Do This: The Great Caper
Bummed out that Gasparilla is behind us? Fear not! You can still get your pirate fix this month. The Tampa Bay History Center is hosting a family-friendly urban scavenger hunt on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Great Caper: Calling All Buccaneers kicks off with a pirate-themed scavenger hunt through the…
SexXxDreams pulls the audience under the covers
An interactive art show/theatre piece in St. Pete pushes boundaries, maturely.
Local artist profile: Catherine Woods
The highly accomplished glass is based in St. Pete but gets around.
After extolling virtues of red-light cameras, Tampa City Council votes to kill them
(Update- Bob Buckhorn responds. Read below). So much for the convenient narrative that St. Pete hates red-light street cameras and Tampa loves them. The Tampa City Council today voted 4-3 to end the city's contract with American Traffic Solutions, the company that has placed 51 red-light cameras at 21 intersections in the city, when it…
Trevor Burgess
C1 Bank Executive
Eric Deggans
NPR television critic
Michael “Frenchy” Preston
Restaurateur
Arielle Stevenson
Journalist
Steve Jerve
WFLA Meteorologist
Cheong Choi
Café Hey Owner
Evander Preston
Artist
Joey Redner
Craft Beer Titan
Tina Avila
Restauranteur: Casa Tina
Barbara Banno
Stella’s Deli Owner
Bob Devin Jones
The Studio@620
Ask the Locals: Greg & Michelle Baker of The Refinery
In a city saturated with “safe” restaurant chains, Greg and Michelle Baker kickstarted a creative culinary juggernaut. Their Tampa eatery, The Refinery, is largely regarded as one of the top restaurants in the Bay Area. It’s been nominated three times for a James Beard Award, in 2011 for Best New Restaurant, and in 2012, 2013…
Joe Maddon
Tampa Bay Rays manager
Free admission at Polk Museum of Art March 25-29
In the spirit of spring break, the Polk Museum of Art is waiving admission fees for everyone March 25-29. For your viewing pleasure, the museum teamed up with students from Lakeland Montessori Middle School to create one it its new exhibits, Ekphrasis. Ekphrasis is "a rhetorical exercise first practiced by the ancient Greeks." Students…
Political parody music and jokes at Sacred Grounds
Psychiatrist by day, political parody musician by night — Dr. James Rustad is a busy man. Rustad is a Tampa psychiatrist and professor at USF Morsani College of Medicine. On nights and weekends, he pursues his other passion: music. Head over to Sacred Grounds Coffee House this Saturday, March 22, for Rustad’s show from 6…
InstaFame Photo Contest: What the judges saw.
See who’s getting their 15 minutes of fame in CL’s photo contest.
Mitch Perry Report 3.20.14: Rand Paul calls for investigation of intelligence abuses
Rand Paul spoke at the University of California at Berkeley last night, which undoubtedly will be a story for days and weeks to come amongst cable news pundits whose single job seems to be to talk about who might be running for president in 2016. That is a significant story — I've covered events at…
A Q&A with the “ubiquitous” Kevin Nealon
The comedian, SNL vet and Weeds star headlines the Improv this week
Rick Kriseman says St. Petersburg is poised to become as “cool” as Austin, Seattle & Portland
Based on the reaction from the crowd at today’s Tiger Bay Club luncheon at the St. Pete Yacht Club, Rick Kriseman is still enjoying the political honeymoon that began when he defeated incumbent Mayor Bill Foster last fall. In perhaps his biggest speech since he was inaugurated on January 2, Kriseman gave a mini-State of the…
Concert Review: 2 Chainz Makes it wet at Jannus Live
2 Chainz, Pusha T and August Alsina delight a modestly-packed, rained-upon crowd on Monday night’s show at Jannus Live.
St. Pete’s Venture Compound finally goes nonprofit
Founder: “”I hope to be able to start paying myself a comparable salary to a McDonald’s employee.”
Best in show this week — 2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival
Tampa’s Gasparilla International Film Festival continues its run as king of Bay area film festivals.
