Tampa’s Jay Collins finally decides to run for governor
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced his long-awaited bid for governor Monday, hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis wavered on whether he’ll get involved in the Republican race to succeed him. Collins, a 49-year-old former Green Beret and state senator, told FOX News that his commitment to DeSantis’ agenda and willingness to partner with President Donald Trump would…
Tampa Bay’s best live music happening Oct. 5-12
A whole week of great shows in the Bay including Big Boi, Jonas Brothers, Suki Waterhouse and more.
This Sunday, Florida artist Leslie Neumann talks conservation at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs
She’s been painting wetlands since 1989.
Golden Isles Brewing Co. soft opens in St. Pete’s Magnolia Heights this weekend
The gas station-turned-brewery is both kid and dog friendly.
Florida wildlife officials say they’re working to help county ‘overrun’ by bears
“Killing bears deep in the woods will not address the bears in town, neighborhoods.”
Indie trio Dehd brings its Chicago charm to Tampa for the first time next week
The band was supposed to play in 2020 before Covid happened.
St. Pete’s ridiculously-popular Saturday Morning Market returns this weekend
Good luck finding parking.
Yes doesn’t have Jon Anderson in the lineup, but will play a lot of his songs in Clearwater
Jon Davison fronts the band at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Fresh off the NPR Tiny Desk, Venezuelan world music wonder Rawayana plays St. Pete
The beachy band lands at Jannus Live on Wednesday.
Suki Waterhouse, fresh off tour with Father John Misty, headlines St. Pete show
The Jannus Live gig is her Florida debut.
Alt-country rising star Sarah Shook and the Disarmers plays Tampa on Tuesday
The Burke Bros. open at New World Brewery.
Praise the Juice Lord, Tampa Heights’ Magnanimous Brewing celebrates third anniversary this weekend
The party happens Thursday-Sunday.
Noah Kahan makes Tampa debut on Tuesday
It’s ‘Stick Season,’ guys.
Japanese comic punk icon Peelander-Z returns to Tampa on Monday
Seeing PZ at Orpheum is a rite of passage.
Electro alt-rock band Kings Kaleidoscope plays Ybor City on Sunday
The show is sold-out.
Unearth tops heavy metalcore bill at Tampa Orpheum
The band appears with Revocation, Entheos and more.
Switchfoot brings 20 years of ‘The Beautiful Letdown’ to St. Pete this weekend
You were ‘Meant To Live’ for this.
A ‘Super Greek’ festival comes to St. Petersburg this weekend
Ignite your inner ‘Kefi.’
It’s time, once again, to see Willie Nelson in Tampa
His Outlaw Music Festival hits the old Gary amp on Saturday.
Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, and other R&B hitmakers head to Tampa this weekend
It’s all part of the Ladies R&B Kickback.
Founding members of Heart bring tribute act to Tarpon Springs on Saturday
Heart By Heart features Steve Fossen and Michael DeRosier.
Scream-A-Geddon’s ‘Breach’ leads pack of new freaky haunted houses in Dade City
Visitors can elect for an interactive experience, allowing them to be grabbed and taken into hidden rooms.
The Addams Family, Friday the 13th and other classics on tap for Tampa Theatre’s Halloween film series
‘A Nightmare On Franklin Street’ runs from Oct. 13-31.
Activist Marlowe Jones’ lawsuit against New Port Richey heads to trial
The jury trial is scheduled for next year.
St. Pete’s world-famous ‘Shine’ mural festival returns
Artists from all over the world will participate in the nine-day festival.
DeSantis ally Richard Corcoran selected as new president of New College of Florida
“Clearly, his strengths lie in his political connections…”
Florida GOP widens registration gap over Democrats by 600,000 voters
Democrats historically held a registration edge in the state, but Republicans overtook them in 2021.
Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments on recreational marijuana initiative
The proposal has drawn opposition from Attorney General Ashley Moody.
Tampa Bay’s Emit Latin jazz festival continues this weekend
Gilberto Nino Garcia and Dimas Sánchez are on the docket.
That thick haze over Tampa Bay? Blame Canada
The haze is a good reminder of how serious the situation still is for our polite neighbors in the north.
Tampa producer and songwriter Guy Average steps into the spotlight for debut album ‘Hinges’
He plays a release show on Friday.
Seminole Heights’ Independent Bar celebrates 14th anniversary with a weekend of free concerts
Urbane Cowboys, Scott Murley and Four Star Riot are on the agenda.
Mexican ‘mariacheño’ star Christian Nodal plays Tampa on Friday
Mariachi and norteño got married.
Planned overhaul of New College of Florida is ‘not financially viable,’ says review
The review of the business plan came as the New College Board of Trustees is expected Tuesday to choose a new president.
Matt Gaetz’s 75-year-old dad wants to return to politics
No other candidates have emerged for the state Senate seat, but Don Gaetz said he anticipates he will face competition.
