

Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Lada”
Lada Ivanov’s god knew she deserved some slack when interpreting “morality is in the eye of the beholder.” Despite her horrendous upbringing, Lada, a name meaning goddess of spring and love, exhibited good moral fiber, but god feared her principles were going south. “Lada was being corrupted by her fate and real-world surroundings.” When she…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Catch All”
Antonio knew he had to work fast. The security guard had just passed by on his golf cart and he’d be making the rounds again in thirty minutes. Antonio had studied the plans for the plant carefully, and knew exactly what to do. In fact, he thought it was almost too easy. He found the…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Edge of Town”
Morality is in the eye of the beholder. An opened bottle of red wine sat between us on the table for two. I knew nothing of vintage or what paired well with what meals and selected the most expensive bottle I could afford. The waiter, a dark-haired man wearing black skinny pants and an immaculate…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Due Date”
Morality is in the eye of the beholder. Years later, I still have no regrets about this event or anything that happened after it. Shit happens. More to some than to others. I think you’ll understand when I’m finished. It’s a day that I had looked forward to like everyone else who is anticipating the…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Mistakes Were Made”
I’m starting to think calling an Uber to move the body was a mistake. Not that calling an Uber was a terrible idea, I stand by the premise, I just didn't really prepare enough. It's not like that's how the date was supposed to end, and I didn't mean for it to happen. Not the…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Somebody”
“Morality is in the eye of the beholder,” Maman said to Papa. Louis didn’t know what that meant but Maman was smiling at him when she said it. Papa stared at him and walked outside. Louis jumped to his feet like he did every morning as if he couldn’t wait to discover what new adventure…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “The Passenger”
I’m starting to think calling an Uber to move the body was a mistake. The body stinks. It smells like my grandmother’s house… but soggier. Adam insists it’s a good idea. “They can’t judge us. What are they going to say? ‘Hey. Why does your bag smell so bad?’ That would be an instant 1-star…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Scattered”
"When the Waffle House closes it’s time to get the fuck out of town," he mumbled to the table as I sank into the booth across from him. "Oh yeah?" I said as I shrugged off my slicker and shoved the dripping thing into the corner of the bench. I nodded to the waitress as…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Comfort”
“When the Waffle House closes, it’s time to get the fuck out of town,” Jimmy Dugan told me one morning after I poured his first cup. “You’ll know when to leave. Hell, girl, there’ll be plenty of signs everywhere, like cow shit on Dairy Road.” Truth be told, there had been so many signs already.…
Creative Loafing Tampa Fiction Contest 2019: “Fatal Fare”
I’m starting to think calling an Uber to move the body was a mistake. I should have waited for my car to be ready from the recall repair. Less drama. But dead bodies can be very demanding. No patience at all. They can stink up a situation with their disposition or lack thereof. The driver…
Celine Dion bringing new album and tour to Tampa
She plays Amalie Arena on January 15.
PhilFest 2019 is this weekend at Tampa’s Philippine Cultural Foundation
Three days of activities, competitions and cultural exhibits.
Fly Bar & Restaurant dishes on details of upcoming opening at new Tampa location
All new menu, while keeping a few Fly favorites, and the Fly Margarita, of course.
Boy Harsher, of Montreal and Rubblebucket Tampa concerts lead Ybor City’s big week of indie
It’s like Pitchfork in real life.
St. Petersburg’s Savage Beat brings Big Eyes, Divine Feed to Tampa Bay this week
The shows happen on Thursday and Tuesday.
Blake Daniels’s St. Petersburg show leads Tampa Bay’s best local live music
Horsehwip, Max Norton, Planet Loser and more are also on the agenda.
Seminole Heights’ American Legion hosts Jeremy Gloff’s Tampa prom for adults
Hands above the waist, motherfucker.
Roger Stone to address College Republicans group in Central Florida this weekend
Will he show off the tattoo?
Sparkman Wharf’s Gallito Taqueria in Tampa is offering $1 off tacos every Tuesday
More money for beer.
Tampa sends Jason McNeil to compete on ‘American Ninja Warrior Junior’
The 9-year-old’s episode airs on April 6.
This Saturday these Tampa Bay BurgerFi locations are doing BOGO burgers
$1 cheeseburgers and free custard for kids? Say no more.
Lakeland’s new live music venue Union Hall aims to open by the end of April
A grand opening is tentatively set for May 24.
World-traveling Swingles vocal group to serenade Tampa’s Straz Center
Hope they come Bach soon.
New sushi spot Sekushi on the Beach opens in Clearwater tomorrow
Soft opening begins at 4 p.m.
