Florida has the world’s 14th largest economy, according to new analysis
Florida Chamber of Commerce leaders will be amending a key talking point raised at meetings and conferences. On Tuesday, the Florida Chamber Foundation announced Florida has a $1.89 trillion economy, making it the 14th largest in the world, up two places, if the state were an independent country. The ranking is based upon U.S. Bureau of…
Florida’s lack of affordability could be a path to victory for state Dems, says chair
Florida Democrats are once again optimistic the state is in play, believing a growing lack of affordability across the state now makes the Republican supermajority holds over the state Legislature breakable. In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried claimed “a coordinated campaign with our top-of-the-ticket candidates” is lifting “every…
Florida residents probably aren’t aware they have ‘explosive’ diarrhea parasite, says officials
A parasite that causes extreme diarrhea, seen in recent outbreaks across the country, has been documented in over 20 counties in Florida. But experts say there could be more cases than what has been reported. According to the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, 50 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in…
A pending federal hemp ban is already hurting Florida businesses
On Saturday, St. Petersburg retailer Herban Flow hosted its third High and Dry Festival, which featured dozens of brands showcasing THC-infused drinks, plus adaptogens, nootropics, and alcohol-free libations. Herban Flow owner Michael Smith says that about 80% of sales from his two stores come from hemp-derived THC products, which is why he’s anxious about an…
Priceless Scott, purveyor of the Tampa hip-hop sound, plays The Bricks on Friday
Beatsnchill is a one-stop shop for anyone hoping to get caught up with Tampa’s rap scene, and the collective’s showcase is back, this time with Priceless Scott at the top of the bill. Released last month, the emcee’s latest LP, The Diary of Priceless Scott, has all the bounce of the best Southern rap all…
Tampa Bay’s best things to do this week, including Shark Con, an ice cream fest and more
There’s a ton of stuff to do this week around Tampa Bay, like Tampa’s Archives Awareness Week, World Cup finals watch parties, Shark Con 12, Steamy Lit’s Romantasy celebration, a free reading and talkback of Mark E. Leib’s new play, a science fiction horror double feature and Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival.
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Tempus Projects’ new multimedia exhibit is a love letter to Ybor City [Photos]
Ybor City arts nonprofit Tempus Projects’ latest exhibit is an ode to the city that shaped its artists. A press release says that in “Oh, Cuore Mia” (“my heart”)—opening tomorrow during Third Thursday at Kress Contemporary and running through Sept. 17—artists “reflect on and reinterpret Ybor narratives shaped by migration, labor, resistance, and reinvention in…
Ybor City’s historic Centro Asturiano hosts a World Cup final watch party on Sunday
In 1902, Ybor City’s historic Centro Asturiano was founded by Spanish immigrants, and it’s remained a special gathering place for that community ever since. Soccer fans can feel the love this weekend when the venue hosts a party to watch the World Cup final where Spain will take on the winner of the England v.…
Comedian KevOnStage brings tour honoring his dead brother and manager to Tampa this fall
Kevin Fredericks swears the show is gonna be funny. The comedian known as KevOnStage is going on the road this fall, to honor his dead brother, who was also his manager. The 43-year-old comedian, online creator, and founder of the BET+ improv comedy show “The Hospital” is tackling the subject in Tampa as party of…
New Italian restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef coming to Tampa this fall
Fresh off today’s opening of Lumbre, Nashville-based Fast Fine Restaurant group announced it’s bringing V Modern Italian to the Tampa development in September.
Steamy Lit hosts a free Romantasy fest in Palm Harbor this weekend
Authors L.L. Campbell, Ligia N. Cushman, Luna Laurier and Allie Shante will speak on a panel about the power of horny writers. Plus, themed activities and a spicy raffle.
St. Pete Pier hosts the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival this weekend
Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival brings more than 30 ice cream vendors from around the state to the St. Pete Pier’s Family Park on Sunday.
Mark E. Leib hosts a free reading and talkback of his new play at Stageworks this weekend
Playwright (and erstwhile CL theater critic) Mark E. Leib made a big splash last year with “When the Righteous Triumph,” his award-winning play about the student sit-ins that integrated Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. Now, with “The House in Hyde Park,” he’s delving into another significant chapter in the city’s history: the experience of…
Tampa hosts the country’s biggest shark convention this weekend
SharkCon 12, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall this Saturday and Sunday, also brings over 100 shark-themed vendors supplying jewelry, art, clothing and collectibles—and professional scuba diving lessons. Plus, talks with representatives from National Geographic, Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” and conservancy experts.
