Self Publishing Notebook: I Lied, We Really Want A Book Deal… But Wait!
I have a confession to make. The mission of a successful self-publisher is to not self-publish. What? What did he just say? It's true. The ultimate goal is to have someone else pay for professional editing, cover design, marketing, and all the other ingredients that make a good novel sell. The problem is, you could…
The Laugh Tract: Bay area comedy
Where to laugh in Tampa Bay.
Still they rise: Cora Marshall at Carter G. Woodson
Adding color back to history, Marshall’s collages are confrontational.
CL Writing Contest 2016: Fiction
Sheree L. Greer on selecting this year’s winner, and some of her other favorites.
CL Writing Contest 2016: Poetry
Poetry Judge Helen Pruitt Wallace offers her impressions in selecting this year’s winner.
CL Writing Contest 2016 Fiction Judge’s Pick: “The Missing Season”
Jenni Nance’s moving story was our judge’s top choice.
CL Writing Contest 2016 Readers’ Pick: “Lucky Stars”
Craig Anderson’s tale was the one our readers loved the most.
CL Writing Contest 2016 Poetry Readers’ Pick: “My Luck”
Ronni Radner’s verse was our readers’ favorite.
CL Writing Contest 2016 Poetry Judge’s Pick: “Chrysalis”
Brooks Peters’ poem was our esteemed judge’s favorite entry.
Did this: Political junkie edition
Ahead of this past Tuesday’s presidential preference primary, local politicos got a generous dose of both spectacle and speculation. No fewer than four of the seven remaining presidential candidates made stops in the area ahead of the polls opening Tuesday morning. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headlined an intimate event at the Ritz Ybor…
Breakdown: Florida’s primary is over. What the hell just happened?
It’s dawn, the morning after Florida’s powerhouse of a presidential primary, in an election year that very well could be the weirdest we see in our lifetimes. For politicos, it was perhaps one of the most fascinating Tuesdays to date this election cycle. Billionaire Donald Trump easily took Florida, knocking Senator Marco Rubio out in…
Taste of Pride returns with annual taste buds tour
Here’s what to expect during this year’s Taste of Pride event, hosted in downtown St. Pete.
The Hip Abduction present sophomore album, Gold Under the Glow
The Afro-tropical pop ensemble throws an album release party on Fri., March 18
Restaurant review: Miguelitos is a casual oasis
Mexican favorites and a nice tapas menu leave Miguelitos diners happy in South Tampa.
Five Courses: ‘Now open’ signs hit Tampa & more
Bel Mar Saloon, new sushi-slingers and others are offering the region’s latest in food and drink.
Rick Scott endorses Donald Trump, invention of time travel probably imminent now
In a move that will likely inspire an international panel of physicists to develop a way in which we can travel back in time to ensure Donald Trump never rises to power (which obviously hasn’t happened yet since you’re reading this rather than similar comments pertaining to Jeb Bush), Florida Governor Rick Scott has endorsed…
Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson fends off challenge from Barbara Banno
The day after an election in which he fought hard to keep his seat, Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson is taking it easy. Henderson had faced a formidable challenge from former councilwoman Barbara Banno, owner of the popular restaurant Stella's. Banno often said she was running because she did not like Henderson's handling of the controversial…
Lost Dog Street Band + Mama’s Broke play The Amsterdam tonight
Enjoy some free Americana in St. Pete for St. Paddy’s Day.
On the Sauce: Dublin Calling, Datz
Skip the green beer and drink this local St. Paddy’s Day creation instead.
Sh*t happened 3/16/16: Jeb! gets votes, Strawberry Festival gets visitors, gator lady gets in trouble
"Today is a day for fresh perspectives," said the landing page of my Microsoft email program when I logged in this morning. Clearly, my Microsoft email program wasn't keeping up with last night's election results, and can go fuck itself. Much of yesterday's primary electioneering went pretty much as expected (bye, Marco), with one tiny…
In Tampa, Clinton supporters have a good Florida primary night
Attendees at a primary night watch party at Ybor City's District Tavern were jubilant as returns showed their candidate—former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—winning Florida by a large margin over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. A small crowd of supporters that included Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn enjoyed libations and entrees as the polls closed and results started…
Concert review: Best-Of highlights from Gasparilla Music Festival 2016 with Erykah Badu, Stephen Marley + more
A look back in at the fifth fest that happened Sat.-Sun., March 12-13, in downtown Tampa; lots of photos included.
Rubio suspends campaign in the wake of Trump win in Florida
They said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio had to win his home state if he wanted to keep his campaign alive. But despite a strong (if last-minute) effort to get it together, Rubio lost to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, and he lost big. "When we started I was one of 17 people. I've had such great…
As Clinton takes Florida, local Bernie fans go ‘meh’
Shortly after polls closed Tuesday, it became apparent that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was going to win the primary fight in Florida, which polls had suggested all along. Ultimately, she bested Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders some 64.5 percent to 33.2 percent. By the time she stepped to the podium to deliver her victory…
Savor St. Pete’s EDGE with food, fashion next month
EDGE District businesses will feature small plates and more during Savor the EDGE in St. Pete.
