Tampa chooses two vendors to implement bike sharing program
Ryan Rzepecki, founder of Social Bicycles Last May I wrote a story about the possibility of Tampa creating a bike sharing program. Today, city officials said the program will become a reality this fall thanks to Social Bicycles and CycleHop, LLC. (CycleHop has implemented bike sharing programs in a number of cities and counties, including…
Florida House approves voting changes, but activists in Tampa call for more
Activists march across Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa shouting "Free the vote" On the first day of the Legislative session, activist groups from across the state gathered in Florida's biggest cities calling for electoral reform in the wake of the state's latest embarrassment at the polls. "Awake the State" groups met in 22 cities, including Tampa's…
The Gaily News: Four St. Pete police officers improperly access info on former transgender colleague
Carly Rae Jepsen, above, and Train say yes to equality and no to the Boy Scouts' gay ban. Four St. Petersburg police officers were disciplined last week after improperly accessing personal and confidential information on a former officer who recently made the transition from a female to a male. After being called to Tyrone Square…
Mitch Perry Report 3.6.13 – Trying to figure out Will Weatherford
In his address before the House Tuesday morning, Speaker Will Weatherford spoke movingly about how his family did what they could to support his brother who had terminal cancer when he was growing up. He mentioned an unnamed entity who helped his father out with some finances down the road. Then he segued into describing…
Every Time I Die delivers an explosive show to a sold-out Orpheum
Setlist included.
Gov Scott’s mantra at State of the State: It’s working
Gov. Rick Scott delivered the third State of the State address of his gubernatorial term this morning in Tallahassee, and his theme was simple and repeated throughout: "It's working." (You can watch the whole event here.) Scott is dealing with a budget surplus for the first time since being elected in 2010, and he's doling…
New Music Tuesday! (March 5): Kate Nash, Youth Lagoon, They Might Be Giants & more
Albums out this week, audio & video included.
Dream Defenders to give State of the State address in Tallahassee
Hours after Rick Scott is scheduled to address the Legislature and the citizenry in his annual State of the State address, a slightly different agenda will be presented when the Dream Defenders, a student-run civil rights organization, hosts a rally in Tallahassee. Formed less than a year ago in the wake of the collective outrage…
Forget the new book: Jeb Bush is back to supporting a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
Okay, quick: What cable or network news show hasn't Jeb Bush been on in the past 48 hours? And more importantly, does he want undocumented immigrants to be given a pathway to citizenship, or simply "permanent legal residency"? That's become an important question as we reach day two of a major media offensive that has…
Mitch Perry Report 3.5.13 – The 2013 Florida Legislative session has begun
The day before the 2013 Florida Legislative session commencement, Congresswoman Kathy Castor held a brief news conference at Tampa General Hospital. She referred to positive comments about Medicaid expansion made by Tampa Bay area state senators like Tom Lee and Jack Latvala as evidence that they would follow Rick Scott's lead in approving his recommendation.…
Inside the photo booth: Pro paddle boarder Karen Mirlenbrink
Kevin Tighe Pro Paddle Boarder Karen Mirlenbrink (click on image to enlarge)
Castor supports Bill Nelson’s legislation for Congress to take same pay cuts as furloughed federal workers
Last week, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson announced legislation, which according to this Huffington Post story, will "reduce Congress's pay by the greatest percentage of any federal worker furloughed as a result of the sequester." He's calling it the Congressional Overspending Pay Accountability Act; This morning in Tampa, Congresswoman Kathy Castor supported the idea. "It's not…
Strawberry Festival off to a sweet start
Strawberries, exhibits and breathtaking rides are all part of the fun at this year’s festival
New survey shows Asian-Americans solidly supporting Democrats
In his first televised interview since his election loss last November, Mitt Romney said one of the things that the GOP must do to boost its fortunes is improve relationships with minority groups, specifically blacks and Latinos. He should have also mentioned Asians. Asian-Americans — not Latinos — are the fastest growing minority group in…
Mitch Perry Report: Will Florida’s Legislature expand Medicaid?
Plus: Mitt Romney speaks, Mark Danish plans for the future and more …
Getting inside Dana Vespoli
Searching for intimacy with the porn star/director through arm pit sniffing and anal sex.
