Underoath is playing another secret Crowbar show on Monday
Tampa’s Grammy-nominated hardcore band, Underoath, is playing one last show at Ybor City venue Crowbar before it ends its lease in 2026.
Ask A Dyke: Lea DeLaria has advice for butch dykes with ‘crazy internalized homophobia’
In this advice column, “Orange Is the New Black” star Lea DeLaria offers advice to butch dykes.
Zachary Levi stars in movie based on Tampa man’s memoir, in theaters nationwide this winter
n “Not Without Hope,” Zachary Levi leads the cast as Tampa resident Nick Schuyler—the sole survivor of a 2009 boating accident that took the lives of his three other friends on board, a USF football alum and two NFL players.
Boda, a new Mexican restaurant from the same owners as Riveters, opens in Tampa
Boda, a new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Riveters has opened next to Mons Venus in Tampa.
Mema’s celebrates anniversary with half-price Alaskan tacos this weekend
Ybor City taco spot Mema’s marks the first anniversary of its re-opening with discount tacos Oct. 3-4, 2025.
St. Pete voting group wants citizens to come sip and strategize about DeSantis’ latest redistricting plan
St. Petersburg’s League of Women Voters hosts a sip and strategy session about an effort led by Gov. Ron DeSantis to pursue a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan designed to keep the U.S. House in Republican control in 2026.
Florida’s minimum wage rises to $14 an hour
Effective Sept. 30, Florida’s minimum wage is now $14 an hour for nontipped workers, and $10.98 for workers who receive tips. It’s now the highest state minimum wage in the geographic South and nearly double the federal minimum wage of just $7.25 an hour. This is the latest increase in a series of minimum wage hikes approved…
PEN report: Florida accounts for 30% of nation’s book bans as trend slows
In this, PEN’s fourth year of reporting, Florida ranked highest in the nation with 2,304 bans statewide of the 6,870 reported nationwide. Florida was responsible for 4,500 of the more than 10,000 books PEN reported the previous school year.
St. Pete artist Joe Frontel opens ‘Pile Drive’ show this weekend
St. Petersburg artist Joe Frontel opens ‘Pile Drive’ a new show featuring screen prints on wood panels, free flowing doodles and graffiti.
Down From Jersey releases new album at bar where the band formed
St. Pete rock band Down From Jersey releases a new album, ‘Paper Marriage.’
Sorry Barb brings melancholy folk-pop EP to no-cover St. Pete concert
Sorry Barb, a Tampa Bay art-pop band, plays a no-cover concert in St. Petersburg, Florida on Oct. 3, 2025.
Grungy indie-pop band 60 Juno plays St. Pete this weekend
California indie-pop group 60 Juno plays a St. Petersburg, Florida concert on Oct. 3, 2025.
Danish electo-industrial band Leæther Strip kicks off US tour in Tampa with debut Absolution Fest set
Leæther Strip kicks off 2025 U.S. tour in Florida with the band’s first ever appearance at Tampa’s Absolution Festival.
USF nabs University of North Florida’s president
Moez Limayem, the University of North Florida’s president, is the sole finalist for the same job at the University of South Florida, the Tampa Bay-area university announced Tuesday.
Fruit Float goes brick-and-mortar in Madeira Beach
The Fruit Float Cafe, which opened Sept. 19 at 13050 Gulf Blvd. in Madeira Beach, builds on that with smoothies, açaí bowls, fresh fruit, toasts, and coffee.
PopUp Bagels to open second Tampa shop in Carrollwood
Tampa hasn’t even finished its first dozen bagels and already another batch is on the way: PopUp Bagels, the Connecticut-based chain that opened its first local shop earlier this month, has announced a second location in Carrollwood.
H&H, the NYC bagel shop from ‘Seinfeld,’ opens in Tampa this week
Decades after Cosmo Kramer famously went on strike against H&H Bagels and a year after the announcement of its Tampa store, the New York chain has finally arrived. The shop at 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy opens Thursday. The first 200 customers to betray Kramer get a mystery H&H tote bag with a gift card…
Q&A: Fresh off hometown show, Destin Conrad talks growing up in Tampa, ‘Whimsy,’ and more
Tampa-born R&B songwriter Destin Conrad discusses his new album, growing up in the Bay area, and more.
![Ocean Ink Raw Bar opens in Ybor City [PHOTOS]](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Copy-of-0X4A9637-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Ocean Ink Raw Bar opens in Ybor City [PHOTOS]
Ocean Ink Raw Bar opened on Sept. 10, according to a press release, which added that its owner Ken Emery—who opened Barterhouse just a block away in the historic district of Ybor City in Tampa—hopes to bring Charleston seafood tradition to Ybor City while contributing to the growing Tampa culinary culture.
