Green Community Calendar weekend events
Workshops, classes, outdoor events and farmers markets!
This week in food and drink
Einstein on Food and Wine, gluten-free expo, food truck and fundraising events!
Mitch Perry Report 3.21.12 – GOP race drones on
We are still more than five months away from the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and the odds of a contested convention still seem small, but as we write in our wrap-up of last night's Illinois GOP primary, Mitt Romney still won't have the delegates to declare himself the nominee for three more months, if…
Romney takes Illinois: Now can we say the race is over?
After Mitt Romney's big victory in Illinois last night, the question is simply: Is the GOP race for president now really, really over? Of course, delegate-wise it isn't and can't be with the way that delegates are apportioned in many of the races still yet to come. The Wall Street Journal reports that even though…
Gingrich, Santorum get tripped up in the news cycle
We frequently write on this blog how conservative talk show hosts and their producers get their talking points for each day's show from the Drudge Report and similar right wing websites. But we didn't know that the GOP candidates for president trailing Mitt Romney would follow suit. As Illinois Republicans went to the polls on…
Thickly mustached neocon John Bolton to speak in Sarasota
Considering how far Rick Santorum has come in the presidential sweepstakes after several other GOP candidates crashed and burned, it's interesting to contemplate how former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton might have fared on the campaign trail. About a year or so ago, the conservative diplomat/attorney put out feelers that he was…
The Raw Story: The Road to Wrestlemania Drags On
Welcome to this week's edition of The Raw Story. A few quick notes before we get underway here: • My apologies in advance if this week's column seems a bit lackluster. I'm only trying to match the tone of this week's episode of Raw.• I'm currently undecided on whether I should write a column with…
The Gaily News: Drag queens spoof anti-gay Chick-fil-A (video)
A recently disqualified contestant on Rupaul's Drag Race, William Belli, and two other drag queens, Detox and Vicky Vox, lampooned the notoriously homophobic Chick-fil-A franchise in a satirical video parodying Wilson Phillips' "Hold On". The video brings even more attention to Chick-fil-A's conservative religious values and support of anti-gay organizations, as the raunchy trio encourages…
Obama for America is going all out in Hillsborough County
It's not a cliché to say that, as Hillsborough County goes, so goes the nation when it comes to picking our presidents. With the exception of 1992, Hillsborough has voted for the winning candidate every time since 1960. That's why it's significant how many resources the Obama re-elect team is pouring into winning the county…
Photo review: Mutemath brings Odd Soul to House of Blues, Orlando
On St. Patrick's Day, the international celebration of the most recognized patron saint of Ireland, while Americans across the country toasted green beer and watched crappy Irish jig bands play in his name, I finally caught Mutemath. I've been addicted to the prog-psyche rock band's latest album, Odd Soul, since its release last year. It's…
Mitch Perry Report 3.20.12: The feds move in on Trayvon Martin case
There were some late-night developments in the investigation of the February 26 killing of Florida black teen Trayvon Martin. The Justice Department says it will now look into the case, and Governor Rick Scott asked the FDLE last night to assist the State Attorney's investigation, which exposes the state's 2005 Stand Your Ground law. Al…
Karen Santorum says women have nothing to fear about her husband becoming president
Although oddsmakers say Mitt Romney should win tonight's Illinois GOP primary, Rick Santorum shows no indication of going away any time soon. The former Pennsylvania senator will be watching the returns tonight from his home state, which holds its presidential primary election next month. Meanwhile, the very religious Republican asked his supporters yesterday to pray…
New Music Tuesday (March 20): The Shins, Odd Future, Paul Van Dyk, BB King + more
Music releases out this week; with audio & video.
Weekend death marks fifth bicyclist killed in Hillsborough County in less than three months
The Tampa Tribune reported on Monday that an unknown man on a bicycle trying to cross U.S. 41 at Crystal Lake Road died early Sunday morning after he pulled in front of a northbound Ford Fusion. The Ford then struck and killed the bicyclist. The death marks the fifth cyclist in Hillsborough killed in 2012…
St. Pete activists launch the “People’s Budget Review”
A diverse crowd gathered on the steps of St. Petersburg City Hall Monday morning to officially launch a public survey initiative called the People's Budget Review. The coalition behind the push to get 10,000 surveys from St. Petersburg residents, includes the NAACP, Agenda 2010, Awake Pinellas and the League of Women Voters. "The public tends…
San Antonio scenic sips
San Antonio is located in a beautiful, hilly region of south-central Texas. This expanding city is home of the Alamo, San Antonio Spurs, Sea World, Six Flags, military men, cowboy hats and Tex-Mex everything, including margarita and michelada cocktails. Of course, everyone (especially tequila fans) is familiar with margaritas. But you may not have heard…
Bruce Springsteen this Friday – we want your photos!