New high-end sushi concept ‘ro’ will open in Hyde Park Village soon
Its kitchen is led by Michelin-starred Chef Kiichi Okabe.
Dunedin Mix, a New Orleans-inspired food hall, to open this winter
The mixed-used development is slated to debut in December.
If the Bucs keep playing like this, they’ll coast to a third consecutive NFC South division title
Fire those cannons. It’s a good time to be a Bucs fan.
‘I would still do it’: Women who attempted to streak at Super Bowl says new Florida law won’t work
Florida is no stranger to streaking or rushing the field.
Florida Republican wants to designate A1A as ‘Buffett Memorial Highway’
The proposed designation would include counties from Monroe County to Nassau County.
U.S. Supreme Court will hear First Amendment fight over Florida’s ‘Big Tech’ social media law
Ron DeSantis made a priority of the issue after Twitter and Facebook blocked former President Donald Trump from their platforms.
Lauryn Hill and The Fugees are coming to Tampa Bay this winter
The show is part of ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ 25th anniversary tour.
St. Petersburg City Council approves $100K for pilot eviction diversion program
Starting next month, the city will offer pro-bono legal counsel for those facing eviction.
New rollercoaster Phoenix Rising coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay next spring
It will be the first Busch Gardens coaster to have on-board audio.
Looming shutdown would halt federal flood insurance program, putting many Florida homeowners at risk
The program plays a key role for many homeowners in Florida because they are required to have flood insurance as part of their mortgages.
Tampa Heights is about to get a new omakase concept, Oktoberfest parties are here, and more local foodie news
And Champion Pizza is now open out of Ichicoro’s former space.
Tyler Perry star opening new restaurant out of Seminole Heights’ former Social House space
Lepley’s Kitchen & Lounge is slated to open sometime this fall.
With Jameis quarterbacking the other team, expect the Bucs to eek out a W in New Orleans
We can’t turn the ball over either.
High-end omakase restaurant Kōsen opens in Tampa Heights next month
It’s now accepting reservations.
Florida’s hurricane recovery could be delayed by looming shutdown, says White House
“In Florida, hundreds of millions of dollars of Hurricane Ian recovery obligations would continue to be delayed.”
Florida’s Citizens Insurance focuses on ‘depopulation’ to decrease policy count
“We’ve got to do it for the health of the market.”
‘We’ve got way too many’: Florida Republican wants state to hold a bear hunt
A 2017 estimate placed the bear population in Florida at 4,050.
Best Concert (Large, over 2,000 capacity)
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Best Local Indie-Rock Time Machine
The Grecian Urns and Alexander & the Grapes at Floridian Social
Best Make Your Own Luck
Perception
Best Doughnuts
Hole In One Donuts
Best Fried Chicken
King of the Coop
Best Grilled Cheese
Fo’ Cheezy Twisted Meltz
Best Health Food Market
Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café
Best Chef
Chris Ponte, Olivia
Best Combo Fajitas
Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill
Best New Old-Time Fish Shack
Mullet’s Fish Camp & Market
Best Ramen
Buya Ramen
Best All Walks Of Life, But Make It Dance
New Heights Dance Academy
Best Sports Bar
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Local Light Beer in a Can
Three Daughters’ Beach Blonde Ale
Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Gigglewaters
Best Excuse To Get Extra Artsy in November
Art’n Month
Best Commercial Cleaning Service
Veterans with Vacuums Cleaning Services
Best Bookstore
Tombolo Books
Best Hurricane ‘Hunker-Downer’
ABC Action News’ Paul LaGrone
Best LGBTQ+ Organization
St. Pete Pride
Best Comedian
Mike Rivera
Best Urban Visionaries
Steve Kornell, Rick Kriseman and Inventors of the Skyway Marina District
Best Pro Sports Team
Tampa Bay Lightning
Best Old Lesbian Scientists Can Be Fun Drama Duo
Nicole Jeannine Smith & Taylor Elyse Belew, ‘In McClintock’s Corn’ at Powerstories Theatre
Best Hair Salon
WHOLE AVEDA Salon Spa Oldsmar
Best Organized Bike Ride
Dunedin bike ride tour
Best Dentist
Dr Joanna Magazine – Great Expressions
Best OBGYN
Dr. Kimberly Biss
Best Pest Control
Natural Born Killers
Best Photo Booth
AD 360 Productions
Best Professional Home Organizer
Suncoast Organizing Solutions
Best Strip Club
2001 Odyssey
Best Troika of Compelling Drama
‘Doll House 2,’ ‘Elephant Man,’ ‘All My Sons’ at Tampa Repertory Theatre
Best Wellness Center
Dr. Brian Caswell Acupuncture Physician at Dr. B’s Wellness Clinic
Best Beach Bar
Caddy’s Treasure Island
Best Concert (Small, under 2,000 capacity)
Crossfire Creek Band
Best In Public Therapy Session
Pusha Preme
Best Bagels
St. Pete Bagel Co.
