Mitch Perry Report 1.11.12
Well, the race for the 2012 GOP nomination is over – thanks for reading! Seriously, Mitt Romney was always the front-runner, but couldn't this race remain competitive until Florida's primary at the end of the month? That's looking doubtful now, with the "Massachusetts moderate" as Newt Gingrich would say currently leading in South Carolina, the…
This week in food and drink
Festival of Chocolate, truck rally, restaurant opening, tastings, and dine like it’s 1925!
What do Ron Paul supporters want?
Ron Paul's strong second place finish in last night's New Hampshire primary is earning him plaudits from some of the same mainstream political voices who have appeared skeptical about his candidacy for much of this political cycle. But the fact that he is earning strong support by a coterie of "constitutionalists," liberals, college students and…
At anti-Scott rally in Tampa, a reminder of the fragile economy
As Governor Rick Scott gave his State of the State address and the Florida Legislature reconstituted for the beginning of the 2012 legislative session in Tallahassee, protest rallies organized by the group Awake the State! were held in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and across the state on Tuesday. In Tampa's Lykes Gaslight Park, a crowd…
Buckhorn to businesses who disregard the law in Ybor City: We are coming after you
Although crime in Ybor City has gone down precipitously over the past eight years, the perception stubbornly remains that the historic district is dangerous, and a couple of violent incidents at hip-hop clubs within six weeks of each other last fall didn't exactly boost the spirits of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. So Tampa…
New music Tuesday! (January 10)
A retrospective of solo work by a post-Box Tops/pre-Big Star Alex Chilton, the new LP from Snow Patrol + more of this week’s new releases (audio & video).
New poll says Floridians don’t want Gov. Scott to cut Medicaid
The Guv continues to receive average to poor reviews from the voters.
Kahwa Coffee Opening in Tampa
Starting this week, you’ll be able to get your java fix in the atrium of Tampa’s sixth tallest building, Rivergate Tower, at Kahwa Coffee Roasting’s newest location. That’s right, Kahwa has crossed over the bridge (from St. Petersburg), and set up shop in downtown Tampa. The recently renovated atrium of the Rivergate Tower is a…
Mitch Perry Report 1.10.12
Hey now, y'all excited about tonight's New Hampshire Primary? Why should anyone? Unless the voters of New Hampshire (who we're told take their first-in-the-nation primary status seriously) stun the world, we're looking at another Mitt Romney victory in his inevitable rise to the nomination in Tampa. Will this still be a race in Florida in…
On radio show, Greco “bails out” Buckhorn on infamous six-foot rule
Dick Greco A year ago, Bob Buckhorn was doing everything he could to make sure that Dick Greco would not win an unprecedented fifth term as mayor of Tampa. Buckhorn's theme that it was time to move forward was a not-so-subtle slam at the then 77-year-old Tampa legend. Buckhorn outlasted Greco by 384 votes in…
HART board votes to reject possible merger with PSTA
Months after the suggestion first arrived via Clearwater-area GOP state Senator Jack Latvala, the boards of the region's two biggest transit agencies, HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Agency) and PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority), met Monday afternoon at HART's offices in Ybor City to discuss the possibility of merging into one agency. The members were…
USF’s CAMLS project closer to fruition in Tampa
The Tampa Bay Partnership's Stuart Rogel and Congresswoman Kathy Castor While construction on USF's Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) continued across the street, a host of local officials involved with the project held a news conference Monday morning in downtown Tampa. The theme? That projects like CAMLS are going to continue bringing…
Mini photo review: Jackie Mason kvetches at the Capitol Theatre
Rabbi turned comedian, Jackie Mason, brought his 50-plus years of stand-up comedy experience to the Capitol Theatre Saturday night. Like a seasoned thoroughbred race horse, Jackie bolted from the starting gate and never looked back, leaving the audience in stitches and clapping for more. Kevin Tighe
Santorum gains in new Florida poll but Romney still dominates
There is a tired cliche in Major League Baseball that I will paraphrase as "momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher" — the point being that things can change on a dime when a team has a winning streak going. The same might be said about the GOP presidential field. No, not for the candidate leading the…
Will Tebow/Brady be better the second time around?