Tampa’s Sunset Music Festival 2019 adds Illenium, Zedd, Tchami to lineup
Skrillex side project Dog Blood is already on the bill.
St. Pete Umami Sushi Hibachi will celebrate grand opening later this month
Sake shots all around.
Snarky Puppy announces September concert at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall
Tickets go on sale April 5.
Tampa Bay Applebee’s locations are serving up $1 strawberry margaritas all month long
Did we mention they come with a Twizzlers straw?
Here’s how to score $25 tickets for Grammy-winning ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ in Tampa
The show opens at the Straz Center on April 9.
Tampa Bay’s Nothing Bundt Cakes locations are giving away free cakes next week
They’re celebrating their 300th location with 300 seconds of free cakes.
SeaWorld Orlando is now a certified autism center
SeaWorld now joins Aquatica and Discovery Cove as the first family of parks in the country to carry this accreditation.
Indie-pop band AJR cancels Tampa performance at USF Bullstock
The group is still scheduled to play the Yuengling Center on November 9.
Jawbreaker, Jawbox booked to play Fest 18 in Gainesville
Still no Pre-Fest in Ybor City though.
An adult-only Beauty and the Beast bar might be headed to Disney World
Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious. Don’t believe me, ask the dishes.
Women in Florida prisons are struggling to get basic hygiene products
Advocates say guards sometimes deny requests for pads as a way of punishing or humiliating women behind bars.
Florida officials will allow Trulieve to open 23 new medical marijuana dispensaries
Under the agreement, Trulieve is allowed to have a total of 49 dispensaries.
Drag ballet is coming to the Straz Center this Friday
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo present a loving and laughable tribute to tradition.
Climate group Extinction Rebellion will protest at Tampa, St. Petersburg city halls
A week of activity starts on April 15.
Your annual reminder that Publix never really got out of politics
Publix is the largest financial provider to the Florida Retail Federation, which has never stopped giving cash to local politicians.
Tampa Bay Tijuana Flats locations are celebrating National Burrito Day this Thursday
Get a fat burrito, chips and a drink for $5.99.
The Florida Aquarium will soon debut new interactive experience ‘Moon Bay’
Guests will be invited to touch moon jellies in the new exhibit.
Tampa contemporary exhibition space, Coco Hunday, is looking for new artists for upcoming show
All entries will be accepted.
Buddy Brew is now offering oat milk in all espresso drinks
Plant-based coffee addicts, this is your time.
Stoneman Douglas shooting survivor Cameron Kasky speaks in St. Pete
The 18-year-old talked about taking a different route on gun control advocacy.
Datz Dough created an exclusive mayo ‘treat’ for April Fools’ Day
This one is particularly cruel.
Ron DeSantis suspends fees, penalties for SunPass users
The Florida Department of Transportation announced the penalty on Friday.
Clearwater’s historic Capitol Theatre gets a longer, sorta-new name
You can probably still call it ‘The Cap.’
Human Rights Campaign gives four Tampa Bay companies perfect LGBTQ equality scores
Three key criteria were considered.
New study says Florida is the 11th most stressed state
Yup, it’s a WalletHub report.
Love, Confidential: I think my boyfriend wants to be a girl
Communication is the key.
Tampa Bay Lightning go down fighting in 6-3 loss to Capitals at Amalie Arena
Bolts defenseman Victor Hedman also left the game with an upper-body injury.
Punch Brothers deliver intoxicating, emotive set at Capitol Theatre in Clearwater
A lucky crowd drank it all in.
St. Petersburg wine shop Winesmith is closing Saturday
Get your final sips in from noon-6 p.m.
Steven Currall will be the next president of USF
The state’s Board of Governors backed the trustees’ choice in a vote on Thursday.
Tampa Bay’s underground music scene stages two climate change benefit shows this weekend
The gigs are happening in St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Politically charged SoCal punk band Swingin’ Utters drops into Tampa Orpheum Ybor City
“When sexism, racism and nationalism is the agenda… it’s time to speak up.”
Florida Björkestra to revive Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush tribute at St. Petersburg Palladium Theater
Ronnie Dee and Whitney James are back, too.
Queens hardcore band Sick Of It All brings ‘That Crazy White Boy Shit’ to Tampa’s Crowbar Ybor City
Iron Reagan opens the show.
Tampa Bay gets Grammy-nominated gospel when Jonathan McReynolds plays Orpheum Ybor City
Get blessed on a Tuesday.
The Bends exhibits latest pieces by local artist John Gascot in St. Petersburg
This isn’t your average Sunday School experience.
St. Petersburg’s freeFall Theatre producing ‘Crumbs from the Table of Joy’ through April 14
The play is by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.
