New poll shows a majority of Floridians are against Marco Rubio’s stance on immigration
A new poll published by Quinnipiac University shows that Marco Rubio is out of favor with the majority of Floridians regarding his stance against universal background checks at gun shows, as well as his stance on illegal immigration. But what exactly does the latter mean? While the junior Florida Republican is one of the Gang…
WMNF’s Talking Animals celebrates a decade on the air
For the past 10 years, DJ Duncan Strauss has driven a long commute (all the way from Jupiter!) to work tirelessly and for free, championing the rights of animals and the tunes that they inspire on his beloved 88.5-FM radio show Talking Animals, which celebrates its decade anniversary this week.
Mitch Perry Report 6.19.13 – When is it time for Dems to fear their odds vs. Rick Scott?
Unlike other local or national Web sites, our reporting on Quinnipiac's first poll of the 2014 Democratic candidates for governor did not lead off with how great Rick Scott is now performing, because the man trails both Charlie Crist and Bill Nelson by 10 points, even though neither is a declared candidate yet, and in…
Gun found in Ybor movie theater bathroom belongs to a Hillsborough County deputy
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) reported this afternoon that the man who left his gun in the Ybor Muvico theater restroom on Sunday afternoon is one of their own. That would be 38-year-old Luke Hussey, a 13-year veteran of the force. Shortly after 9-year-old Zane Noland had settled into his seat with his brother…
Rally against NSA surveillance set for Tampa this Friday
General Keith Alexander, the director of the National Security Agency, told a public hearing of the House intelligence committee in Washington today that the programs were "critical" to the ability of the intelligence community to protect the US, and that two such programs revealed in the media over the past two weeks had "helped prevent…
Lens prospects looking dimmer as referendum date draws closer
Mayor Bill Foster is also struggling in his bid for re-election.
New Music Tuesday! (June 18): Primal Scream, Kanye West, Beach Day, Sigur Ros & more
Music releases out this week; audio & video included
The rise of adult star, Cindy Starfall
The petite Asian porn star on why she was fired from her corporate job, traffic sex, swinging, spinning, and sleeping with strangers.
Rick Scott’s personal and job approval ratings improve …
… , but new poll shows majority of Floridians still don’t want him re-elected.
Mitch Perry Report: Public isn’t into arming Syrian rebels
Plus: House GOP not into feeding the poor or abortion rights.
Hillsborough County school officials join Congresswoman Castor in decrying House cuts to food stamp program
Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Tampa Bay Elementary principal Glenda Rodriguez, Hillsborough School chief MaryEllen Elia The Farm Bill that will likely win support from the House this week would cut $20.5 billion from the food stamp program over 10 years, taking almost 2 million recipients off the food stamp rolls, as estimated by the Center on…
Rep. Kathy Castor says GOP War on Women is alive and well as House Republicans push more abortion restrictions
Bill sponsor Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) said last week that" The incidence of rape resulting in pregnancy are very low." If you thought that Congressional Republicans were going to back away from social issues in the aftermath of last year's disappointing loss at the presidential level, well, you were mistaken. Scheduled for a vote in the…
George Packer on Hillsborough’s failed transit tax campaign and other tales of the Bay area
Most authors can only dream of receiving the high-profile roll out that George Packer has enjoyed since last month's publication of his critically acclaimed book, The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America. Not only did the book make the NY Times best-seller list and get coverage on NPR and cable news programs, but…
Mitch Perry Report 6.17.13: Time to rethink the contracting out of our national security?
Dick Cheney went on Fox News yesterday, and while he criticized President Obama on some issues (like Benghazi and the situation regarding the IRS excessively scrutinizing right-wing groups), he pretty much gave his consent to what the administration is doing in terms of conducting the war on terrorism. And why wouldn't he? From what we're…
Dick Cheney trashes Barack Obama for all types of things on Fox News Sunday
Every so often Dick Cheney pops up out of semi-retirement to do a Fox News Sunday bit with Chris Wallace, and say what you will about the 72-year-old former Vice-President, but he always gives good TV. With so much in the news about political surveillance that began under the George W. Bush administration after the…
Rubio on immigration: “95-96 percent of the bill is in perfect shape”
On ABC's This Week, guest host Jonathan Karl asked Marco Rubio a direct question: Does he in fact support his own comprehensive immigration bill now being debated in the U.S. Senate? The Florida Senator affirmed he did. "Well, obviously, I think it's an excellent starting point, and I think 95, 96 percent of the bill…
Death wish
Greed drives the suicidal capitalist — no matter the cost.
