St. Pete residents defend neighborhoods from police HQ funding
Monday's public forum in front of the St. Petersburg City Council over the funding of a future police headquarters, St. Pete's latest civic headache, brought a passionate crowd out, upset with what they felt was the misuse of the funds that should be intended for neighborhood projects. The move prompting the forum was city official's…
Best of the Day: The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation Team
The Florida Aquarium TATER TOT: Young sea turtle Tater on the operating table. Animals in the wild don't have an affordable health care plan. Their survival is often by chance — whether they're narrowly escaping a predator, manmade invasions or quite simply the elements. Tater was a victim of the latter. The juvenile Green Sea…
Mitch Perry Report 11.26.13: Florida Election officials again try to limit the franchise
Every Elections Supervisor in Florida that I've encountered in my years of reporting here has always has one overriding goal — to maximize the number of citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote in an election. That's because the job itself isn't partisan, though in Florida one has to run for the office as…
TSA protest scheduled at TIA this Wednesday evening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has never been popular since its creation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Most of that criticism involves the invasive nature of inspections at airport check-in lines. Yet overall a majority of Americans appreciate the work that TSA agents do. At least that's what a Gallup poll taken…
Rick Scott takes time out of his day to rip the Obama administration’s deal with Iran
Rick Scott doesn't often comment on foreign-policy issues, but did today regarding the major deal that President Obama and the P5+1 world powers made with Iran over the weekend that compels Tehran to limit its nuclear program in exchange for lighter economic sanctions. The Governor is giving it a thumbs-down. “President Obama’s nuclear deal with…
Despite setbacks Lightning may dominate Rangers tonight
The Lightning return home after disheartening injuries but still look promising.
Aspiring filmmakers: Check out Team Oscar 2013
One hot minute could take you to the 2014 Academy Awards.
Miley and space kitten? Discuss.
The more I think about Miley Cyrus' performance of "Wrecking Ball" at last night's American Music Awards, the more I dig it (even if reluctantly). I shuddered with mixed emotions. The power ballad is meh — like my friend Barb Morrison points out, would be a Journey song if you subbed in Steve Perry's voice…
A feast from Creative Loafing Tampa’s recipe archives
cindyjespinoza.blogspot.com Cooking a Thanksgiving meal is a daunting task. Period. Anticipation for the multi-dish feast builds up all year. It's a day when everyone gets to indulge in incredible culinary gluttony. But what recipes should you use? Certainly, you've pinned dozens by now on your Thanksgiving Pinterest board. But have you sorted through that mess…
Mitch Perry Report 11.25.13: Iran deal angers Republicans & Democrats on Capitol Hill
Plus: Immigration reform, healthcare.gov and more …
A Monday night full of jazz and theater class
This Monday night is crammed full of options — if you're a jazz lover, or theater aficionado and want to help in the continued fight against AIDS by supporting a local arts organization dedicating to awareness-raising and providing assistance to those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. Two separate jazz programs are held on…
House Republican leadership said immigration reform was dead. Now they say it isn’t
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) Regardless of how things play out for the rest of the year, the push for an immigration reform package that would provide a pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants has been a major national political story, and no issue has created more grassroots demonstrating in the Tampa…
Best of the day: Pass the Turkey ice cream at Brandon’s Revolution Ice Cream Co.
When in Brandon, do as the Brandons do and get yourself a scoop or two of Revolution Ice Cream Co., ice cream. Saturday evening, coming out of an Ikea-fueled-stupor, our car turned right onto State Road 60 instead of left. The big shopping center lights of Brandon were in sight momentarily and that meant delicious…
Do This: Merl Reagle, Gina Vivinetto’s Great American Songbook
America's most famous crossword puzzle master appears every Sunday in 45 newspapers, including CL and the Washington Post, and having been in the film wordplay, on Oprah and The Simpsons — and he's based right here in Tampa Bay. Local legend Merl Reagle takes some time from his word travels to celebrate the 100th birthday…
Kathy Castor “livid” at health care rollout, but says GOP’s refusal to expand Medicaid in Florida is worse
Congresswoman Kathy Castor with Feeding America Tampa Bay's Thomas Mantz on Friday Although President Obama has essentially been called a liar by his critics for admitting that his oft-stated comment that the Affordable Care Act would allow Americans to keep their health care plan if they liked it, he's certainly not the only Democrat who…
Best of the Day: Doctor Who 50th Anniversary
Today marks Doctor Who’s fifth decade. Celebrate with a two-hour special, a huge movie event and the fellowship of Whovians.
