

‘Indisputably false’: Publix disputes claims it distributes vaccine with little oversight from Florida officials
Reporting suggested there was little transparency in how Publix allocated shots.
After a year without cruises, ports are questioning if they want them to ever return
Before the pandemic, small ships were already the new trend, with everyone from Virgin to Ritz-Carlton announcing yacht-inspired vessels.
No All-Stars for Raptors? Perfect
Amongst social media and other discussions, the Raptors go unmentioned in almost every basketball conversation.
This Ybor City ‘haunted speakeasy’ experience keeps selling out, but more events are set for May
It’s scary hard to get into the four-part interactive cocktail journey.
Controversial proposal for ‘Parent’s Bill of Rights’ advances in Florida House and Senate
John Mower, public policy director for the LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality Florida, said the Senate measure “could compel schools to out LGBTQ youth.”
Florida Republicans’ battle with ‘Big Tech’ will likely face big legal challenges
“Businesses are afforded some of the same First Amendment rights as individuals,” the staff analysis said.
Florida Gov. DeSantis touts COVID response, rips other states for ‘policy blunders’
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat, took issue with DeSantis’ priorities and said people in the state are “still suffering.”
Gulfport’s Read Out lesbian literature festival wraps up sold-out 2021, eyes 2022
The three-day festival saw more than 900 registered participants.
Mike Love’s MAGA-approved version of The Beach Boys coming to Clearwater in May
Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and David Marks will not be present at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
New food hall, 22 South, opens this month inside St. Pete’s Historic Manhattan Casino
It’s located in the historic Deuces neighborhood.
Florida may have to spend $244 million to fix broken unemployment system
The CONNECT online system, which cost $78 million to create before going live in 2013, repeatedly failed last spring.
‘Unnecessary and not scientifically based’: Critics rip Florida Republicans over plan to cap THC levels
“The current system is working with ZERO problems. Unlike the pharmaceutical and alcohol industry where we see deaths routinely and huge human suffering.”
Buddy Brew opening in former Union space at Armature Works in Tampa Heights
The new location could open as soon as the end of this month.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis top choice without Trump on ballot, says CPAC poll
Conservatives continue to warm to Florida’s Governor.
Florida lawmakers consider expanding police drone use
The proposal also comes amid a flock of bills aiming to shape law enforcement in Florida.
Florida Gov. DeSantis expands vaccine access to teachers, first responders 50 and older
On Friday, DeSantis issued an executive order that allows physicians to vaccinate people under 65 who are deemed “extremely vulnerable” to the disease.
Hyatt’s opens new downtown Tampa hotel, is actually two hotels
Both are dog-friendly.
The Best of Sundance 2021, according to film students at St. Pete’s Eckerd College
They collectively watched more than 100 films.
St. Pete’s first Whole Foods Market is coming to North East Park
Suncoast Fitness will move out to make room.
Florida Gov. DeSantis clears way for ‘extremely vulnerable’ to receive COVID-19 vaccine
The order said Florida is “leading the effort to distribute the vaccine to the elderly and vulnerable populations of the state.”
Madeira Beach’s Lucky Lizard Taphouse hosts grand opening next weekend
And by the looks of it, babies are welcome at the bar.
Pye Road Meadworks wants to turn Odessa into a new craft drink destination
“Our focus will be on both the big, fruited sweet meads and lighter, carbonated, lower ABV meads suited for a hot summer day in Florida.”
Sugar Ray, Phillip Phillips and Sister Hazel top concert lineup at Busch Gardens’ Food and Wine Festival
It all kicks off next weekend with Phillip Phillips.
‘Florida got it right, and the lockdown states got it wrong’: DeSantis kicks off CPAC
Ron DeSantis gets his second attempt at being the host Governor for a national political conference.