Rauw Alejandro, El Gran Combo bring Puerto Rican music to Tampa Bay this weekend
Latin trap and son Boricua on deck.
St. Paul & the Broken Bones will play WMNF’s 40th anniversary party
St. Petersburg Coliseum hosts on September 14.
Republicans are trying to make it harder to put amendments on Florida ballots
The proposal comes after voters approved 11 constitutional amendments.
Illegally owned zebra shot and killed after escaping Florida man’s home
Yes, you can legally own a zebra in Florida.
Give blood, get a free breakfast buffet at Clearwater Masonic Lodge
If you can’t do the needle, pay $7.
Big & Rich concert will christen Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa’s new parking garage
The show happens on April 25.
Everything worth checking out at tonight’s glassy gallery hop in St. Pete
This is your chance to cram as much glass art as humanly possible into a two-and-a-half-hour window.
A ticket to Taste at The Straz next weekend guarantees unlimited food and booze
50+ vendors, 13 microbreweries and live music.
Gavin DeGraw will headline a free concert in downtown Tampa next weekend
The pop pianist plays Curtis Hixon Park on April 6.
Eighties star Howard Jones announces July 21 show at Ferg’s St. Petersburg
Men Without Hats and All Hail The Silence open the show.
Florida Republicans now want to limit how much THC is in medical marijuana
You can only smoke till you pass out, Ray.
A Sarasota non-profit used a fake veterans’ charity to scam over $6.5 million, says new lawsuit
People thought they were sending care packages to troops.
A new state-of-the-art health center for the LGBTQ+ community is coming to Tampa in 2020
Metro Inclusive Health and CAN Community Health will transform the old German American Club building.
Ivy Alex, Urbane Cowboys lead this week’s best Tampa Bay concerts and live music
The greatest hits for March 28-April 3.
Mastry’s Brewing Co. offering limited blue beer in honor of Rays’ Opening Day
Blue raspberry Berliner is being poured while supplies last.
Tampa’s next food hall NoHo Junction will open next month
Food halls are the new black.
Just let the St. Pete movie rat live its life
Movies are expensive these days.
Sad dubstep boy Ray Volpe leads Tampa Bay’s EDM concert weekend
Timmy Trumpet is in town, too.
Tracy Byrd, Justin Moore playing Tampa Bay country music concerts this weekend
One’s close to home, the other is not.
Collie Buddz brings ganja love to Jannus Live St. Petersburg
Badda Skat opens on March 29.
Director Skizz Cyzyk to attend Florida premiere of Fred Lane doc ‘Icepick To the Moon’
It screens at the University of Tampa.
Stand-up benefit show brings the funny to Ybor City Saturday night
The show benefits local comedian Clark Brooks, who has racked up some not-very-funny medical expenses this year.
Tampa’s monthly Coppertail Night Market has moved to Thursdays
Every first Thursday, beginning April 4.
7venth Sun Brewing named among top 50 fastest growing U.S. craft breweries
Dunedin, represent.
The NRA contacted an InfoWars contributor to spread conspiracy theories about the Parkland school shooting
The InfoWars contributor is a prominent Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist.
Florida lawmaker files historic bill to make Puerto Rico the country’s 51st state
Can’t be a colony forever.
Disney finally bans smoking and vaping in all of its theme parks
It’s hard out here for a vape.
Tampa Hip-Hop Architecture Camp seeks underwriters
You can pitch in for the innovative initiative on April 6.
West Tampa’s first brewery, Bay Cannon Beer Co., will open in May
It’s the first one since 1936.
Jane Castor nabs Tampa mayoral endorsement from Equality Florida
Human Rights Campaign also jumped in for Jane.
Chris Thile, Punch Brothers bring Grammy-winning ‘All Ashore’ to Tampa Bay
CL interviewed Thile ahead of the show at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre.
Tampa’s Sweetwater Organic Community Farm finds new life in new management
The community supported agricultural institution has reached a deal to continue.
Trump is a man surrounded by smoke shouting that there’s never been a fire
INFORMED DISSENT: The Mueller Report is out, but does it sound like vindication to you?
A walking food tour is the best way to explore Dunedin’s eclectic food scene
Fried fish, booze and a few underwhelming encounters.
New tiki bar Pink Pineapple will open in Seminole Heights this summer
Things are getting beachy in Tampa’s hippest neighborhood.
Tampa artist Doug Sutherland brings the weird, the timely and the timeless to HCC Ybor
By fusing Renaissance art with new technology, Sutherland creates 3D printed sculptures that are both timeless and timely.
It’s Bard-y time at Jobsite Theater’s excellent ‘Shakespeare (Abridged)’
The revamped production is smart, spastic, campy fun.