Dyke drama
There’s trouble in paradise for these girlfriends.
Rick Scott signs “Timely Justice Act” into law
Florida death row exonerated prisoners Seth Penalver and Herman Lindsey protesting executions earlier this year Against the wishes of anti-death penalty advocacy groups, Governor Rick Scott has signed into law the Timely Justice Act, a complex piece of legislation regarding death penalty procedures in the state. It's most prominent feature is aimed at speeding up…
WTSP’s Noah Pransky wins major broadcast journalism award
Move over Mike Deeson, there's another reporter garnering acclaim for his investigative reporting at Channel 10 News. That would be WTSP television reporter Noah Pransky, who on Wednesday learned that he and photographer Paul Thorson were awarded the 2013 Edward R. Murrow Award for Large Market Television/Sports Reporting. They won the award for their story…
Beer gear for the daddy
Alllaboutbeer.com Get that father a beer, for all his hard dad work this year. So it's that time of year again. Time to find the "perfect" gift for dad. In this case, "dad" might be your actual father, or he might be the father of your children, a brother, brother in law, grandfather, or someone…
Get out your LGBT weekend planner
Manila Luzon performs at Liquid Tampa on Saturday, June 15. If you're looking to make weekend plans, there are plenty of LGBT events in the Tampa Bay area. Friday, June 14 Metro Wellness and Community Centers, will hold the reception for its Community Pride Art Show at its St. Pete Metro Center, 3251 3rd Ave.…
Restaurant rehabs
Renovations mean fresh starts and, sometimes, sharp critics.
Ina Kaur’s new swirl order
The printmaker connects East and West traditions in her solo show, Ink Link.
Mitch Perry Report 6.14.13: Post-Newtown America, six months later
it was a Friday morning exactly six months ago today when Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. — a searing moment in the history of this country when it comes to gun violence. Since that time, another 5,000 people in America have died from…
St. Petersburg City Council signs LGBT Pride Month proclamation, but Mayor Foster doesn’t
All eight St. Petersburg City Council members signed a proclamation today citing June as LGBT Pride Month in the city, the first time the entire Council has done so, said St. Pete Pride Executive Director Eric Skains.St. Petersburg's mayor, Bill Foster, did not sign the proclamation. According to Skains, Councilwoman Leslie Curran asked, "Is there…
Politicians play hunger games with the poor
A Tampa-based food bank feeds hundreds of thousands while D.C. debates drastic cuts in food stamps.
The worst thing Don Draper has ever done?
Don Draper isn’t an inherently bad person. He’s just broken internally, lacking a solid moral compass. That type of thing tends to happen when you’re a fatherless son of a whore, raised by an abusive step-mother. Despite the rough upbringing Don has done a few very generous acts over the years. He aided Peggy after…
Live and Local Spotlight: Jason Smith Benefit Concert
Nearly 20 bands play to help out a local fader jockey.
Marco Rubio now says President Obama will have “no choice” but to suspend ObamaCare
The GOP-led House of Representatives obviously still believes it's in their political interests to oppose President Obama's health care reform plan, even though it's now less than six months away from fully being implemented. With their eyes on the 2014 midterms and "Obamacare" still struggling in the polls, the House Republicans don't care that they're…
Rick Kriseman reiterates his opposition to the Lens
Rick Kriseman Although the candidates running for office in St. Petersburg insist there are a plethora of neighborhood issues that haven't received much attention in the nascent campaign, the Pier remains a priority topic going into the Aug. 27 primary election. This morning in front of City Hall, mayoral candidate Rick Kriseman reaffirmed his opposition…
Mayors Against Illegal Guns announce tour to revive gun control debate
Mayors Against Illegal Guns announced Tuesday the launch of a 100 day bus tour expected to cover 25 states. The “No More Names: The National Drive to Reduce Gun Violence” tour begins in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, the six month anniversary of the Sandy Hook mass shooting. The Mancin-Toomey bill that failed to elude a…
Mitch Perry Report 6.13.13: Bill Clinton splits with Obama over Syria as death toll rises to more than 90,000
Bill Clinton recently said that if the U.S. had gone into Rwanda sooner following the start of the 1994 genocide, roughly 300,000 lives could have been saved. Later on in his presidency, he ultimately decided (with the U.N.) to intervene in Bosnia and later in Kosovo, so his words have some weight when talking about…
Vinny Tafuro • Fly Bar & Restaurant
Two downtown pioneers.
