Two Gallants howl and shred at The Social, Orlando
A look back at the June 17 show.
Gentlemen prefer Mellanie Monroe’s ass
The MILF performer on where she shops for her ass, masturbating to Marilyn Monroe, being labeled a PAWG, and the importance of using a hitachi.
Mitch Perry Report 6.26.13: A fatal blow to the Voting Rights Act?
Are instances of racial discrimination and voting now a thing of the past? By the narrowest of margins yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that they are. Voting rights activists denounced the ruling, while others applauded it. The court ruled that it is now up to Congress to update the formula for determining which parts of…
Civil rights groups blast Supreme Court ruling on Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act
On a narrow 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) today as being unconstitutional, ruling that states and counties might no longer be forced to seek federal approval before making changes in their election laws. Section 4 determines which states and counties must receive preclearance from…
Martin Garcia named to succeed the late Steve Burton on Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
Well, so much for those Sam Rashid rumors (UPDATE: Or maybe not. Read below). Governor Rick Scott announced today that he has named 57-year-old Martin Garcia to succeed the late Steve Burton on the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. Garcia is currently the founder and managing director of Pinehill Capital Partners, a private investment firm. Burton…
Buckhorn not averse to Tampa hosting a gay-pride event
Bob Buckhorn has always been pro-gay rights, which is why it's not surprising that he'll be riding in a convertible at St. Pete Pride's Carnivale Parade this Saturday. On the eve of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on two gay marriage cases, I asked the longtime Democrat if he has come to a decision on…
Food Network spotlights Edison’s ice cream
Janic McNabb Hedrick Edison posted this photo from Food Network Magazine. Tampa Bay's culinary scene is in the national news once again. The Food Network chose one ice cream treat for each of the 50 states; Tampa Bay's Edison Food+Drink Lab was selected for their carrot ice cream. "Chef Jeannie Pierola calls the kitchen her…
New Music Tuesday! (June 25): Wale, The Transplants, Femi Kuti, Smith Westerns & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
Global independence day libations
Stinson Vineyard Stinson Vineyards' Sauvignon Blanc is a great Fourth of July vino. There's much cause for celebration in July. Not only do we celebrate our own freedoms on the Fourth, but many other countries revel in their independence, too. More than 20 different nations around the world honor independence days, and that means drinks…
Who’s afraid of big bad beer?
More on the battle for growler legalization in Florida.
Yolie Capin says she may back off renaming Nebraska Avenue
Yolie Capin Yolie Capin doesn't believe the City of Tampa embraces its rich Latin history, and she's willing to change that any way she can. Capin said the city did little to observe the fact that Florida turned 500 years old back in April. She proposed last week to rename Nebraska Avenue in honor of…
Mitch Perry Report: Obama in the doldrums?
We ask that question in today's title of the MPR, but Politico has a story today that says flatly that President Obama is in the doldrums right now. The story surfaces as Obama is scheduled today to give a much anticipated speech on a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, something that he mentioned during…
Julian Assange announces Edward Snowden’s efforts for political asylum in Ecuador
Ms. Harrison is Sarah Harrison, a member of the Wikileaks Legal Defense team who accompanied Snowden during his time spent in Russia, during which it was widely reported would end with a flight to Cuba. According to witnesses, Snowden was not on the expected flight.In a statement Monday morning, Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, announced…
Buckhorn and other local lawmakers say NYC financial companies pleased with their Tampa operations
Temple Terrace Mayor Frank Chillura, EDC head Rick Homans, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn & Florida Blue's Dave Pizzo Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Hillsborough County Commission members have often talked about recruiting new companies to the region, particularly ones in the high-tech and/or biotech industries. But they'd also like to see the various financial and…
Inside the photo booth: Escape Tonight
Escape Tonight prepares to unleash a new CD
A gonzo vibrator review: Jopen’s Envy
“This toy is going to make me late for work,” Lisa texted me at 7 a.m.
#MusicMonday 92: Kanye West, The Appleseed Cast, Joseph Arthur & more
What the CL Team is spinning this week.
George Packer visits the Oxford Exchange to talk about The Unwinding
George Packer signing a copy of his new book at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa "I would say Tampa is one of the main characters in the book," George Packer said in his opening comments last Friday night to an audience of about 50 people at the Oxford Exchange in downtown Tampa. "They're not just…
Mitch Perry Report 6.24.13: Decision time at SCOTUS
It’s a big week of decisions at the Supreme Court.
What a tart
A savory tart made with roasted grapes, walnuts and goat cheese.
Spotted in St. Pete
New menus at The Spot and Social.