Deviant Libation hosts a free science fiction double-feature horror movie night this weekend
Deviant Libation offers a time warp of a classic horror movie night next weekend. The double feature, hosted by the one and only crypt keeper, Charlie Suor, includes both classic 1963 horror flicks “The Man with the X-ray Eyes” and “Dementia 13.” “The Man with the X-ray Eyes” starts when Dr. James Xavier develops eyedrops…
Kumba, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s oldest roller coaster, will close this summer
After 33 years, Busch Gardens’ oldest operating roller coaster, Kumba, will close to make way for Kumba’s Revenge, says the theme park. “Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world’s most iconic roller coasters. As we celebrate its incredible legacy, we’re also looking ahead,” said Jon Vigue,…
Thundercat’s fall tour kicks off in Florida, and includes a stop in St. Pete
A Thundercat album has many personalities, and the Los Angeles-based jazz bassist brings perhaps his poppiest one to date to a new tour this fall. Hitting the road in support of Distracted, released last April, the Brainfeeder-founder born Stephen Lee Bruner kicks off a fall tour in Miami in October. Four Florida stops are planned,…
Environmental group drops ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ pollution suit after Florida migrant site shuts down
An environmental group seeking to punish state operators of the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration lockup for alleged pollution of the Florida Everglades has withdrawn its case, the Center for Biological Diversity announced Monday. Because the nation’s first state-run migrant detention center is fully closed, the environmental nonprofit says, its goal has been accomplished and there’s no…
Lumbre, the latest restaurant from local Michelin-starred group, opens in Tampa this week
A new modern Spanish concept from the folks that brought you Michelin-starred Rocca, Michelin-recognized Bar Terroir, and Michelin Bib Gourmand Streetlight Taco, is opening this week in the North Hyde Park area. Lumbre, the latest concept from local hospitality group Tastes Pretty Good, will officially open its doors on Wednesday, July 15. Located in the…
Registration deadline for 2026 Florida primary election is July 20
The mailman’s been busy, and that’s because candidates across the Tampa Bay area are rushing to deliver paid messaging about the 2026 primary election, which wraps on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The deadline to register to vote—or change parties—is fast approaching, and there’s a lot to digest on the ballot. We’ll keep diving in during the…
Rick Scott is worried about illegal Mexican strawberries
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples, is pushing the federal government to take action to protect Florida’s strawberry harvest from foreign producers. In a July 2 letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Scott urged the federal government to investigate the “suspected illegal dumping” of Mexican strawberries during Florida’s peak growing and harvesting season. “The dumping…
Tampa Democratic Socialists help erase $2 million in medical debt for Hillsborough residents
The Tampa chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) surpassed its annual goal of cancelling millions of dollars in medical debt for Hillsborough County residents. The local political action group Tampa and non-profit medical debt cancellation company Undue Medical Debt started the campaign together on January 24 to cancel burdensome medical debt for 2,479…
Group behind Tampa’s Michelin-starred Rocca will open new Clearwater restaurant
Rippers, a new American-style restaurant from the team behind Michelin-starred Rocca, is moving into Clearwater’s historic Telephone Building on Cleveland Street. Located on the ground floor at 534 Cleveland St., Rippers will be Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality Group’s first Pinellas County concept, and is also the first to move into the Telephone Building. Built in…
Girls Rock St. Pete’s joyful uprising returns to Jannus Live this weekend
In a better world, places like Girls Rock Camp St. Pete wouldn’t need to exist. “Put me out of business,” Jesse Miller, executive director of the nonprofit founded a decade ago, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “Make it so girls, women and gender-expansive folks don’t need these kinds of spaces.” But they do. From January…
Former South Tampa home of Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn is now for sale
The former South Tampa home of Stanley Cup champ Braydon Coburn is now on the market in Hyde Park’s “golden triangle.” Located at 826 S Edison Ave., the was purchased by Coburn and his wife Nadine for $2,125,000 in May of 2016—just a few months after he signed a three-year, $11.1 million contract extension with…
Young Thug just announced a fall tour, and the only Florida show is in Tampa
Young Thug used to get shit for warbling his way through hip-hop, but fingerprints of his signature delivery are now all over the genre. After taking a five-year break from the road, and an appearance at Coachella last April, the 34-year-old Atlanta rapper is back to show off his Young Stoner Life record label. “The…
Where to watch the last World Cup matches around Tampa Bay
Here are the best Tampa Bay spots showing each match, including Cheeky’s Bastille Day party and Hotel Haya’s final Matchday Mercado.