Freshman Florida Representative Mark Danish optimistic on upcoming legislative session
With the Florida legislative session beginning on Tuesday, freshman representative Mark Danish is looking forward to what can be accomplished. The Democratic congressman, who represents District 63 (Lutz, Town N’ Country, and parts of Seminole Heights, Ybor and the USF area), won his seat in a surprise victory last November. The middle school science teacher…
Muse rocks the Forum
A look back at the Sat., Feb. 23 show, with photos & setlist.
Mitt Romney admits he thought he’d “solidly” win Florida last November
Speaking for the first time for a sit-down interview since his lost last November, Mitt Romney told Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday that he truly thought he was going to win on Election Day, but first reports out of Florida gave him concern: The exit polls came out first, and, suggested that it was…
Queer goggles
Sometimes it’s not just the alcohol talking.
Promoting social entrepreneurship for a ‘sexier’ and more sustainable world
Top Left to Right: Yolanda Levell-Williams, Nina Stokes, Margret Rush, Ginger Park, Dr. Kevin Main, Bottom Left to Right: Sharon Joy Kleitsch, David Warner, Nerissa Lamison, Linda Sechrist, Councilwoman Lisa J. Montelione. The moderator for one particular panel, Sharon Joy Kleitsch, believes that “we are all part of nature, we are all one, and all…
The Window
How many drinks until you’re in the zone?
Draft everybody
The deadly consequences of inequalities within our military.
The sporting things to do in Tampa Bay
Spring training continues with games in Tampa (Yankees), Clearwater (Phillies), and Dunedin (Blue Jays), but I thought I'd provide a list of other things to do in the Tampa Bay area, including a whole slew of 5K runs, a softball tournament hosted by USF, and the Harlem Globetrotters.
What do I do with this celery?
Arielle Stevenson Garden Party cocktail with celery, cilantro, and grapefruit juice. Celery is the Gary Oldman of vegetables; constantly morphing in presentation but consistently doing great things through the ages. You can count on celery. Julia Childs always stuffed her Thanksgiving birds with celery leaves. A great tip, if you've never tried it by the…
Ten scientific studies on the complicated relationship between alcohol, sex and love
In moderation, alcohol can enrich our lives and our society. Unfortunately most of the money dedicated to alcohol research is allocated to understanding the problems of overindulgence, as the negatives that come with it are easily quantifiable. Recently this stigma shifted. Some researchers are curious as to why alcohol has been a cornerstone of virtually…
Lord of the beans
Jack the Giant Slayer has kid appeal, but woe onto the adults who wander in.
Ale and the Witch opening barbecue spot
ALE AND THE WITCH The Ale and the Witch craft beer bar will open a barbecue spot in the same courtyard in early April. Downtown St. Petersburg's domestic craft beer bar, the Ale and the Witch, will open a barbecue spot in the adjacent El Metate Grill. Owner Brett Andress confirmed the plans today after…
Flamingo Resort’s Gayest Weekend of All Time
Comedian Julie Goldman has done it all. Stand-up stints at hole-in-the-walls and well-known venues alike. Lesbian festivals such as Dinah Shore. Acclaimed web series. But now she’s trying something new. Teaming up with fellow comedian Jonny McGovern, the pair is behind this weekend’s “Gayest Weekend of All Time” at St. Petersburg’s Flamingo Resort.
Mitch Perry Report 3.1.13 -Domestic violence bill clears the GOP controlled House of Representatives
One demographic that continues to vote Democratic each year is single women. When GOP analysts try to figure out why, there's always votes like yesterday in the House, which voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, where President Obama is expected to sign it soon. More Republicans opposed the bill than supported it, however.…
Suburban outfitter
Tempus Projects gives us new views of familiar settings: Dad’s garage and Gasparilla.
21 and Over: party of three
The minds behind The Hangover deliver more of the same.
Unanswered Questions
Andrea Caban’s Questions My Mother Can’t Answer revels in revelations but might leave you guessing.
Hard to swallow
A Place at the Table explores the politics behind hunger in America.