The must-watch ‘Sator’ and ‘Rendez-Vous’ lead a new round of movies available to stream right now at home
We also tell you what new releases to avoid or approach with lowered expectations, including a new movie filmed in Tampa, “Fear of Rain”
CPAC organizers booed for asking crowd to adhere to Orlando hotel’s mask policy
“I know this might sound like a little bit of a downer, but we also believe in property rights, and this is a private hotel.”
New Asian-fusion restaurant Haiku opens in downtown Tampa
New Japanese spot. Now open on Franklin Street. Sounds pretty damn good.
Specialty roaster, Banyan Coffee Co., is keeping Bradenton caffeinated
Not to be confused with Banyan Cafe in St. Petersburg.
Florida unemployment claims fall to lowest level since beginning of coronavirus pandemic
Nationally, the Department of Labor estimated 730,000 first-time unemployment claims were filed last week.
‘This is wreaking havoc within Florida’: Wildlife officials ban invasive reptiles
“We’ve got to put our foot down.”
Grubhub is helping Girl Scouts deliver cookies in Tampa Bay
With a few limitations, of course.
Florida will likely lower age limit for coronavirus vaccine next month, says DeSantis
The Governor has no specifics yet but was willing to make that promise.
Dr. Thomas Hallock and other local authors discuss new releases at St. Petersburg’s Tombolo books
Talks with local authors Tenea D. Johnson, Tyler Gillespie and Gale Massey are also on tap.
Five free agents the Bucs would love to sign in Tampa Bay
Four linemen and a quarterback.
Pasco’s new Hooters, Korean fried chicken in Seminole Heights and more local foodie news
Nojaks is also closing its downtown Tampa location.
‘Breakfast on the Deuces’ is coming to South St. Petersburg every first Saturday
The first installment is on March 6.
Chris Boucher’s block party
From G-League MVP to NBA Champion.
Florida lawmakers are looking at ‘education savings accounts’
The plan, sponsored by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, would also fold existing voucher programs into two main scholarships.
As murders increase, Florida will now pay people more to snitch
“Florida has experienced historic crime rate lows. But unfortunately, we have seen in certain parts of our state significant increases in murders.”
10 concerts and live music events happening in Tampa Bay this weekend
Florida’s COVID-19 positivity rate is down, too.
For the first time ever, Tampa International Airport will offer non-stop flights to Savannah
As of now, the flights appear to be an hour and a half long, and a roundtrip ticket starts at $92.
Tampa’s Sen. Janet Cruz wants journalists covered under Florida’s hate crime law
“This is about staying true to our nation’s most sacred values. “
Florida mayor wants more local pushback after DeSantis’ call to lower flags for Rush Limbaugh
Mayor Jane Bolin said Gov. DeSantis’ decision turns the flag into ‘a decoration for his own political theater.’
Despite order from Florida Gov. DeSantis, Nikki Fried refuses to lower flags for dead racist
“Lowering the flag should always reflect unity, not division, and raising our standards, not lowering them.”
No mention of Florida in new travel guide showcasing civil rights tourism in the South
The Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide is the latest in a growing tourism sector.
Former President Donald Trump will speak at this week’s CPAC in Orlando
Also: actor Jon Voight, shilling his new anti-choice movie.
Tampa Bay Pokémon superfans are ready to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary this month
Feb. 27 is technically the anniversary of the ‘96 launch in Japan. The U.S. wouldn’t get the franchise until two years later.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis orders flags lowered for dead asshole
Fittingly, DeSantis’ request to lower flags came was made by State Rep. Antony Sabatini, who has a history of wearing blackface.
Supporting projects like Jobsite’s digital shorts tells the Tampa theater scene it still matters
Companies have looked toward virtual content to connect with audiences and to stay afloat financially.
Return of the OG
OG Anunoby returns to the Raptors; can he spark a run before the All-Star Break?
5 guys the Tampa Bay Bucs will likely axe this offseason
Some guys gotta go.
Teach your kids about Tampa Bay’s lost Black cemeteries with this free educational program
The Rose Hill Cemetery Place-Based Learning Project is available right now.






