Playing words in Songs for the Deaf
USF professor John Henry Fleming invents modern American tall tales in his first book of short stories.
The spectacle of a literary death match — Lucha Libro at Cafe Hey
A new breed of loquacious roughhousing makes its way from Peru to Cafe Hey.
7 best places to be naked in Florida this summer
A list of the top nude beaches and naturist hangouts in Florida.
7 sexiest events in Florida this summer
Sexy parties you don’t want to miss this summer.
Ballyhoo, Vampire lesbians, a Chinese buyout of Florida — a look at Jobsite’s 2014-15 season
A rundown of next season’s offerings from the Straz’s resident theater company.
Mitch Perry Report 5.9.14: Could new Benghazi hearings lead House GOP to the “I” word?
After she took over as Speaker of the House in 2007, Nancy Pelosi alienated many progressives when she repeated that "impeachment was off the table." The question continued to dog her into 2008, after Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced a single article of impeachment against President Bush, accusing him of deceiving Congress to authorize the invasion…
The juice is loose
Kimberly DeFalco Swami Juice proprietors Kim Dionisio (holding son Peyton), Kelly Koleos and Kerry Hanan. Swami Juice, Tampa’s newest juice venue, joined the region’s growing cold-pressed, organic juice scene on April 26. Sisters Kim Dionisio and Kelly Koleos and their business partner Kerry Hanan, who are all yogis, run the shop at 2832 S. MacDill Ave. In…
Between two QUAIDS gives an inside view of an upstart art group
Young Arts Collective Members Rigorously Examine Each Others’ Navels (Metaphorically Speaking).
Do This: Craftology
Eat, drink and be merry at a fundraiser for Glazer.
Lela Lilyquist’s quest to help the less fortunate in Hillsborough County takes a new turn
Lela Lilyquist is not your average political candidate. For one thing, she's more intense than most people you'll ever come across. The Brandon-based homeless provider and health store owner is on a mission to help the less fortunate in Hillsborough County. She says she was calling out the problems with the county's Homeless Recovery Program…
Demystifying the steamy Allie Haze
The Penthouse Pet on playing an X-rated Princess Leia, cheerleading, her bulldogs, and how she got into porn to meet women
Buckhorn says HART could be main transportation agency in Hillsborough, but not quite yet
In his first couple of years in office, Bob Buckhorn didn't have too much to do about one of his city's greatest problems: transportation. While the Hillsborough County Commission dithered and did nothing in the aftermath of the 2010 transit tax failure, the mayor tried to rally Hillsborough state lawmakers to get behind a plan…
Border garde: Noelle Mason’s Transliminal at HCC-Ybor
Noelle Mason’s show at HCC-Ybor takes the viewer on a psychologically armed and loaded trip to the U.S.-Mexican border.
Mitch Perry Report 5.8.14: Charlie Crist says he may go to Cuba. And..?
You had to know that when the Times' Adam C. Smith posted early Wednesday morning that Charlie Crist was considering a visit to Cuba that it would drive the day's news cycle for those covering the gubernatorial race, with predictable howls of protest from Crist critics and uncomfortable no-comments from some Democrats. But is expressing support for ending…
The professor is in: An interview with Melissa Harris-Perry
Melissa Harris-Perry bears the distinction of being the only tenured professor with her own cable news talk show. Harris-Perry, 40, is in a great place in her life — she’s been on the air with her eponymously titled MSNBC show over two years now, is about to transition from Tulane University to a teaching job…
The remaking of Tampa’s Riverfront Park begins
Although virtually everyone is familiar with Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, surprisingly few know about Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, located north of the University of Tampa campus, on the western side of the Hillsborough River. But people in the immediate West Tampa neighborhood are quite familiar with the 23-acre park built in 1977 that…
Local actor Eugenie Bondurant to play Tigris in Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Tampa Bay has seen Eugenie Bondurant in many guises. She’s the imperially tall chanteuse who sings the Great American Songbook with husband Paul Wilborn in gigs at American Stage and The Palladium. She co-founded the Radio Theatre Project, and teaches acting at Patel. Bondurant completists might have caught her in small roles on TV series…
Taste of Pinellas returns
The local food festival gets updated and reacquainted with downtown St. Petersburg.
Restaurant review: Six Tables Tampa
This deceptively low-key restaurant offers complex cuisine in simple environs.
Dine in on Mother’s Day and treat mom to this elegant meal: Poached Eggs on Ciabatta with Pancetta, Arugula and Romesco Sauce
Save yourself the hour-plus wait for a table at brunch this weekend.