Welcome to Night Vale comes to Tampa Theatre July 7
Radon Canyon: The view is literally breathtaking.
Cuban Sandwich Fest to offer local, international tastes
Food operations representing the state (and London) will battle for more Cuban sandwich honors.
Endings: Judy Baggs
Judy Baggs faced death with grace and love.
Well, hot damn! It’s primary day in Florida
Those yard signs have been in your neighbors' yards for months, and today's the day they work their magic. Florida, along with several other states, is voting in its presidential preference primary. Numerous communities also have municipal elections, such as Treasure Island, Gulfport, Largo and other smaller cities and towns. Perhaps you knew that already,…
Sh*t happened 3/15/16: Cigar City sold, Florida led nation in January jobs
Good morning! Are you a Florida resident, and registered to vote as a member of one of America's two main political parties? If so, please cast your vote in today's closed presidential primary, and that's all we'll say about it for now. Cigar City Brewing, perhaps Tampa Bay's best known brewer of fine craft suds,…
The tremendous, luxurious, incredible spectacle that was Donald Trump’s primary eve appearance in Tampa
There are days, and there are days. The Monday before Florida's presidential primary was the latter. Donald Trump was in town for a brief visit in the afternoon as part of a whirlwind tour of the Eastern Seaboard the day before several states weigh in on the presidential primary. Trump faces three other dudes (Sens.…
Young African-American male says he was profiled going into Trump event
Michael Reed was one of hundreds of people waiting in the line that hugged the perimeter of the Tampa Convention Center ahead of Donald Trump's appearance there Monday. The 25-year-old Ybor City resident said he's not a Trump supporter, but he wanted to witness the Trump phenomenon for himself. “I came out to the rally just…
Weekly Tune-Up: Tunes for your week by Soulwax, Pete Yorn, Caveman + more
A playlist of 15 tunes to launch you into the week. Spotify playlist included.
Oskar Blues acquires Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing
Joey Redner says Cigar City needs next-level skills and resources to meet its next-level challenges.
Public Hulk or Private Bollea?
When I was a kid I loved WWF wrestling. It was the mid-1980s, when my deep and abiding love for Cyndi Lauper led to me being interested in whatever she was doing, and she was hanging out with wrestlers. Tampa Bay’s own Hulk Hogan was the king of the muscled and oiled shouting men back…
Reasons to Watch: Pee-Wee Herman, Daredevil, and a Jesus musical
Get the DVRs and devices ready and set that TV fomo aside. Here are this week’s picks.
Sh*t happened 3/14/16: Carson backs his bully, man uses heroin in Lakeland cop shop, more
It was a busy, busy weekend. FRIDAY, MARCH 11: After dropping out of the presidential race, Ben Carson backed the guy who compared him to a child molester. It's a win-win — Trump needs to seem less like a racist, and Carson needs to seem more like a guy who knows people other than Ben…
Tonight in live music: Adam Lambert CANCELED, Tides of Man with Icarus the Owl, Vance Joy + more
Several noteworthy concerts are happening this Mon., March 14.
TBBW 2016: Photos from Cigar City’s Hunahpu’s Day
On Saturday, beer connoisseurs flocked to Hunahpu’s Day’s annual tasting and bottle distribution.
The definition of LIT – a look back at STOIC’s leaving bash at The Bends with MountainHoller, Holiday, Rogerthomas, DEA & SAINT
A recap of the show that happened Thurs., March 10, in St. Petersburg
This Sunday in live music: Rihanna, Mobb Deep, Jewel + more
A breakdown of concert highlights for this Sun., March 13.
Fallen women and strong sopranos: A review of La Traviata at the Straz
Verdi’s feminist masterpiece offers modern houses much to muse upon.
On the road: CL travels to Miami GOP debate with Fight for $15 activists
Protesters from Tampa Bay traveled to Miami Thursday to ride the wave of media attention surrounding the GOP debates. A coalition of grassroots organizations took the trip together on a bus sponsored by Fight For $15 Florida. That group represents a union-backed effort to convince political leaders to raise the minimum wage (and inspire low-income earners to vote…
In Largo, Rubio likens Trump to Twitter troll after Chicago violence
During a whirlwind trip through the Tampa Bay area Saturday ahead of Tuesday's primary, presidential candidate and U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio had strong words for Donald Trump during a stop in Largo. In the wake of a violent night in Chicago that led Trump to cancel a rally there Friday night, Rubio (who's…
This Saturday in live music: Coheed and Cambria, The Nude Party + more
Most of the acts coming to town this weekend are landing at Gasparilla Music Festival. But there's still other stuff happening around town, if less than the usual bounty. Take a look at the breakdown of highlights for this Sat., March 12 below. Coheed and Cambria with Glassjaw, Silver Snakes, I The Mighty Arena-ready rock…
Concert review: Mac Sabbath at Local 662, St. Petersburg (photos)
A look back at the Thurs., March 10 concert, with photos from two different photogs’ perspectives.
