Sing out!: Our favorite songs by artists who embrace rainbow-hued individuality.
Gay songwriters have gone from hiding their innermost feelings behind double entendres, to coyly revealing a glimpse of their love lives amid tasteful ambiguities, to baring it all with aplomb. In honor of St. Pete Pride and with a little help from Music Teamers Julie G. and Gabe. E., I've cherry-picked my favorite lyrical instances…
Tampa ACLU to host informational webinar in advance of RNC
A few months ago, the ACLU of Florida held a workshop on the First Amendment for reporters, photographers, protesters and anyone else who may be out on the streets when the Republican National Convention hits Tampa the in the last week of August. Now the civil liberties group is doing it again, this time holding…
Friendship Trail Bridge gets a stay of execution
A conceptual rendering of a new Friendship Trail Bridge walkway. The insurgent drive to save the Friendship Trail Bridge stayed alive on Wednesday after the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to agree to a plan that would delay demolition, while floating the possibility of having the cost of a renovation go before taxpayers…
This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Coldplay, Chiddy Bang, Hot Dog Show 6, Ringo Starr, and more
Concerts, June 28-July 4
Mitch Perry 6.27.12 – Buzzfeed confirms CL report that Fox News will be at Tampa History Center for RNC
The New York City based website Buzzfeed breathlessly reported yesterday afternoon that they had learned that Fox News will be renting out the Tampa Bay History Center for the duration of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Regular readers of this blog might note that we reported last November that was going to be the…
Hillsborough County Commission candidates go before Tampa 9.12. gauntlet
Sharon Calvert, Don Kruse, Victor Crist & moderator Tim Curtis at Tampa 912 Forum Although five of the seven men and women who serve on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners are up for re-election, only two of them (Kevin Beckner and Al Higginbotham) will face an opponent from a different political party this…
Review: The quiet storm of Explosions in the Sky at Ritz Ybor, Ybor City
Last Wednesday night, Austin post-rock outfit Explosions in the Sky literally exploded over the heads of a sold-out crowd at the Ritz Ybor. The only fans disappointed this evening were the ones left standing outside trying to buy tickets; there didn't seem to be a single one available. While it seems unlikely that this particular…
Tampa announces “Free Speech Zone” for RNC
Better make that zones … as in, more than one.
Puma Swede attacks Tampa! (NSFW)
brianjamesgallery.com Puma Swede Shirtless, I gripped the stripper pole on the main stage at Deja Vu. Puma Swede stood behind me, poised to do some damage with her whip and her formidable F cup breasts. She pushed me against the pole and unbuckled my belt. I flinched as though I was about to receive a public…
New music Tuesday! (June 26): Joe Jackson pays tribute to The Duke, plus releases from Flaming Lips, Beachwood Sparks + more
The last batch of new releases out this June. I've included info and links for the ones you want to know about most below, plus some other ones you may not have heard of (but should know), with audio & video for your listening and viewing pleasure. Click here to check out releases that dropped…
Rachel Burgin outlines her agenda if elected to Florida Senate
Rachel Burgin We're seven weeks out from the August 14 primary, and unquestionably the the Florida GOP Senate race in District 24 will be one of the most eagerly observed up until primary day. Former Senate President Tom Lee has been piling up the endorsements in his race against state Representative Rachel Burgin in recent…
Voting in E (Flat) Harmony
In the midst of the hostile and bitchy fervor of the 2012 American Presidential campaigns it seems appropriate to pause and reflect. Reflect on what really binds us all during this virulent political climate. The talking head pundits would have us believe that the country is horrifically divided and that the other guys are plotting…
Mitch Perry Report 6.26.12 – A stormy RNC?
It's actually sunny with blue skies trying to emerge over at CL's Ybor City offices this morning – a little tease of hope before the next onslaught? With stormy weather being the dominant story in Tampa Bay yesterday, Times reporter Rick Danielson posed the question to some high ranking officials – could a storm/hurricane like…
RNC kick-off party at Trop will bring together delegates, reporters
Bill Foster addresses the media at Tropicana Field. Although rumors of a big RNC event in St. Petersburg had been circulating for months, it was only in the past few weeks that officials with the Tampa Bay Host Committee confirmed it was happening: a major party for both delegates and reporters on the eve of…
Tampa Police Department introduces new technology for businesses and residents to communicate as the RNC approaches
Rob Wolf with NC4 explains how the alert system will work. For years the Tampa Police Department has been using a piece of technology called E-Sponder to communicate with each other during major events such as the Gasparilla Parade, Super Bowls and any other events at Raymond James Stadium. But with the Republican National Convention…
Techies and entrepreneurship mesh in Tampa’s first Hack-A-Thon
Daniel Melnick studies HART's raw data. Inside the Tampa Hyatt Regency Saturday morning, Daniel Melnick hovered over his laptop, attempting to create a text-message SMS system for HART bus riders, so as they wait at their stop they can dial in a number and learn how soon the next bus will be arriving. Melnick was…
Domestic partnership registration begins today in Tampa
Charles Edwin Kyle and Ronald Zweig receive certification of their domestic partnership registration. Despite flooded streets, tornado watches and a weekend of rain, nothing can stop love. Tampa opened its new domestic partnership registry at 9 a.m. today at the City Clerk’s office in the Old City Hall. The registry is open to both gay…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 72: Flaming Lips & more
What the CL Music Team is jamming to rocket launch the work week.