Best Dunedin Restaurant
The Black Pearl
Best Rock Band
Kind Villain
Best Brewery, Pasco
Big Storm Brewing Co. – Odessa
Best Brewer… Who Busses Tables, Too
Paul Rutherford, Zydeco Brew Werks
Best Way To Alienate An Entire Community
WUSF Cancels All Night Jazz
Best Cupcakes
Wright’s Gourmet House
Best Palm Harbor Restaurant
The Lucky Dill Deli
Best Regional Fine Dining News
Michelin Stars for Tampa
Best Seminole Heights Restaurant
Rooster & the Till
Best Juice
Soho Juice Co.
Best Tampa Restaurant
Rocca
Best Wesley Chapel Restaurant
The Living Room @ Wiregrass
Best Black-Owned Business
Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu
Best Couple
Tom & Cindy Bassano
Best Bridal Boutique
Bearer of the Bling Bridal
Best Fringe Year-Round
Fringe Theatre
Best Labor Notes
Sarah McNamara
Best Activist
Aja Nikiya Estro
Best Personality to Follow on Twitter
Denis Phillips (@DenisPhillipsWx)
Best Place to Get the Perfect Instagram Photo
St. Pete Pier
Best Free Clinic
St. Pete Free Clinic
Best Opera Company
St. Petersburg Opera Company
Best Sportswriter
John Romano of Tampa Bay Times
Best TV Host/Newsperson
Denis Phillips
Best Visual Art Curator
Catherine Bergman
Best Hotel
The Don CeSar
Best Makeup Artist
Sardis Cece Nunez
Best Solo Show
Becca McCoy, ‘The Year of Extraordinary Travel’ at Off-Central Players
Best Skincare Specialist
Castellano Cosmetic Surgery
Best Medical Marijuana Physician or Clinic
Liberate Physician Centers Tampa Bay
Best Yoga Studio
Yoga Loft Tampa
Best Band
Crossfire Creek Band
Best Concert Promoter
Face Melt
Best Large Concert Venue (2,000-plus capacity)
Jannus Live
Best Bakery (Bread)
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Eggs Benedict
Bacon Street Diner
Best Bougie Hushpuppy
Blue Crab Beignet at Boulon Brasserie
Best Hot Pocket
Elevenses
Best Innovative Avocado Toast (That Makes for an Excellent Meal)
Flatbread and Butter
Best Cookies
Bake’n Babes
Best New Restaurant
Bacon Street Diner
Best Ribs
Mighty Quinn’s BBQ
Best Server (non-bartender)
Holly – Gigglewaters
Best Kava Bar
Mad Hatters Kava Bar
Best LGBTQ Bar
Cocktail St. Pete
Best Whiskey Bar
Gigglewaters
Best Fashion Designer
Dezee Rae Combs /Gemini Girlz
Best Filmmaker
Victoria Jorgensen
Best Friday the 13th Flash Mob
Witches of Dunedin at DIFF
Cleanest Yoga Studio
YogaSix
Best Book by a Local Author
‘Perfectly Queer’ by Jillian Abby
Best Comedy Club
Side Splitters
Best Place to Play Pool
Peabody’s Restaurant, Bar & Billiards
Best Drone Operator (Independent)
Lightline Productions
Best Open Mic Night (Comedy)
Side Splitters Comedy Club
Best Mayor
Mayor Jane Castor
Best Native Son
Mario Núñez
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Joseph Castellano
Best Visual Art Festival
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Best Insurance Agency
Gulf Water Title
Best Place To Sweat Your Ass Off On Purpose
Shangri La Spa & Sauna
Best Public Library Branch
Downtown Tampa’s John F. Germany
Best Smoke Shop
Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop
Best TV Station
FOX 13
Best Store Staff
Rollin’ Oats Market
Best Beach Restaurant
Frenchy’s
Best Concert That Will Never Happen Again
The Cure at Amalie Arena
Best Jazz Mindfuck
Ethos Of Aldissi
Best Bakery (Pastries)
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Falafel
Mio’s Grill and Cafe
Best Reggae/Ska Band
Undercover Rasta
Best Hockey-Themed Deep Dish Pizza From A Trailer
Pucks & Pizza
Best World Tour Opener That Caused Missed Mortgage Payments
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Amalie Arena
Best Custom Stuffed Burger That Disappeared Without Fanfare
The Job Site Burgers
Best Pasco Restaurant
The Living Room
Best Roadside Clout Burger
Burger Culture, Tampa
Best Antique Shop
Vintage Post Marketplace
Best St. Pete Restaurant
Noble Crust
Best Vegan Restaurant
Good Intentions
Best Manhattan (With an Urbane Ambience)
CW’s Gin Joint
Best Blogger
Angie Soul
Best Crosswords For A Cause
Marie Haley, Voices of Hope for Aphasia
Best Actor
Jeffery Walker III
Best LGBTQ-Owned Business
Cocktail St Pete
Best Dancer
Mala (Fire Faerialist)
Best Doctor for a Nip and Tuck
Dr Joseph Castellano
Best Newcomers to New Tampa
Keith Arsenault and the New Tampa Performing Arts Center
Best Public Park
Fort DeSoto
Best Shiny New Plaything
Tampa Edition
Best Nonprofit
First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary
Best One-Stop Shopping For Domestic Violence Survivors
CASA Family Justice Center
Best Visual Artist
Chad Mize
Best Insurance Agent
Sherri Matheney
Welcome to Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay 2023
In the course of getting through the production of the 2023 Best of the Bay awards, my mind and body kept coming back to one thing: work. Pretty much every single one of you reading this is being asked to do more of it, with less resources. On most days, you probably don’t get to…
Best Spoken Word Artist
NovaCane
Best Spa
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Best Mental Health Counselor/Therapist
Alexis Lynch
Best Supermarket
Rollin’ Oats Market
Best Country Act
Soul Circus Cowboys
Best Acai Bowl
SOHO Juice Co.