Tampa’s ‘Skin’ art show celebrates 10th anniversary this weekend
Get a babysitter because one of Tampa’s raciest live events is celebrating a big anniversary this weekend. “Skin” welcomes body painters, sketch artists, DJs, and a culinary team back to South University for two nights. The event, which is 21-and-up, includes live performances, body painting, audience participation and more. “The word ‘grown and sexy’ gets…
Florida nursing homes want exemptions for Haitians who lost TPS protections
The state’s largest nursing home association has asked the Department of Homeland Security to consider allowing Haitians with temporary protected status (TPS) to continue to work in long-term care and pursue “available lawful immigration pathways.” Approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals nationwide hold TPS, of whom half are estimated to live in Florida. “If roughly one in…
Florida gas prices rise after Trump declares Iran peace deal ‘over’
Gas prices in Florida inched up over the past week after President Donald Trump declared a tentative peace deal with Iran as “over” amid new drone and rocket exchanges as the two countries battle over the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil supplies. While prices in Florida showed a slight dip at…
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Review: In Tampa debut, Tame Impala helps 19,900 fans feel human again [PHOTOS]
In a world increasingly influenced by algorithms, it was good to be surrounded by humanity last Thursday night. Representatives for Benchmark International Arena told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that 19,900 packed into the venue to watch Tame Impala make its sold-out local debut. And those people—from parents of infants in Baby Bjorns, to boomers in…
‘We are heartbroken’: Bern’s Steak House chef Chad Johnson has died at age 47
South Tampa restaurant goers were met with sad news today as Bern’s Steak House told followers that its executive chef, Chad Johnson, died this week. The Tampa Bay Business Journal said the unexpected death happened Wednesday. Property and voter registration records indicate Johnson was 47 years old. He is survived by his wife Ashley and…
Florida budget includes $29.5 million for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network
As Florida’s six-week abortion ban continues to leave pregnant people with fewer options in the Sunshine State, the state government is continuing to invest in programs aimed at intercepting people in Florida who are seeking licensed abortion providers. For the third year in a row, Florida’s state budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year includes funding…
James Uthmeier’s initiatives have cost Florida taxpayers well over $1 billion in cash and resources
When he introduced his idea for an immigrant detention center deep in the Everglades, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the location made financial sense as a “one-stop shop to carry out President Trump’s mass deportation agenda.” And he said he’d already coined its name: Alligator Alcatraz. “It presents an efficient, low cost opportunity to…
Final wish of Florida death row inmate is for DeSantis to watch his execution
Dennis Michael Sochor, convicted of strangling an 18-year-old woman he met at a New Year’s celebration in a Broward County bar 44 years ago, is scheduled to die by lethal injection Tuesday at Florida State Prison. His last wish? To have Gov. Ron DeSantis personally observe his execution up close and personal. “Dennis very clearly…
Visitors at Tampa’s ‘Art of Banksy’ show will enter and exit through the Straz Center backstage loading bay
For an artist who built a career on anonymity and anti-establishment graffiti, there is a certain beautiful irony to the reality of a massive, heavily secured blockbuster exhibition. Welcome to “The Art of Banksy,” a touring juggernaut making its highly anticipated Tampa debut at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. But if you are expecting…
Photos: Joji brings ‘Piss In The Wind’ tour to Orlando
Whether you grew up with Filthy Frank and Pink Guy, or partook in the 2019 Microwave Challenge on TikTok, Orlando’s Kia Center was packed out with Joji stans last week as the 33-year-old Japanese singer-songwriter played tracks off of his new album Piss In The Wind and more. See Casi Sandeman’s photos below. Related Stories
Northeast rapper Rico Nasty brings new album to St. Pete this fall
As she heads into one of the busiest half-years of her life, Rico Nasty has announced 12 headlining concerts across the U.S., one of which is happening in downtown St. Pete this September. To kick off July, the 29-year-old—who is spending much of the fall opening for Hayley Williams’ upcoming solo tour—announced her next album…
Florida’s high SNAP error rate is by design, says state’s top Democrat
If Florida doesn’t lower its SNAP error rates, the state could have to pay as much as $1 billion to continue to participate in the federal food security program. Florida Democratic Party Chair Chair Nikki Fried says the high error rate might not be due to mundane mistakes but rather a tactic to limit participation…
DSA candidates are winning Democratic primaries — can they do it in Florida?