Charlie Crist “goes there”- says racial animus towards Obama led him to GOP
In an interview Tuesday night on the Fusion network, Charlie Crist said a “big reason” why he left the Republican Party was because many in the GOP were hostile to President Obama due to his race. Speaking with Fusion’s Jorge Ramos that he felt uncomfortable with his previous party affiliation, Crist said that Republicans these…
Ben Pollara says “Charlotte’s Web” bill doesn’t go far enough for Florida medical marijuana
According to North Florida House Republican Matt Gaetz, Floridians have no need to vote on Amendment 2, the medical marijuana initiative, this November, since the Legislature passed a bill last week which legalizes the use of non-euphoric cannabis to treat a number of adult and childhood diseases. “I hope passage of the Compassionate Medical Cannabis…
Mitch Perry Report 5.7.14 – Will House Democrats participate in latest Benghazi investigation?
With Monica Lewinsky back in the news this week, let's all go back to 1998, shall we? Actually, I'd rather not. But none other than George Will brought up that specter yesterday on Fox News, when he said that congressional Republicans run the risk of turning off independents and the middle of the country if…
Theater review: A Few Good Men
Stageworks’ production ably handles its truths.
Theater review: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
A strong cast powers Tampa Rep’s blazing production.
Stageworks and Tampa Rep announce 2014-15 seasons
Stageworks and Tampa Rep — two companies with strong productions currently on view — have announced what’s in store for 2014-15. The prospects are intriguing. Karla Hartley is a woman of many talents, and many of them are on display in her accomplished staging of Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men, through May 18 at Stageworks’ Channel…
New climate report spells trouble for the Tampa Bay area
Although not exactly a major surprise, the gravity of the deleterious effects that climate change may cause in Florida have never been depicted as stark as in the section of the National Climate Assessment report issued this morning regarding the Southeastern U.S. The report was produced by a large scientific panel overseen by the government.…
Concert review: Bruce Springsteen at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa
What better way to spend a warm spring evening than amidst 20,000 fans waiting to be treated to one of the greatest rock shows on the road right now: Bruce Springsteen's high energy "High Hopes" world tour, which is wowing audiences and winning over new converts and pleasing the older die-hards worldwide. That was the…
Tampa rolls out free WI-Fi in downtown parks
Thanks to Bright House Networks, the city of Tampa will soon be offering free wireless connectivity along the entire length of the Tampa Riverwalk. That includes all of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, as well as Cotanchobee Park behind the Tampa Bay Times Forum to the south, and up to the soon-to-be-completed Water Works Park to the…
New Music Tuesday! (May 6): Lily Allen, tUnE-yArDs, Lykki Li, Lil Wayne & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included
And here’s the trailer for the Gotham TV show
Want to know what happened in Gotham before the rise of the supers?
Do This: Give Day Tampa Bay
Show the rest of the world Tampa Bay/St. Pete is a philanthropic force to be reckoned with!
Mark Nash says he should be the Democratic choice in the Hillsborough District 7 race
Mark Nash wants to make one thing perfectly clear. "Nobody has any ownership of this seat." That seat is the Hillsborough County Commission Democratic primary District 7 nomination that he officially announced his candidacy for late last week. It came a few weeks after Pat Kemp became the first member of the party in months…
Mitch Perry Report 5.6.14: In Miami, no sleep for Brooklyn
Let me begin by wishing a happy birthday to Willie Mays, who turns 83 today. I only got to see the "Say Hey Kid" in the twilight of his career, with the image sadly etched in my mind of his befuddled performance in centerfield during a 1973 World Series game in Oakland when he was…
Seasons’ sweet additions
Seasons 52 has unveiled its new mini dessert lineup.
The Well-Played List, Monday 5/5 Edition: Jack White, Ages and Ages, Lucinda Williams & more
The most listened-to music this week as submitted by the CL Music Team & a rotating crew of tastemakers
Florida Dems slam Scott “victory tour” before it even begins
Rick Scott is scheduled to tour in major cities across the state this week, beginning tomorrow at a Honda dealership in Brandon. It's all part of his campaign to tout his successes during the just-completed legislative session, which included his number one goal — a $400 million tax cut for Florida motorists who will save…
At HART meeting, more talk on the meaning of the agency itself
After years of increases in ridership, CFO Jeff Seward said at a Hillsborough Area Regional Transit board meeting today that ridership has begun to "plateau" as he offered up his preview of the transit agency's FY2015 budget. That led to what is often a frequent discussion at such meetings — the true meaning of what…
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
Chelsea Handler is the biggest name in a weekend full of comedy in Tampa Bay.
