Go, Fourth!
Where to get your boom-boom this Independence Day weekend.
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Hands Across the Sand event, nature hikes, markets and more.
Nelson & Rubio weigh in on President Obama’s announcement on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
Everybody has an opinion after President Obama announced in a prime time address Wednesday night that he will withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. The remaining 20,000 troops from the 2009 “surge” of forces would leave by next summer, amounting to about a third of the 100,000 troops now in…
Everything but the main course: Summer grilling starters, sides and more
Great accompaniments for your summer grilling endeavors.
What could block IPR from ever happening in Tampa
Nearly a year and a half ago, CL featured an article about Instant Potable Reuse (IPR) as a possible alternative way for Tampa to address its water needs for the future – which city leaders need to prepare for. IPR is, at its essence, recycling and treating sewage and other wastewater to drink. It's used…
Babe Zaharias day set for Saturday in Tampa
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has signed a proclamation making this coming Saturday, June 26, as "Babe Zaharias Day " in Tampa, the date that marks what would be her 100th birthday. As the Mayor states in his proclamation, Zaharias was the premiere female athlete in the world in the first half of the 20th century.…
Bob Graham says state GOP plan to make Florida cheapest state to do business is “absolute stupidity”
There have been plenty of critics who have criticized the recently concluded Florida Legislative session when it comes to issues like growth management. Now departed St. Pete Times columnist Howard Troxler told CL last month that he felt the Legislature was rolling Florida back to a pre-1980's "backwardism," adding that "I think the people of…
In anticipation of campaign stops in the Sunshine State, Florida Party Chair Rod Smith blasts Jon Huntsman
Since there were the first echos that the then U.S. Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, might be considering leaving his job and running for president, the quote from Obama chief campaign strategist David Plouffe was revived: that he was one Republican that the Obama campaign feared going into the 2012 election cycle. That's because on…
Def Leppard dishes out their greatest hits at Ask Gary Amp
Often criticized and maligned for a variety of different reasons, Sheffield, England's Def Leppard remains a solid force in the world of arena rock. They've been called cheesy, lame, corny and sellouts; see, they've strayed very far from their original incarnation as a bunch of snot-nosed teenagers who loved heavy metal and hard rock. The…
Choose safer sunscreens: EWG’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide
The best and worst sun care products on the market.
This week in food and drink
Charity events, cooking demos, a ton of wine tastings and more.
Bob Graham says lack of leadership on climate change should trouble all Floridians
Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham came by CL's offices yesterday to engage in a discussion about public policy issues, all part of his whirlwind day in Tampa promoting his just published novel, Keys to the Kingdom. We'll run some excerpts in our publication next week, but we wanted to post at least one…
Redistricting hearings bring out anger in Tampa and Tallahassee
When the first public hearing for redistricting for Florida's congressional and legislative districts began Monday in Tallahassee, there were frequent complaints by the public about the lack of any such maps to review. "Where are the maps?" asked American Civil Liberties Union regional director Susan Watson. "Make a map now, present it to the public…
The Voice Recap: Semifinals
Tall hair, insane drumming and the inevitability of Javier Colon.
Hangar One’s “fruit-to-glass” flavored vodkas
Vote in their recent Tampa bartender contest!
Junip brings serene ambiance to a packed Crowbar
I headed out to catch the Swedish three-piece because I loved the solo work of Junip lead singer Jose Gonzalez. Gonzalez released an album titled Veneer in 2003 that stuck with me because of his gossamer baritone and intricate classical guitar work. Junip encompasses electric guitars, bass, drums, organ and a Moog that adds a…
NOW to protest at Marco Rubio’s Tampa office before conference begins
Activists say Rubio is a prominent symbol of “radical right-wing Tea Party politics.”
Pre-Pride events : Spork, American Idol, Dalì
Movies, parties and more as we countdown to St. Pete Pride.
New Music Tuesday (June 21)
New this week from Bon Iver, Viva Voce, LMFAO, and more (audio)
Divine Sexuality: Enlightenment through sex
Mahasatvaa Ma Ananda Sarita, PhD, is a renowned Tantra teacher, mystic, and author of the book Divine Sexuality: The Joy of Tantra. She is the founder of the School of Awakening, based in the U.K., offering courses in holistic health and Tantra for both singles and couples. She spent 26 years in India studying under…
Pepsi and Coca-Cola’s new plant-based bottles still aren’t that great for the environment
Despite new “greener” makeovers, they’re still not so Earth-friendly.
Rick Scott’s letter to the editors, alternate version
Gov. Scott wants you to e-mail newspapers with a message. Try this one.