Survey shows Americans not okay with Obama’s use of executive privilege in Fast & Furious case
For President Obama, standing up against deportation of 800,000-plus young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children with their parents was damn good politics. Coming out a few days later and invoking executive privilege? Not so much. For most of the non-Fox viewing portion of the American electorate, the gun-smuggling operation gone bad…
I Am Choice Launches Campaign Against Amendment Six
Arielle Stevenson I am Choice's "Voice Choice" photo campaign, in action Saturday. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, men and women of all ages gathered in St. Petersburg to celebrate the official launch of the I Am Choice campaign. The St. Pete-based initiative is fighting to stop the passage of Amendment 6, which Creative Loafing wrote…
Mitch Perry Report 6.25.12 – Waiting for SCOTUS
Will the Supremes put a stop to Obamacare?
Rubio explains why he never produced an immigration bill
In the nine days since President Obama announced a plan that would allow some young undocumented immigrants to stay in this country, members of the Republican Party have appeared flummoxed in coming up with a response that doesn't antagonize Latinos , a group that they're trying to cultivate as the election grows nearer. That includes…
Gary Johnson to make campaign swing thru Tampa Bay next month
Gary Johnson Are you an undecided voter, disappointed in Barack Obama's performance in office, yet not willing to fall for the hard-right policies being espoused by GOP presumptive nominee Mitt Romney? There's always Gary Johnson to fall back on. The former New Mexico Republican Governor last month received the Libertarian Party’s official nomination for President…
Blu-Ray Review: Wanderlust is funnier at home
A dud in theaters, the Bly-ray release of the Paul Rudd/Jennifer Aniston comedy amps up the laughter.
High School Confidential: Students in search of $10 meals
The chicken parm sandwich and potato ball at Brocato's. In the article "High school confidential," published in Creative Loafing's 2012 Food Issue, Yuri and I visited Saigon Deli on Armenia and New Soul on Willow, both in Tampa, as a part of our "10 Restaurants Under $100" challenge. Unfortunately, by the time the deadline came…
Here come the cans
They’re safer, easier, cheaper and the beer’s just as tasty.
Simple solutions
An ancient theory suggests a clear path to solving the nation’s problems.
DVD review: Give Me the Banjo is a warm look at an American original
Steve Martin narrates this doc about a truly American instrument.
The Breast Man
Why can’t my boyfriend keep his eyes to himself?
Obama at HCC: “You know what, Tampa? This is up to you.”
Shanna Gillette President Obama speaking at HCC The re-election team for Barack Obama has a number of different scenarios that show how the president can get to 270 electoral votes in November. Not every scenario includes getting Florida and its 29 electoral votes, but Obama's chances would certainly be greater for a second term if…
Story Time Vol. 4: At Home With UT’s Lectores
The fourth installment of Story Time, Creative Loafing's series of readings and music, took place on Thursday night at CL Space. The week's event was different from the others as it involved participants from the University of Tampa’s Lectores series taking center stage. Zachary Hines gave a humorous rendition of his childhood experience with The…
Dang, someone came close to actually using the Regent in Brandon
Finally, someone almost got a chance to use the “Taj Mahal” Regent in Brandon. That someone happens to be a five foot alligator. He was luckier than most Hillsborough citizens. He almost got inside the Regent. Unfortunately for him he was discovered before he made it through the doorway and was captured and taken away.…
Tampa City Council brainstorms sustainability and quality of life improvements
At a special workshop on Thursday, the Tampa City Council discussed ways to improve sustainability and environmental policy, emphasizing ways that would contribute to maintaining and improving residents' quality of life in Tampa. After Thom Snelling, Director of Planning and Development provided a briefing on the annual sustainability report, or the Green Resolution, Councilwoman Lisa…
Honestly? A good time
Honest Abe kicks ass in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
Feedback: Chewing on The Food Issue
You wrote it, we printed it.