Second St. Pete Pei Wei restaurant premieres March 14
The region’s latest Pei Wei will cook up made-to-order dishes featuring flavorful ingredients.
Weekend Platter: Find the best mac, what’s buzzing in Sarasota & more
Sarasota’s first bee festival, a wine soirée and other events to get you through the weekend.
Ben Carson endorses Trump: “we buried the hatchet”
Four months after presidential frontrunner Donald Trump compared him to a child molester, retired surgeon and presidential dropout Ben Carson threw his support behind Trump. The endorsement came via press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club Friday morning. “He is actually a very intelligent man who cares deeply about America,” Carson said. Carson dropped out of…
Underoath announces a surprise March 13 show in Ybor City
Only 400 will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis
Go Fish: Gulfport gets a Flor-Asian-style raw bar, eatery
Fish are friends and food at downtown Gulfport’s newly opened Fish Bar and Grille.
Sh*t happened 3/11/16: School bus driver blows it, Amateur Night extended, Salon calls Scott a coward
So it looks like Tampa Bay made it through two big political rallies without anyone being manhandled or sucker-punched, but what else happened yesterday? File under You Had One Job: A Polk County school bus driver and attendant were arrested for leaving a 13-year-old special-needs child sleeping on their bus and going home after "finishing"…
Ticket sales for Longest Table dinner in St. Pete open
Ten local food concepts will be showcased at The Longest Table, WUSF’s feast in the street.
Tonight in live music: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, The Struts, Col. Bruce Hampton + more
A breakdown of concerts happening this Fri., March 11, plus a peek at the weekend ahead.
Bernie Sanders rally draws thousands to Florida fairgrounds
Hours ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders' scheduled appearance in a large arena at the Florida State Fairgrounds, a long line of people snaked through the parking lot. An hour before the Democratic presidential hopeful's expected campaign speech, the venue was already on the way to meeting its 10,000-person capacity (a Secret Service officer put it…
Do This: Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Fri., March 11-Sun., March 13, Downtown St. Pete Race admission $20-$135. Depending upon one’s perspective, dozens of race cars descending upon the streets of downtown St. Petersburg like a swarm of angry, fossil fuel-belching wasps is either a world-class event worthy of yearlong anticipation, or a serious impediment to achieving…
TBBW 2016: New Lowry Parcade kicks it old school
Wednesday’s Battle of the Brewery event helped showcase Lowry Parcade’s nostalgic charm.
Hillary Clinton rallies enthused crowd of hundreds in Tampa, slams Rubio, Scott
Ahead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Tampa rally, fans filed into The Ritz Ybor to secure good spots in the venue for watching the former First Lady and presidential frontrunner. The crowd, by some estimates 800 people in the main room and another 300 in the overflow room, milled about, intermittently chanting "Hillary!…
Dark & Sinful: First World Hollywood problems
What was once the Oh hell no! controversy surrounding Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone died down a while ago. But last week, a trailer for the film gave rise to the much bigger and blacker Oh hell no Zoe Saldana is not still playing Nina Simone and we’ve known about for like two years but…
Transforming Tampa Bay: Stay curious
Public art can be joyful, provocative, informative or disappointing. It enlivens our public spaces and jolts our urban core with color and meaning. At best, it exhilarates. At worst, it causes folks to wander by muttering, “What a waste of public money.” Downtown St. Pete has been leading the mural parade for the last few…
Hillary Clinton fans pack the Ritz ahead of remarks on infrastructure, economy
A live band plays funk covers as the ballroom at the Ritz fills to at or near capacity hours ahead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's scheduled stump speech, due at noon. Occasionally the crowd breaks out into chanting "Hillary, Hillary, Hillary." According to a campaign memo, Clinton is expected to discuss economic development,…
Sh*t happened 3/10/16: Tallahassee blues, Florida Zika update
Call in sick and go see a Demmycrat. Those stalwart woman-fearing conservatives in the state legislature sent an anti-abortion bill to Governor Voldemort's desk. It's 2016 and Roe v. Wade is more than four decades old, dicks. Go do something useful. Speaking of legislators doing pretty much anything to avoid tackling real government, they also…
One SINgular sensation
Del Shores of Sordid Lives fame brings his standup act to Tampa.
Tonight in live music: Mac Sabbath, Donovan Frankenreiter, STOIC Going Away Party + more
It’s a jam-packed night of live music this Thurs., March 10.
5 Don’t Miss Acts, Eats & Experiences at Gasparilla Music Festival
CL-approved highlights at the fifth annual GMF, and the full schedule, too.
