Best Outdoor Music Series
Critics’ Pick
New poll showing Obama up by nine points in Florida is an outlier, but …
There's a lot of consternation in conservative circles regarding the trending poll numbers in the presidential race. Nationally, some polls show the race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama to be extremely close. But that's not the case in the key battleground states. The results released Tuesday night by Quinnipiac University/New York Times/CBS News regarding…
Charges and countercharges fly in Beckner-Iuculano race
Margaret Iuculano Last week, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner faced several days of negative stories in the press. Today, it's his District Six GOP opponent Margaret Iuculano's turn to face the heat. Beckner admitted that his campaign office erred in accepting campaign contributions from four donors who exceeded the limit of $500. The error was…
Trying the Woodchuck pumpkin cider
woodchuck.com There is a big difference between the taste of actual grape juice and the sugary purple drink. But every so often, I indulge in a Fanta or the generic version. I know, there is nothing better than fresh grape juice but I'm a child of the artificial era and sometimes "fruit" flavored sodas hit…
Gay Social Security: Can you get more money?
Today I wanted to share a little information about Social Security that might help some of you. I am all about trying to work the stupid DOMA rules to our advantage, so here is the latest and greatest idea that I have to share. Have you ever been married to someone of the opposite sex?…
Tasty TV Treats: the flava of Modern Family, Glee and Once Upon a Time
Want the scoop of what is going on this week in TV? Curious about who breaks-up and who makes-up? Questioning if your favorite couple is going to finally tie the knot? Read on fellow TV addicts but beware spoiler haters, don't cross this line.
Tampa Bay Times official response to Blackstone story fiasco: “a serious mistake”
The Tampa Bay Times screw-up last week regarding reporter Drew Harwell's story on Blackstone purchasing $1 billion worth of properties in the Tampa Bay area was one of the biggest bloopers the local daily has produced in a long time. But the first official explanation coming from Times senior editors on Wednesday doesn't really provide…
Mutiny at New World Brewery: William Elliott Whitmore takes over
By the time Derek, my boyfriend and bandmate in Y Los Dos Pistoles, and I arrived in Ybor a little after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, New World Brewery was already so packed that only a few empty seats remained. In my experience, Tampa is a late night town; shows that start before 10 p.m. are…
Canadian beer travels part trois: Wild Rose Brewing and more
In just over a week in Alberta, I've sampled dozens of beers and discovered that Western Canada is well on its way to becoming the Craft Brew Capital of the North. I don't know if it's the icy cold, crystal clear mountain waters or the hardy individuals that make Craft Brewing so popular in Alberta…
Mitch Perry Report 9.26.12 – Another reason not to go to Channelside
Last night Channelside Cinemas, which has shown first-run films at their location in Channelside for a decade, closed up shop. This follows on the heels of two of the biggest others venues at the cheesy shopping complex, Stumps Supper Club and Howl at the Moon, shutting their doors for good earlier this month. Meanwhile, negotiations…
Activists protest outside of Bill Young fundraiser in St. Pete
Bill Young critic Gregg Stemm began the news conference While supporters of Pinellas Congressman Bill Young were driving into the waterfront estate of Fazal Fazlin in St. Petersburg for a fundraiser Tuesday afternoon, approximately 20 protesters held a news conference outside, denouncing Young for a variety of transgressions, including his conservative voting record and his…
The new Myspace: Would you kiss a corpse if Justin Timberlake told you to?
Confession: I still have a MySpace profile. (Or, oh, sorry, according to the last “redesign,” I have a My[_______] profile, or whatever.) Officially, I sign in once every six months or so, looking for a snippet of music by some band or other that for whatever reason refuses to post its artistry somewhere more contemporary.…
The $1 million spent on security for the RNC Welcome Party was a waste of taxpayers’ money
Joeff Davis The RNC "welcoming party" at Tropicana Field The cost to U.S. taxpayers for their share of funding the Republican National Convention in Tampa was a little over $68 million. Of that amount, $50 million was spent for security (as it was in Charlotte for the DNC), and $18 million went straight to the…
Review: Blondie and Devo whip Pinellas Park to shreds
In 1980, I'd reached a point in my adolescence when I was beginning to discover cool rock bands all on my own. This was the year that, all on my own, I'd somehow tapped into an explosive new movement of innovative and exciting music. Sure, the term "New Wave" had already been coined by opportunistic…
Getting out the LGBT vote (video)
This election season, it seems there are more apathetic and disillusioned voters than there should be. Those who shrug at the idea of casting a ballot are often fed up with the two primary parties, saying there's no real difference between the Democrats and Republicans. For those in the LGBT community, this couldn't be a…
Karl Rove’s Super PAC taking on Bill Nelson on Medicare
CL predicted after John Roberts ruled with the liberal justices on the Supreme Court in favor of "Obamacare," that it would be huge issue in the Florida U.S. Senate race between Connie Mack IV and Bill Nelson. Why's that? The threat to getting rid of President Obama's signature domestic achievement could reside in the hands…
A new report takes on local TV stations for not balancing political ads with the truth
Tampa television stations are having a banner year with the revenue received from airing political ads. But a new report assails these local stations and stations in other key broadcast TV markets for failing to report on the Super PACs that are producing many of the ads, as well as whether the ads are factual…
Tampa’s Parks & Rec director admits to botched communications about chopped trees in Ybor
Last Friday CL reported on how business owners in Ybor City were walking around bewildered, complaining about the fact that city workers had begun chopping down numerous trees in the entertainment district, with no advance warning to anyone. CL put in a call to City Hall for answers, but was told only that a member…
Mitch Perry Report 9.25.12 – Obama’s foreign policy advantage fading?