Back to basics
How important is sexual compatibility in a relationship?
The Gaily News: Tampa ranks high for Florida gays
According to the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, Tampa is the top Florida city for LGBT individuals. The new report ranks cities around the country based on their pro-equality policies and the protections they have in place for their LGBT populations. While compiling the ratings, the HRC considered a variety of criteria for each…
CL Holiday Auction: What’s Week Two got in store?
Lyle Lovett, Downton Abbey, The Refinery and more…
Tampa Bay food bank leader says proposed cuts to food stamps could be “devastating”
Feeding America Tampa Bay CEO Thomas Mantz, Bonnie James, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Chris Smith, chair of Feeding America Tampa Bay Board of Directors, and Joe Gray a Feeding America Tampa Bay member of their Board of Directors According to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), negotiations with the Senate on passing a farm bill…
Do This: Three St. Pete art shows and a Pecha Kucha
HANDY WORK: Carrie Jadus works on a piece in tonight's show at Soft Water Studios. If you love maps and expressive visual art, then Cartography of the Soul is a sure bet for you — even if the capitals and legends are of the most figurative sort. Participating artists include Carrie Jadus, Mark Aeling, Femily…
Delivery Man needs a better route
Vince Vaughn latest vehicle is what you’d expect.
Best of the day: Eggs & Kegs brunch at Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing
Cigar City Brewing Cigar City Brewing and LOKO Cuisine's Eggs & Kegs (formerly Eggs n' Kegs) takes the time honored tradition of Sunday brunch to a whole new level. Bloody Mary's and Belgium waffles have had their day, time for beer and some innovative breakfast-creations. On the third Sunday of every month, Cigar City's Spruce…
Obama’s approval rating drops in Florida, but he’s been here before
President Obama signing the ACA into law in 2010 Although he's won election twice in the Sunshine State, President Obama has never been exceedingly popular in Florida. That fact needs to be recognized when absorbing the new Quinnipiac poll released Friday morning that shows Obama's approval ratings in Florida seriously upside down, with only 40…
Mitch Perry Report 11.22.13: Floridians want medical marijuana
But will they get the chance to vote on it?
No grace, no game
Excuse me, I thought I was flirting.
South St. Pete activists claim brutality on part of St. Pete & Pinellas County officers
Debbie Newkirk claims her brother can't get the medical treatment he needs in a Pinellas County jail. At a news conference in South St. Petersburg's Silver Lake Park this afternoon, the family of 32-year-old Anthony Newkirk claimed that he is being denied medical treatment in a Pinellas County jail for wounds he suffered after being…
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
TWICE AS NICE: Bruce Bruce headlines this weekend. Every weekend there's stand-up comedy happening across the Bay area, from theater shows featuring household names to comedy clubs offering nationally-touring headliners to the local bar or restaurant showcasing local talent. If you want to see comedians performing live, you have a lot of options. Here are…
CL Holiday Auction: Bid on Jobsite nights out
Just a couple hours are left to bid on four tickets to two Jobsite plays with certificates for Refinery and Mad Dogs!
An early Christmas for Commissioner Hagan
Politicians don't always get what they want, but one politician did, and just in time for Christmas, even if it's a little early. The Hillsborough County Commission had approved a huge development that came to be known as the Bloomingdale Big Box. It includes plans for a supersized big box retailer, a 260 unit apartment…
CL Holiday Auction: Week One’s almost done, Week Two’s about to begin
It’s a banner day for bidding.