Huntsman officially enters GOP race for President -and in a twist, says he respects President Obama
Speaking with the Statue of Liberty as a visual backdrop, Jon Huntsman, former Utah Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China under President Obama, officially declared Tuesday morning that he is the latest entrant into the Republican sweepstakes for president. In his opening remarks, Huntsman said that he'll conduct his campaign on the high road, and…
Sake for summer: Fun, fruity sangria recipes featuring sake
So much better than a sake bomb.
The Joe Lapano revolution at TIA takes off
On Monday, the Hillsborough Aviation Authority voted to offer airlines financial incentives to attract domestic and international service from Tampa International Airport, a milestone achievement for the airport, though according to industry consultants, it's simply the price of doing business in the 21st century world of aviation. The Authority will fund the incentive program from…
Annual ‘Hands Across the Sand’ gathering to oppose drilling: Sat., June 25
Join hands to say “no” to oil and coal, and “yes” to clean energy solutions.
Hillsborough Commissioners vote on new re-districting map, alienating Latino advocates
Kevin Beckner There is nothing as raw in politics than the redistricting process, especially when it gets to breaking down districts by race or ethnicity. But that's exactly what was exposed Monday night at the County Center in downtown Tampa, as the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners heard 90 minutes of residents fight for or…
In the name of love (and fun): St. Pete Pride Fest 2011
A quick overview of events in conjunction with this year’s extravaganza.
The tasteless modern tomato
Tomatoland reveals the seedy underside of the Florida tomato industry (audio).
Five ways to rescue leftover ham
How to give the leftovers new life in a different dish.
In expected move, Mike Prendergast leaving as Rick Scott’s Chief of Staff
Mike Prendergast In an announcement that surprised absolutely nobody in Tallahassee, Mike Prendergast, Rick Scott's Chief of Staff throughout the first half of the first year in the rocky Scott administration, is getting booted out of his position, but landing nicely as the Executive Director of Florida’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Florida Cabinet must…
GaYBOR challenges Hillsborough Commission
GaYBOR Days proclamation is the issue, but will Commissioners respond?
The Glee Project Recap: Theatricality
Idina Menzel guest judges and drama breaks out behind the scenes.
HART vision plan for next decade: nothing too ambitious
At the last Hillsborough Area Transit Agency's (HART) meeting held earlier this month, board members reviewed two different funding proposals for the next fiscal year. The first proposal, which would result if board members approve an increase in the millage rate, would eliminate only a small percentage of services. The other proposal – that won't…
Wines of Toro, Spain: Passionate and artistic
Toro Region Call me an old-fashioned type of girl but when I want to read a book, I want to read a real book. I don’t want to hold onto something cold and electronic. Instead I prefer the warmth of the pages and the feel of the spine that is being stretched and contoured as…
FEA files suit against Governor Scott over pay cuts
Florida Education Association calls the legislation unconstitutional and inept.
Buckhorn announces committee to study how to reduce regulations and streamline permitting in Tampa
During the election campaign in Tampa earlier this year, virtually a unanimous complaint uttered by all those running for office was that the city's regulatory permitting process was out of control and an impediment to business development. Certainly Bob Buckhorn criticized that problem. Now that he' s in office, it's his job to do something…
The Gaily News: Bachmann, Pawlenty get glittered, Google celebrates Pride month
Republican presidential hopeful Michelle Bachmann is the latest conservative to get "glittered" by gay rights activists. At a conservative conference in Minneapolis over the weekend, an activist threw glitter at the anti-gay senator as she walked off stage, though unfortunately none of it ever actually hit her.
Re-thinking nuclear energy
Does funding for nuclear power deprive real climate change solutions of essential resources?
Recipe: Fish tacos with marinated squash and cucumber
These fish tacos are light, healthy and perfect for summer.
Clarence Clemons death the end of E Street Band as we know it?
Although Bruce Springsteen's E-Street band has endured after the death of keyboardist Danny Federici of melanoma in 2008, for long time followers of the group, it seems impossible at this moment that his touring band will ever be the same with the loss over the weekend of legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died of complications…
Summer fling at Beach Art Center
An eclectic and electric array of work lights up Indian Rocks Beach.