The annual United Nations General Assembly begins today in Manhattan, and President Obama will be one of the first of the world leaders to address the gathering. The president is getting a lot of heat for not meeting with any other president or prime minister this week, which is somewhat understandable when it comes to…
New music Tuesday! (September 25): Green Day, Mumford & Sons, No Doubt, Phish & more
Releases out this week, with audio & video.
A few minutes with Nan Rich
Cory Booker and Nan Rich meet up in Tampa Among the top politicos who appeared in Tampa on Saturday night at the annual fundraising dinner for the Hillsborough County Democratic Party was Nan Rich, the Florida Senate Democratic leader and the only major announced gubernatorial candidate for the party's nomination in 2014. This reporter spent…
Buckhorn willing to move surveillance cameras, but not for $10,000 a pop
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said he'd be amenable to moving some of the controversial surveillance cameras in downtown Tampa, but only under certain circumstances. "If it's going to cost $10,000 to move a camera, I'm not doing it," Buckhorn told CL on Saturday night before the Hillsborough County Democratic Party's Kennedy-King dinner. The costs of…
Mitch Perry Report 9.24.12-Big time college football is back in Florida
The state of Florida has always been a hotbed of of outstanding high school football players, one reason why USF's nascent football program has soared to such heights in a relatively short time. But when you think about college football in Florida, you think of the big three: Florida, Florida State and Miami. While the…
Ask Dream Momma: Hit by a big-time challenge
“Dear Dream Momma, I was swimming through a tsunami with someone holding my hand before me, I was so worried how we were going to make it. This person said: "Trust me, hold my hand, and when I tell you, hold your breath and we're going into the base at the bottom and come through…
Newark Mayor Cory Booker “preaches to the preachers” at Democratic dinner in Tampa
Newark Mayor Corey Booker, feels that it’s “all hands on deck” for the upcoming Presidential election. Booker was in Tampa Saturday night to speak at the Democratic Kennedy-King dinner along with key Florida Democrat figures including Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and former gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink. The event was mainly focused on…
The “Secretary of explaining stuff” goes on Face The Nation
If the polls are accurate, the presidential race nationally is essentially tied, but Barack Obama holds leads in almost all of the battleground states that will ultimately decide the race. Among the factors in Obama's slight bump after his convention last month was the nearly universal acclimation given to former President Bill Clinton's prime-time speech…
Lip service
My girlfriend wants no part of my bedroom favorites.
Hillsborough Democrats get fired up at fundraising dinner
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn & Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker meet the press before Saturday night's event If the number one objective among Florida Democrats is to get Barack Obama elected this November, their second biggest is to get one of their own elected to the governor's mansion two years from now. That's why Saturday…
Mary Mulhern to run for Hillsborough County Commission in 2014
(Updated) Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern said she will run for the Hillsborough County Commission District countywide District 7 seat in 2014. That seat is currently held by Mark Sharpe, who will be term-limited out in two years' time. It will not be Mulhern's first attempt to get elected to the Board of County Commissioners.…
Glorioso and Latimer battle it out at Tampa Tiger Bay
Rich Glorioso & Craig Latimer debate at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club Plant City Republican Rich Glorioso is gunning for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office, and he thinks he can make the case against Democrat Craig Latimer. Latimer is the chief-of-staff to the current officer in charge, Dr. Earl Lennard. Lennard announced over…
Actor’s illness leads to cancellation of Friday night’s performance of Hysteria at American Stage
L to R: Michael Edwards, Justin Campbell and Stacy Fischer in Hysteria. UPDATE: American Stage Artistic Director Todd Olson announced on Facebook today that there will be a performance tonight, Saturday Sept. 22, of Hysteria. Said Olson: "HYSTERIA, the amazing story that plays over and over…plays tonight!" In his curtain speech before Thursday night's performance…
Chopped down trees in Ybor startles businesses & residents
CL has put a call into the city of Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department to learn exactly why a considerable number of trees are being chopped down in Ybor City on Friday. When we hear back we'll obviously provide that response. But until then, here's a look at what it looks like on parts of…
Curve appeal
Eastwoods and Adams score in Trouble With The Curve.
Once upon a time in South Central
Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña make End of Watch the best cop movie in years.
Jennifer Lawrence slums it in The House at the End of the Street
The Hunger Games star should pick a better neighborhood.
Dialing up the laughs
For A Good Time, Call… will ring a bell with Bridesmaids fans.
Two Big Mouths #114 Now Live
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths114/Tbm09-20.mp3] Welcome back friends. Huge show this week as we talk about how Mickey Mouse and his friends fall off the wagon. Lewinski is about to spill the beans on former president and cigar smoker Bill Clinton. And one study says we're all just going to keep stuffing our faces and blow up to the…
Two Big Mouths #114 Now Live
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths114/Tbm09-20.mp3] Welcome back friends. Huge show this week as we talk about how Mickey Mouse and his friends fall off the wagon. Lewinski is about to spill the beans on former president and cigar smoker Bill Clinton. And one study says we're all just going to keep stuffing our faces and blow up to the…
SNL takes on “Fox & Friends” and the leaked Romney video
NBC's Saturday Night Live began their latest season last weekend, a week earlier than usual because producer Lorne Michaels says he wanted to immediately get immersed in the presidential race. That means that like in 2008, the program will begin airing half-hour special episodes on Thursday night. When Tina Fey played Sarah Palin four years…
Obama’s meal made with Mazzaro’s ingredients
facebook.com/pages/Mazzaros-Italian-Market Tyler Florence at Mazzaro's Thursday. Mazzaro's Italian Market got a visit from the Food Network's Tyler Florence Thursday. Florence was there shopping for ingredients to cook a meal for President Barack Obama. The President was in Tampa Thursday night for a private fundraiser.