The Denver Broncos shocked the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in overtime yesterday, and no one seemed more surprised by Broncos QB Tim Tebow than the Steelers' coaching staff. Put it this way: the Steelers, coming into the wild card game in Denver with the NFL's #1 pass defense, had given up six completions…
Mitch Perry Report 1.9.12
Happy Monday to you all. What a weekend it was: presidential debates, David Bowie tribute concerts, and at least one competitive NFL playoff game! Our charge is politics, of course, so we were tuned into both debates over the weekend. Yesterday's 90-minute affair on Meet The Press was fun to watch if for no other…
Slow Foods Tampa Bay presents: Food from the Ancestors
Have you ever pondered the role our ancestors played in the agricultural and horticultural communities of their time? If so, your questions are about to be answered. Slow Foods Tampa Bay is holding Part One of a presentation and lecture series tonight at Studio@620. It will be kicked off by a pot luck dinner. For…
Drink like a Girl Scout
In honor of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s official launch of 2012 cookie sales and Girl Scout’s 100th anniversary, why not whip up a Girl Scout Cookie drink? For those who haven’t tasted this amazing beverage, it tastes exactly like a Thin Mint, the “cookie monster” of the Girl Scout cookie lineup. slashfood.com Girl…
CL Fiction Contest: Introducing… The Winners
“Bag Boy” and “The Curling Iron” take the top prizes.
Rick Perry wants to invade Iraq again
During Saturday night's GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire, Jon Huntsman and Ron Paul set themselves apart from the other four Republican candidates in their zeal to attack Barack Obama on his foreign policy record. Although undoubtedly Obama's record is ripe for some criticism, questioning the president for pulling most of our troops out of…
Ron Paul scores in Saturday night New Hampshire debate
The latest poll out of New Hampshire shows Mitt Romney losing support, but still with a solid 15-point lead over his next closest competitor, Ron Paul, 35 percent to 20 percent. None of the other candidates is making that large of a mark, with less than 48 hours before the polls open. Paul's strong showing…
Photo review: Tarpon Springs Epiphany celebration
The Tarpon Springs Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the Epiphany with the annual blessing of the local waters and boats concluding with the throwing of a wooden cross into the city's Spring Bayou. Boys ages 16-18 plunged into the bayou to retrieve it. This year a second cross had to be thrown when the first could…
Celebrate Meatless Monday by getting Vegucated (with trailer)
Three lifelong carnivores take one for the herd.
Wine and weight loss: It can be done
Did you resolve to lose weight in the new year? That can be a toughie, especially if you like to have a glass — or two — of wine with dinner. But you can enjoy imbibing and still get into shape. As a sommelier, it is my duty to taste, compare and do wine-and-food pairings.…
White Coffee: Spice up your morning
A lighter-hued alternative to a cup of regular joe.
Scott’s freshman follies
A litany of controversies from the governor’s first year in office.
The Rick Scott job-creation myth
His policies have had no effect on job growth, while Florida’s poor are worse off than ever.
Paula Dockery on why her party can’t get behind Jon Huntsman
Paula Dockery Polk County Republican state Senator Paula Dockery is about to begin her 16th and last session in the Florida Legislature. Term limits prevent her from running again in 2012, which many political observers believe will be a loss not only for her constituents, but for the state as well. In recent years a…
Dry January: Week 1 of a booze-free month
Julia Brown From left, Dry January diary writer Louise Rocco shares a wetter moment with lifelong pal Renee Payton at their "Sexy Family New Year's Eve Party" in Orlando, Dec. 31, 2011. Today marks the first day of a month-long period of sobriety. You might be saying to yourself, Self, this chick decided not to…
Spanks for nothing
Keep your hands to yourselves — at any age.
Thoughts for the new year
The situation may be scary, but our choices are clear.
“Green”-frosted Dunkin’ Donuts tips off in St. Pete
Some people take their coffee black, but now Bay area residents can drink it green. Back in 2008, Dunkin Donuts — the all-day stop for coffee and baked goods — launched its first-ever “Green” café" in the heart of St. Petersburg. That shop scored the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification in…
Chocolate and cheese, please
Chocolate and cheese make a surprisingly tasty pairing.