Best Banh Mi
La V – Vietnamese Fusion
Best Family-Friendly Brewery Where Won’t Feel Guilty About Bringing The Kids
Common Dialect Beerworks
Best Promoter of Unity
Nick Major
Best Grouper Sandwich
The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Best Tiny Desk Concert Vibes
Far Forest
Best Hotel Restaurant
Birch & Vine – The Birchwood
Best Craft Beer Event
Oktoberfest Tampa
Best New Restaurant on 4th Street
Oaks on 4th
Best Safety Harbor Restaurant
Gigglewaters
Best Shanking
Sunda New Asian’s Crispy Pata
Best Kombucha
Mother Kombucha
Best Tapas/Small Plates
Caracara
Best Whiskey Dinner
Haven, Woodford Reserve with Chris Morris
Best Breakout
Jack from Suncoast Primate Sanctuary
Best Barber
Davis Nguyen @Asianboystunna
Best Car Detailer
AJ detailing – Anthony
Best Clothing Boutique (Men)
Atlas Body + Home
Best Burlesque Act
Ybor City Sirens
Best Art Haund
Augy at Tempus Projects
Best Veteran-Owned Business
Paws Paradise Fur Life
Best Place to Have Courageous Conversations About Race
Center for Health Equity
Best General Contractor
Ferrill Construction
Best Opera on a Cruise Ship
St. Pete Opera’s ‘L’Italiana in Algeri’
Best Consignment Shop
labelswap
Best Networker
Laurie Stogniew-Bayshore Marketing Group
Best Painting Company
Don Albro Painting & Pressure Washing
Best Public Artwork
St. Pete murals
Best ‘Right the Ship’ Artistic Director
Helen R. Murray, American Stage
Best Real Estate Company
NextHome South Pointe
Best Tattoo Artist
Nick Harrison at Doom Club Tattoo
Best Tattoo Studio
Doom Club Tattoo Collective
Best Surf Shop
Suncoast Surf Shop
Best Music Venue Where You’ll Never Have to Worry About Seeing Someone Sieg Heil
Born Free Pub & Grill
Best Cover Band
The Danny Bub Combo
Best Hip-Hop Act
Fre$h P
Best Metal/Hardcore Band
Heaven’s Gate
Best Farewell Schmoo-Hoo
Pizzeria Gregario
Best Breakup Bar
Par Bar
Best Brewery, Pinellas
3 Daughters Brewing
Best Irish Pub
Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Best Chinese Restaurant
Yummy House China Bistro Tampa
Best Date Restaurant
Melting Pot Social
Best Piña Colada
Pier Teaki
Best Salad Bar
Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café
Best Architect
JVB Architect
Best Steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House
Best Liquor Store
Luekens Wine & Spirits
Best Wine Bar
CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
Best CEO
Rachel Wilson, Gigglewaters
Best First Novel By A St. Pete Champion
Peter Kageyama’s ‘Hunters Point’
Best Actress
Lara Greene
Best Influencer
Kent Rodahaver
Best Literary Journal
Tampa Review
Best Beach Town
Dunedin
Best Philanthropist
Titus O’Neil
Best New Outdoor Mural
Lisa Marie Thalhammer ‘Love’ Mural at Body Electric Yoga Company
Best Public Servant Not On The Taxpayer Dime
Robin Lockett
Best Magician
Cory Van Valin Magician
Best Spot To Openly Work On Your Laptop
Urban Grounds, Tarpon Springs
Best Performing Arts Center
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Best Water Tower Art
‘Henry & Sylvia’ by Tom Stovall
Best Interior Designer
David Fisher of ZaZoo’d
Best Place to Shop Green
Rollin’ Oats Market
Best Realtor
Kent Rodahaver
Best Spin Studio
Spenga
Best Thrift Shop
Sunshine Thrift Store
Best T-Shirt Company
Sunshine State Goods & Apparel
Best Music Festival
Gasparilla Music Festival
Best Beer Selection
3 Daughters Brewing
Best Dance Company
St. Petersburg Ballet Company
Best Jam Band
Stick and Ditty
Best Bar
The Saint
Best Fish & Chips
Cricketers British Pub & Restaurant
Best Brandon Restaurant
The Stein & Vine
Best Soul/R&B/Funk Act
The Black Honkeys
Best Brunch
Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine
Best Clearwater Restaurant
Bacon Street Diner
Best Creatively Decadent Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The Cheezy Caprese at Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz
Best Pizza
Madison Avenue Pizza