Mitch Perry Report 9.21.12 – Cheers to the end of summer
Good morning everybody, and welcome to the last full day of summer. Well, last official day. This is my 13th summer living in Florida. In the early part of the aughts, the presence of fall usually was felt by mid-October or so. As climate change continue to heat the planet, however, I find the humidity…
A meeting of the minds
American Stage brings us Dalí and Freud in the surreally and certifiably entertaining Hysteria.
Romney speaks in Sarasota, New College students protesting find racism and threats
Mitt Romney’s campaign stopped into Sarasota on Thursday, where the former Massachusetts governor addressed the main points of his platform, with no mention of the recent video leaked to Mother Jones magazine that’s seemed to have put his campaign in jeopardy. Romney held a rally at the Ringling Museum to an impressively large and supportive…
Tampa takes up Internet sweepstakes cafes
After a nearly 90-minute discussion, Tampa City Council members voted today to have a city attorney come back next week, where they will vote on imposing a moratorium on the creation of Internet sweepstakes cafes. The cafés (of which there are an estimated 6-8 operating in the city) sell phone cards and provide Internet access…
Tampa City Council members blast Buckhorn administration for failing to represent at surveillance camera discussion
Marci Richter Throughout the last year and a half, some members of the Tampa City Council have privately expressed at one time or another anger regarding a lack of respect from Mayor Bob Buckhorn. That anger went public today at City Hall. The reason was that the mayor, Police Chief Jane Castor, City Attorney Jim…
“It’s a mad house!” — Tampa Theatre’s Planet of the Grapes
Planet of the Grapes is here. Don’t be fooled. The event does not involve a film about a headstrong grape with a mission to free its brethren and rebel against humans. We'll save that for a later date. What you can look forward to during this annual, movie-themed winefest is wine — and plenty of…
I Am Choice’s “Get Out the Vote” campaign launches in opposition of Amendment 6
JANELLE IRWIN, WMNF Doris Rosen protested in October of 1989 against then Florida Gov. Bob Martinez when he convened a special session to examine tougher restrictions on abortions. The Republican governor had legislators return to session for three days to consider proposals. At the time, The Sun Sentinel reported that, "among his proposals, Martinez wants…
Rowdies secure spot in NASL semifinals with a 1-1 Draw against Carolina
The Rowdies entered their game against Carolina on Wednesday night knowing they would need just a tie to secure a first-round bye and an appearance in the NASL Semifinals. Of course, they knew it would be nice to get a win in front of the home crowd at Al Lang Stadium, but they also understood…
Tofu or not tofu?
A tofu recipe for people who hate tofu.
Activist challenges Terry Kemple on anti-CAIR campaign
Terry Kemple A relatively somnolent candidates forum held in the V.M. Ybor area on Wednesday night turned on a dime when activist Laila Abdelaziz confronted Christian conservative Terry Kemple — a candidate running to defeat 20-year-incumbent Carol Kurdell for the Hillsborough County School Board, District 7 seat. Kemple has been leading an effort to have…
Best Sports Coach
Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay Rays
Best Local Hero
Joe Redner
Best Cafe Resurrection
Banyan Cafe & Catering
A three-hour tour
Eat. Sip. Indulge. Now that’s a nice trip!
Best of the Bay 2012: The Interviews
Award Recipients Speak Out
Best Ubiquitous Theater Guy
Gavin Hawk
This week in Tampa Bay area live music: Florence + The Machine, William Elliott Whitmore, Kendrick Lamar & more
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20The Ataris w/Flatfoot 56/Red City Radio/Lemon Law Indiana alt rock foursome The Ataris have been working on sixth LP and follow-up to 2007's Welcome to the Light for a rather long time. The release date is still unknown, but a working title — Graveyard of the Atlantic — was confirmed a while back…
Better together
Steve Holm and Jerry Meatyard celebrate 30 years at HCC with a new show and a roast.
Best Cocktail
Pimm’s Cup by Danny Guess at Fly Bar
Best Historic Building
The Floridan Palace Hotel
Best Urban Farming Initiative
10,000 Good Greens
Best County
Pinellas
Mitch Perry Report 9.20.12 – What else is the TPD using that we don’t know of ?
