Southside Johnny hits Clearwater for a two-night stand at Capitol Theatre
A review of Wednesday night’s show, setlist included
Activists work to reverse Hillsborough’s domestic partner registry vote
Chip Weiner Activists talk strategy to combat the Hillsborough County Commission's domestic partner registry vote Twelve days after the Hillsborough County Commission rejected a proposal for a domestic partner registry, more than 50 activists gathered at the Children's Board of Hillsborough County in Ybor City to plot how they might be able to reverse the…
Mitch Perry Report 2.6.13 – Tampa Bay media establishment rallies behind Gerdes proposal on Rays
The editorial pages of both the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Tribune are rallying behind St. Petersburg City Councilman Charlie Gerdes out of the box proposal this morning. Gerdes idea is to have the Tampa Bay Rays pay a fee to the city of St. Pete in exchange for being allowed to speak to…
Is Bill Young part of a House Republican group that’s now okay with sequester?
Today, President Obama called on Congress to pass a package of spending cuts and tax changes to delay the upcoming massive budget cuts known as the sequester, scheduled to begin on March 1. Although Obama and Congressional Republicans insisted last year that the sequester would not happen, those Republicans are now saying they might be…
Hillsborough County dentist offers free dental care this Friday
Dr. Vincent J. Monticciolo Some folks without health insurance can get away without seeing the doctor until they become too sick or injured (though that's not advisable). But not too many of us can go long without seeing a dentist — or would want to, considering the problems that can arise when too much time…
Bill’s V-Day Sports Binge: Wear a cup, Cupid
"Love… it's a real mother f***er, eh?"-Old School That's right, you little horny bastards. Valentine's Day is upon us. That glorious one day of the year when the calendar forces you to cowboy up and purge all the cheesy, ooey-gooey, lovie-dovie, vomit-inducing deep feelings you have to the one you love… with a $4 card…
TSA introduces new way to bypass screenings at Tampa International Airport
Langley is a trained passenger screening canine assigned to Tampa International The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is well aware of its less than savory reputation for screening airline passengers. Because of that perception, TSA officials say they're constantly working on new methods to make the flying experience more friendly. Hence the new program called Managed…
New Music Tuesday! (February 5): Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Frightened Rabbit, Harry Connick Jr. & more
Albums out this week, audio & video included.
Free pancakes at IHOP
Whether you call them flapjacks, hot cakes, or short stacks, it's hard not to love pancakes. And free pancakes? Well, those taste even better. Today (Feb. 5), get a a free short stack of pancakes from the International House of Pancakes from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. In lieu of pancake payment, consider leaving a donation. Monies…
Ybor activist and businessman Carrie West signs up for Tampa’s Domestic Partner Registry
Mark Bias and Carrie West observed their 35th anniversary together by signing up for Tampa's Domestic Partner Registry On Monday, with Mayor Bob Buckhorn looking on, Carrie West — president of the GaYBOR District Coalition — and his longtime partner Mark Bias became the latest couple to sign up for Tampa's domestic partner registry. West…
Mitch Perry Report 2.5.13 – Florida GOP ready to say “my bad” on election reform?
Florida Secretary of State Ken Dentzer yesterday released a new set of election reform recommendations in the wake of the Sunshine State's latest embarrassment at the voting booths last November. The big one is recommending what was the law in Florida until two years ago – extending early voting days from 8 to 14. According…
My Bloody Valentine returns in grand style
After years of inactivity, the four-piece makes a real comeback with a new LP
Gov. Rick Scott praises recommendations for fixing Florida’s broken voting system
Governor Rick Scott, ever cognizant of boosting his poll numbers going into next year's re-election campaign, is embracing a new report published today by Secretary of State Ken Detzner's office that offers solutions to the various voting problems that plagued the state during last November's general election. The big recommendations by Detzner included returning to…
#MusicMonday 84: Charlotte Gainsbourg, The Replacements & more
What the CL Music Team is jamming this week (media included).
HART board praises idea for Westshore circulator system, but won’t act on it
Last year, the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) — in partnership with Westshore Alliance and HART — conducted a survey to explore the feasibility of a transit circulator service within the Westshore area, which is by far the densest business district in the region. MPO's Randy Kranjec said that while the service could be…
Mitch Perry Report: The good, the bad and the ugly of Super Bowl XLVII
Beyonce, a blackout and bad ads highlight football’s biggest night.