Democrat George Sheldon thinks he has the key to unseating Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
George Sheldon Pam Bondi had been enjoying a relatively controversy-free tenure as Florida's Attorney General since being elected in 2010. Yes, she offended some liberals with her continued legal advocacy against the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (a suit initiated by her predecessor, Bill McCollum), but those voters didn't supported her in the first…
Measuring up with UnHung Hero, Patrick Moote
“The best part of having a small penis was making this film, and making this film was the best thing for my penis.”
Hoist a cold one for the Beercan Building’s 25th
OK, we know it's not really called the Beercan Building. But that moniker has moved from pejorative to affectionate by now, hasn't it? And whatever you call it, the Rivergate Tower is a signal achievement — a beautifully austere and mathematically inspired creation by architect Harry Wolf that is as worthy an icon for Tampa…
Do This: Sanding Ovations and undercover
Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce SANDY, BABY: 2012 fourth place winner Sue McGrew. If you've ever molded sand and water in a plastic bucket and tipped it upside down, hoping it doesn't crumble immediately, you can appreciate the patience and skill required by sand sculptors in creating gigantic statues, human facial and anatomical features, detailed…
St. Pete’s new transition team goes to work
Part of Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman's transition team at SPC's downtown campus The members of St. Petersburg Mayor-Elect Rick Kriseman's transition team met for the first time on Wednesday night at the St. Petersburg College downtown campus. They learned of their immediate duties, which will be to research and come up with recommendations on nine key…
Mitch Perry Report 11.21.13 – Charlie Crist continues to lead Rick Scott, but the margin is closing
A new Quinnipiac Poll was issued this morning, showing Rick Scott closing in on Charlie Crist in the race for governor in Florida in 2014. Crist leads Scott 47-40, which is the closest the two men have been in the Q survey. It was a 10-point spread back in June, and a dramatic 16-point spread…
Dallas Buyers Club is an acting clinic
McConaughey and Leto ably wrangle tough roles in the 1980s AIDS drama.
How to explain The Cloud to your parents
Reply hazy, try again.
Review: Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang got the blues at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
A look back at the Tue., Nov. 19 show.
Review: Harry Connick, Jr. dazzles and shines at Ruth Eckerd Hall
A look back at the Fri., Nov. 22 show.
In the weeds: Medical marijuana in Florida
The petition still needs thousands of signatures to make it onto next year’s ballot.
Here come the Bucs?
Plus: Goldson suspended, Winston in the clear and more …
Harbour Island’s monthly art walk returns
If you’ve ever trotted down “Tampa’s Waterfront,” there’s a good chance you've departed with a new and unique item in hand; with the medley of street festivals, art walks and various events that take place on Harbour Island’s waterfront, it’s no wonder. But one monthly event just so happens to take the waterfront by storm:…
Tampa’s Dana Young on reducing role of Hillsborough’s Civil Service Board
Chip Weiner Dana Young Last month the Hillsborough County Commission voted unanimously to reduce the Civil Service Board's involvement in classifying workers and setting pay scales. However, because the board was created by the state Legislature in the 1950s, it's up to Tallahassee to change the way the system works in the county. Enter Dana…
Do This: Ybor Tree Lighting & Miracle on 7th
NICOLE ABBETT SANTA, BABY! Last year's tree lighting was visited by Mayor Buckhorn, Santa and Mrs. Claus. It isn't even Thanksgiving yet and the cold front has yet to hit, but Ybor wants you to get the winter holiday party started. See Santa and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and a 34-foot tree be illuminated the…
In speech to AEI, Rubio says Iran must agree to abandon any enrichment of their nuclear program
In a speech given at the American Enterprise Institute today, Florida Senator Marco Rubio said "We need to make absolutely clear to Iran’s leaders that sanctions will continue to increase until they agree to completely abandon any enrichment or reprocessing capability." He spoke just as officials from six world powers were meeting in Geneva in…