Best Sangria
Red Mesa
Best Smoothies
Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
La V Vietnamese Fusion
Best Margarita
Red Mesa Cantina
Best City
St. Petersburg
Best Barbershop
Barley and Mane Barber Spa
Best Florida College Team
UF Gators
Best Arts Journalist Who Covers Everything
St. Pete Catalyst’s Bill DeYoung
Best Career Performance
Summer Bohnenkamp, ‘Misery’ at Jobsite Theater
Best Dick Joke
‘Stroke of Genius’
Best Walking Tour
Riverwalk Tampa Public Walking Tour
Best Dry Cleaner
McNatt’s Dry Cleaners
Best Quietly Keeping Families Together
Feeding Tampa Bay
Best Hair Stylist
Tristan Fox
Best Multi-Faceted Comic Actor
Kelly Pekar, ‘Baskerville’ at freeFall Theatre
Best Use of Limited Stage Time
Jaime Giangrande-Holcom, ‘The Wolves’ at ThinkTank Theatre
Best Way to Collect Your Thoughts
Steph Hargrove and Rose Cervantes’ Art Journaling Workshops
Best Reminder That Anti-Fascists Are Everywhere
Michelle Sawyer
Best Physical Therapist
Dr. Jennifer Hauskey
Best Mani/Pedi
Heavenly Nails
Best Theater Production
‘The Addams Family’ at Center Stage
Best Upbeat Boutique
Pageboy
Best Tanning Service
Rayz Tanning Salon
Best Music Makeover
Coachman Park, The Sound
Best Beloved Italian in Gulfport
Pia’s Trattoria & Pia’s Veranda
Best Dance Club
Cocktail St. Pete
Best Bar Crawl
Dunedin Brewer’s Crawl
Best Food Festival
Safety Harbor Wine Festival
Best Roots/Alt-Country Act
Have Gun, Will Travel
Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt
Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts
Best Hot Sauce
Florida Man Hot Sauce
Best Cocktails
Sonder Social Club
Best Desserts
Boulon Brasserie
Best New Whiskey Cocktail
Erin Green, Haven, ‘Off to the Races’
Best Sandwich of the Month
Uptown Eats
Best Art Supply Store
Bottom of the Bin
Best Sushi Restaurant
Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Best Locally-Made Beer
3 Daughters Brewing
Best Wings
Ubuntu Food Truck
Best College Hangout
MacDinton’s Irish Pub
Best Dog Park
Fort De Soto Dog Park / Beach
Best Caterer
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Clothing Boutique (Women)
Seersucker Sassy Boutique
Best Ceramicist
Kimberli Cummings
Best Personality to Follow on Instagram
Sprinkles the Weenie
Best Dog Training
Ernie Webb
Best Place to Volunteer
First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary
Best Group Fitness
The Bar Method Tampa – Westshore
Best Modern Marvel
Eugenie Bondurant
Best Customer Service
White Duck Espresso
Best Underground Cinema Event
Rocky Horror Picture Show at Gigglewaters
Best Playwright
Bob Devin Jones
Best Landscape Design Company
Campus Landscape
Best Photo Booth
AD 360 Productions
Best Record Store
Daddy Kool Records
Best Solar Company
SunForge Energy
Best Used Book Warehouse On A Budget
Book Rescuers, Pinellas Park
Best Tarot Reader
Joe Muhrlin – The Misfit Lion Tarot
Best Barbecue Restaurant
The Dunedin Smokehouse
Best Bluegrass Band
Applebutter Express
Best Drag Event
Blur Sunday Brunch
Best Karaoke
Corner Bar & Grill
Best Distillery
St. Pete Distillery
Best Food Pop-up
Shiso Crispy
Best Gator Dish
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Release By A Local Band
‘This Is Not A Love Song It’s A Cry For Help’ by Kind Villain
Best Italian Restaurant
Bella’s Italian Café
Best Vocalist
Beamon Battie – Crossfire Creek Band
Best Cross-Bay Tortillas
Te Invito
Best Place To Eat Yourself to Death All Alone
Mazzaro’s patio
Best Sandwich That’s Not Chicken, Cuban or Grouper
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Smoothie That Might Make You Go Vegan
Nana’s Restaurant & Juice Bar
Best Thai Restaurant
Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen
Best Taste of the Rockies In a Beachy State
Rocky Mountain Subs, Palm Harbor
Best Meat Sweats BYOB
The Boozy Pig
Best College or University
University of South Florida
Best Barre Studio