Just as the Tampa City Council gathers today to decide what to do with the 60 or so surveillance cameras purchased for use during the RNC, National Journal is reporting that officers working during the convention in Tampa used specialized apps and software to "turn off-the-shelf smartphones and tablets into tools for sending real-time video,…
Best of the Bay 2012
“Two Heads Are Better Than One." That's the title of a duet from the old Broadway musical The Robber Bridegroom, sung by a dim-witted burglar and his smarter brother's head, which he carries around in a box. That description may give you one indication why the musical remains obscure, but the sentiment can't be argued…
Best Jazz Ensemble
Helios Jazz Orchestra
Best Concert in the Last 12 Months
Coldplay
Best Local Stage Director
Eric Davis
Best Local Visual Artist
Tes One
Best Local Metal/Hardcore
TIE: Flying Snakes, Feral Babies
Best Local TV Newsperson
Gayle Sierens, WFLA-NewsChannel 8
Best Fan Group
Ralph’s Mob
Best Manipulation of Nubile Spring Breakers
The filming of Spring Breakers
Best Singles Hangout
MacDinton’s SoHo
Best Photograph
Jeremy Scott, “Woman Carrying Fish”
Best evidence Tampa still doesn’t have its shit together
Driving on Bayshore Boulevard
Best conversion of sports columnists into general news columnists
John Romano, Tampa Bay Times, and Joe Henderson, Tampa Tribune
Best Large Concert Venue (2,000-plus capacity)
1-800 Ask Gary Amphitheater
Best New Ball Coach
Greg Schiano
Best Gym
YMCA
Best Barber Shop
Tim’s Barber Shop
Best Beer Event
Tampa Bay Beer Week
Best Law Enforcement Team
TPD Chief Jane Castor & Assistant Chief John Bennett
Best Tattoo Artist
David Bruehl
Best Museum Expansion
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Best Reason to Believe in The Next Generation of Theater Artists
Gianfranco Settecasi
Best Bargain Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Cuban Sandwich
The Floridian
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Meze 119
Best local tat
James Franco’s “727” in Spring Breakers
Best Daily Bread
Mauricio Faedo’s Bakery
Best NIMBY
Dollar Store Debacle in Seminole Heights
Best Place to Wrap a Man Around Your Wrist
Evander Preston Gallery
Best Store Staff
Nordstrom’s
Best place to watch a Bucs home game
The Interwebs
The Power of Twos: An interview with Steve & Julie Weintraub
Best Local Power Couple, Readers’ Pick 2012
Worst Idea for Tampa Bay
The Lens- New Pier Design
Best DIY Record
Awkward Age 7″
Best New Idea for Tampa Bay
Light Rail
Best Bounce
Boing Jump Center
Best Thing About Hosting a Political Convention
Money/Income/Revenue for TPA
Best Food-Meets-Music Tradition
Pig Jam at The Refinery, Summer 2012
Best Recovery from Vaguely Unsettling Bank Slogan
Fifth Third’s Redundancy Incorporated, Inc. ad campaign
Best baguette
Cafe de Paris Bakery
Best New Brewery
Big Storm Brewing Company
Best All-Around Restaurant
The Refinery
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Pho Quyen
Best Tea Shop
Hooker Tea Company
Best Place to Frolic in the Vintage
La France
Best way to shut up a frenzied GOP Crowd
Condi on immigration
Most Joyous Comic Presence
Matthew McGee
Best Local Tech Start-up
BetterBoo.com
Best Draft Selection
World of Beer
Best DJ to Change the Game
Doug “Dougie Fresh” Hensel
Best themed charity event
The 3rd Annual ’80s Mustache Bash
Best Mexican/Tex-Mex Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Open Mic Night
Cafe Hey and Yeoman’s Road Pub
Best Local Dance Company
Moving Current Dance Collective
Best Lightning Player
Steven Stamkos
Best Local Roots/Alt-Country Act
Have Gun, Will Travel
Best Album
Rec Center, Tin Year
Worst Local Band Name
Burning Tree
Best Bay Area Recruitment Film
Magic Mike
Best eatery for well-behaved children
Cappy’s in Seminole Heights
Best Actor
Jim Sorensen
Best Zombie News That Will Not Die
The Quest for a New Baseball Stadium
Best Neighborhood Bar, Hillsborough
The Independent
Best Actress
Emilia Sargent
Best Diner
Three Coins Diner
Best little local grocery store
Duckweed Urban Market
Best Long-Standing Live-Music Venue in North Pinellas
Neptune Lounge, Tarpon Springs
Best Cross-Continental Beer Collaboration
Dunedin Brewery and Fort George Brewing (Oregon)
Best attempt to clean up a racist quote from a sports talk show host
WDAE 620 and Dan Sileo
Best bread pudding
Currents
Best Dance Club
Czar
Best Event to Get Dressed For
Tampa Bay Fashion Week
Best Pet Sitting
Pilar’s Pet Resort
Best Burger
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Best demonstration of being a corporate lackey
Rachel Burgin
Best Coffee Shop
Kahwa Coffee
Best Place To Indulge A Cathartic Murder Fantasy
S.R. 60, between Parsons & I-75, Brandon
Best Local Actress
Alison Burns
Best Local Dust-Up Over A Polarizing Water-Borne Structure
Tie: Friendship Trail Bridge & St. Petersburg Pier
Best Department Store
Nordstrom’s
Best Protest
Occupy Tampa
Best Local Concert Promoter
BrokenMold Entertainment
Best Set Designer
Chavez’s stunning black-and-white set for A. R. Gurney’s Sylvia was the best ever in the new Stageworks space, not to mention the whole Bay area. This was a dream of an environment: a posh New York apartment with a view of the Manhattan skyline, a white sofa on a black and white spotted rug, a…
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Band to Throw Beer At
The Dukes of Hillsborough
Best Label Repping Tampa Bay to the World
New Granada Records
Best Florist
Redman Steele Floral Design
Best Country Bar
Dallas Bull
Best Charcuterie Plate
Mise en Place
Best Eco-Friendly Pizza
Pizza Fusion
Best Splurge Restaurant
Bern’s Steak House
Best WTF (but in a good way)
Studio@620
Best Pet Boutique
Health Mutt
Best Way to Express Yourself
1 of 1 Customs
Best Consignment Shop
Revolve Clothing Exchange
Best Taste of Buffalo
Foxy’s Café
Best Mother-Daughter Artrepreneurs
Becky and Marina Williams
Best Mic Stand Destruction
Buck Sands of Flat Stanley
Best Student Hangout
International Boba House and Internet Café
Best Greek Restaurant
Acropolis Taverna
Best Fond Farewell to a Great Drummer