Caught on camera: Rally against the NSA
Members of Occupy Tampa hold signs outside of the Federal Building in downtown Tampa on Friday afternoon. Dozens of people gathered across the street from the Federal Building in downtown Tampa on Friday afternoon to rally against the allegations that the National Security Agency is using the Internet and other technology to spy on U.S.…
$30 billion more in border security won’t move some Republicans on immigration bill
With the possibility looming last week that the major immigration reform bill pushed by Marco Rubio and the Gang of 8 might be in trouble, a veritable bomb was dropped on Thursday in the form of a border-security amendment proposed by two GOP Senators, Tennessee's Bob Corker and North Dakota's John Hoeven. Their amendment would…
Glenn Greenwald slaps down David Gregory on Meet The Press
Edward Snowden's global travels from Hong Kong to Moscow to possibly Venezuela (or it it Cuba) dominated Sunday morning talk show America, as his exit came two days after the U.S. government formally called on Hong Kong to help extradite him to the U.S. Meanwhile on NBC's Meet The Press, the journalist/activist who first reported…
Local activist groups convene for protest against Bill Nelson and NSA spying
Almost 40 protestors lined up outside the Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse, the location of Sen. Bill Nelson's Tampa office, on Friday afternoon to voice their opposition to the Senator's recent comments on NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and defense of the NSA spying program.Attendees included representatives from a range of organizations, including Veterans for Peace, Occupy…
Universal Orlando unveils Transformers: The Ride 3D
Autobots roll out the red carpet for Optimus Prime, Steven Spielberg and more …
Family affair
Is there harm in fantasizing about a taboo sexual experience?
Despite the odds, Nan Rich says she can become Florida’s first female governor
Nan Rich Despite what conventional wisdom implies, Nan Rich believes she can become the next governor of Florida. The only declared major Democrat in the race for next's year election, Rich made an appearance at the Maestro's Restaurant Friday afternoon for a Tampa Tiger Bay event. She presented her case on why she could and…
Brad Pitt scores with the tense World War Z
The actor battles zombies in the much buzzed about adaptation of Max Brooks’ beloved novel.
Bombs Away At The Bay — boxing returns to St. Pete this weekend
Boxing returns to St. Petersburg, the home of former world champions Jeff Lacy and Winky Wright, when Mad Integrity Fight Sports, in association with One Punch Boxing Promotions, presents Bombs Away At The Bay on Saturday at the Bayfront Hilton.
“Travel Detective” Peter Greenberg scopes out Pinellas for new PBS show
The acclaimed travel editor and writer is seeking out “hidden gems” in St. Pete and Clearwater this weekend.
Much Love for Much Ado
Joss Whedon’s modern adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing is the best big screen Bard.
Lou Reed shocked by Edward Snowden’s NSA revelations
You might be wondering what the hell we're doing posting a video of rock legend Lou Reed talking about the NSA surveillance scandal and other things on his mind at a press conference in Cannes, France, on Thursday. But as major fans of the Velvet Underground and his legendary solo career, we're just happy Lou's…
Mitch Perry Report 6.21.13 – The Lens stays on the ballot
Congrats to the Miami Heat and their fans, after the South Florida NBA franchise repeated as world champs late last night. As someone rooting for the Spurs, the indelible image that I can't get out of my brain this morning is the great Tim Duncan pounding the court with his right hand, just after missing…
Petty hate machine
Who let all the misogynists into my Tumblr feed?
Give ’em Fat Tire
Floridians can finally get their hands on a New Belgium brew.
Get Lucky
Time stands still in a casino, but the gamblers keep on moving.
The Amazon Trail: High school reunion
It’s here: my 50th high school reunion. Fifty years was an unimaginable amount of time when I was 17 and now, like a thunderbolt, that long stretch of life is behind me. My best friend from high school is going to the reunion with her halo of wild dark hair gone white — like mine.…
The campaign begins to get Pinellas’ transit tax passed in 2014
St. Pete City Councilman Jeff Danner and PSTA head Brad Miller at Thursday's Suncoast Tiger Bay Meeting in St. Pete Let's be blunt: As summer officially begins, there's not a whole lot of interest in the 2014 Florida elections, with the exception of political junkies contemplating what Democrat will face off against Rick Scott. So…
Sen. Nelson says Tampa was site of another Booz Allen Hamilton contractor who shouldn’t have had access to classifed information
Bill Nelson Although several members of Congress have blasted whistle-blower/leaker Edward Snowden, few have straight out called him a traitor. Bill Nelson is one of them. Now, the Florida Democrat said there could be another Booz Allen Hamilton employee with a top-secret clearance who illegally revealed classified information, and he worked at MacDill Air Force…
Remembering James Gandolfini, 1961-2013
James Gandolfini, Emmy Award-winning actor, best known for his work as Tony Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos, died Wednesday. He was 51. Mr. Gandolfini was found dead of an apparent heart attack while vacationing in Italy. He is survived by his wife Deborah, daughter Liliana and son Michael.
