

Florida lawmaker files bill to repeal tax credit program exploited by Universal Orlando
With Florida facing down a budget shortfall amid a pandemic-related economic crisis, Eskamani is betting now is the right time to revisit these taxpayer subsidies to big corporations.
Florida Republicans are now trying to keep ex-felons from making $15 min wage
The amendment will increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour on Sept. 30 and lead to annual increases until it is $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026.
A historic church in Tampa Heights just reopened in the form of Grand Cathedral Cigars
The mixed-use space has membership options for 24-hour access.
Disney will finally update its racist-ass boat ride
Disney fans on Twitter were, naturally, not holding anything back in their initial responses to these changes.
Pasco’s Wicked Pour taproom is expanding to downtown Tampa
It’ll live at street level the Hyatt House near Sparkman Wharf.
Seminole Heights’ C House is opening a new concept at downtown Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf
‘The Battery’ joins Noble Rice and Burger-Fi as the Wharf’s newbies.
Publix refuses to stop selling coconut milk made from monkey slaves, says activists
The group alleges that the monkeys are forced to pick coconuts from trees while being chained to old tires, and live in small enclosures.
Florida super-spreader wrestling tournament resulted in at least 79 COVID infections and 1 death, says CDC
The tournament on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 was attended by 130 wrestlers, coaches and referees.
Florida Republicans approve proposal to battle ‘cancel culture’ at state colleges
What isn’t clear is what would be done with the survey data if the bill ultimately passes.
Florida lawmaker wants to reduce restrictions on craft distillers
Deregulating the alcohol industry has been a popular topic in recent years.
Florida Republicans file bills to ban state agencies from using ‘Big Tech’
Our goal is for these companies to realize that they have made a mistake and reverse course, so we never actually have to do this,” Fine said.
Monster Jam returns to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium this spring
Grave Digger and monster truck comrades like Zombie, Scooby-Doo! and Monster Energy are coming back to Tampa’s — pandemic?
Seltzerland, a socially-distant hard seltzer fest on a golf course, returns to Tampa this spring
This is essentially what people do when they say they’re ‘golfing,’ but in a festival setting.
Publix will reopen online COVID-19 vaccination portal this week
As of now, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties are not included.
Forthcoming Tampa coffee shop Rise Koffee + Kulture launches Kickstarter page
The shop hopes to debut by May 2021.
New takeout concept, Two Dads, is now open in Gulfport
The menu is loaded with gourmet home-style dishes.
Ybor City’s Casa Santo Stefano debuts new indoor-outdoor rooftop patio
Santo’s Drinkeria is open daily from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Florida Senate backs COVID-19 liability protections for businesses
Lawmakers are considering the proposals as the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths have surged in Florida during the fall and winter.
Judge orders man who plotted to ‘violently confront protesters’ at Florida Capitol to stay in jail
Investigators say Baker also printed and intended to distribute flyers with the information, accompanied by an image of an AK-47 rifle.
St. Pete’s ‘Edge Urban Market Place’ launches phase one opening during Super Bowl weekend
There will be two 40-foot containers with curated food and drinks by local chefs and courtyard seating.
Florida anti-vax rally featuring Rep. Anthony Sabatini, and GOP Chair Joe Gruters ‘delayed’ until March
Instead of two smaller events, the group will host one large rally.
Florida lawmaker files bill banning QAnon believers from getting security clearances
An individual must possess this clearance status in order to qualify for a national security position or to access classified information.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says impeaching Trump again is ‘stupid’
Bad for America? Rubio frets about new Trump trial.
After Florida judge backs permit, Nestle will likely continue to get bottled water from Ginnie Springs
Seven Springs filed the challenge last year after the district indicated it would not approve the permit.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz says GOP establishment is ‘in shambles’
Congressman wants Liz Cheney out of leadership.
New St. Pete asian fusion restaurant Pin on Cafe now open on Central Avenue
The concept took over the former home of Chiang Mai Thai.
In another pandemic shift, students from St. Pete’s Eckerd College virtually attend Sundance Film Festival
They’ll all be filing stories about the highlights.