Shields shines in 2-1 win over Marlins
Kevin Tall Stock photo James Shields gave the Tampa Bay Rays eight shutout innings—nine without an earned run—Sunday afternoon, picking up his seventh win of the year in the 2-1 win over the Florida Marlins. The win—Shields' fifth complete game of the season—gave the Rays their first home sweep of 2011; it also handed Tampa…
Jon Stewart engages Chris Wallace in occasionally heated Fox News Sunday interview
Television comedian Jon Stewart, a fierce critic of the conservative bias that he sees regularly on Fox News, has in the past gone on that network's airwaves to defend that opinion, usually on The O'Reilly Factor. But for the first time ever, the progressive icon appeared on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, where, unlike…
Libya conflict starts getting more attention as Obama ignores Congressional approval
It's now been more than three months since the Obama administration committed to the NATO led effort to oust Libyan President Muammar el-Qaddafi, and despite what high ranking officials say, it hasn't gone exactly as planned. Then again, hasn't been recent history that it rarely does? Although the idea to join France and Germany in…
The campaign to getting Barack Obama re-elected in Florida starts in Ybor City
This past Saturday was the first national "Day of Action" for the 2012 Barack Obama re-election campaign, with volunteers from all over the country canvassing around the country to sell their man to the general public once again. In Ybor City, approximately a dozen or so people appeared at 5 p.m. to receive instructions about…
Rays leave Marlins reeling 7-4
Saturday evening Alex Cobb, starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, took the W in the 7-4 victory over the Florida Marlins, improving to 2-0 before being optioned down to the team's AAA affiliate in Durham, NC. So long, and thanks for beating the Fish. Cobb's brilliant performance—pitching six and one-third innings while yielding two…
Rodriguez lifts Rays 5-1 over Marlins
Kevin Tall Stock photo The Tampa Bay Rays needed a win Friday night to help wash away back-to-back losses to the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. With the in-state rival Florida Marlins in town for some inter-league action over the weekend, the Rays got exactly what they needed from one of South Florida's own.…
St. Petersburg begins search for Pier design
Council member Wengay Newton St. Petersburg will start looking for a new design for the Pier after the city council voted on Thursday, June 16 to confirm the Pier design competition process and the jury that will oversee it. The process is set to begin on June 19. Firms will be asked to submit their…
Haridpolos gets grilled at Tiger Bay meeting in Tampa
Mike Haridopolos before speaking to Tampa Tiger Bay members Florida Senate President and GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Haridopolos has a few blemishes on his resume, and members of the Tampa Tiger Bay Club made sure to bring up seemingly every one this afternoon at Maestro's restaurant at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Haridopolos…
Get a rain barrel, lower your water bill
Drain your gutters into a rain barrel to save water. Rain barrels are a fantastic way to reduce rainwater runoff and lower your water bill. Haven’t heard of these yet? Living in this climate, you should have. Rain barrels are a very simple solution that can have big results. So what are rain barrels? They…
Shaq brings you comedy, and not in the form of his acting prowess.
Shaquille O'Neil Presents AllStar Comedy Jam Shaq thinks he's funny. Thankfully, the folks he recruited are! So your basketball career is over, where do you go? Why you hire a rogues gallery of comedians and go on tour, duh. Well that's what Man-of-Steel Shaquille O'Neil has done. This media leaping power center is bringing what's…
Freshley’s food truck
Breakfast and lunch served from an Airstream in Seminole Heights
TNT’s Falling Skies flies high
Premiering this Sun., June 19th, Falling Skies, the new TNT original series from executive producer Steven Spielberg, begins six months after a full-on alien invasion of Earth. The show opens with the back story of the invasion, which is depicted via children’s drawings and narration. I found this set-up not only ironically cute, but appropriate.…
Green Lantern is very dim
Ryan Reynolds stars in this less-than-super comic adaptation.
Farm raised fish: Not necessarily free of mercury, PCBs or dioxin
Ivan Walsh via Flickr Farm-raised fish can still absorb mercury, since most fish farms are located in the ocean, close to or abutting the shoreline. They can also absorb PCBs and dioxins, as the near-shore waters they occupy are the first stop for run-off from land-based sources of pollution. Pictured: A fish farm in Shanghai.…
Cosmetics retailer holds a “Kiss and Tell” protest in support of same-sex marriage in Tampa and Brandon
As you may be observing, there is an intense countdown in New York state , where supporters of a measure that would for same sex marriage need the support of just one more Republican state senator to support to make that happen. Lawmakers have until Monday to secure the votes, which is being supported by…
Nelson & Rubio vote together to attempt to end three decade long subsidy for ethanol
On the Senate floor Thursday, Florida's two U.S. Senators, Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican Marco Rubio, joined together in an overwhelming vote to kill the $6 billion annual federal subsidy for the corn ethanol industry. This isn't the end of the subsidies, not yet. The House is expected to reject the vote and the White…
Father’s Day dining
Dining Guide
Rays fall 4-2 to Red Sox
Kevin Tall Stock photo Any time the opposing baseball team flips their lineup twice over three innings, something is wrong with your starting pitcher. When that starting pitcher is the Tampa Bay Rays' David Price, the odds of recovery improve. When that opposing team is the Boston Red Sox—atop the American League East division—with Clay…
Opposition inundates Medicaid overhaul meeting
Waiting for her Medicaid provider to approve her repeated requests for a liver transplant, 37-year-old Jacksonville mother Alisa Wilson died in November. Alisa’s care cost taxpayers $482,000, essentially to let her die slowly. Her transplant was arranged on time, but Medicaid refused to pay because she had reached her 45-day hospital stay limit. She was…
Looking to make some grand, gay weekend plans?