The NRA’s Wayne LaPierre fires away at gun-control advocates
Fox News’ Chris Wallace gets caught in the crossfire.
Leon Panetta says U.S. will be less safe if sequester takes place
We're less than a month away from the latest deadline for the so-called sequester to take place (March 1), and on Meet The Press on Sunday outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said such massive budget cuts would be cataclysmic for our military preparedness. "Let me tell you, if sequester happens, it is going to…
Keep it positive
Advice on finding the right sex therapist.
Thrills, history and fried everything: The Florida State Fair
A Tampa Bay History Center exhibit adds some class to the fun this year.
The bravery of teachers
Schooling kids takes real courage in our age of classroom shootings and budget cuts.
Trail markers*
When is a wine fridge more than a wine fridge?
Pam Bondi informs citizens that there’s still time to apply for foreclosure aid
Bob Buckhorn, Pam Bondi & Bill Foster outside Tampa City Hall on Friday Last year Florida received more than $8 billion for foreclosure abuses in a national settlement with the country's five biggest mortgage banks. Nearly half of that ($3.6 billion) has been given to Florida homeowners for mortgage relief. The settlement also allocated about…
Stallone rides the Bullet train
Bullet to the Head is a gritty, fun exercise in managing expectations.
Warm Bodies is a hot mess
Weak writing saps what could have been an interesting take on the zombie movie.
The Piano Lesson is in tune with the past
August Wilson’s classic educates us on character and legacy at American Stage.
Mitch Perry Report 2.1.13: Chuck Hagel’s rough day
Chuck Hagel's first day before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee did not go well. Yesterday, the former Nebraska senator appeared ill-prepared, tentative, and at times, in over his head as he went into a heariing that he knew was going to be a lion's den. Supporters say it was all theater; that he will still…
Sláinte!
Scotch ales highlight malt and burn, bringing the power of the Highlands to your glass.
Ambassador of pisco
Drinking with Pisco Portón’s most interesting man in the world.
Our contribution to Super Bowl overload
What to watch for during this Sunday’s showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.
Storyteller Mike Birbiglia is a comedic sweetheart
HAVING A SIT-DOWN: Mike Birbiglia. Mike Birbiglia headlined the Straz Center last week and was utterly charming as he made full use of the stage, ebbing and flowing from mellow to manic and quiet again. His latest show "My Boyfriend's Girlfriend" is themed around his frustrations and hard-learned lessons about love. Before launching into his…
Four Florida university presidents speak up for comprehensive immigration reform
USF President Judy Genshaft This morning, the presidents of some of Florida's biggest universities held a conference call to announce their support for comprehensive immigration reform in Washington D.C. Such efforts seem to be gaining momentum, though the bipartisan bill being discussed this week resides in the U.S. Senate, controlled by Democrats. How such a…
Rubio a no vote on Hagel
The much anticipated Senate confirmation hearings for Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice to become his Secretary of Defense in his term, began this morning with Hagel's former friend John McCain badgering the former Nebraska GOP Senator to give a yes or no answer to the question of whether his opposition to the "surge" in Iraq…
Review: Jeff Mangum quietly dazzles at Beacham Theatre, Orlando
A look back at the Jan. 26 show, setlist included.
HART spokesperson to become Kathy Castor’s top press aide
Sean Kinane/WMNF News Marcia Mejia Marcia Mejia, who has been the spokesperson for HART for the past two-and-a-half years, is leaving the Hillsborough County transit agency to become the chief spokesperson for Hillsborough-area Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor. Although she has only been at HART since the summer of 2010, the agency has been in the…
In Tampa, activists worry about possible sequestration cuts
Rick Kriseman speaks against major cuts to social programs Across-the-board cuts to most categories of government spending, called sequestration, will be addressed in Congress on March 1 unless lawmakers do something about it in the next month. The much-hyped massive cuts were scheduled for the beginning of 2013, but they were delayed until March so…
Mitch Perry Report 1.31.13 – Anybody seeing Bill Foster changing his mind on the Rays?
The Tampa Tribune reports this morning that Hillsborough County Commission chair Ken Hagan would like to get a regional group of local politicians to come together to talk about a possible stadium solution for the Tampa Bay Rays. This appears to a smart, proactive move by Hagan, but the facts on the ground haven't changed…
Bayfront Medical Center finds a partner
Officials say a proposed merger will benefit the hospital and the community, but some aren’t so sure.
Through the eyes of Ruby
HCC’s Gallery 221 celebrates the work of Florida folk art legend Ruby C. Williams.