Pure Barre – New Tampa & Westchase
Best Friend of Tampa Bay Book-Lovers
Tampa Bay Times’ Colette Bancroft
Best Gallery (Non-Museum) Show
Chad Mize’s Space ‘Say Gay’
Best Celebrity Charity Event
Mike Alstott Celebrity Outdoor Weekend
Best Urban Farm and Education Center
The Urban Harvest
Best Podcast
The Mosh Jelton Show
Best Plant Shop
WhiteWood on Main
Best Radio Personality
Scott Tavlin
Best Sports Coach
Jon Cooper
Best Museum Exhibit
‘Black Pioneers’ – The James Museum
Best Nanny Service
SoHo Sitters
Best Weird Show
Unholy Comedy
Best Radio Show
The Mosh Jelton Show
Best Plant Store To Visit When You Want A Pick-Me-Up
Lida’s Jungle Plants
Best Stage Director
David Jenkins
Best Marketing Agency
Bayshore Marketing Group
Best Vet, Paws Down
Edge Animal Hospital
Best Barefoot Bartender-Fisherman Who Makes Hookin’ Look Easy
Matthew Neumann, Hookin’ Ain’t Easy
Best Open Mic Under the Oaks
Melody Artisans of The Crooked Thumb
Best Drag Performer
Adriana Sparkle
Best All-Around Restaurant
Red Mesa Restaurant
Best Food Truck
Shiso Crispy
Best Guacamole
Red Mesa Cantina
Best Hotel Bar
Hollander Hotel
Best Coffee
Kahwa Coffee
Best Devil Crab
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
Best New York Pizza by the Slice (Pinellas)
Joey Brooklyn’s
Best Sommelier
Sophie Moss of Boulon Brasserie
Best Less-Than-Messy Reuben Sandwich
The Nosh Pit
Best Waitstaff
Bern’s Steak House
Best Ybor City Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant
Best Columnist
Stephanie Hayes at Tampa Bay Times
Best Bike Mechanic
Second Chance Rides
Best CBD Shop
Bliss Wellness
Best Arts Journalist Who Covers (Almost) Everything at the Times
Maggie Duffy, Tampa Bay Times
Best Cerebral Clockwork Farce
‘Baskerville’ at freeFall Theatre
Best Dog Groomer/Pet Stylist
Paws ‘n’ Rec
Best Place for a Wedding
Sunken Gardens
Best Financial Advisor
Priscilla Nunez
Best Open Mic Night (Music)
Smoken Words
Best Mover & Shaker
Jeff Vinik
Best Constantly Evolving Skin Care Cultivator, Artist, and All-Around Cool-Ass Chick
Kim Vorperian, Bodhi Basics
Best Moving Company
Big Man’s Moving Company
Best Pottery Studio
Morean Center for Clay
Best Law Firm
Ligori & Ligori, Attorneys at Law
Best Roast of Florida Politics
Chad Mize’s ‘Hot Box’
Best Residential Cleaning Service
Maid To Order
Best Startup
Herban Flow
Best Vape Shop
Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop
Best Bargain Restaurant
Trip’s Diner
Best Boozy Avengers
Tampa Edition Punch Room
Best Drams & Kilts Concert
Skerryvore Whisky Tasting, Scottish American Society
Best Library To Watch Soundcheck
Clearwater Main Library
Best Dive Bar
Bauser’s
Best Foodie Instagram Account
@pandemicfoodie
Best Brewer
Robert ‘Big Bob’ Kirby Southern Lights Brewing
Best Revival of Tattoo Shops As Music Venues
Hovercar’s album release at Gift Shop Tattooing
Best Karaoke Night With A Side Of Chicken Feet
Saigon Night Market
Best Weekly Club Night
Castle Fridays
Best Diner
Mamas Kitchen
Best Place to Have an Off-Camera Bloody Mary While Working Remotely
Honeycomb Cafe at Hooch and Hive
Best Auto Repair Shop
Wrench Masters LLC
Best Soup
Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café
Best Tacos
Red Mesa Cantina
Best Tea Shop
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dunedin
Best Mexican Restaurant
Casa Tina – Healthy, Fresh, Authentic Mexican
Best Community Center
Dunedin Community Center
Best Environmental Organization
Tampa Bay Watch
Best Graphic Designer
Sheila Burns Creative
Best Comic Book Shop
Nerd Out Comics
Best Choreographer
Lyla Ruth
Best Way To Find Money For Affordable Housing
Stephanie Poynor
Best New Photography Event
St. Petersburg Month of Photography
Best Furniture Store (new or used)
Coastal Fine Furniture
Best Newspaper That’s Not Creative Loafing
Tampa Bay Times
Best Stripper
Demi at OZ
Best New Business
Herban Flow
Best Ybor City Art Takeover
Kress Collective