The Ryan Fujiki-Hastings Memorial Fund
Best head fake
That Cuba trip
Best Ybor blast of Middle Eastern panache
Row Boat Mediterranean Cuisine & R Bar
Best fusion dessert
Domani Bistro Lounge
Best spokesperson for marriage equality
Nadine Smith
The Power of Twos: An interview with Erin & Scott Bentley
Best Friends to Man’s Best Friend, 2012
Best Environmental Organization
Tampa Bay Watch
Best Under-The-Radar Recording Studio
Short Circuit Studio
The Power of Twos: An interview with Sue Carlton & John Hill
Best Yin-and-Yang Journalist Duo, 2012
Best Independently Owned Nursery
Manny’s on the Bay
Best Food Truck
Wicked ‘Wiches
Best Antique Pickers’ Wet Dream
Paper Street Market
Best Design Intervention
Ken Cowart & the Friendship Trail Bridge
Best Singer/Songwriter/Scenemaker
Jun Bustamante
Best Thai Restaurant
Jasmine Thai
Best repair to a region’s reputation
Domestic partnership registries on both sides of the Bay
Best Play
August: Osage County
Best Food Trend Still Trending
Flatbread
Best Reason for holding Florida’s Straw Poll/Presidency 5
The rise of the Herminator
Best Band That Can’t Drink Legally
Jensen Serf Company
Best Theater Company
American Stage Theatre Company
Best Theater Company
American Stage
Best Theatrical Talent Merger
Meg Heimstead & Shawn Paonessa
Best Pizza
Cappy’s Pizza
Best Pilates Studio
South Tampa Pilates
Best social media food moment of the RNC
Frank Bruni tweeting about The Refinery
Best Mix of Local & International Designs
Cozette’s Boutique
Best new chef you oughta know
Jason Kingsley
Best Local Business Champions
Keep St. Petersburg Local
Best repair to a city’s reputation
The election of Michael Smith in Largo
Best expression of progressive activism
Occupy Tampa emerges in Downtown Tampa
Best Reason To Brave Downtown Clearwater For Live Music
Capitol Theatre
Best Concert (Small)
THREE-WAY TIE: Monophonics, Man Man, Caveman
Best Hotel
Renaissance Vinoy
Best City
St. Petersburg
The Power of Twos: An interview with George Medeiros & Scott Durfee of Spathose
Best Way to Get Tied Up, 2012
Best Demolition
The walls of Baywalk
Best CLTampa.com Contributor
Julie Garisto
Best Eye on the Music Scene
Ryan Zarra, St. Pete Beat
Best LGBT Organization
St. Pete Pride
Best Local Website
Downtown St. Pete / I Love the ‘Burg
The Power of Twos: An interview with Meg Heimstead & Shawn Paonessa
Best Theatrical Talent Merger, 2012
Best Local Personality to Follow on Twitter
Tracy Kennard
Best People Watching Spot
Ybor City
Best Window Dresser, Tampa
Mathieu Stanoch at Honey Pot
Best New Restaurant
Samba Room
Best paper even Warren Buffett wouldn’t buy
Tampa Tribune
Best repurposing of a strip club
The Boundary American Grille and Tavern at the former Bottom 2 the Top Club
Best Local Photographer
Drunk Camera Guy
Best Royal Couple
Darren Conner & Paul Smith, The Queens Head
Best Bartending Organization
Left Coast Bartenders Guild, Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild
Best way to screw up a relatively obscure government job
The Rob Turner debacle
Best Handmade Crafts
Florida Craftsmen Gallery
Best Tattoo Artist
Keller at Classic Tattoos
Best new hope for Brandon’s cultural scene
Octavio Martin
Best Sports Bar
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Concert (Large)
Radiohead at Tampa Bay Times Forum
Best Venue with Added Value
New World Brewery and New Granada Presents
Best Independent Retailer
Cleanse Apothecary
Best Apartment Complex
Post Hyde Park
Best Fashion Evolution
Sara Stonecipher, MISRED Outfitters & MISRED Reconstructed
Best Curator
Jade Dellinger
Best Drag Performer
Amy DeMilo
Best Drag Name
Trixie the Trivial Tranny (Queens Head)
Best Local Reggae/Ska Band
Burning Tree
Worst Local Politician
Ronda Storms
Best Record Store Day Extravaganza
Daddy Kool
Best Politician
Bob Buckhorn
Best Place to Watch the Sunset
Clearwater Beach
Best Film Festival
Gasparilla International Film Festival
Best Musical MVP
Mark Etherington
Best Happy Trailing
Upper Tampa Bay Trail Extension
Best Happy Hour
MacDinton’s
Best Lemon Tart
William Dean Chocolates
Best Director
Karla Hartley
Best Concert Programming Ramp-Up
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Best Downward Doggies
Doga at SPCA Tampa Bay
Best Dance Club
Barbarella Tampa
Best Local Politician: Republican/Hillsborough
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe
Best Wine Bar
Cru Cellars
Best Cocktails
Ciro’s Speakeasy
Best Karaoke
Octave
Best Beach Bar
PCI Beach Bar, Post Card Inn
Best Farewell To A Cinema Sweetheart
Tara Schroeder
Best creepy promotional campaign
Bright House Networks’ “Hello, Friend”
Best Over-The-Radar Recording Studio
Atomic Audio
Best way for progressive activists to become irrelevant
Occupy Tampa moves to West Tampa
Best server with a Scottish lilt
Pauline Kilgour
Best Clothing Boutique (Women)
Revolve Clothing Exchange
Best wallet
Big Skinny
Best New Arts Website
Articulate
The Power of Twos: Greg Ruffer & Peter Stark
Best Patel Power Duo, 2012
Best Florida College Team
Florida Gators
Best Dry Cleaner
McNatt’s Dry Cleaning
Best Personal Trainer
Esther Solano
Best Professor
Tracy Midulla Reller, HCC
Best General Practitioner
Dr. Michael Dunn
Best Neighborhood, Pinellas
Old Northeast
Best Veterinarian
Connechusett Animal Hospital
Best Local Record Label
New Granada
Best Art Gallery (non-museum)
Duncan McClellan Glass Studio
Best Museum
The Dalì Museum
Best Place to Take the Kids
Busch Gardens
Best Convergence of Art and Capitalism
St. Pete Indie Market
Best Coffeehouse That Will Be Dearly Missed
Globe Coffee Lounge Closing in December
Best RNC Counterprogramming
The Daily Show at the Straz
Best Fashion High
Ivanka Ska’s platform shoes
Best Chef
Greg Baker, The Refinery
Best Local Improv Troupe
Got Jokes? Improv
Best New Restaurant
Boca
Best New Farmers’ Market
Edge District Farmers Market
Best BBQ side
Champions’ BBQ
Best unlikely Matt Dillon sighting
Boardwalk Tavern
Best New Theater Company
Tampa Repertory Theatre
Best embarrassing political debate
La Septima, La Setima or just plain 7th?
