

Korean grocery chain H Mart to open first Florida location in Orlando
H Mart is the biggest Asian supermarket chain in the country, with nearly 100 stores.
Florida Senate committee votes to ban ballot drop boxes, despite no evidence of widespread election fraud
“I am all about staying ahead of whatever problems could develop,” Baxley said.
Caddy’s on Madeira Beach officially opened today, just in time for spring break
It’s the sixth location for the local chain.
Nikki Fried suspects Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis contracted COVID-19 in November
‘It’s just a personal hunch.’
Controversial bill limiting Florida’s Bright Futures program to majors that ‘lead directly to employment’ put on hold
“There’s no useless degrees. But there should be a way to wire hire-ability into this, because people need to make a living,” Baxley said.
Florida bill that would limit pot potency is one step closer to becoming law
“Doctors and patients are taking advantage of our medical marijuana program to do two things — to get rich and get high, period,” Roach told the House panel.
New downtown Tampa nightclub Eden opening in former Franklin Manor spot
Though the owners won’t tell us when.
A ‘Ratatouille’ ride and a rat-themed restaurant will open at Walt Disney World in October
The ride has been in the works for quite a while, but construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CVS expands vaccination effort in Florida, adding 76 more locations
With each location offering between 100 and 200 shots per day, pharmacies are making “a huge difference.”
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody sues Biden Administration over recent immigration moves
“The Biden administration’s actions will allow criminal aliens to be released into and move freely in the state of Florida…”
The Bucs gave Chris Godwin the franchise-tag, but what will they do with… everybody else
Gronk, Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David, and Ndamokung Suh are all key free agents the Bucs either need to re-sign or replace.
Company behind Florida’s $78 million unemployment system says it’s not to blame
“The site you delivered, I don’t think was that great, I don’t think was ready, I don’t think was battle-tested,” Pizzo said.
Florida House backs bipartisan bill to spend $100 million a year on sea-level rise projects
“We can’t wait any longer.”
Florida will begin vaccinating people 60 years and older starting next week
The change will take effect March 15 and was announced after more than 2.64 million people ages 65 and older have been vaccinated.
Florida could reinstate ex-felons’ right to bear arms under new proposed bill
FRRC has already had great success in restoring a major right to returning citizens: the right to vote.
Food Network is filming ‘Restaurant Impossible’ at Mr. B’s in Ybor Heights
The local favorite is closed until March 11 to accommodate.
New vegan spot Gaia Donuts opens next week in Seminole Heights
Super healthy treats for the masses.
CDC says fully vaccinated people can now rage indoors together without masks
However, that doesn’t mean local ordinances have changed.
‘We’re getting things done’: Florida Gov. DeSantis touts January tax revenue
Gov. Ron DeSantis was quick Friday to highlight the improved revenue numbers.
Despite a smooth 2020 election, Florida GOP will look to restrict vote-by-mail this week
“This is clearly going to reduce vote-by-mail in Democratic counties. … And so, I can’t support this.”
Nikki Fried blasts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for ‘pay to play’ vaccine distribution
Fried wants feds to look, but notes Governor ‘up for reelection’.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to drop vaccine age this month
“We’ve done millions of seniors, I think we’re gonna hit 60% soon,” DeSantis said. “It’s really exciting, we’re really leading the way.”
Tampa rooftop bar Sal Y Mar is offering 40% off wine for International Woman’s Day
Good vibes and good libations.
St. Pete’s Old Key West Bar and Grill is auctioning off its collectibles
1960’s bird and naked lady paint by numbers art and other amazing collectibles are on the line.
Black-owned soft serve ice cream truck Sweet Mama’s (re)opens in Tampa this weekend
UPDATE: The truck is closed until further notice.
Drummer Blaque Dynamite brings masterclass and concert to Ybor City on Sunday
The experimental artist, with roots in jazz and hip-hop, at The Bricks along with a stacked local lineup.
Kansas City blues firebrand Samantha Fish returns to St. Petersburg on Saturday
The 32-year-old guitarist and songwriter is no stranger to the Bay area.
Robert Plant and Zac Brown songwriter Darrell Scott plays Saturday concert in Safety Harbor
He also wrote ‘It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.’
‘Communion After Dark’ 13-year anniversary brings Ybor City Castle vibes online
The celebration stream happens on Saturday.
St. Pete’s VFW Post 39 is back and hosting a Johnny Cash tribute on Saturday
Rockabilly and more for the Man in Black.
Eight concerts and live music events happening in Tampa Bay this weekend
Including one happening online.
Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel announces new general manager and executive chef
The 137-room boutique hotel has a couple “new”-ish faces.
