

Local leaders to celebrate—not demonize—area refugees Friday
In Hillsborough County, Friday marks the first annual Refugee Day, an occasion that seeks to recognize and celebrate the Tampa Bay region's diversity and welcome those who have escaped violence, persecution and possibly even death in more troubled parts of the world. Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner on Wednesday presented the proclamation that made the…
Michelin-rated Tuscan chef opening local fine-dining spot
An eatery from chef Silvia Baracchi, plus three other concepts, will be inside Westshore’s new luxury hotel.
Chewbacca Mom at the Trop: The Force Visits Rays
Chewbacca Mom steps out of mini-van and onto the mound.
New Steely Dan tribute band Show Biz Kids debuts at Ringside Cafe
A 12-piece ensemble made up of venerable local players tackles some pretty ambitious material tomorrow night.
On the Sauce: Old Cuban
A sophisticated cocktail with aged rum (and champagne) that’s not to be missed.
Revenge of the Nerds, part two: Dodgeball
Brains vs. Brawn: who comes out on top in UDC?
Tonight in live music: Weezer and Panic! At The Disco with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Two biggie bands and one that’s on the way to biggie-dom land at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater tonight
Sh*t happened 6/15/16: Homophobic pastors threaten Hillsborough school board, Rick Scott can’t say “LGBT”
It would almost be funny, if it didn't make you angry to be part of the same species. Less than 48 hours after the global LGBT community became the collective victim of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history less than 2 hours' drive from here, Tampa Bay pastors got together to threaten members of the…
Zoes Kitchen to launch at mixed-use SoHo development early next year
The first quarter of 2017 will see the opening of a fast-casual Mediterranean chain in SoHo.
Vigil for 24-year-old Orlando massacre victim from Tampa
Whether you knew him or not, loved ones of Chris SanFeliz, a graduate of Tampa's Gaither High School who was killed in Sunday's mass shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, are inviting you to celebrate his life and mourn his loss at a vigil. The event is set for Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. at the…
Three C’s: BT Nguyen plans fresh concept for Westshore area
Cuisine, culture and community are at the helm of a new Tampa concept from BT Nguyen.
Charlie Hounchell Art Stars scholarship recipients
These six Tampa Bay students excelled in the arts.
In Orlando, Anderson Cooper confronts Pam Bondi on her LGBT record
In front of the news cameras and in the wake of Sunday's horrific events at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, unlike her boss, Governor Rick Scott, acknowledged that the attack that killed nearly 50 people specifically targeted the LGBT community. "Today is a tragic day and we are making it very…
Self Publishing Notebook: Sex, lies, and .docx files
The beauty of the beta reader.
Wishing a fond farewell to the iconic (soon-to-be-late) Amsterdam in St. Petersburg
A local watering hole and live music spot in the Edge District closes its doors with one last hurrah.
As Tampa Bay reels from nearby Orlando shooting, the Rays, other organizations hope to help out
It's been a rough few days for all of us, given Tampa Bay's proximity to Orlando and the interconnectedness of Florida's LGBT community. Local organizations are stepping up to help in any way they can. Some, like the Tampa Bay Rays, are using already-scheduled events aimed at celebrating Pride (June is Pride Month, after all)…
Thousands attend Tampa vigil for Orlando club shooting victims
Over 3,000 people gathered in Ybor City Monday night for a candlelight vigil to commemorate those killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The vigil (find video of the crowd at the bottom of this post) was organized by GaYBOR District Coalition, Tampa Pride and the Ybor City community, and was also aimed at rallying LGBT…
Do This: Raw-k out with Souzou on Sushi Day
For Saturday’s holiday, Souzou to offer sushi-rolling demos, sake tastings and more.
Food Issue 2016: Tune in, turn up and pig out with Turntable Kitchen
The online ‘zine is dedicated to pairing fine food and music. Bonus summertime Spotify playlist included.
Palm Harbor company scores Disneyana
Tampa Bay Salvage scored nautical decor from Fulton’s Crab House at Disney Springs.
Cuba: Through the looking glass
Florida photographer Clyde Butcher peeks into Cuba while Cuban artist Machado Diaz peers out.
Cooked eats coming to the raw plant-based Cider Press Café
To appeal to more diners, Cider Press will serve cooked items all summer long.
Sh*t happened 6/14/16: It’s time to think about leaving the planet
We know everybody's just looking for a little good news today, but the column's not called Blessings Happened, y'know? Officials will investigate whether or not the city of St. Pete violated its permitting when it dumped millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater into Tampa Bay last week in the wake of Tropical Storm Colin.…
Bob Ross: Still boss
Amy Beeman thinks we could all use a bit of the late master’s chilled-out positivity about now.
Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche: Political Cuisine
Excellent politics, so-so theater.
#WeAreOrlando
American Stage, as shocked and disgusted and heartbroken as the rest of America, sent out an email Monday afternoon expressing sympathy and solidarity with Orlando's Pulse Nightclub and the LGBT community. "Our thoughts go out to all whose lives were lost, their loved ones, and the LGBTQ community (many of whom are part of our…
In Tampa, Castor calls for renewed assault weapons ban, questions Trump temperament in wake of Orlando mass shooting
Before boarding a flight to Washington, D.C. Monday, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, made an emotional plea for an end to mass shootings like the one that took at least 50 lives at a gay nightclub in Orlando Sunday morning. She expressed her grief and condolences for Orlando and its LGBT community, and before addressing…
Sh*t happened 6/13/16: Is it enough yet?
The sun came up again today. So that's something. FRIDAY, JUNE 10: Gawker Media filed for bankruptcy in the wake of that $140 million judgement against the company in its Hulk Hogan lawsuit. Expect years to go by without any discernible change on your end. Singer and former reality show contestant Christina Grimmie was shot…
Tonight in live music: St. Lucia with Kind at State Theatre, St. Petersburg
The dance grooves are happening tonight. More info plus videos by both artists included.
Bavaro’s debuts its Napoletana-style of food to St. Pete
On Friday, the third location for Bavaro’s opened in St. Pete’s EDGE District.
How to get a free smoothie on National Flip Flop Day
Tropical Smoothie Café will give away Jetty Punch smoothies Friday.
Obama: Orlando massacre a “further reminder” of how easy it is to get an assault rifle
Obama also expressed grief and called the massacre an act of terror.
Reactions pour in, blood donors sought after 50 are killed in an Orlando nightclub shooting
In the wake of the horrific shooting that left 50 dead and 53 wounded at a gay night club in Orlando last night, local organizations are stepping up to offer support. Equality Florida has set up a gofundme.com page to help survivors of the attack. Blood donation centers across the state are also open, including…
Reasons to Watch: Orange zombie ants look like Jerry Seinfeld. Or something.
Whoever said watching TV was bad for you was probably right.
Trump nuggets: Highlights from The Donald’s Saturday rally in Tampa
The rally drew thousands to the Tampa Convention Center.
This Saturday in live music: John Nemeth, The So-So Glos, Lunglust + more
A look at concerts happening this Sat., June 11.
When life imitates cable: presidential politics edition
This piece accompanied Sean Kinane's cover story, "Will you elect the next president? Maybe…but it might be up to Congress" in the Jun. 9 print edition of CL. “A somewhat arcane institution that many scholars believe we should do away with.” That’s how U.S. President Selina Meyer describes the electoral college in the 2016 season…
Once again, Hillsborough Commissioners deny progress on transit
But they did have a new idea or two on how to pull it off.
Black Fox Meadery reopens, 81Bay in soft-opening mode
81Bay Brewing has debuted with soft-opening hours, while Black Fox Meadery reopened its doors.
Sea Tow Readies the Bay Area for a Safe Summer (video)
Sea Tow Tampa Bay provides loaner jackets for kids, dogs and adults.
Josie and the Pussycats come to the Emerald
Kidding. It’s Jacqui & Le Dropouts, or, as we like to call it, “Kate Bradshaw and the World’s Most Dangerous Band.”
Weekend Platter: Garden Tea Party, IPA Festival and more
Five ways to, well, treat yourself with food and drink around Tampa Bay this weekend.
Adventures in Weekending: I hate craft beer (but I love Spaghetti-Os)
Hooray beer — just not craft beer. Mostly.
Concert review: Cyndi Lauper shows her true colors at Ruth Eckerd Hall
A look back at the Wed., June 8 show in Clearwater, with photos.
With new Pinellas gains another turnaround school, questioning of assessments gains momentum
Earlier this spring, Gulfport Elementary found itself among the latest Pinellas schools to be designated a "turnaround" school, meaning it joins a list of troubled schools in predominantly African-American areas south of St. Petersburg's Central Avenue (Gulfport Elementary is technically in the city of Gulfport, but students from St. Petersburg attend school there). That means it…
Sh*t happened 6/10/16: Hillsborough Commission kills transpo tax, court weighs in on open carry
It's been a hell of a week, and it's almost over. Just a few more hours and I'll be right home to you, tub of Heath Bar frozen yogurt and copy of Joe Hill's The Fireman. But first, the old news! For the second time in less than two months, the Hillsborough County Commission voted…
Do This: Matthew Drennan Wicks “Rose Flavored” art exhibit (CORRECTION)
Matthew Drennan Wicks will escort you out of your comfort zone, if only for a few hours.