They Stand and deliver
Pacino, Walken and Arkin prove they can still get it up in Stand Up Guys.
Review: Adam Ant, Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter
His loyal followers waited patiently as Adam took an extended break from the music biz and conquered and overcame some personal issues during his hiatus. Thus, expectations and anticipation have run high for Adam Ant’s first new album in 18 years, and on the heels of a successful worldwide tour, he finally released his long-awaited…
Fresh ginger: A chat with comedian Kathleen Madigan
The stand-up celeb headlines the Palladium this Friday.
This week in Tampa Bay area live music: The Used, Jucifer, Infected Mushroom, Willie Nelson & more
Concerts, Jan. 31-Feb. 6.
Review: Jackson 5ive: The Complete Animated Series
The early 1970s series is offered on DVD and Blu-Ray for the first time ever.
Castor and Buckhorn criticize Hillsborough County Commission’s rejection of domestic partner registry
Kathy Castor outside her local Congressional office in West Tampa on Wednesday In 2005, Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor — who then served on the Board of County Commissioners — was the lone holdout against the somewhat infamous Hillsborough County vote to ban gay pride events. Seven and a half years later, she said she can't…
Review: Underoath delivers a memorable farewell show at Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
A look back at the Sat., Jan. 26 show, with photos.
Two Big Mouths The Big Finale
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths118FinalShow/Tbm01-24FinalShow.mp3 44975804] Hello Mouthy friends. We are back live this week. Gasparilla week here in the Tampa bay area by the way. On the big show this week. First it was one side of the bay trying to dupe residents into funding a light rail system, now it's the other side trying to do the…
Two Big Mouths The Big Finale
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths118FinalShow/Tbm01-24FinalShow.mp3 44975804] Hello Mouthy friends. We are back live this week. Gasparilla week here in the Tampa bay area by the way. On the big show this week. First it was one side of the bay trying to dupe residents into funding a light rail system, now it's the other side trying to do the…
Album review: Pillowfight, Pillowfight
The collaborative LP by Dan the Automator and Emily Wells sees the light.
In Ybor, immigration advocates cautiously optimistic
Elena McCulloch was one of the immigration advocates who spoke in Ybor City on Wednesday On Tuesday, President Obama dedicated the first trip of his second term to calling for an overhaul of immigration laws, making clear that it is one of his top domestic priorities. His speech in Las Vegas came a day after…
Celebrities spread the word on how to help stop the ban on gay scouts
Neil Patrick Harris, George Takei, Ellen DeGeneres, and Martina Navratilova have taken to social media to urge people to help end the ban on gay scouts and leaders in the Boy Scouts of America.
Mitch Perry Report 1.30.13: Anyone have deer-antler spray?
This morning, steroids returned to the front pages of the news with the Miami New Times report about Yankee star Alex Rodriguez and a host of other baseball players who were allegedly sold performance-enhancing drugs from a Florida clinic. While A-Rod deals with this latest embarrassment, Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis has been accused…
The Riviera comes to St. Pete
A new supper club adds a touch of elegance to the beach dining scene.
Taco nirvana at Casita Taqueria
Away from downtown, Casita Taqueria keeps the locals happy with their taco magic.
Shades of verde
Baked egg in avocado with pepita pesto makes for a healthy and filling breakfast.
Mid-season TV preview: Mad Men, The Americans, House of Cards and The Walking Dead
A sampling of old favorites and new groundbreakers.
Pinellas County welcomes new gay bar with open arms
When gay bar Christopher Street shut its doors for good last June, it left a major void in mid-Pinellas County’s gay nightlife. Now a new gay bar is ready to take its place and fill that niche. Quench Lounge, 13284 66th St. N., will open its doors Thursday, Jan. 31 in the same plaza that…
Film explores what it means to be organic
IN ORGANIC WE TRUST In Organic We Trust's Kip Pastor (left) with one of the farmers featured in his latest film. "What does organic mean?" That is the question that's pondered in the documentary film, In Organic We Trust. Through interviews with farmers, academics, and the public, In Organic We Trust tracks the organic movement's…
Mitch Perry Report 1.29.13: LGBT community in Hillsborough says they’re fighting back
There are several letters to the editor in today's local papers condemning the four GOP county commissioners in Hillsborough County for rejecting a domestic partner registry last week. There have been several allusions over the past week comparing these four commissioners to the four commissioners in Pinellas who voted to remove fluoride in the drinking…