Best Overpriced Trend
Cupcakes
Best Bill Hicks Comeback
St. Pete for Peace at Cafe Bohemia
Best Local Non-Profit
Metropolitan Ministries
Best Runway Trash
The City of Largo’s Trashy Fashion Show
Best Craft Beer Bar
The Ale and the Witch
Best Weekly Club Night
Filthy Richard Fridays, Czar
Best Chinese Restaurant
Yummy House
Best Columnist
Dan Ruth, Tampa Bay Times
Best Unlikely TV Soundtrackers
TIE: Have Gun, Will Travel & The Semis
Best Mixologist
Jaymes Ellis, Zoya
Best Local Cover Band
Aquagroove
Best Rays Player
Evan Longoria
Best Music Festival
Antiwarpt
Best Local Rock Act
Sanctuary
Best Vinyl Collectors’ Paradise
Bananas & Vinyl Warehouse
Best Bucs Player
Josh Freeman
Best Bizarro Local News Story
Zombie Attack
Best Sushi Restaurant
Soho Sushi
Best Big Cats
Big Cat Rescue
Best Cajun Restaurant
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Mixing of Art and Politics
Experimental Skeleton
Best Tiramisu
Jackson’s Bistro
Best History Teachers
St. Petersburg Preservation
Best Anti-James Franco Rant
Frank Strunk III
Best Health Food Market
Rollin’ Oats
Best Badass Debut
Adrian Younge at Antiwarpt III, State Theatre
Best Sandwich Shop/Deli
Wright’s Gourmet House
Best Nightlife in Pasco
Orbit 19 Lounge, Holiday
Best inspiration for local filmmakers
The Vitale Brothers’ Ignition
Best Barbecue Restaurant
Sonny’s BBQ
Best Free Group Exercise Class
North Shore Park workouts on Saturday mornings
Best Risotto
The Black Pearl
Best Product Line Diversification
Donuts at St. Pete Bagel Company
Best 15 Years of Dance
Moving Current Dance Collective
Best weatherman hyperventilation
Denis Phillips
Best Air-Conditioning Service
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair
Best Tea Party lawmaker
Norm Roche
Best Genre-Defying Artist
Tes One
Best Bridge Phallus
Welcome to St. Petersburg
Best Thrift Shop
Sunshine Thrift
Best Feel-Good Sports Story
Eric LeGrand signing
The Power of Twos: An interview with Jim Sorensen & Natalie Symons
Best Actor & Most Promising Playwright, 2012
Best Fake Photo
The Bayshore Shark
Best Local Soul/R&B/Funk Act
The Black Honkeys
Best Local Showing At A National Festival
TIE: Applebutter Express at Bonnaroo & Zulu Wave at CBGB Festival
Best Sporting Event to Take Over Tampa
Red Bull Wake Open
Best Rock Band
Florida Night Heat
Best Local Power Couple
Steve & Julie Weintraub
Best Bright Spot Exclusively for Accessories
Zoey Bloom
Most Memorable Performance
David Mann in freeFall’s Cabaret
Best Jukebox
The Hub
Best Indian Restaurant
India Grill (St. Pete)
Best Artistic Director
Eric Davis
Best Steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House
Best Patel Power Duo
Greg Ruffer & Peter Stark
Best Independent Craft Store
Tampa Upcycle at the Roosevelt 2.0
Best Place to Buy Booze
Total Wine & More
Best Local Brewery
Cigar City Brewing
Best Breakfast
Pinky’s
Best Yoga Studio
Yogani
Best excuse for blowing off a lunch held in your honor
James O’Keefe’s “government restrictions”
Best Used, Rare and Out of Print Books
Old Tampa Book Company
Best Fish Dish
edison: food & drink lab
Best Yappy Hour
Johnny Reno’s
Best Venue For Tastemaking
Crowbar
Best Continuation of an Irish Tradition
James Joyce Irish Pub’s Dave Diggler
Best New Bar in the ’Burg
The Bends
Best Local Band
The Black Honkeys
Best Local College or University
University of South Florida
The Power of Twos: An interview with Becky & Marina Williams
Best Mother-Daugher Artrepreneurs, 2012
Best Real Estate Agent
Bill Knecht
The Power of Twos: An interview with Keith & Susie Ulrey
Best Album & Best Label Repping Tampa Bay to the World, 2012
Best Local Character
Leo Calzadilla
Best Party District
Ybor City
Best Ubiquitous Theater Guy
Gavin Hawk
Best Local Singer/Songwriter
Geri X
Best Burlesque Act
Vita DeVoid of The Vaude Villains
Duh… Did we miss a category?
