Green Community Calendar weekend events
Moonlight hike, marine science lecture, vegetable and planting workshops and farmers markets!
10/100/1000: Submit your project by 5 p.m. today — and vote!
Photo by Todd Bates Carissa Caricato of Hoola for Happiness, a 10/100/1000 finalist in 2011. What's your big idea? Or more to the point, where's your big idea? The deadline for submissions to the 10/100/1000 Challenge is today, April 5, at 5 p.m. That means you've only got till the end of the business day…
Third Annual EcoFest
The 3rd Annual EcoFest will be held on April 14 from 9:00am – 3:00pm at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz.
Pew poll says majority of GOP tired of Trayvon Martin coverage
Florida Democrat Chris Smith Fort Lauderdale-based Democratic state Senator Chris Smith says he's weary of waiting for Governor Scott's task force to act, so he's convening his own task force on Florida's controversial Stand Your Ground law that passed overwhelmingly in the Legislature in 2005. Scott has called for Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll to lead…
This week in food and drink
Easter events, seafood and wine events and more!
Mitch Perry Report 4.4.12: Tampa’s “Clean Zone” rules debated at ACLU Forum
We're still four and a half months away from the Republican National Convention coming to Tampa, but the conditions that the city will impose on those thousands of protesters expected to demonstrate in the Cigar City are getting full attention this week. Last night the ACLU hosted a forum on the proposed ordinance announced last…
American Victory’s Relive History Cruise: Time travel at 17 knots
The SS American Victory hasn’t taken passengers for a spin in several years, so the floating museum’s March 24 Relive History Cruise brought out veterans, families and history buffs in droves for this rare opportunity. Since I’ve orchestrated lots of “living history” museum events myself and I've also gone barnstorming in a 1941 open cockpit…
Pinellas County Fair-ness hit the Trop
In St. Pete, Tropicana Field hosted the Pinellas County Fair, which opened on Wednesday, March 28. It wasn’t as big as the State Fair or Strawberry Festival, but, if you live Pinellas County and were in the mood for to eat some deep fried Oreo’s or to ride rides until you puked, it did the…
Tampa’s rules for protesters at Republican Convention take up large portion of ACLU event
Tampa City Attorney Jim Shimberg On Thursday the new rules that the city of Tampa intends to impose on those protesting at the Republican National Convention will come before the City Council for the first time. But the rules were put on trial, so to speak, on Tuesday night, at a forum hosted by the…
Buckhorn uses State of the City to praise city workers
Mike Madison Bob Buckhorn delivers his State of the City address The basic content of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn's State of the City address on Tuesday wasn't all that different from his speech to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce last month, or from many of the traditional stump deliveries he's made in front of…
Photos: Two Man Gentlemen Band at New World Brewery, Ybor City
My photos from Friday night's show featuring throwback duo Two Man Gentlemen Band with local post-jazz/metal/retro foursome Poetry n' Lotion. Poetry n' Lotion Two Man Gentlemen Band More photos after the jump…
New Music Tuesday! (April 3): Bear In Heaven, Nicki Minaj, Orbital, Jethro Tull
This week’s new releases, with lots of audio & video included
Hillsborough County MPO approves measure calling on Leg. to allow cities to hold sales tax referendums
Supporters of the light-rail concept that went down to a resounding defeat in 2010 in Hillsborough County never fail to mention that the measure actually passed in Tampa. Not that it mattered, as Florida law only allows counties to put tax referendums on the ballot. Some folks want to change that. On Tuesday, the Hillsborough…
The Gaily News: Miss Universe organizers reconsider transgender contestant
After being disqualified from competition last month, a transgender beauty queen might be able to compete in Canada's Miss Universe pageant after all. Jenna Talackova, initially named a finalist, was booted from the contest because the rules of Donald Trump's NYC-based organization say entrants must be naturally-born females. Now, organizers of the competition have said…
Obama fights back on energy in new ad
Although some political pundits will continue to talk about Rick Santorum's uphill battle for the Republican nomination, that fight is over, and now that we're into April, the general election campaign has just about begun. With gas prices continuing to stay stubbornly high, Republicans have a real live issue to attack the president with —…
Mitch Perry Report 4.3.12: Latvala questions HART, and the stunning death of a South Tampa activist
Homelessness first exploded in the U.S. nearly 25 years ago, hitting the big cities like New York and San Francisco hardest. Those cities also became the first in the country to create "Street Newspapers," publications that focused on the issues surrounding homelessness and poverty and sold by homeless people. Although homelessness had been somewhat of…
An animated conversation with Don Hertzfeldt
The award-winning animator premieres a new short at Tampa Theatre on Wed., April 4.