Review: Jukebox the Ghost explodes at Crowbar
I see an insane amount of concerts, but I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing Jukebox the Ghost live. Whenever the threesome confirms dates that find them returning to our fair city, I get absolutely giddy. I honestly have a hard time imagining anyone not having fun at a Jukebox the Ghost…
The bars next door
As the city explores new rules for nightclubs and bars, how goes SoHo?
Tampa City Council officials blast last weekend’s water crisis as a “debacle”
The David L. Tippin Water Treatment facility Beginning last Friday afternoon, City of Tampa residents got a taste of what it might be like to live in a third world nation. After a 29-minute power outage at The David L. Tippin Water Treatment facility, everyone in the city was told to boil their water. The…
West Memphis blues
A sordid murder case gets yet another examination in West of Memphis.
Cops meets The Departed in Boston’s Finest
TNT’s latest is like watchin’ an episode o’ CAWPS with wicked pissah production.
Singing the praises of booze: The best musician-repped wine, beer, tequila, cognac & more
Musicians across genres branch out into breweries, vineyards and distilleries
Tampa Bay area House Republicans weigh in on campaign finance reform
Hillsborough County Rep. Jamie Grant It's less than a week before the 2013 Florida Legislative session commences in Tallahassee, and one of House Speaker Will Weatherford's stated priorities is campaign finance reform. The Wesley Chapel based legislator called the state's current $500 cap on individual campaign contributions "archaic," saying he wants to increase the limit…
Mitch Perry Report – Does Lopano deserve more?
Joe Lopano has been one of the most dynamic leaders in the Tampa Bay community since being hired in 2010 to replace Louis Miller as the head of Tampa International Airport. Some of his strongest supporters include his bosses, the members of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. That support led Lopano to receiving a $50,000…
The Drinking Issue
Beer, wine, cocktails … choose your spirits.
Tampa Bay brewery boom
2012 saw the debut of several local breweries — including these five favorites.
Joey Redner: He’s a Tampa Kid
The man behind Cigar City Brewing.
All Hail Hunahpu
Cigar City’s chocolate-infused stout inspires a cult-like following.
Dunedin Brewery matures
Florida’s oldest craft brewery keeps getting better with age.
Live and Local Spotlight: Second Annual Listening Room Festival
Dozens of concerts and performances take place in homes and intimate listening room-style performance spaces in the Tampa Bay area and Florida locales beyond as part of the Second Annual Listening Room Festival. Singer-songwriter Fran Snyder introduced the listening room concept to a wider Florida audience with last year’s inaugural fest. "When you've got somebody…
Pink amazes with high-flying athleticism and top-notch vocals at Tampa Bay Times Forum
A look back at the Wed., Feb. 27 show, with pics & setlist
Drinking Guide: Breweries & Brew Pubs
Nosh and get your drink on at these great brew pubs.
It’s Beer Week!
Recommended events from Tampa Bay’s big celebration of beer.
Eat your suds
An incredibly easy recipe for all you beer (and carb) lovers.
Drink more wine
A new monthly column with a mission.
Bartenders’ best cocktails
Since 2010, the Left Coast Bartenders’ Guild has been busting the myth that Tampa Bay is devoid of delicious craft cocktails.
Give vodka a chance
Flavored vodka aside, the spirit can be the perfect canvas for a great drink.
Drink swanky on the cheap
How to indulge in refined but wallet-friendly spirits in Tampa Bay.
YouTube Artist to Watch: Tori Kelly
Sometimes, YouTube is better than the radio.
Governor Scott’s press office touts editorial love for his stance on Medicaid expansion
It can't always be easy working in Gov. Rick Scott's press office. Derided with intensity by liberals long before he beat Alex Sink in November of 2010, his appeal — particularly in the Tampa Bay area — seemed to plunge precipitously after he rejected more than $2 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail from…
Ex wife new life: treading on thin ice
What happened when I lied about my snow skiing skills to impress a guy.
The hair up there: Freaks & Beards
Don't think you've gone unnoticed, casual businessman with the full-on '70s beard. Nor you, super hipster at the underground concert with three, well-coiffed ponytails hanging off of your chin. Facial hair on men has always had a sort of love it, or hate it quality to it (Porn? Bad; Lumberjack? Good).