Are you going to see Bruce Springsteen this Friday night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum? We want you! [photo at right by Tracy May, from Springsteen's 2009 stop] Creative Loafing is seeking on-the-floor photos of everything BUT the band! Tailgating, pre-show hanging, shots of the fans and crowd, post-show activity and anything else that…
Al Sharpton to hold rally in Central Florida this Thursday in Trayvon Martin case
The Reverend Al Sharpton has announced that he will be attending a rally this Thursday for an unarmed black Florida teenager shot by a white neighborhood watch volunteer, who has yet to be charged with a crime. The death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in a gated community in Sanford (which is near Orlando) has made…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 63: Snow Patrol, WU LYF, Dum Dum Girls + more
What the CL Music Team is spinning this week, with audio & video included.
Drinks and Wings
WingHouse has been a “house of wings” since its 1994 founding by NFL alumni Crawford Ker, and beer has been the most common accompaniment to their wings. Up until now, that is. They recently launched a new Feature Drink Menu, which just may entice those who like to “mix it up” when considering alcoholic options.…
Catching the StartUpBus
Tampa’s StartupBus makes a strong showing at SXSWi.
Hillsborough County transit agency to hold workshop on financial solvency
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe Virtually every month, officials at HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) release information about increases in ridership on their buses compared to the same time a year earlier. That's in sync with a report released earlier this month showing that public transportation ridership nationally has risen to its largest level since…
Dunedin Brewery’s Nelson Sauvin Trippel IPA
If you are ever looking for a unique experience on a Tuesday night, hop on over to Dunedin Brewery in Dunedin for the weekly Indoor Drum Circle where you can drum (bring your own drum), drink or do both. It runs from 8-11 p.m. at the brewery on Douglas Street. Last Tuesday evening, I had…
Mitch Perry Report 3.19.12 – The not so Sweet 16 edition
The dream is over for the USF men's basketball team, after the Bulls went down to defeat to Ohio in Nashville last night, 62-56. There were lots of college basketball all over the airwaves – some of it actually well played – lots of it not so much. Congrats to the Bulls to getting the…
Mitch Kates’ biggest challenge: Running a campaign in Georgia (the country)
Mitch Kates will be working in Georgia until October With little fanfare, Tampa Bay area Democratic consultant Mitch Kates announced last month he was taking off to work on a campaign in Georgia — the country, not the Peachtree State. Kates is working on trying to get billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili elected prime minister, a job…
In wake of Afghanistan mess, McCain & Romney blast Obama for poor leadership
According to John McCain, the U.S. is succeeding "on the ground" in Afghanistan. But reading the international section of the newspapers over the past week, one doesn't get that sense — for example, when Afghan leader Hamid Karzai calls the Americans in his country "demons." The U.S. has refocused on its mission in Afghanistan over…
Snake swallowers, cougar hunters, and partiers dressed in green: Saint Patrick’s Day parade photos
Students from Florida State University attended the Rough Riders Saint Patrick's Day Parade with one thing in mind. Over 70 units of floats threw thousands of beads to cheering paradegoers. The 17th annual Rough Riders Saint Patrick’s Day Parade energized Ybor City on Saturday night in front of a crowd of thousands of revelers dressed…
O’MG! It’s a river o’ green — photos from the mayor’s St. Pat’s fest
Mayor Buckhorn kicks off first River O’Green festival.