Peralta, Maddon and pine tar: Let’s face it. He cheated.
Congratulations to the Miami Heat and their fans after ending the NBA season last night by smashing the Oklahoma City Thunder and winning their second championship, 4 games to 1. Now with a little break for the Summer Olympics late next month, American sports fans will only have baseball to look forward to until September,…
Environmentalists voice concern over coal ash amendment
Environmental groups are up in arms about an amendment to a transportation bill passed through the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would prevent the EPA from regulating coal ash and its byproducts on a federal level. Also known as coal combustion residuals (CCR), coal ash is a byproduct of large-scale coal-burning from coal-based power…
Tampa Bay Times coverage a topic in Pinellas Sheriff’s race candidates forum
Everett Rice The race for the Republican nomination for sheriff in Pinellas County gets more interesting by the day. Bob Gualtieri, 50, is the incumbent, sort of. He was named by Governor Rick Scott to succeed Jim Coats last November when the then sheriff retired, and has served off and on in the department for…
This Week in Food and Drink
Mazzaro’s Wine Tasting, Euro Beer Flight, Food Truck Festival and Uncork the Cure.
Emilia Sargent stands out
The actress delivers the definitive Blanche DuBois in Tampa Repertory Theatre’s Streetcar.
Dallas: Game of phonies
The relaunched ’80s hit is a worthy successor to the original.
Reel Projections: Top Gun 2 takes flight
Plus: New details on Ghostbusters 3 and the Robocop reboot.
Gay conservative group to host Homocon 2012 in Ybor during Tampa RNC
GOProud is often referred to as the “other” gay Republican group.
Mitch Perry Report 6.21.12 – Nelson and Mack in a tight race
After more than a year on the campaign stump, it all ended rather ignominiously for George LeMieux yesterday. The one-time interim U.S. Senator from 2009-2010 from Florida was one of the big names when the GOP race began last year, along with Mike Haridopolos and Adam Hasner. Later businessman Craig Miller got into the race.…
Brave’s got girl power
Who needs a prince when you’ve got Pixar’s awesome new heroine?
Facing Goliath
Two challengers vie for the chance to be the Democrat who knocks Bill Young out of Congress.
Live and Local Spotlight: Rock 4 Pride
Three local bands kick off Pride weekend with a heavy dose of rock n’ roll.
Lachrymose Lola and the very bummer summer
Lola Versus plods along carelessly despite an excellent performance by Greta Gerwig.
Shoot the Rainbow
Celebrate Pride with these Technicolor dream shots.
Calling all hedonists
Our new food guy wants you.
Airport volunteers already prepping for the RNC
The Republican national convention is still more than two months away, but volunteers are already prepping for the over 50,000 visitors that will descend on the Tampa Bay Area come August. The 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee held an orientation at Tampa International Airport for a batch of registered volunteers that will be stationed at…
Chief Castor & Sheriff Gee talk about dealing with “anarchists” during the RNC
In a video sent today to the dozens of law enforcement agencies that will be working with Tampa and Hillsborough County officials during this summer's Republican National Convention, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee discuss what they'll be doing to make conditions hospitable for the 3,000 agents — such as…
Two shows showcase sweet salvation
Discarded steel becomes sculpture at Blue Acier; beach trash ends up on a mural at HCC Ybor.
Review: Alexander and the Grapes, Hemispheres
Alexander and the Grapes have grown and matured a great deal in the three years since I first saw them play, both in age (drummer Philip Charos was a chipper 16 at the time to older brother Alexander’s 21) and in musical style, evolving from their alt-country rock to more lushly arranged roots rock that’s…
Man v. Food Truck (With Video)
In Ybor, Adam Richman waxes poetic on Bern’s, Cuban food, and Mom’s cooking.
Internal threats
Just a few days left to check out the provocative Spies, Traitors, Saboteurs in Tampa.
How to: Grill with Charcoal
You can view this video by clicking on the following link: \\<\/iframe\> Using charcoal to grill your meats takes longer than propane or electric grills, but the results are far superior.If you remember the last time you had really good BBQ it's likely that it was cooked over coals. And it's also likely that you…
The Amazon Trail: Dyke caves
My anger had nowhere to go. It was huge. The headline that enraged me? "50 chief executives in finance saw their pay rise by an average of 20.4 percent." Huh? I scurried back into my dyke cave and plunged my brain into fiction. I really dislike the term man cave. It creeps me out with…