Best Radio Station
102.5 The Bone
Best Physical Therapy Clinic
Purpose Physical Therapy
Best Stand-Up Comedian
Dewayne Hill
Best Tribute To Women In Art History
Alicia Campos’ ‘100 Women Artists in Art History’
Best Veterinarian
Harmony Vet Care of Brandon
Best Barista
Luis Espel (Willa’s)
Best Boozy Bus Ride
SunRunner
Best Experimental Act
Ed’s Shed
Best Karaoke DJ
Brad at COCKtail
Best Cuban Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant
Best Righting A Wrong
Bob Seymour’s ‘Jazz in the Night’
Best Gourmet Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Icing On The Cake
The Playlists at Elevenses
Best Brunch for Boozing
The Living Room on Main
Best Coffee Roaster
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Cuban Coffee
La Segunda
Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Good Intentions
Best Savory Crêpes
The Wooden Rooster
Best South Tampa Restaurant
On Swann
Best Thicc Cannoli
Greek Cannoli, Hellas Bakery
Best Locally-Made Liquor
Tarpon Springs Distillery
Best Michelin Contenders Looking East Across the Bay
(These 6 Pinellas County restaurants)
Best Fashion Event
Wearable Art
Best Bike Shop
City Bike
Best Improv Team
Tampa Improv
Best Comedy Open Mic
DeBine Brewing Company
Best Photographer
William Powell
Best New City Hall Plus Public Art
Dunedin / Harvard Jolly Architects‘The See’ sculpture, Heath Satow‘The Sun Will Rise Again’ screen printing mural, Christopher Still
Best Politician
Jane Castor
Best Radio Station
102.5 The Bone
Best Museum
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
Best Old Neighborhood Made New Again
Water Street Tampa
Best Use of Body Parts
Amy Wolf’s ‘Beginner’s Mind’ at SHAMC
Best Professional Theater Company (paid cast and production)
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Best Pet Boutique
Health Mutt
Best Plumbing Company
Plumbing By Paul
Best Roofing Company
Mitchell Roofing St Pete- Fl
Best Stocking Stuffers
Pickford’s Sundries
Best Videographer
Roberto Rivera Animus Visual
Best Music School (Institutional/academic)
School of Rock
Best Cigar Box
Johnny Champagne
Best Family Performer
Chas Collins
Best Asian Restaurant
Yummy House China Bistro
Best Dog-Friendly Bar
The Dog Bar
Best French Restaurant
Mise en Place
Best Record Label
Symphonic Distribution
Best Brewery to Get Surprisingly Good Chicken Wings
Angry Chair Brewing
Best Burgers
Gigglewaters
Best Yassified Pit Stop On A Dwarf Planet
Jake Wesley Rogers, Crowbar
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas
Gigglewaters
Best Place to See a Drag Queen and a Veteran Sharing Jello Shots
American Legion Seminole Post 111
Best A/C Repair Company
Jenergy Air Services
Best Southern Cooking
Southern Fresh
Best Lobster Roll
Got Lobstah?
Best Walk-Up Window in Ybor
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Baba on Central
Best Community Garden
Florida Botanical Gardens
Best Farm
Old McMicky’s Farm
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Moses Bernard
Best Arts Journalist Comeback Story
Jennifer Ring
Best Naughty Twinkle in Her Eye While Translating French Onstage
Heather Krueger, ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’ at Stageworks
Best Doggy Day Care
Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Best Public Golf Course
Dunedin Golf Club
Best Open Mic Night (Poetry)
Smoken Words
Best Morning TV Show
Good Day Tampa Bay
Best Handcrafted Jewelry
Florida CraftArt
Best Party Planning Service
The Picnic Boys
Best Home Decor
ZaZoo’d
Best Place To Get Stabbed
Plantas and Tinta
Best Makers Festival
Localtopia
Best Martial Arts Studio
Tampa Wing Chun Kung Fu
Best Vintage Market
Vintage Post Marketplace
Best Bartender
Jacqui Bouthot
Best Pop Act
Kind Villain
Best Instrumentalist
Nate Najar
Best Cuban Sandwich
Columbia Restaurant
Best Breakfast
Bacon Street Diner
Best Brewery, Hillsborough
Tampa Bay Brewing Co.
