announced by the end of the month. According to the EPA, proposed updates to reduce mercury pollution from power plants will “prevent as many as 17,000 premature deaths and 11,000…
Stripping the EPA of water quality regulatory authority
A new bill, passed by the House of Representatives and awaiting vote in the Senate, aims to strip the EPA of its authority over individual states’ water quality.
20 Under 25: Zachary Riley
Filmmaker, 16, Tampa