Let us now praise William Saroyan
No new releases here . . . let's consider someone from the backlist . . . . I’ve always enjoyed reading biographies of writers, which is probably why I’ve ended up writing them. Back in my Indiana hometown recently, I made a trip to my favorite used bookstore, Caveat Emptor, in Bloomington. I didn’t know…
Tasty trends of 2012
Get ready for all new taste sensations.
Was Rick Santorum’s visit to Tampa Bay in ’05 more than just visiting Terri Schiavo?
The latest challenger to Mitt Romney's run for the GOP presidential nomination is former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, whose surge in the final week of the Iowa Caucus has given him a new lease on life in the campaign. One thing commentators on the right and left agreed upon after Tuesday night, when he…
Mitch Perry Report 1.6.12
Good morning, and welcome to the first full weekend of 2012. So you've heard of this little event happening in Tampa next summer, the Republican National Convention? Yesterday the Tampa City Council gave its approval to accept $50 million from the Department of Justice to pay for security costs for the four-day affair, though one…
Gingrich surrogates trash Romney in New Hampshire
After his loss in Iowa on Tuesday night, Newt Gingrich vowed to continue to maintain a positive campaign against front-runner Mitt Romney, but also said he would respond to false attacks on his record. But he never said anything about his surrogates. But before we get to that, check out Newt's new ad running today…
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Clearwater
Hunting for a nosh near the beach? Look no further …
The Devil Inside offers adrenaline kick in excess
This faux documentary is a well-executed, if predictable, heart-pounder.
Sen Jim Norman faces ethics charges at a scheduled hearing on Feb 3, 2012
George Niemann is a Daily Loaf contributor, R-LAND, UCAN and FSP activist.The views expressed are my own and not necessarily the same as the organizations to which I belong. State Senator Jim Norman will have to face the Ethics Commission at a Probable Cause Hearing in Tallahassee on February 3, 2012. Numerous ethics complaints were…
Legends, lessons and rock: Million Dollar Quartet at Straz
Some thoughts on the big nostalgia musical.
New Year’s Resolutions
A return to a favorite restaurant is a reminder of what’s important.
Local video roundup: Rise of Saturn, Shunda K, Have Gun Will Travel & more
A round-up of videos produced locally by a range of Bay area talent. Just goes to show you what a small budget and alot of creativity can do. Rise of Saturn, "Pantomime," off their 2011 BOTB-winning LP, Sex, Drugs and Comic Books. A very well-made video complete with gangster/Reservoir Dogs overtones and a backwards timeline.…
Forum for Tampa businesses to get involved with Republican Convention to take place January 19
Important news was released Thursday afternoon for local businesses who want to get a piece of the estimated $150 million that will flow Tampa's way for hosting the Republican National Convention in late August. The 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee has announced that they will be holding an educational forum to inform local Tampa Bay…
Alan Grayson raises $50K for Dennis Kucinich
Dennis Kucinich You remember Alan Grayson, don't you? The former Orlando area Democratic Congressman became a folk hero amongst progressives for his outspoken demeanor in the one, lone term he served representing Florida's Eighth Congressional District from 2009-2011. Comments he made on the House floor, such as saying that the GOP's health care plan was…
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews headed to Tampa
Chris Matthews will be in Tampa on Jan. 21 Love or hate him, there's no one on cable news quite like Chris Matthews. The MSNBC host has recently written a book about John F. Kennedy (a fact that you're undoubtedly aware of if you watch just a little bit of Hardball), called Jack Kennedy: Elusive…
No beans about it
Deep in the heart of Texas, the chili is all beef.
Lectores at UT
The free series features renowned writers, readings and topical discussions.
Tampa Police say over $33 million in federal funds will pay for police at Republican Convention
Tampa Assistant Police Chief Marc Hamlin told the City Council on Thursday that two/thirds of the $50 million — roughly more than $33 million — that the city is receiving for security for the Republican National Convention will be for personnel, with the remaining amount going to purchase equipment and technology. That approximate $33 million…
George Saunders: Work of genius
The novelist, essayist and MacArthur “genius” talks about the hard labor of writing well.
Green Community Calendar Weekend Events
Check out these green-inspired classes and markets!
Matt Lunsford takes 39 Steps forward with Jobsite
Forging full speed ahead into new acting territory with a classic noir thriller.