Best Happy Hour
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – Tampa
Best Cajun Restaurant
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Coffee Shop
Kahwa Coffee
Best Outdoor Dining
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Best Poke Restaurant
Pacific Counter
Best Bank
Suncoast Credit Union
Best Spirited Whiskey Host
Nate Wilson, Bern’s Wine & Spirits
Best Tampa Heights Restaurant
Oak & Ola
Best Locally-Made Seltzer
3 Daughters Brewing
Best Neighborhood Bar, Hillsborough
Skipper’s Smokehouse
Best Cosplayer
Tom Bassano, Safety Harbor Grinch
Best Boat Charter
Coming In Hot Boating Experiences
Best Hurricane Fine Art
Langston Taylor, Tampa Bay Times
Best Latinx-Owned Business
Casa Tina Mexican
Best Cliche-Free Gallery Show
‘The Alchemy of Art,’ Florida Craft Art
Best Personality to Follow on TikTok
OMGitsWicks
Best Play By A Theater Critic
Mark E. Leib’s ‘When the Righteous Triumph’
Best Fitness Studio
Get A Grip Total Body Fitness
Best Gym
Spenga Seminole
Best CPA/Tax Preparer
Anthony Phillips CBIZ
Best Nature Trail
Honeymoon Island
Best Nail Artist
Devin Strebler
Best Party Rental Service
The Moody Groovy
Best Pet Sitting
Calling All Dogs and Cats
Best Piercer (non-tattoo artist)
Matthew at Bloom Body Art
Best Sex Shop
Todd’s Couples Superstore
Best Massage Therapist
Carissa Ales of Clarity Connection
Best Waxing Salon
The Blush Bar Tampa
Best Music School (Non-Academic)
Girls Rock St. Pete
Best Classical Musician
Melissa Grady
Best Jazz Ensemble
Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater Jazz Holiday Jazz Band
Best Recording Studio
Zen Recording
Best Downtown Clearwater Come To Jesus
Restoration Cafe
Best Bottle Shoppe
Jug & Bottle Dept.
Best Greek Restaurant
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Best Indian Restaurant
Curry Leaves Indian Cuisine
Best Charcuterie
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Coffee Shop for Fashion Inspo
Bandit Coffee Co.
Best New Italian in Gulfport
Tommy’s Hideaway
Best Poolside Bar
Hollander Hotel
Best Seafood Restaurant
The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Best Splurge Restaurant
Bern’s Steak House
Best Attorney
Lindsey Sheppy
Best Tequila Bar
Red Mesa Cantina
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pasco
Dented Keg Ale Works
Best County
Pinellas
Best First Novel by a St. Pete Legend
Paul Wilborn’s ‘Florida Hustle’
Best Cigar Shop
Estate Cigars & Social
Best Art Party
Trashy Treasures at Dunedin Fine Art Center
Best Community Theater Company (unpaid cast and production)
Eight O’Clock Theatre
Best Place to Bowl
Pin Chasers
Best Woman-Owned Business
First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary
Best Non-Binary Performer
Newt Rametta
Best Refined Re-Do
The Vinoy renovations
Best Hairapist (for The Curls)
Michelle at Number 9 Salon
Best Musical Theatre Hat-Trick
Julia Rifino; Kate Monster, Alice, and Pickles
Best Up-and-Coming Comedian
Gordon Dixon
Best Hospital
Tampa General Hospital
Best Lash and/or Brow Salon
WHOLE AVEDA Salon Spa Oldsmar
Best Price Tags, Literally
Wendy’s Closet
Best Stand-Up Comedy Venue
Side Splitters Comedy Club
Best Trivia Company
Timeless Entertainment
Best Bathroom Without An Instagram Page
La Sétima Club
Best Club DJ
DJ Skeelow
Best Jukebox (non Touch-Tunes)
The Hub
Best Authentic English Pub Food
Jack’s London Grill
Best Downtown Tampa Lunch with a Side of Dolphin
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Best Breakfast Sandwich
Bacon Street Diner
Best Singer/Songwriter
Chas Collins
Best Cuban Sandwich Outside of Ybor City
Ybor Special, Brinehouse, Safety Harbor
Best Pad Thai
Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen
Best Pricey Fish Tacos That Come With a Water View
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Best Acupuncturist
Dr. Brian Caswell Acupuncture Physician
Best Key Lime Pie
Mike’s Pies Inc.
Best Twist on a Traditional Grouper Sandwich
Blackened Grouper Reuben from Skipper’s Smokehouse
Best Waterfront Dining
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Best Beachy Mayor Running for County Commission
IRB’s Joanne “Cookie” Kennedy
Best Film Festival
Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF)
Best Farmers Market
Saturday Morning Market (St. Pete)
Best Art Gallery (non-museum)
Dunedin Fine Art Center
Best Aural Art Magazine
Art In Your Ear
Best Clone(s)
Anthony Gervais in Off-Central Players’ ‘A Number’
Best Dispensary
Trulieve
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Suncoast Animal League
Best Florist
Flowers N Baskets
Best Scary Good Steward of the Woods
Nicole Brand
Best Movers And Shakers On The Move
Cafe con Tampa
Best Handyman
Handy Andy (Andy Hudgins)
Best Nutritionist
Larissa Reynolds
Best Personal Trainer
Carrie Kukuda
Best Singles Hangout
Cocktail St Pete
Best Skate Shop
Skatepark of Tampa
Best Med Spa
Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Best Wedding Planning Company
Wilder Mind Events