Fucked Up Reveal Forthcoming LP Glass Boys, Share “Paper the House”
Fucked Up have announced a new album, Glass Boys, the follow up to 2012's excellent David Comes to Life, which is due out on June 3 via Matador Records. Along with today's announcement came the release of a new single "Paper the House" and a ton of other goodness you can read about below the…
Buckhorn enters Tampa in Mayors Challenge for water conservation
Although Bob Buckhorn frequently says he doesn't like to join national organizations, he is now joining other mayors around the country in an effort to conserve water and cut pollution by entering the "Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation," joining mayors in cities like Seattle, Houston, Denver, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Diego, San Francisco,…
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
Kevin Nealon heads the list of comedians performing this weekend.
Symposium shows how worksite wellness can decrease employer healthcare costs
According to the American Heart Association, employers across the United States face $12.7 billion in annual medical expenses due to obesity alone. Over 50 companies from across the Tampa Bay area gathered Tuesday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum for the American Heart Association's Fit-Friendly Symposium. The session aimed to give employers tools and guidance…
Mitch Perry Report 3.19.14: Remembering Iraq
Mainstream media loves to observe anniversaries, but you’ll be hard pressed to find too many reports about the fact that tonight marks the 11th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which began with an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein. Iraq is worth remembering today, though, because we don’t think about it at all…
Stand Your Ground about to be tweaked?
A Florida Senate committee has approved a bill that tweaks the state's controversial "stand your ground" law. According to the Associated Press, the adjustments include local law enforcement setting guidelines for neighborhood watch organizations, clarifying immunity and who can use a "stand your ground" defense, and allowing law enforcement to conduct its investigation even when "stand…
Tim Tebow to headline “Men’s Impact Weekend” conference in Tampa in June
Although the closest that Tim Tebow came to participating on a competitive football field last year was in providing color for ESPN college games, he retains a special brand of star power, particularly in the Sunshine State. Today it was announced that the former Gator quarterback, along with Jase Robertson of A&E’s Duck Dynasty, will…
Activists in Tampa highlight fast food workers’ allegations of wage theft
This morning in North Tampa, approximately two dozen protesters gathered on a sidewalk facing a McDonald's restaurant, highlighting the allegations by some fast-food workers of wage theft that have led to a class-action lawsuits in three states. Similar rallies were also scheduled in 30 other U.S. cities. Some cases of wage theft include employees having to…
Proposal to offer in-state tuition to children of undocumented immigrants barely survives 1st vote
(UPDATE) Clearwater state Senator Jack Latvala's bill that would provide in-state tuition to children of people who came into the country illegally barely survived a committee vote this morning, with four of his fellow Republicans opposing the measure. Those no votes included fellow Pinellas County Republican Jeff Brandes, along with Fort Myers based Lizbeth Benacquisto, who…
Mitch Perry Report 3.18.14: Cable news & Flight 370 — lots of speculation, little news
I was going to begin by saying I'm as curious as the next guy or gal about the massive search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, but I'm not sure that's the case. Over the weekend I spoke with a couple of friends who say they're obsessed with understanding what happened to the vanished Boeing 777…
New Music Tuesday! (March 18): Foster the People, Tycho, George Michael, Black Lips & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
Katt Williams’ “Growth Spurts” show soars and sputters out
A look back at Saturday night’s show at the Sun Dome with photos by Daniel Veintimilla.
Latino advocacy group says GOP is all talk, no action on immigration
Who can forget where we all were a year ago, when the Republican National Committee unveiled its so-called "Autopsy Report"? That's the study commissioned by RNC Chair Reince Priebus to attempt to deal with the party's problems that became manifest i n the wake of Mitt Romney's loss to Barack Obama in the 2012 election —…
Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gaultieri latest Bay Area official to change controversial car-chase policy
A couple of months after St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman delivered on his campaign promise to change that police department's car chase pursuit policy, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri followed suit on Monday, though he said that his decision had nothing to do with what St. Pete has recently decided. At a news conference this…
Familiar
Dan Savage on relationships in the face of turmoil.