When you voted, we asked if there were any categories we missed — and boy, did you tell us! Hundreds of suggestions later, we selected 10 from the list — either because they were among those suggested most often (like Best Doggie Daycare) or because they addressed areas we hadn't ever asked about (like Best…
Best Underground Music Series
Side Door Cabaret at Palladium Theater
Best Farmer’s Market
Saturday Morning Market, Downtown St. Pete
Best Gourmet Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Guy You Can Count On in the Music Scene
Gary Dizon
Best Broadway Puppet Revival
MAD Theatre’s Avenue Q
Best Chimps
Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation
Best Band Resurrection
Spiller
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
Georgie’s Alibi
Best Visual Art Exhibit
Leave a Message, Morean Arts Center
Best Eatery Where You Can Take the Family Dog
Sail Pavilion
Best example of Major League Baseball’s weird code
The pine tar incident
Best Sibling Activists
Ayele & Kofi Hunt
Best Degustation Menu
SideBern’s
Best demonstration of Muslim-bashing
David Caton & Terry Kemple
Best DIY Farming and More
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm
Best carrot cake
Reservations Gourmet to Go
Best Sunday Fun Times Brew — and Crew
Matt Bennett and his Pabst Blue Ribbon Posse
Best Local Pop Act
10th Concession
Best Local Hip-Hop Act
Infinite Skillz
Best Massage Therapist
Dulcie Klyne
Best Dentist
Dr. John M. Conti
Best Tampa Bay Contribution To Academia
Ryann Slauson goes to grad school
Best Group Fitness
Knockout Boxing Bootcamp
Best Place To Feel Like You Are Lost In The Jungle 15 Minutes from Home
Morris Bridge Park
Best Movers
2 Men and a Truck
The Power of Twos: An interview with Ayele & Kofi Hunt
Best Sibling Activists, 2012
Best New Building
The Dali
Best Lunchtime Serenade
Beppe Cuomo at Mazzaro’s
Best Venue with Soul
Mocha Brown’s Coffee Lounge
Best Cuban Restaurant
La Teresita
Best Artistic Repurposing of a School Bus
Bluebird Books Bus
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Byblos Cafe
Best Bookstore
Haslam’s Book Store
Best Small Concert Venue (Under-2,000 capacity)
Jannus Live
Best Surf Shop
Reno Beach Surf Shop
Best Vaguely Unsettling Bank Slogan
Fifth Third: “The curious bank”
Best Hair Salon
Spa 801
Best takedown of a quasi public official
Jodie Tillman, Tampa Bay Times
Best Banking Institution
Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
Best Dog Beach
Fort De Soto Paw Playground
Best Bicycle-Themed Pizza
Tour De Pizza
Best Little Idea With A Big Impact
Think Small to Think Big Microgrants, Hampton Arts Management
Best new dining district
Tampa International Airport
Best Place for a First Date
Ceviche
Best Beach
Clearwater Beach
Best Hip-Hop
Gwan Massive
Best Local Facebook Page
Downtown St Pete/ I Love the Burg
Best Local Pro Sports Team
Tampa Bay Rays
Best Instrumentalist
Leslie Redman (Guitarist for Sanctuary)
The Power of Twos: An interview with Greg & Michelle Baker
Best Restaurant Tag Team, 2012
Best Local Punk Act
Feral Babies
Best Local Filmmaker
Victoria Jorgensen
Best Friends to Man’s Best Friend
Erin & Scott Bentley
Best New Gallery in Ybor
Box on 5th
Best Place to Play Pool
The Rack Tampa
Best Sound Engineer
Mark Nikolich, Atomic Audio
Best Political “Retirements”
Hillsborough state Senator Jim Norman & County Commissioner Kevin White
Best College Hangout
The Retreat
Best Auto Repair Shop
Bad to the Bone Auto Repair
Best Public Agency head
Joe Lopano, Tampa International Airport
Best Bagel Shop
St. Pete Bagel
Best Cute Li’l Gallery Space
Eve ’n’ Odd Gallery
Best Bike Shop
Flying Fish Bikes
Best Ice Cream/Gelato Shop
Paciugo Gelato
Best Inspiration for Everybody
Christopher Kuster
Best Place to Volunteer
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Best Hairstylists
Lori Stoller at Salon Vachon
Best Ice Cream on the Pinellas Trail
Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream
Best Poet of the 99 Percent
Life Malcolm
Best Seafood Restaurant
Ocean Prime
Best Garden Store/Nursery
Bloom Garden Shop
Best Local Fashion Blogger
Xina Scuderi (The Renegade)
Best bet for postseason action
The Tampa Bay Lightning
Best Neighborhood, Hillsborough
Seminole Heights
Best Handcrafted Jewelry
Spathose Wearable Jewelry
Best Local Radio Personality
Cowhead
The Power of Twos: An interview with Paul Smith & Darren Conner
Best Royal Couple, 2012
Best Live-Music Trend
Living room concerts
Best Local Resource For Diy Amp Builders
Watts Tube Audio
Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
The beaches
Best Portobello Burger
Square 1 Burgers and Bar
Best Bakery
Alessi Bakery
Best Gallery
Tempus Projects
Best Yin-and-Yang Journalist Duo
Sue Carlton and John Hill, Tampa Bay Times
Best Way to get Tied Up
Ties by Spathose
Best Southern Cooking