West Tampa citizens rally over concern about North Boulevard Homes
Last month the Washington D.C.-based Urban Land Institute (ULI) released their recommendations for improving Tampa's urban neighborhoods, part of a 12-month study on economic development that the agency is working on for Tampa and three other U.S. cities. Part of that plan includes razing Tampa Housing Authority’s North Boulevard Homes public housing complex. Even though…
Concert review: Langhorne Slim at Crowbar, Ybor City
Perhaps it's merely a matter of home-state pride, but I've long held the belief that good things come from Pennsylvania. Gene Kelly, Bill Cosby, Joan Jett, Jeff Goldblum, Hershey's Chocolate, Heinz Ketchup, Yuengling Beer, Martin Guitars — all good and all from PA. Another to add to the list: Langhorne Slim, who took the name…
Walk the chalk in Hyde Park Village
Brendy Gutierrez of West Palm chalks a tribute to Leonardo da Vinci. This is Gutierrez's first appearance at Tampa's Chalk Walk. The 2012 Chalk Walk Arts Festival is happening this weekend in Hyde Park Village. Thirty-three chalk and "plein air" artists are scheduled to create original works of art along Dakota and Snow avenues as…
Book Review: Momma Baby Mama — Story of a Knocked-Up Lesbian
No matter what the reader's sexual orientation is, anyone from any walk of life can enjoy Momma Baby Mama: Story of a Knocked-Up Lesbian, Mindy Stokes' humorous, thoughtful and engaging tale of lesbian parenting. Set in the Tampa Bay area, Stokes takes the reader on her entertaining journey, from conception to pregnancy mood swings and…
Ex-Rutgers student convicted in webcam spying case
Tyler Clementi A jury convicted former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi of hate crimes for using a webcam to spy on his roommate, Tyler Clementi, kissing another man in their dorm room. In addition to being found guilty of invasion of privacy and bias intimidation, he was also found guilty of tampering with witnesses and…
Jeff, Who Lives at Home is sweet, flawed, sincere
Jason Segel and Ed Helms see the signs.
Reclaimed water expanding along the Bayshore in Tampa
The city of Tampa dumps loads of of highly treated sewer water into Tampa Bay — approximately 55 million gallons' worth. A decade ago the city began allowing residents in South Tampa the opportunity to purchase reclaimed water to use for irrigation purposes. Elected officials in other parts of the city, such as New Tampa,…
Mitch Perry Report 3.16.12 – Hillsborough’s River goes Green
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow in Tampa, Mayor Bob Buckhorn will host what city officials are calling a "River O' Green" Fest" out at Curtis Hixon Park all day, beginning at 10 a.m.That's when city officials will dye the Hillsborough River kelly green between the Cass Street and Kennedy Bridges, an annual ritual made…
Off-again, on-again, off-forever
Jean-Louis Forain What is it about the tightrope walk between a failed relationship and a new one that so often makes us step backwards instead of forwards? Is it just the fear of the unknown that makes us retreat to the security of a faulty relationship rather than putting ourselves on the line in order…
Begin the day with tasty muffins and cupcakes.
Fresh starts.
Tampa becomes latest local govt. calling for amendment to overturn Citizens United decision
According to the public advocacy group Public Citizen, at least 56 cities and towns across the country have approved resolutions calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court 2010 Citizens United decision. You can add the city hosting the 2012 Republican National Convention to the list, after the Tampa City Council voted…
Tampa to allow chickens as domesticated animals?
Ybor Chickens, photographed by Todd Bates The Tampa City Council on Thursday voted on Thursday to conduct a workshop next month on revisiting and possibly changing the 21-year-old code that regulates chickens, which are quite prevalent in various parts of the city. As Zoning Administrator Catherine Coyle told the Council, there is a provision in…
Girls, tats and bikes: Pinup Burlesque in Ybor
Let them entertain you. Let them make you smile, when the First Annual American Pinup Burlesque Fest takes over Ybor's Cuban Club March 23-25. Presented by Pin Up America, the multifaceted event benefits a great cause, the Little Darling's Pinups for Pit-bulls.
Tampa City Council approves domestic partnership registry
Yolie Capin After the Tampa City Council voted unanimously Thursday morning to approve a domestic partnership registry for unmarried couples in Tampa, the question one might have is: What took you so long? Not that anybody publicly expressed such a sentiment. It was all bonhomie in the Council's chambers, as speaker after speaker effusively praised…
10/100/1000 Bright Ideas Workshop tonight
Photo of Reuben and Hunter by Todd Bates Got a great idea, but need help fleshing it out? Tonight's Bright Ideas Workshop (7:30-9:30 p.m., CL Space, 1911 N. 13th St., Ybor City, above Spaghetti Warehouse) should be just the thing. And it's absolutely free! Reuben Pressman and Hunter Payne, the artrepreneurs behind Swings Tampa Bay…
Ybor merchants, Chamber come together (sort of) on un-fencing Guavaween
It's looking like there will not be a fence surrounding the Ybor City entertainment district at this year's Guavaween celebration. That's the sentiment that was expressed at Thursday's Tampa City Council meeting. Speakers were Ybor bar owner Richard Boom and Marc Hamburg, an executive board member on the Ybor Chamber and the chair of the…
Top food truck spots of SXSW 2012
Awesome Austin munchies.