The Lens is in freefall: Chamber of Commerce calls on Mayor Foster to cancel contract with Michael Maltzan
Two days after the latest poll shows a decrease in support for the Lens, the good folks over at the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce have seen enough. Today, Chamber Chair David Punzak wrote a letter to Mayor Bill Foster and the City Council calling on them to cancel the city's contract with Michael Maltzen…
Mitch Perry Report 6.20.13: Heat’s short-term legacy on the line?
It was three summers ago when LeBron James alienated much of the pro basketball caring world after joining up with the Miami Heat, declaring that the "Big 3" — himself, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade — would win "multiple championships." How many? "Not one. Not two. Not three. Not four. Not five. Not six. Not…
The People vs. Redstone Properties
Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham gets caught in the crossfire as residents rage at a proposed big-box development in Bloomingdale.
Matthew McGee: Cross-dressed for success
The noted actor brings irrepressible humor and a love of the stage to The Scott & Patti Show.
Monsters University graduates with honors
Disney’s Pixar animation studio once again rises to the head of the class.
Review: Grizzly Bear rocks and dazzles at The Ritz Ybor
A look back at the Wed., June 19 show, with photos.
Cuba: Interior pasajes
The Tampa Museum of Art gives us views of Cuba’s decrepit grandeur and contemporary Mexican art.
Live and Local Spotlight: Celebrating the Life and Music of Jim Pedigo
I never really got to know Jim Pedigo on a personal level, but I was always a big fan of his work, specifically the tunes he wrote with Magadog. The local music scene elder statesman and keyboardist/vocalist of its most renown ska staple passed away from lung cancer in April, at 50, a devastating blow…
It’s true, Love is All You Need
Pierce Brosnan stars in a lovely, funny Danish import.
On the prowl with comedian Josh Wolf
Hear him discuss the finer points of balancing fatherhood and hooking up this weekend at Side Splitters.
Air guitar heroes
After a recent stop in St. Pete, the U.S. Air Guitar Championships shred America all summer long.
Billy Idol gives more, more, more at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
A wrap-up of the Tues., June 18 show, with photos.
Talkin’ ’Bout Generationals
New Orleans indie rock favorites break from the city’s musical past.
Hot in the city: Fashion Week Tampa Bay
Close up at Bright Nights.
East-bound and down
The East crumbles thanks to contrived plot points and character arcs.
Red Bull grabs air at McCormick’s Cable Park (Photos by Nicole Abbett)
Three of the wakeboarders performed a practice demo in preparation for the big event July 5-6.
Antique car show to hit Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach is the perfect place to cruise around in your archaic, vintage Hudson Hornet with the sleek turquoise paint job — if you’re lucky enough to own one of those gems, that is. The reality of the matter is that most of us aren’t; however, Tampa Bay isn’t a stranger to the sight of…
Bill Foster signs proclamation in support of LGBT month in St. Pete
Six days after Mayor Bill Foster declined to sign a proclamation citing June as LGBT Pride Month in St. Petersburg, he changed his mind, marking the first time any St. Pete mayor has declared a pride month in St. Pete. The mayor's missing signature on last week's proclamation was notable seeing as all eight members…
Hillsborough County BOCC still hopes for viable proposal to save Friendship Trail Bridge
A year ago, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted to stop the impending demolition of the Friendship Trail Bridge due to the advocacy of a citizens group who asked for time to come up with an alternative plan to keep the bridge viable for the community. But with the story gathering few headlines in…
Get out your LGBT planner
With St. Pete Pride just a week away, there are plenty of local LGBT events going on in our area. Thursday, June 20 Got a rant or a story or a poem? Pick up the mic and show off your stuff at Oral Fixation’s monthly LGBTQ open mic at Ybor City’s R Bar, 1820 North…
Hillsborough BOCC unanimously approves incentives to woo Amazon to the region
BOCC Chair Ken Hagan called the deal a “grand slam.”
Burgers in the ’Burg
Great burgers are alive and well at Engine No. 9.
Diving in the shallow end of a stripper pool party
What happens when golfers bid on strippers to be their caddies, all in the name of charity.
How to “like” the Afghanistan War without liking it, and other trends in journalism at TedxPoynter
The future of journalism was the connecting theme of a version of the popular online Ted Talks series last Friday at the Poynter Institute in downtown St. Petersburg. A crowd of mostly media insiders listened to topics ranging from copyright issues and viral media to fact checking and the role of new media. The Poynter…