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Best Sex Shop
The Todd
Best New Neighborhood Bar, Tampa
Mermaid Tavern
Best Midnight in Paris-inspired night out
Mandarin Hide
Best Head Shop
The Cosmic Fish
Best Record Store
Daddy Kool Records
Best Italian Restaurant
Bella’s Italian Cafe
Best state lawmaker who brought people together
Lakes Wales GOP state Senator J.D. Alexander
Best self-contradictory ripoff publicity stunts
Mens Health’s anti-Tampa crusade
Best unlikely Bieber sighting
Fergs Sports Bar & Grill
Best “the bar’s so low anything would be better” story
Hillsborough’s diversity council
Best Costumer
Mike and Kathy Buck Designs
Best Window Dresser, St. Petersburg
Scott Velez at The Gift Box
Best Welcome Addition to Ybor
Adamo Drive Mural Project
Best Short Ribs
Cafe Ponte
Best Food Blogger
Leslie Floyd, Dash of Les
Best Local TV Weatherperson
Steve Jerve, WFLA-NewsChannel 8
Best Local Blues Act
Betty Fox & the Dirty Bastards
Best Local Fashion Designer
House of Donshey by Dolly Donshey
Best Blogger
Xina Scuderi
Best Extra-Urban Outfitters
Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure
Best Local Actor
David Jenkins
Best Eyewear
Lenscrafters
Best Arts Festival
Mainsail Arts Festival
Best Local Theater Production
Cabaret, freeFall Theatre Company
Best Free Clinic
St. Petersburg Free Clinic
Best Tampa Renaissance Man
Paul Guzzo
Best Frozen Yogurt Shake
Burger 21
Best Argument that it’s not getting any better for Hillsborough Democrats
No Justice, no candidate
Best Spa
Spa 801
Best path to a successful career in PR
Daily journalism
Best Hump Day Diversion
BBQ Wednesday Acoustic Series, New World Brewery
Best Chef
Chad Johnson, SideBern’s
Best Bar Food
Crum’s Bar and Grill
Best Local Politician: Democrat/Pinellas County
Rick Kriseman
Most Promising Playwright
Natalie Symons
Best BBQ Spot you’ve never heard of
Casper’s Express BBQ
Best Attempt to Turn St. Pete into SoHo
MacDinton’s & World of Beer
Best Ob-Gyn
The Woman’s Group
Best Mani/Pedi
Spa 801
Best Up-and-Coming Funnyman
Steve Miller
The Power of Twos: An interview with Jane Castor & John Bennett
Best Law Enforcement Team, 2012
Best Folk Pop Refreshment
The Happiness Machine
Best Club DJ
Monk (Filthy Richard and Le Hump @Czar)
Best Local Radio Station
WMNF 88.5
Best Vintage Clothing Store
LaFrance
Best Veterans Advocate
Dan Garza, CEO of Operation Enduring Gratitude
Worst Sports Coach
Raheem Morris
Best Vinyl Revival
Microgroove
Best Kickstarter Campaigns
Ascend the Hill, Oceana, Geri X
Best Clothing Boutique (Men)
Urban Body
Best Karaoke Nights
Corner Club
Best restaurant tag team
Greg and Michelle Baker, The Refinery
Best Rooftop Conversion
Gasparilla International Film Festival Reels on the Rooftop
Best Unexpected After Party
TV on the Radio at the Emerald
Best Place To Get A Hip Craft Brew While Hearing Hip Roots Music
Crum’s Bar & Grill
Best local investigation
The Trib’s Elaine Silvestrini and NewsChannel 8’s Lauren Mayk on IRS fraud
Best Comeback
Bud Lee
Best New Beach Hotel
Guy Harvey Outpost at TradeWinds
Best Farmer’s Market
Saturday Morning Market, Downtown St. Pete
Best New Music Fest
Gasparilla Music Festival
Best Show No One Went To
Dead Kenny G’s at Crowbar
Best statewide investigation
Tampa Bay Times on Stand Your Ground
Best Cup of Coffee on Kennedy
Buddy Brew
Best Artistic Repurposing of an Airstream Trailer
Boxfotos Airstream
Best Wings
Hooters
Best Strip Club
Mons Venus
Best College Stadium Comeback
USF Sun Dome
The bottom line on Amendment 4
Is it a boon to FL homeowners and builders, or a severe threat to county and city services?
Go with the flow at Currents
Fresh foods are impeccably prepared at this must-visit spot in Tarpon Springs.
Ian Anderson moves between past and present
Jethro Tull’s frontman presents both the original Thick as a Brick and its modern sequel.
Best Juice/Smoothie Bar
Xtreme Juice Smoothies
Best Waterfront Dining
Frenchy’s
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas
Old Northeast Tavern
Toys R Us
An open-minded aunt does some shopping for her niece.
Judge and jury
The plays are the thing for CL’s Editor in Chief.
Best Local Jam Band
Cope
Lesbian dating: It’s not all rainbows and unicorns
Wouldn’t it be great if lesbians got a dollar every time a straight woman complained about how easy life would be if they dated women? Some of us would not only be rich enough to buy our own island, but also might laugh a little less when we hear something so completely false. In fact,…
AFL-CIO leads a march that warns of “Romney’s America”
This past Wednesday, the Florida AFL-CIO — and other unions from across the state and country — showed their anger toward the Republican Party. About 200 protestors marched from Brush and Washington Streets to the "free speech zone," focusing on what they perceive as the war on unions that's being waged by the Republican Party.…