St. Pete-based NGO aids Nicaraguans in improving their lives
Maria Elena Bonilla & Lillian Hall with ProNica Lillian Hall has a message for Americans concerned about a GOP war on women: Come to Nicaragua and see what it's like to live in a very religious and machismo land, which also happens to be the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Hall is originally from…
Tampa Epoch publisher Bill Sharpe found dead at 59
Bill Sharpe Tampa Police are confirming that Bill Sharpe, the publisher of the South Tampa Community News and the homeless newspaper Tampa Epoch, was found dead this morning at his office in Tampa, and they say it was by suicide. The only information known at this time was that an employee found Sharpe when he…
Movie Matt-ers: The next YA blockbuster?
Plus: What are D-Box and Sony 4K?
Not Too Sweet Tea and sun tea
Honest Tea has introduced a new product to their line of organic bottled teas, Not Too Sweet Tea. It’s similar to sweet tea, but isn’t overly sweet or strong. Just think of it as Goldilock’s tea of choice. Established in 1998 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, Honest Tea’s mission is to provide and create reduced-calorie…
Madonna’s MDNA: Contrived, inauthentic — and tired?
Madonna’s unwieldy return may be one more nail in her pop-cult coffin.
Bill Clinton latest Democrat to question Florida’s Stand Your Ground law
In 1994, Republicans gained 54 seats in the midterm Congressional election — and a large part of that victory was attributed to a backlash in swing districts against gun control legislation. President Clinton had signed the Brady bill, which instituted background checks for gun purchases, in November 1993 and the assault weapons ban in September…
Juicing: no muscles required
As the temperatures continue to climb in Tampa Bay, cool, refreshing beverages become increasingly appealing and are never far from our thoughts. So, the next time you’re about to chomp on carrots, instead of reaching for a fork, how about reaching for a juicer? Juicing is the procedure of extracting juice from various fruits and…
Jack Latvala to HART board re transit merger with Pinellas: Why are you afraid of a study?
Jack Latvala Virtually from the time state Senator Jack Latvala suggested a merger of Hillsborough and Pinellas country transit agencies, the notion has been vehemently opposed by members of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). Officials with PInellas' transit agency, PSTA, have also expressed reluctance, but not with the same intensity. Now that a…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 64: Rubblebucket, Portugal.The Man, Kraftwerk + more
What the CL Music Team is listening to this Monday to rocket launch the work week
Hillsborough County School Board not ready to succumb to pressure on Islamic speakers
April Griffin With the exception of their youngest member, the Hillsborough County School Board on Friday afternoon showed that they don't have a problem with their current policy regarding guest speakers. A controversy has been provoked by some of the most notorious conservatives in the county, who have a problem with the board because the…
California Road Trip – Silicon Valley beer notes
Last week's business trip to San Jose, California, was the perfect excuse to explore new brews en route, and at my destination in Silicon Valley. Here are the highlights of my tastings and food pairings that may be of interest: Carol Dekkers 1. Cat Cora's Kitchen – Houston airport: Saint Arnold's Amber I loved this…
Mitch Perry Report 4.2.12: Hillsborough conservatives targets Islam – in the classroom
Is Tampa/Hillsborough County about to go through its own version of the "Times Square mosque?" Negative feelings about Islam among some people in the county appear to be the driving force behind some citizens' angst that a local member of the Council on Islamic Relations addressed a Hillsborough high school last year. On Friday afternoon,…
CL Movies Intern’s mind blown at Gasparilla International Film Festival
Upon arriving at the theater, I emailed my editor something along the lines of, “This is nothing like I had expected, I’m kind of freaking out.” …
Tarsem’s Mirror Mirror is a treat for the eyes
Julia Roberts stars in this weathered tale that offers a beautiful yet typical reflection.
Joe Biden says he doesn’t know where Mitt Romney has been regarding Russia
Unlike the rest of Sunday morning public affairs programming, CBS' Face the Nation has distinguished itself over the years by airing for just 30 minutes, compared to the hour-long programs on the other broadcast and cable news networks. Depending on how you feel about the amount of bloviating that goes on in the second half…
Dueling rallies in St. Pete call for justice in Trayvon Martin case
As a crowd estimated to be around 1,000 people gathered in Sanford on Saturday demanding the arrest of Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, two smaller rallies took place in St. Petersburg to call for that same action. Shortly before 11:00 a.m. across the street from the Poynter Institute…
Rasa-Lila Fest 2012 is a yoga festival for all
As yoga continues to expand its horizons throughout the United States, so does the vision for Rasa-Lila Fest. Tampa Bay’s 2nd annual community yoga festival is on March 30-31, at Camp Brorein in Odessa. Rasa-Lila Fest will amass sixteen yoga classes, including kids and partner yoga, seven musical acts and almost thirty workshops from some…
The movies of GIFF: select reviews
A look at select Horror films and Young Adult shorts.