Dalia Colon • Trust Me BBQ
The WUSF 89.7 reporter takes us to her favorite barbecue spot.
Frank Strunk III • Backfin Blue Cafe
Ask for Strunkbow.
The Redliners • Revolution Ice Cream Co.
A Brandon rock & roll band with a love of ice cream.
Andy Seely and sons • Skyway Jack’s
The rag-tag breakfast bloggers take us to their favorite spot.
Sean O’Brien & Tim Heberlein • Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café
A concert promoter, a political activist and a love of soul food.
Movies of steel
Man of Steel is a dud, but Before Midnight and Stories We Tell are both super.
Capt. Danny Ortiz, Capt. James Purtell, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jorge Meza, U.S. Marines • Pane Rustica
Men from MacDill hit their favorite South Tampa lunch spot.
Bob Devin Jones & Ken Welch • Kahwa South
Studio@620’s “Yes!” man and a Pinellas County Commissioner talk coffee and community.
Keeping thyme
Eating recommendations from two local beat-keepers.
Julie Armstrong & Tom Hallock • The Chattaway
The USF professors and their burger brigade.
Tampa Theatre staff • The Hub
A classic Tampa bar plays host to the employees of Tampa’s historic movie palace.
This is the End of the idiots
Seth Rogen, James Franco and their friends get big laughs by just being themselves.
Review: Say Anything and others hit State Theatre in St. Petersburg
A look back at the Tue., June 11 show.
Stranded on Neville’s Island
Hat Trick’s latest winds up a mostly regrettable two-hour tour.
Tasty sports vittles
Tebow hungry, Penn portly, The Juice fattening and more …
At his peak: Khaled Hosseini, And the Mountains Echoed
The bestselling author of The Kite Runner discusses his new book at Tampa Theatre this Tuesday.
Catching up with Miranda July
The multi-faceted Miranda July headlines Lectores 2013.
St. Pete’s late-night bars and restaurants
Doing the rounds with bartenders, bikers and Betties.
Where Tampa Bay’s college kids eat
Students from USF, Eckerd and UT go here for grub.
The Food Issue: The Regulars
“What keeps you coming back?”
Tampa Historical Preservation Committee gives “Bro Bowl” landmark designation
A crucial step in preserving the “Bro Bowl” was made Tuesday. In a 4-2 vote, the Tampa Historical Preservation Commission has decided to recommend the skate park at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, nicknamed the “Bro Bowl”, to the national list of historical places. The decision was cast in light of its importance to both Tampa…
The porn star-crossed life of Kayden Kross
The Digital Playground star on Christopher Hitchens, nonprofit porn, the dominance dance…
Cajun Cafe throws sour beer festival
A sour beer festival at Cajun Cafe.
Sigur Rós hit Tampa Bay at the end of their 2013 U.S. Tour
Ryan McGinley The Bay area was set abuzz on Monday when AEG Live made a very special announcement about a fall tour that happened to be making its way down to the FLA and actually stopping in town, that of Iceland's dreamy-ambient post-rock melody makers Sigur Rós, which hits the USF Sun Dome in Tampa…
Environmental groups to perform huge non-violent demonstrations if Keystone XL Pipeline is approved
If John Kerry's State Department gives the okay for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline to be approved later this year, three activist groups said they are prepared to unleash the biggest non-violent civil disobedient acts ever in the U.S. as a means to persuade President Obama to reject the plan. "To be clear, our goal…
New AAA study: hands-free phones still a major driving distraction
Last month, Governor Rick Scott signed Florida's first ever bill dealing with distracted driving. The bill states that it's a secondary offense for a motorist to read or send a text, email or instant message on a phone while driving. Critics said the bill is way too weak on several fronts, but bill sponsor Nancy…
Tiki dreams, lipstick and leis: A look back at Hukilau
Hi. My name is Carol and I am a Tikiphile. Until recently, I didn’t know there was a name for this tropical obsession, let alone an entire technicolor subculture devoted to all things Tiki, inspired by the American pop culture phenomenon that lasted from the 1930s through the late 1960s.
St. Pete City Council allows for Lens referendum, debate wording
(Image: Michael Maltzan Architecture) The ongoing saga over the fate of the “Lens” took another step toward its conclusion Thursday afternoon as the wording of the question for the August 27 referendum was approved by the St. Petersburg City Council. “Shall an ordinance be added to the city of St. Petersburg's existing ordinance that would…