A St. Petersburg Mammamia Gelato Italiano is opening in mid-March
Handcrafted gelatos and sorbets are on the global franchise’s menu
Seminole Heights’ Labyrinth Studios hosts a night of ‘Heightened Senses’ next week
DJ Friki Donya and Katara Trio among artists scheduled to perform on Jan. 28. with the full moon in Leo.
The Black Honkeys play an outdoor concert at Palm Harbor’s Bogota Kitchen
The band’s stayed as busy as possible during the pandemic.
Tampa Bay newgrass band Boxcar Hollow plays Phish covers at St. Pete’s Hideaway Cafe this weekend
The show happens IRL and online Saturday.
Florida Gov. DeSantis on Dems controlling all branches of government: ‘If they’re going to send me money, we’re happy to take it’
“Probably beef up our budget reserves.”
Former President Trump may have illegally extended Florida’s Medicaid ‘waiver,’ says critics
“It was a pretty blatant attempt, I think, to reward political allies and block Medicaid expansion.”
Tampa twee-pop band A Rainy Night In plays free concert at Hooch and Hive this Friday
The Dirty Daisies open the show.
Alien synthwave is a thing, and Tampa’s Moonbae is playing it for free on Friday at New World Brewery
Bass, beats and hypnotic harmonies are on tap.
Junebug challenge rapper SpotemGottem brings TikTok hit to Ybor City concert on Friday
The barely legal Jacksonville rapper’s ‘Beat Box’ is a viral success.
New Gulfport restaurant, Salty’s Sandwich Bar, now open
Like fellow Gulfport residents, this joint has dog-friendly seating options.
As Biden unveils national COVID-19 strategy, Florida lawmaker wants to prevent statewide lockdowns
“I think everyone is on the same page now that we absolutely in no circumstance should go back to where we were before…”
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio compares Trump to Nixon, says Biden should pardon former president
The Senator does not want an impeachment trial.
Six live music concerts and events happening in Tampa Bay this weekend
Hip-hop, synthwave, twee-pop, covers, funk and more.
Florida House moving forward with ‘overkill’ anti-protest bill that would also stop cities from reducing police budgets
The bills would also enhance penalties for defacing public monuments.
Ten Trump supporters show up at Florida Capitol to protest Biden inauguration
“We just don’t feel like our votes were heard,” said Earl Austin
Savage Love: Your BF may not be morally obligated to disclose HIV-status to a casual sex partner, but in some states it’s illegal
And don’t worry, that bull your partner wants to invite over for a cuckold is definitely better than you.
M. Night’s ‘Servant’ and festival darling ‘Bloody Hell’ are what you should be streaming right now
Spoiler alert: do not read this if you don’t want to know what happens in season one of ‘Servant.’
King of the Coop coming to The Grove, Seminole Heights gets a new Korean fried chicken spot, and more local foodie news
Oh, and the Seahorse Restaurant returns on Pass-a-Grille.
Tampa’s police budget grew more than any other major U.S. city, says report
Notably, Tampa was also specifically mentioned as an example of a city that has seen “spikes in crime” despite increases in police spending.
Fairgrounds, St. Petersburg’s immersive arts experience, announces massive list of participating artists
Check out what Fairgrounds has cooking for its spring debut.
‘Moonrise Kingdom’ screens St. Pete’s Green Bench’s ‘Movies in the Beer Garden’
The event goes down every other Wednesday.
Fort DeSoto’s Top Gun triathlon was a bright spot for local athletes, but races might not be back to normal until July
One race director said it will be ‘well into the third quarter of 2021 before events are even close to what is considered normal.’
Noise citations and fines dropped for Pasco County Black Lives Matter protesters
New Port Richey attorneys offered $75 plea deals, which protesters declined.
Sky Puppy Brewing moving into former New World site in Ybor City
Award-winning brewer Matthew McKinnon and wife Danielle are behind the project.
Largo’s Highland Recreation Complex hosts a weekly lightsaber choreography class
Instructor says, ‘Whereas Master Yoda would say, ‘Do or do not. There is no try’—I disagree. Try.’