It's just a week before St Pete Pride and the parties and events are gearing up! This weekend is bursting with events. Starting with Pride Night at the Rays at 7 p.m. at Tropicana Field tonight. The UV Rays of Una Voce: The Florida Men's Chorale will be singing the national anthem. Speaking of Una…
Florida ACLU celebrates Rick Scott’s announcement that he’s suspending drug tests for most state agencies
Although the Florida ACLU and progressives have been literally and figuratively high fiving each other today after hearing that Governor Rick Scott has suspended drug testing state workers (with the exception over at the department of Corrections), the governor's office doesn't want their critics to get too smug. The Legislature passed and the governor signed…
Tampa City Council has 2 options on panhandling: both would allow for newspaper sales
The city of Tampa is closer than it ever has been to placing some sort of ban on panhandling in Tampa, though they're hoping to create an exemption for those who sell newspapers in the city. The issue – for better or worse – dominated the recent elections, specifically at city council forums – with…
8 Minute Movies festival tonight at The L Train
Fancy yourself the next Scorsese? Or maybe you just happened to have filmed some funny footage of you and your friends on your phone's camera. Whether you're an aspiring novice or an accomplished auteur, the L Train's 8 Minute Movies, a contest and mini festival for local filmmakers, is open to anyone looking to showcase…
Tampa Bay’s best lunch buffets
Get in line! Readers’ suggestions for the best midday buffets.
La Segunda Central Bakery, fresh as ever
A family business that’s been going (and growing) since 1915.
Where do you go for lunch?
Tampa Bay artists, journalists, chefs & other dedicated eaters weighed in.
They went Chattaway
Fond memories of a St. Pete institution that’s still going strong, even if some of us aren’t.
Banh in the U.S.A.
Saigon Deli’s divine banh mi sandwich
Lunchtime recipes from the CL Cookbook
We’ve unpacked our lunchbox for the 2011 Food Issue.
High-end, good-value lunches in Tampa Bay
Why settle for fast ‘n easy when you can go gourmet (and save money, too)?
Who makes the perfect sandwich?
Seeking Tampa Bay’s best thing since sliced bread.
Mi Ranchito: Lunch, pets and an oil change
At this unique Tampa spot, the buffet isn’t the only attraction.
The CL Food Issue is here: Let’s do lunch!
We’re all about the midday meal.
NOW conference to tap Tampa student power
USF-ers talk about why the National Organization for Women still matters.
Quick & Dirty
Rapid-fire responses to your letters.
Sound bites from a Lost Boy
Brooke McCarter chats with us in the CL Studio.
Happy Bloomsday!
Celebrate Leopold Bloom tonight with Joyce to the World and a party at the Education Channel tomorrow.
The Dice Man cometh
Andrew Dice Clay is back and he’s hitting Tampa’s Side Splitters.
The Art of Getting By just gets by
Likeable actors rescue an overly familiar teen romance.
Splatter Theater: There will be blood
But gore’s not enough to save this energetic but empty slasher-film parody.
Songs in the key of eat
A collection of tunes about food.
Run Forever, Def Leppard, Aych and more …
This week in live music.
School lunch: Your kids don’t have to eat crap
Remember, they’re not in charge of what they eat for lunch. You are.
The Green Lantern arrives
Plus: The Art of Getting By and more what’s playing at a theater near you.
Pascal’s wager
Why believing in God has always been a wise bet.
Los Amigos Invisibles bring pep n’ funk to Crowbar, Ybor City
In elementary school, I had a music teacher who astonished me by declaring that he could read music. I was at the age of taking statements literally, so I brought him a sheet of music to translate into words. He explained that his task was impossible — "reading" music meant simply understanding the notes and…
Nouveaux NoHo
Disco Dolls and Arjuna celebrate their grand opening tonight with Gypsy Camp.
School kids, county employees to bear brunt of 2012 budget cuts
County Administrator Mike Merrill delivered a balanced budget proposal last week that included outsourcing after-school programs, laying off government employees and cutting overall spending. During a preliminary budget workshop Wednesday, commissioners were able to voice their fiscal priorities. Facing a fifth year of declining revenue, county officials cited property tax shortfall as a prime reason…