Concert review: Jukebox the Ghost at Crowbar, Ybor City
Jukebox the Ghost swung through Tampa on their way to SXSW last Saturday night, introducing the crowd to some cuts off the new album while still finding time to play fan favorites. Safe Travels, produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, The National), is due for a June 12 release and the material they debuted finds them…
SXSW 2012: Eats, drinks and everything in between
I'll be updating this page with my tasty adventures in and around Austin, TX, during the 2012 South by Southwest Interactive, Film and Music Conference. My goals for my first SXSW experience: Lots of food trucks, free parties (especially those with free drinks) and spotting famous people. Because why else do you come to South…
Have a mojito (or two) at Mojito
Cocktails make this hotel restaurant shine, and the small plates are a tasty complement.
Mitch Perry Report 3.15.12 – The NCAA Tourney officially begins
Congrats to the USF Bulls for advancing in the NCAA Basketball tournament. The Bulls shellacked the University of Calfornia-Berkeley last night in Dayton in a game that wasn't as close as its final 65-54 score indicates. Let's be honest- although the Bulls were already in the tournament, neither they or the three other teams who…
Gitmo goes solar
An aerial shot of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba The Largo based solar power company Solar Source has just completed construction on a 1,200 panel solar power system at the U.S. Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, best known as still being the home to 171 detainees picked up in Afghanistan and other places in the war…
21 Jump Street leaps over the top
But the buddy-cop slapstick of Tatum and Hill make it fly.
Varieties of abstraction at Tempus Projects
An intriguing three-artist show.
Can this bridge be saved?
Neil Cosentino and supporters are fighting to give the Friendship Trail Bridge a second lease on life.
Could you just let me fish?
A highly personal rationale for saving the Friendship Trail Bridge.
Artbook: A Tampa Bay artists’ Who’s Who
A new digital volume aims to bring the art scene to life on your iPad.
Swinging vintage jazz and country blues by Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade at Ella’s + more concerts this week.
Tampa Bay’s live music offerings, March 15-21.
Oh, gods! Oh, gods! It’s Hot Nights for the War Wives of Ithaka
Inventive wordplay! Simulated screwing! Greeks! Yet, it disappoints Leib.
Listening Room Festival introduces house concerts to Tampa Bay area audiences
Singer-songwriter and house-concert vet Fran Snyder stages the debut event, with nightly showcases at Hideaway Cafe in St. Pete
Between the sheets
What’s the proper etiquette after messing up hotel linens?
Countdown to Tropical Heatwave 2012: He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister
CL spotlights our top 10 favorite Heatwave acts in the 10 weeks leading up to the WMNF fest (w/audio & video).
Tampa activists to call on Obama to fire FHA head Ed DeMarco
FHA head Ed DeMarco A joint protest between local members of MoveOn.org and the activist group Awake Tampa is scheduled to take place in front of the Obama for America offices in Ybor City Thursday afternoon. The activists are calling for the ouster of the acting director of the FHA (Federal Housing Finance Agency), Ed…
The Gaily News: Lesbian custody battle challenges Florida egg donor, gay rights laws
A lesbian couple's custody battle, which has made its way to the Florida Supreme Court, could force lawmakers in the state to reconsider the definition of motherhood, as well as sperm and egg donor laws and legislation concerning gay rights. The Brevard County couple had a daughter together in 2004, nine years into their relationship.…
In praise of departing Times reporter David DeCamp
David DeCamp One of the biggest local political stories in the Tampa Bay area last year was the revelation that Pinellas County Commissioner Norm Roche had been penning highly charged online comments about gays, race and other hot issues anonymously to the comments section of the St. Petersburg Times website. The man who broke that…
CD review: Delta Spirit, Delta Spirit
San Diego-based outfit Delta Spirit has maintained a commitment to honing and perfecting a sound that has evolved from the trashcan-banging, countrybilly madness of 2006's "Crippler King" (off Ode To Sunshine) to wispy atmospherics and introspective lyrics on "Ransom Man" from 2010's History From Below. Frontman Matthew Vasquez's handsome croon, which has always adapted to…