Seminole Heights opens its new library to the public
Less than a year and a half since its previous structure was razed, Seminole Heights residents now have a spanking new library, larger in all aspects than the nearly 50-year-old facility that it has replaced. This morning Hillsborough County officials held the official grand opening of the Seminole Heights Public Library this morning, constructed at…
Tyler, the Creator got arrested at SXSW, he’ll still be at The Ritz Ybor tomorrow though
Austin Police Department Unfortunately South By Southwest (SXSW) — the annual gathering of seemingly every single, solitary important person in the music industry — should be referred to as South By Sad West this time around. Gaga stole the scene by getting puked on, some asshole killed two people and injured 23 more when he…
Do this: Happy St. Pat’s, new Seminole Heights Branch Library
Fests galore, a show by Claddagh and a new and improved library has its grand opening today.
Mitch Perry Report 3.17.14: Florida is number one in March Madness, but Miami is the best
Last night the NCAA selection committee chose the 68 teams who will play in the annual college basketball tournament that begins this week, and the University of Florida is seeded number one in the nation. As I've written before in this space, I'm a huge basketball fan — but not so much of the college…
Do This: Aziz Ansari, Sunday with Stanley and more
In addition to comedian/actor Aziz Ansari's endless slew of bon mots and aphorisms known as Haverfordisms on NBC's Parks and Recreation, he has been doing his own brand of sociological research on relationships, and is writing a book about it as a follow-up to his comedy special Buried Alive. Ansari told The Daily Beast that his own…
Sunday morning pundits ponder if Jolly’s victory is 1st indication of GOP 2014 wave
Five days after David Jolly defeated Alex Sink in the CD13 race in Pinellas County, the verdict is in from America's pundit class: Obamacare was the culprit for Jolly's victory, and essentially the Democrats are screwed going into November because of it. I include amongst those pundits Reince Preibus, the chairman of the Republican National…
Do This: Katt Williams, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Tempus’ Nitty Gritty Dance Party and fests galore
For his touring show Katt Williams: Growth Spurt, the comic gets candid about his crazy past year. He says, “If I can discuss the government shutdown, I can certainly discuss my own.” If you haven't seen Williams' act on TV, he sets himself apart from the stand-up pack with a hilariously manic energy and knack for…
Eckerd College officials pleased that Dept. of Transportation finally “saw the light”
Nearly a year and a half after a retired diplomat was killed pulling out of Eckerd College onto 54th Avenue South in St. Petersburg, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) last month finally installed a traffic light at the area, much to the university community's delight. "We're extremely pleased that that the DOT has done…
Get yer Irish up: CL’s St. Patrick’s picks
Perhaps you aren’t even Irish, but you can still use St. Patrick’s Day as an excuse to have fun in Tampa Bay. Here's a sampling events that should be a pot o' fun … Today and continuing …6th Annual Chalk Walk St. Patrick's Day Party Kick-off the TBBCA's sixth annual Chalk Walk art festival. The…
The Hip-Hop ABCs: Letter H
More alphabetical rap battles from Infinite Skillz and crew.
Drink More Wine: Using your senses
Use your eyes and nose to further your knowledge of wine.
Stand-up Librarian brings her act to the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair
T. Allan Smith Stand-up Librarian Meredith Myers stopped by to visit Richard Mori, one of the book vendors at this weekend’s Florida Antiquarian Book Fair, when he was at the St. Petersburg Coliseum for an antique fair recently. Her Nancy Drew-inspired attire matched Mori’s collection of Nancy Drew mysteries. Long before she became the Stand-Up…
St. Pete’s failing school receives support of city council
(L to R) Councilman Wengay Newton, Latoya Reed and Nicholas Bent At Thursday’s meeting, St. Pete’s City Council got welcome relief from the hot button issues it has grappled with since being seated a little over two months ago. Blarney (defined by the Irish as charming, persuasive flattery) flowed throughout today's meeting. The fare was…
Lady Gaga performs in human vomit at SXSW. What is the world coming to?
The scene-stealing icon stole focus at music’s biggest conference with a bit of body horror.
Do This: Happy Pi Day, Joan Rivers, Carmen, American Monkey premiere and more
Much to do this weekend, starting today, including the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair and 6th Annual Chalk Walk.