This Friday in live music: Infected Mushroom, Journey with Doobie Brothers, The Lee Boys feat. Roosevelt Collier + more
Concert highlights for this Fri., June 10, plus a peek at the weekend ahead.
A Matter of Time at the Morean
Talk with Cuban artist Esteban Machado Diaz, whose oil paintings are currently on exhibit.
The Black Market art show
From people to shoes, you can get everything. That’s not a good thing.
A Day on the (Redneck) Riviera
Fun in the sun, what could be better?
DO THIS: Meet thy neighbor at a Gulfport yard cleanup
We all have a little something to give.
Obama sees Bern, but does not feel Bern; endorses Hillary Clinton
Sanders says he’ll work with Hillary to unify the party, no word on dropping out.
Swimsuit PR: For immediate release (to celebrities and “digital influencers”)
Hey, you there… you want a $2,000 swimsuit for Bonaroo?
Saturday in Tampa: a whole lotta Trumpin’ goin’ on
Trump and some superfans — namely Gov. Rick Scott and AG Pam Bondi — will perform at the Tampa Convention Center Saturday at 11a.m.
Motorworks brews new beer using Flo-grown hops
Taste the American pale ale Motorworks Brewing brewed with local wet hops June 30.
Will Jolly bail on his Rubio Senate seat to run for his own seat? Maybe, say top Tampa Bay politibros
The Pinellas Congressman and current Republican Senate candidate may do a bit of a pivot.
James Beard winner returns to St. Pete for Stillwaters charity dinner
Proceeds from Wednesday’s Big Easy in the ‘Burg dinner benefited the St. Pete Free Clinic.
Electoral blockage: Will Congress trump your vote for president?
If no candidate wins a certain number of electoral college votes, it is Congress that gets to decide.
Sh*t happened 6/9/16: Hillsborough still hates ride sharing, evil lady does bad thing, Walmart smolders
Let's do this quick, then go play outside before the big skywater comes back. Hillsborough's Public Transportation Commission rejected a deal that would have allowed Uber and Lyft drivers to operate legally in the county, because the agreement didn't mandate Level II background checks for drivers and included a 42-day "grace period" allowing drivers to…
Album review: Pretty Voices, Jangular
The local garage-jangling rock band presents a new LP and performs at Emerald Bar in St. Pete this Saturday.
Little Golden Age: Golden Books exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center
Little Golden Books gave children access to stories — and art.
A Tale of Two Cities at American Stage: Too many turns derail the Tale
This one-man Dickens adaptation doesn’t work.
Tonight in live music: Frank Turner with Gogol Bordello, Love Cop + more
A breakdown of concert events happening this Thurs., June 9.
One Trip Little goes to Cuba
A local singer-songwriter takes his music to the island nation.
Pen and Ink and Bone: Lisa Unger Book signing
Laura Unger, author of “The Whispering Hollows,” will talk shop and her newest book.
Do This: St. Pete’s Music on Main Streets
St. Pete’s week-long jam band.
Do This: Goodbye to All That! at the Studio@620
Teach the children well.
Do This: Palm oil v. Rainforests at Boyd Hill
Itchy palms.
Do This: WWGOKD at The Beer Project?
You have to read the rest to learn what that means.
More coffee to start pouring in Pinellas this month
Two new coffee hubs, Belleair Coffee Company and Kahwa, have made Belleair Bluffs their home.
Five Courses: Jupiter Donut is glazing it, bro, and more
Many of our favorite things are in this week’s food and drink roundup.
After the Golden State rush: What’s next for Tampa Bay’s top Bernie supporters?
They gathered inside the Amsterdam, a craft beer bar in St. Pete’s EDGE district set to shutter in a few days. Patrons issued condolences to the bartender, but for the cause that brought them there that night, which many consider a lost one, they cheered. It was primary night in California, New Jersey and several…
Poet’s Notebook: The persistence of memory
Memorizing the greats, like Yeats, only improves a poet’s own art.
Restaurant review: Time to chả giò at Ox & Fields
Tampa’s Ox & Fields serves locally and globally influenced Florida fare you won’t want to stop eating.
On the Sauce: Watermelon-Cucumber Gimlet
A refreshing, elevated take on a classic for World Gin Day. (It’s Saturday, people.)