The Faza Brothers’ O, Time wins CL Visions 60-Second Video Contest
From "O, Time," the grand prize finisher. It's amazing how much movie you can pack into 60 seconds. That's what the audience discovered at Friday night's awards screening for the CL Visions 60-Second Video Contest. Held at the posh Hyde Park Cinebistro as part of the Gasparilla International Film Festival, the screening featured the 25…
When life gives you a lemon, make lemonade
How to create refreshing varieties of the classic lemonade.
The Tampa Lookbook: Westfield Style Tour with Stacy London comes to Brandon!
Fashion expert Stacy London has been telling people what not to wear for years. She even stars in a TLC show about it. And this Saturday, I'll get the chance to ask her for her very honest opinion about my look. Westfield Style Tour Join me this weekend for the Westfield Style Tour at Westfield…
Mitch Perry Report 3.30.12: ACLU not pleased with Clean Zone; Obama’s big edge with women voters
Happy Friday to you all, and good riddance to the hottest March in Tampa history. Okay, "riddance" may sound a little harsh, since the temperatures will only soar higher, but well, we'd prefer not to use so much A/C in the winter, but hey, it's climate change, what are you going to do about it…
In the waiting pool: single at 30
As I sat through another of my friend's weddings this weekend, I scanned the crowd to estimate how many of the men my age were still single. From the look of things, I am becoming part of a shrinking minority. I turn 30 this year, and although I have no qualms about entering into my…
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Tex-Mex
The Bay area offers many options to satisfy your Southwestern cravings.
New Pew poll says Obama advantage among women voters over GOP is “striking”
After President Obama signed off on a Health and Human Services ruling that said that under his health care plan, Catholic institutions — including charities, hospitals and schools — would be required by law to provide and pay for insurance coverage that included contraception, some political analysts said the issue could blow up and seriously…
John Mazzello wins CL Visions Photo Contest
John Mazzello John Mazzello's prize-winning photo, "Flamingo." The winners of Creative Loafing's CL Visions Photo Contest were announced tonight in the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in downtown Tampa.John Mazzello's photo of an old trailer, a pink flamingo and a little girl — an image that evokes old-time rural Florida but was actually taken during…
Recipes from The Hunger Games
Katniss and Gale break bread in The Hunger Games Last week my wife came home and told me about The Hunger Games. “You’re hungry?” I asked. “No, The Hunger Games. It’s only the most popular movie and book out there right now!” She responded. Over the past few days I have found myself sleeping two…
ACLU not okay with some of Tampa’s “Clean Zone” rules for RNC
John Dingfelder is with the ACLU Fresh off the unveiling of Mayor Bob Buckhorn's proposed ordinance for a Clean Zone for protesters during the Republican National Convention, the ACLU will conduct a "First Amendment Forum" Tuesday night at Stetson University College of Law. A panel discussion will take place on what the 1st Amendment allows…
The Raw Story: Wrestlemania predictions
Welcome to the Wrestlemania go-home edition of The Raw Story. First, grant me these bullet points before jumping into this week’s column: • I’m changing it up this week. Instead of a recapping Raw, I thought it would be an appropriate change of pace to give my Wrestlemania 28 predictions. I guess I could have…
The Gaily News: Gulfport, St. Pete to consider domestic partnership registries
With Tampa poised to approve a domestic partnership registry for unmarried couples — both gay and straight — any day now, two Pinellas County municipalities will soon mull over similar legislation. St. Peterburg's City Council could see a similar proposal introduced as early as next week, while Gulfport City Council plans to debate a domestic…
Debbie Wasserman Schultz stands by President Obama’s “All of the above” energy strategy as GOP pounces
Speaking from the Rose Garden on Thursday, President Obama called for an end to federal subsidies for the petroleum industry, saying that members of Congress can “stand with big oil companies, or they can stand with the American people.” Shortly after he made those comments, the Senate voted down a Democratic proposal that would have…
Revel in the silky creaminess of panna cotta
Simplicity
Don’t call it a comeback – Nelson rises above Mack in latest Florida Senate poll
It's only March, but it looks like George LeMieux's relentless attacks on Connie Mack in the GOP race for U.S. Senate are benefiting Democrat Bill Nelson. How else to explain that the latest Quinnipiac poll now shows the venerable (and vulnerable) incumbent now up by 8 points over Mack, when a similar poll in January…
Mitch Perry Report 3.29.12 – Buckhorn’s rules of the road for protestors at RNC
Good morning everyone. Exactly five months from tonight, the Republican Vice Presidential nominee will be giving his or her nominating speech at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Most Republicans, especially in Florida, seem to salivate at the prospect of that speech be given by one Marco Rubio. Whether that happens or not, Rubio decided to…
CL Visions 2012: Photo Contest Finalists
The theme was time, and these photographers spent their time well.