Bill’s Sports Binge: It’s business, it’s personal and Bucs go shopping
I hate being right. (How would you even know what that's like, Bill? Shut up.) No sooner did I submit my latest sports commentary on the subject laced with the usual red flags of an early onset of dementia, then my worst fears were confirmed. Grown Ups 2 got snubbed for best picture. Also? Tampa…
Jolly on Morning Joe: We just can’t be the party of No
Newly sworn in Congressman David Jolly appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe today, where he said he was bringing his "core convictions" to Washington, but did want to work with Democrats and the President on moving the country forward. But then he laid out some of his alternative ideas on health care, while acknowledging that he…
Deafheaven shines a light in the usual black metal darkness
The Cali metal outfit supports Between the Buried & Me at The Ritz Ybor on Thurs., March 20.
Mitch Perry Report 3-14-14: The case for voter intensity
What a difference a week makes. Last week at this time followers of the CD13 race were glued to their electronic reading devices devouring a Politico piece about how David Jolly's campaign was a hot mess in a story titled, "National GOP turns on Florida candidate." This morning that troubled candidate was fielding questions from Mika…
Suzanne Westenhoefer is “falling” for Tampa Bay
Adam Bouska Comic Suzanne Westenhoefer brings her brand of off-the-cuff and relatable humor to St. Pete’s Palladium Theater Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m., as part of her “Falling Down Funny” tour. This pioneering funny lady was one of the first openly gay performers on the comedy scene when she launched her stand-up career in the…
Celebrate the Lightning’s 10th anniversary of winning the Stanley Cup
Ten years ago the Tampa Bay Lightning won the 2004 Stanley Cup 4-3 in Game 7 of the series at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (formerly the St. Pete Times Forum) by a score of 2-1 over the Calgary Flames. It was the evening of July 7, 2004 and was the crowning achievement of the…
That Sinking Feeling
Democrats have waited for 58 years to take over the U.S. Congressional district that encompasses most of Pinellas County. So with David Jolly’s semi-upset victory over Alex Sink on Tuesday night, perhaps having to wait another eight months to try to change that depressing statistic won’t be so hard to handle. But there’s no doubt…
Peak Scene
Craft beer and the price of mainstream popularity.
Modest Mouse hits Orlando this May
Modest Mouse in the studio with Big Boi Modest Mouse will return to Florida and hit up The Beacham Theatre in Orlando on Fri., May 16. This will be Isaac Brock and Company's first Florida appearance in five years. They played a one-off in Miami following what was supposed to be an appearance at the…
The untamed: A man called Hoss
The next time I take someone home to Maryland, I’m taking Hoss. Same Hoss. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Hoss. I call Hoss my revolver. Hoss could leave everything behind for the long road where, in the end, he’ll bust through a new saloon’s doors with his thigh, deck a black-hatted man, and…
USF Bulls lose, decision awaits
A day after the USF Bulls were eliminated from post-season play following its 72-68 loss to Rutgers on Wednesday in the opening game of the American Athletic Conference's inaugural tournament, the decision now awaits. And it isn't rocket science. Stan Heath must go. USF Bulls media relations Victor Rudd drives through the lane against the…
Yes on Greenlight announces personnel moves
Joe Farrell It hasn't been the smoothest of beginnings for Yes on Greenlight, the group formed to help pass the Greenlight Pinellas initiative on this November's ballot in Pinellas County. Greenlight Pinellas is the one-cent sales tax increase for transit projects in the county that would include a dramatic increase in bus service, along with…
Sister act — Crimes of the Heart at Jobsite Theater
A few setbacks keep a good production from being great.
Need for Speed runs on empty
This pretender to the Fast and Furious franchise goes nowhere, quickly.
R. Luke DuBois’ American algorithms
In Now, the artist’s solo show at Ringling, DuBois provides intriguing and comical analyses of individual and collective identity.
Authentic Austrian cuisine at Cafe Vienna
Highlands and lowlights at Cafe Vienna.
Distant shore: the move to launch a Tampa Bay ferry
Can ferry transit really become a reality for Tampa Bay?
Ask The Locals: The Insiders’ Guide to Tampa Bay
When I got the assignment to mine the brains of 25 local notables for insight on places to go and things to do in Tampa Bay, I figured I’d get the usual responses: the Dalì Museum, Bern’s Steak House, Busch Gardens, anything Ybor, anything beachy, the Don CeSar, and for crunchy/adventurous types, shopping for produce…
A look back at the third annual Gasparilla Music Festival, in words and photos.
Thousands converged on downtown Tampa to see more than 40 bands play the 2014 fest.