The recent electoral successes by Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates in New York, Pennsylvania, and Colorado has sparked vituperative responses from Republicans and establishment Democrats around the country. But conventional wisdom would have you believe that the movement has little chance of emerging in the Sunshine State, which has flipped from being a competitive…
Tampa Bay’s best live music happening July 10-15
Tampa Bay’s live music weekend is here and all over the place, from Dunedin Brewery’s 30th anniversary throwdown to Ne-Yo concerts (and in-store signings), lots of metal, pop, punk and more including the ongoing final month of Crowbar in Ybor City (where Feeble Little Horse, pictured, plays Wednesday). This listing of the best concerts and…
Florida rapper Bossman D’Low plays St. Pete on July 16
The patriarchs of Cash Money and No Limit Records do a joint tour this fall, but the party that those Southern rap legends started in the ‘90s continues in the songs of Florida rappers like Bossman D’Low. Tracks from the 27-year-old emcee born Devante Milan McCreary sound like those Magnolia Projects bangers (“Motion Party”) and…
Waymo’s infamous robotaxis to soon be fully driverless in Tampa
Waymo first began testing its vehicles in Tampa in December 2025. Since then, residents may have seen the distinct, camera-covered, white SUVs driving around with a Waymo employee in the front seat for the technology to be tested safely.
J. Cole brings his ‘Fall-Off’ tour to Tampa on July 15
The Fall-Off is supposed to be J. Cole’s final album. While the 41-year-old won’t pursue playing pro basketball in China (citing visa issues, he quit after playing just one game with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association), Cole did take a halfcourt shot with a double-LP that’s drawn mixed reviews. The notoriously-grumpy…
Noise-pop band Feeble Little Horse brings excellent new LP to Tampa on Wednesday
Three years after its breakout sophomore LP, Girl With Fish, brought the band to the Coachella stage, Feeble Little Horse (stylized in all-lowercase) is back with a follow up. Online since late-May and available in real life via Saddle Creek just ahead of a tour that kicked off this week, the 11 tracks on Bitknot…
Seminole Heights’ Southern Brewing & Winemaking is permanently closing
In a long, summer where local restaurants and bars are seemingly dropping left and right, Southern Brewing & Winemaking is now the latest to call it quits. Owners Brian and Kelly Fenstermacher posted a farewell note on social media yesterday, thanking patrons for their business and announcing that it’s simply “time to retire.” “Every great…
Rouson drops Ken Welch endorsement, gives full support to Charlie Crist in St. Pete mayor’s race
Less than a month after making headlines for endorsing both leading candidates in St. Petersburg’s mayoral race, outgoing state Senator Darryl Rouson has changed course. Rouson announced Thursday that he is rescinding his endorsement of incumbent Mayor Ken Welch and is now exclusively backing former Gov. Charlie Crist ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. The…
Florida can now expect a ‘well below-normal’ hurricane season, says forecasters
Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far produced a single named tropical system. For a season initially anticipated to be “somewhat below-normal,” Colorado State University researchers on Wednesday reduced their projections for the number of named systems and the duration…
July seminar to discuss who controls access to St. Pete Beach
Who controls access to St. Pete Beach: the public or beachfront property owners? That question will be the focus of a City of St. Pete Beach seminar Thursday, July 23, on Florida’s customary use doctrine and how it applies to the shoreline. The free seminar will be held from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the City…
Florida pastors ask GOP leaders to shield Haitians from deportation
Pastors in Florida’s capital city are asking elected officials to reinstate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week the federal government could end the program. At Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Tallahassee on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Dr. RB Holmes Jr. and nine other pastors called on Gov. Ron…
Banksy-esque street art from UK artist DNZ lasts one day at John’s Pass Bridge
For less than a day, a little girl in a sun hat crouched beneath John’s Pass Bridge, reaching toward a yellow flower growing from the sand. The black-and-white stencil mural appeared without warning and quickly drew comparisons to Banksy, the anonymous British street artist known for placing provocative work in unexpected public spaces. However, U.K.-based…
Dunedin Brewery celebrates 30th anniversary this weekend with concerts by Minim, Brock Butler
There might not be a jam band that draws better than Minim (stylized “MiniM,” and pronounced “min-em”), so it makes sense to see the Tampa outfit tapped to celebrate a special milestone for a venue that’s always been cool with letting bands let their hair down and go the distance. The jamtronic funk-rock group sets…