St. Pete Police unveil video of egregious red-light camera violations
The St. Pete Times respective City Hall reporters in Tampa and St. Pete, the tag-team of Richard Danielson and Michael Van Sickler, have a story in Thursday's Tampa Bay Times regarding how those cities have fared since they've installed red-light cameras two months ago. Based on statistics, the Tampa Police Department have targeting nearly twice…
Mitch Perry Report 1.5.12
Activists in Wisconsin are trying to get enough signatures to put their governor, Scott Walker, on the ballot so they can recall him. Meanwhile, a governor even less popular, Rick Scott, has no worries on that front, as there is no such law that allows Floridians to recall their state-wide elected officials. One disgruntled North…
Sweet and savory
No-frills chicken and waffles at Tampa Luv.
Bag Boy
Creative Loafing Fiction Contest Winner: Judges’ Pick
The cosmic re-birth of Akron/Family
Freaky folk outfit Akron/Family brings renewed confidence & a fresh outlook to their latest record. The trio hits Crowbar Tues., Jan. 10
Santorum nearly swamps Romney in Iowa
Plus: Raheem is out, indefinite detention of Americans is in, an more Shit Happened from Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 4, 2012.
Stardust memories: WMNF presents a three-night 65th birthday tribute to David Bowie
International rock/pop icon David Bowie has made an indelible impact in his nearly five-decade career, from his debut commercial breakthrough with "Space Oddity" (its release coinciding with the first moon landing), to his Ziggy Stardust experimentations in gender-busting and glam, to the onset of mid-1970s funk and soul drive and the emergence of his slick…
B.B. King reigns in Tampa, Galactic funks up St. Pete + more of the week’s best concerts
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5Rock the Park w/The Lambasters/Serotonic/Between Bluffs The first 2011 concert of the outdoor music series features sets by blues-fueled rock nÕ rollers The Lambasters, led by the harmonica raging and vocal bellowing of Ernie Locke; jazzy funky jam rock outfit Serotonic; and Between Bluffs, an upbeat folk-roots pop ensemble that infuses its sound…
The Curling Iron
CL Fiction Contest Winner: Readers’ Pick
Florida GOP lawmaker files bill to ban abortion
Florida Republican Charles Van Zant The Florida Independent is reporting on a story that CL originally covered back in October: that Palatka House Republican Charles Van Zant has filed a bill that bans abortion in Florida, providing only an exception to save the life of the mother. Van Zant’s bill would make performing an abortion…
School daze
Tuition increases, student protests and the real reasons higher education in Florida is in the poorhouse.
Unspeakable happiness
Not all nonmonogamous relationships are destined to fail.
Disgruntled North Florida citizen pushes recall election of state officials
Last year St. Petersburg House Democrat Rick Kriseman floated a bill that would allow Floridians, if so inclined, to recall elected officials in the state, beginning with the governor and lieutenant governor, as well as cabinet members and members of the legislature. In the GOP-controlled Senate and House, however, his proposal went nowhere. He is…
The viability of nuclear power on tap for discussion next week
If granted approval by the Nuclear Reactor Commission, Progress Energy Florida will begin major construction of a two-reactor 2,200-megawatt(MW) nuclear power plant in Levy County near Gainesville and Ocala. According to Progress Energy, delays have raised the cost of such construction to $22.5 billion (critics say much more than that). Should that plant be built?…
Hillsborough County Commission GOP aspirant gets big endorsement
Jack Latvala Steve Cona, running in the District 6 GOP race for Hillsborough County Commission, snagged a big endorsement Wednesday morning when state Senator Jack Latvala announced his support. “I am happy to endorse Steve Cona for Hillsborough County Commission. His common sense approach to problem solving and knowledge of business issues make him uniquely…
New beginnings: Redefining what family is
The word "family" has seen a transformation in the past couple of decades. At one time, it meant only those biologically related to you. In this day and age, it’s been expanded to include those with whom we have shared values or choose to spend much time with. For me, family represents those people who…
Ybor City and LGBT activist Carrie West named to Hillsborough County board
CL readers might recall our story about Hillsborough County and its less than stellar record when it comes to gay rights. Adding insult to injury for gay activists in Tampa, already perturbed that the county is now the largest in Florida that doesn't include LGBT members in its Human Rights Ordinance, was the fact that…