New poll shows medical marijuana in Florida winning by 78 percentage points
Mel Sembler has his work cut out for himself. The St. Petersburg-based major Republican fundraiser and anti-drug advocate has coughed up $100,000 to establish Drug Free Florida, a political action committee dedicated to defeating a FL constitutional amendment that would allow pot use for debilitating conditions. The group is definitely working at a bit of a…
Mitch Perry Report 5.5.14: GOP poised to repeat 2010 success at the polls nationally?
Will 2014 be a GOP wave election à la 2010? It's still too early to say, half a year from this year's midterm elections — but actions locally and across the country aren't boding so well for Democrats on this Cinco de Mayo. A nationwide USA Today/Pew Research Center Poll out today shows the strongest tilt…
Concert review: The Mavericks ride into the Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
A look back at the Wed., April 30 show with photos
Joel McHale goes off on 2016 candidates at WHCD
The annual White House Correspondence Dinner (WHCD) was held on Saturday night in the nation's capitol, with the Hollywood-Washington audience groaning nearly as much as they were laughing at Joel McHale's blistering set. That's probably because his material was a wee bit too uncomfortable for many in the room, since his jokes were aimed directly…
Review: Big Guava Music Festival, Day 2 (Saturday) with Vampire Weekend, Haim & more
Despite the threat of torrential downpour constantly looming overhead, Saturday at Big Guava proved that Tampa maybe, just maybe, can hang as a go-to city for a big name music fest. Ponchos out in full force and music emanating from four wildly different stages, the day progressed untroubled as big name acts like Haim, Tegan…
Concert review: Mogwai at The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City
A review of the Wed., April 30 show.
M. Ward hits St. Petersburg with sweet and spirited serenades
A look back at the Thurs., May 1 show at State Theatre, with photos.
Immigration activists in Tampa call for the end of deportations
Shouting, "ICE, detentions, stop the deportations," a group of around 30 immigration activists marched along several blocks of 7th Avenue in Ybor City on Saturday afternoon, protesting against deportations of undocumented immigrants by the Department of Immigration and Customers Enforcement, as well as calling for the state to provide drivers licenses for such immigrants. Within…
Concert review: Big Guava Music Festival, Day 1 (Friday) with Outkast & others
A look back at Big Guava’s first day; photos included.
Green Iguana wins Burger Showdown’s Best Burger in the Bay
Other eateries walked away with titles like Best Use of Bacon and Bring the Heat.
Bi and bi
Trans attraction, long-distance relationships and how bi is bi?
Friday WTF: The Uro Golf Club — a golf club for peeing into
Guys, how many times has this happened to you: You're on the sixth hole at the golf course, 100 yards from the pin and smack-dab in the middle of the fairway, when suddenly, out of nowhere, you're overcome by an overwhelming need to relieve yourself. Do you risk a distracted swing that might cost you…
Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith lands major role in Terminator: Genesis
Terminating is cool.
Do This: This weekend’s best (*weather permitting)
Rain or shine — it’s a big event weekend with Big Guava Fest, Cinco de Mayo, Free Comic Book Day, May the Fourth Be With You parties and more.
Free Comic Book Day welcomes Coliseum of Comics to the area and more
Get your geek on for free this weekend.
¡Ándale! It’s Cinco de Mayo!
Family fun and muchas cervezas are on tap today.
The DCCC finds a candidate to oppose David Jolly in CD13 this fall
It hasn't been very attractive, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) apparently has found a candidate at the last hour to run in the CD13 race vs. just-elected Republican David Jolly in November. He's Ed Jany Jr., who's got several pluses and a few minuses as he enters into what for him will be…
Willie Nelson’s tour bus is for sale on Craigslist
You can own this crazy Western-themed touring coach that once served as rolling home to Willie Nelson and his stash.
Photo review: Santana at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
A look back in photos at the concert featuring Latin blues rock heavyweight vets Santana on Tues., April 29 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tracy May Carlos Santana Slideshow after the jump… Slideshow below.
The Hip Hop ABCs: Letter N
The alphabetical rap battles continue… this week: Notorious B.I.G., or Nas?