CL Visions: The 60-second video contest finalists
Who will win the grand prize?
Pinpoint accuracy at The Avenue
The new St. Petersburg eatery aims, fires and hits.
Truth and consequences
GIFF shines a spotlight on some excellent documentaries.
The last photo album
Memories collected, in a format that’s now a memory itself.
Fishing for a new job
USF grad Joe Crouch brings his first feature to GIFF for a Tampa homecoming.
Album review: Paul Weller, Sonik Kicks
Paul Weller's never shied away from taking chances and being downright defiant. At the height of the punk era, he and his three-piece band of upstarts, The Jam, were more interested in worshiping Pete Townshend and channeling Steve Marriott. Definitely not a popular stance at that time. But his decision to head in a soul…
A fan’s eye view of The Boss
We asked for your pics of the Springsteen concert. Here’s the best one …
Every move you make
We’ve come to assume everything’s captured on video, so when it’s not…
The future of Florida’s water
Diverse voices come together at USF St. Pete to talk about the state’s most valuable resource.
Taking it to the streets: New public art muses
St. Pete and Tampa artists take their ideas outside.
Wrath and burn
Sizzling 3D fails to cover for fizzling… everything else in Wrath of the Titans.
Live and Local Spotlight: The Same
Everyone loves a reunion, so why not more of The Same? The erstwhile Clearwater band with a heavy wallop of D.C. progressive-post-punk, was an under-drinking-age sensation in the '00s. Back then, the geeky-talented musicians and longtime friends headlined packed, all-ages shows with fellow rockers Tres Bien and Disco Nap at popular live music standbys like…
Ready for Subprime time
Florida filmmaker James Repici brings his debut film to GIFF.
Going to GIFF? Don’t miss these events!
Big stars, cool movies and a rooftop drive-in?
GIFF keeps on giving
The Gasparilla International Film Festival packs over 100 features and shorts into one wild weekend.
Ryan O’Nan is the Best
Brooklyn Brothers Beat The Best is must-see GIFF programming.
A father figures
Just because your kid’s gay doesn’t mean you stop parenting.
Double dazzle at American Stage
Two must-see productions, one of which marks the return of a much-missed local star.
This weekend is the last huzzah for Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Get the lowdown on Ren Fest with videos and slideshow.
Thomas Scott now officially running for Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
Former Tampa City Council member and Hillsborough County Commissioner Thomas Scott made it official on Wednesday – he's running for Supervisor of Elections in Hillsborough County. Scott had served in public office in the above two positions from 1996 until last year, when his first term ended and he opted to run for mayor instead…
Obama Derangement Syndrome rears its ugly head in Trayvon Martin case
J. Christian Adams During the George W. Bush administration, conservatives used to complain about liberals being struck with BDS, a/ka/ Bush Derangement Syndrome, a term invented by the Washington Post's Charles Krauthammer. Liberals who would blame the former president for the 9/11 attacks, for instance, were viewed as BDS victims. Similarly, conservatives in recent years…
Buckhorn proposes new ordinance for protests during Tampa RNC
In five months the Republican National Convention will begin in Tampa, and today Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced his proposal for a new, temporary ordinance during the convention that will streamline the process for groups requesting a permit to protest during the event. The ordinance calls for a "Clean Zone" to be bordered by Rome Avenue…
Tea Party activists slam light-rail possibiity in Pinellas County
Over the past year, fervent Tea Party activists in Pinellas County began making their voices heard at the county center in Clearwater. They hammered local legislators regarding the 2012 FY budget and were successful in getting a majority of Commissioners to remove fluoride from the drinking supply last fall. Now their target is a proposal…
Japanese beverages and cherry blossoms
We may not be surrounded by cherry blossoms here like the northeast region of the U.S. is, but it’s official: spring has sprung. Living in Tampa Bay, we don’t experience changing seasons and climates, except for the transition from the “warm season” to “hot season,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the kickoff of…
Local transgender group hosts town hall meeting
After an incident of transgender discrimination that occurred on at downtown St. Petersburg's Bishop Tavern and Lounge, a town hall meeting was held last Thursday, March 22, to discuss the fact that neither Pinellas County nor Hillsborough County has a human rights ordinance that includes gender identity or expression. The meeting's primary focus was Pinellas…
Dykotomy: Growing up gay in India
Lesbian. Lezbian. Lez-beeyun. I took the longest time to say the word. Even longer to put my name in front of it. When I first caught grasp of what it meant to me, I’d mouth it ever so slowly, never letting the sound of it escape my lips for fear I might actually hear it.…