From diners to fine dining, FMoPA showcases Tampa Bay’s essential restaurant workers
‘Chef’s Special’ opens March 5 and runs through April 11.
Oracle of Ybor: Trying to buy a ‘goddamn affordable’ house in Tampa Bay, and seeking long-term relationships
You did not survive a plague to settle for some schmuck.
‘Ron DeSantis’ administration reeks of corruption’: Democrats call for investigations after vaccines linked to donations
“The fact pattern is simply just too clear to avoid. Give campaign-contribution big dollars, and get special access to vaccines, ahead of seniors and ahead of our teachers.”
Owners of Seminole Heights’ Ebisu Sushi opening new Japanese concept in downtown Tampa
It’ll be at the new Hyatt House and Hyatt Place across from city hall.
A Friday Ybor City concert explores Tampa Bay’s hip-hop scene
Healthy Phoenix brings DJ Qeys and friends to Crowbar.
Before Suwannee stop, jam band favorite Keller Williams plays St. Petersburg on Friday
Jannus Live recently released 60 individual balcony tickets.
Florida Republicans want public schools to teach the ‘horrors’ of communist and socialist governments
Others pressed Zika on whether the bill is needed for Florida civics education and whether the information is covered in other public school curriculums.
After another wealthy Florida community receives vaccines, Nikki Fried calls for FBI investigation
The Democrat said Ron DeSantis allowed inoculations to roll out with no plan.
Straz Center celebrates ‘Lights On Tampa’ with free Friday concert on the downtown Riverwalk
The concert features a stacked local bill.
The Nest, a hidden French cuisine restaurant at Caracara, opening soon in Dunedin
The 30-35 seat space is attached through the bathroom hallway.
Tampa Bay Lightning opening Amalie Arena to 3,800 fans
Hockey fans can still catch 18 more games in Tampa.
Proposed Florida bill would allow out-of-state students to get in-state tuition if their grandparents live here
“In these crazy times we live in, what is the definition of a grandparent, and how far do we expand that?” asked Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach.
Creative Loafing Events 2021
Tampa Bay Burger Week November 4th – 14th, 2021 For more information on 2021 & 2022 events, including participation and sponsorship information, please contact Alexis at alexis@cltampa.com
Florida CVS pharmacies will begin vaccinating teachers and school employees regardless of age
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program — in which CVS is a participant — updated its vaccination eligibility guidelines following a March 2 directive.
The Tampa Bay Bucs pick pass rusher Azeez Ojulari in our 2021 mock NFL draft
Plus, predictions for the 31 picks before Tampa Bay.
Downtown Tampa’s new Izakaya concept, a new food hall in South St. Pete plus more local foodie news
Buddy Brew is also coming to Tampa Heights, and there’s a hidden gem headed to that new double Hyatt concept.
Investigators want Creative Loafing Tampa Bay to share information about protesters, here’s why we won’t
A freelance photographer has been subpoenaed by the state attorney.
Savage Love: Your husband’s sexts to his first cousin aren’t considered incest
And they probably aren’t the worst case scenario for your sex-averse marriage either.
‘Sesame Street’ meets ‘The Exorcist’ when ‘Hand to God’ at Straz Center welcomes back in-person theater
The latest at Jobsite announces in capital letters that we are in deep shit.
Tampa Jobsite Theater’s ‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992’ is entertaining as hell, and hard to watch in the best way
Anna Deavere Smith’s riveting script asks more questions than it has answers.
‘Squad’ member Ayanna Pressley wants a federal job guarantee—here’s what that could mean for Tampa Bay
Sarasota professor Dr. Mark Paul weighs in.
Tampa City Council will now wait until May to hear hear yet another revision to police Citizens Review Board
Council heard more than two hours of public comment during the workshop.
Florida Supreme Court’s All For Transportation tax ruling is a ‘devastating blow’ to pro-transit voters
The court struck down a voter-approved one-cent transportation tax for Hillsborough County.
Antonio Brown’s ‘Barbershop Book Club’ continues to push St. Petersburg youth towards excellence
He’s been giving away books for nearly half a decade.
John Morgan now has a ‘meat sweatsuit’
Arby’s sent him the suit after he asked, “How the fuck do they stay in business?”
Florida will allow Nestle to continue bottling 1 million gallons a day of spring water for just $115
Nestle plans to expand output of the plant by updating one old production line and adding two new production lines over the next five years, the life of the permit.
St. Pete Beach restaurant giving away a free burger to anyone named Karen
The offer stands until March 12.
St. Pete Beach named country’s best beach by TripAdvisor
So, did St. Pete Beach earn its high ranking because of Floribama Shore?
The St. Pete Free Fridge now open outside of Central Avenue’s Bandit Coffee
The community project provides mutual aid for those in need.