Mitch Perry Report 5.2.14: Wins and losses in Tallahassee
Tonight will close out the 2014 Legislative session, and big events took place yesterday in Tallahassee. The Florida Senate approved House Bill 851, a bill that would dramatically expand college access for undocumented students who grew up in the state and graduated from local high schools. The bill now goes back to the House today…
Mayor Kriseman announces the last, best process to restore the Pier
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced a plan today that ultimately will lead to the creation of a new St. Petersburg Pier by 2017. Speaking in Spa Park near the iconic structure, the mayor unveiled the concrete plan he promised throughout the 2013 mayoral campaign. It calls for substantial input from the public at large,…
Movie Review: The only so-so Spider-Man 2
The second Amazing Spider-Man is a marginal improvement.
Thursday’s most awesome thing: The Mega Plush (VIDEO)
In director Matt Burniston's Vimeo Staff Pick short-film series The Mega Plush, a group of stuffed-animal vigilantes takes on the corrupt ranks of the city's sock monkey police. Yes, you read that right, and it's just as awesome as it sounds. Don't share with your kids, as these plushies are strapped and violent and pretty…
My favorite Bob Hoskins role
A look back at his Best Actor-nominated role in the 1986 noir drama.
The Sunscreen Film Festival: Apply liberally
The Sunscreen Film Festival has it made in the St. Pete shade.
And here’s the trailer for the Simpsons Lego episode (VIDEO)
The Simpsons is finally pushing boundaries again, with a tie-in with America’s favorite non-American building blocks.
Dark & Sinful: Not ready to Mingle
When Grandma tells me, again, to get on Christian Mingle, she says she’s got the whole church praying on it. Not about it. On it. Like they’re on top of it. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” marching-on-to-war on top of it. They’ll get it done by prayer or pew or Wednesday night Bible study in the multipurpose…
Poet’s Notebook: Wipeout
And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the ground, man and beast and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that…
This old mansion
Chris Wescott boldly undertook the restoration of the Cade Allen Mansion without knowing about the bees. Neglected for decades, this 5,000-square-foot stone-clad residence stood at the entry of the Allendale neighborhood in St. Petersburg. Although Wescott had remodeled several other residential properties, including some in Old Northeast, he’d never taken on an historic project of…
A Q&A with Shawn Wayans — the comedian gets some Fun ‘n’ Sun in Clearwater this weekend
The second youngest Wayans brother is headlining Laughs and Draughts at Coachman Park this Saturday.
Photo review: Lana Del Rey reigns at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando
Tracy May Lana Del Rey It's a Monday evening at Hard Rock Live, Orlando, and I’m surrounded by scores of beautiful young women wearing flower crowns, white dresses, Capri pants, cut-offs — virtually every outfit you may have seen Lana Del Rey wearing at any given point is on display in this crowd. The scene…
Eric Lynn the latest Democrat NOT to run in CD13 race
Eric Lynn, rumored to be considering a run for the CD13 Democratic nomination, will not do so, he announced in a statement this morning. "I am truly honored by the numerous people from across Pinellas who have reached out to urge me to run for Congress in November, though after much consideration, I remain committed…
New ad takes Duke Energy to task for failure to do more solar power
Activists in St. Petersburg have been attempting to draw attention to Duke Energy's record so far in Florida of not offering much of any forms of alternative energy sources to their customer base. A television ad now airing in Orlando and in Charlotte, North Carolina (where Duke is based) takes the energy company to task…
Pat Kemp raises enthusiasm level for Hillsborough Democrats
For many Hillsborough County Democrats, the news that Mary Mulhern was dropping out of the District 7 County Commission seat earlier this year was sadly par for the course. Hillsborough Democrats have been ridiculed in recent years for not only being noncompetitive in several county commission and legislative races, but sometimes fail even to even…
10 must-see acts at the inaugural Big Guava Music Festival, from Outkast to HAIM
Uncertain about what acts to prioritize at this weekend’s fest? Here’s 10 you shouldn’t miss; Spotify playlist included.
Movie Review: hard to love thy Neighbors
Sophomoric Rogen-Efron team-up can be hilariously stupid but is more dumb than funny.
Joey Redner isn’t celebrating the demise of Kelli Stargell’s craft beer bill just yet
Critics of the craft beer bill passed in the Florida Senate on Tuesday are expressing some relief that its prospects in the House appear dubious with three days left in the regular session. House Speaker Will Weatherford said it would take a two-thirds vote of the House (which means roughly 80 members) to bring the…
The Grecian Urns announce reunion show, re-release debut LP
The BOTB-winning folk-pop outfit return for a show in May.