Tampa’s independent movie houses celebrate the new Taylor Swift album this weekend
Tampa Theatre and Sun-Ray cinema are among Tampa’s indie movie theaters hosting release parties for the new Taylor Swift album, ‘Life of a Showgirl.’
As his bill faces home rule lawsuits, Pinellas Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie says he may ‘have to make some adjustments’
Citing the “largest incursion into local home rule authority” since the adoption of the Florida Constitution in 1968, 25 local governments have filed suit seeking to block a new law that restricts local governments from regulating development.
Maren Morris plays free Tampa concert next month
Ex-country singer-songwriter Maren Morris is returning to Tampa Bay for a free concert part of an open house weekend hosted by Benchmark International Arena.
If elected as attorney general, José Rodriguez vows to actually enforce Florida minimum wage law
Jose Javier Rodriguez, a workers’ rights lawyer and former Democratic state senator who’s running in 2026 to replace James Uthmeier, says he’s enforce Florida’s minimum wage if elected Attorney General.
DeSantis-appointed former Florida Surgeon General details ‘painful consequences’ of governor’s pivot on vaccines
Dr. Scott Rivkees, predecessor to Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, says his successor’s latest statements are ‘part of an organized strategy to undermine vaccinations in Florida.’
Citing extraordinary circumstances, Tampa City Council takes step towards raising mobility impact fees
Council held their first required workshop in the process to increase multi-modal impact fees Thursday morning. The discussion was tightly limited to determining if there was consensus among council members that “extraordinary circumstances” exist to warrant moving forward with increasing impact fees beyond 50% of the current rates. I previewed the presentation last week. The city of…
Courtney Campbell Causeway Expansion could offer a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to restore Old Tampa Bay
As the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) considers expanding the Courtney Campbell Causeway, environmental leaders are calling for a design that would increase tidal circulation in Old Tampa Bay. Long recognized as Tampa Bay’s “problem child,” Old Tampa Bay has less seagrass than ever before.
![Review: In Clearwater, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic triumphantly closes his biggest and weirdest tour yet [PHOTOS]](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WeirdAlYankovic-TheSound-Clearwater-RyanKern-210.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Review: In Clearwater, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic triumphantly closes his biggest and weirdest tour yet [PHOTOS]
A review of Weird Al Yankovic’s Sept. 25, 2025 performance in Clearwater, which was the close of his “BIgger and Weirder” tour.
Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera loves being Latino—here’s 10 reasons why
For Latino Heritage Month, Tampa City Councilman gives 10 reasons why he loves being Latino.
Where to get National Coffee Day deals around Tampa Bay
Whether you prefer pour over, espresso, iced, cold brew or good ol’ fashioned drip coffee, everyone loves a free cup of joe. For National Coffee Day on Monday, local shops and national chains are brewing up free coffee, new flavors, and limited perks throughout Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Arts Passport builds community through Better Together yard signs and in-person events
Avery Anderson, the Arts Passport Director, started Tampa Bay Art Passport in May. It’s a “cultural guide to Pinellas County,” as Anderson would put it.
Destin Conrad tops list of 12 concerts to check out in Tampa Bay between Sept. 26-Oct. 2
SOLD OUT: Lake Street Dive w/Trousdale Friday, Sept. 26. 8 p.m. $52.50. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg Parrotfish w/Visit Neptune/Madwoman Friday, Sept. 26. 8 p.m. $14.56. Crowbar, Ybor City A Day To Remember & Yellowcard Saturday, Sept. 27. 6:15 p.m. $25 & up. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa Alison Krauss & Union Station w/Willie Watson Saturday,…
Destin Conrad brings debut buzzy jazz album to St. Pete this weekend
The 25-year-old is on the road supporting his first jazz-leaning album, Whimsy (stylized “wHIMSY”), which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
Ybor indie rockers The Beauvilles reunite for Rock the Park Tampa next week
“The world and American culture feels stratified the way it did when the band first formed, during the Bush Jr years. The band was originally based on an idea of music communicating more than just three chords, or controlled rock and roll chaos, but an overall feeling that translated to an audience on a level…
Photos: Every beautiful person who stepped into the Best of the Bay 2025 photo booth
Photos of every person who stepped into the photo booth at the 2025 edition of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s annual Best of the Bay party where the community comes together to celebrate the very best people, artists, events and businesses in Tampa Bay.
Machine Gun Kelly bringing ‘Lost Americana’ tour to Tampa this winter
35-year-old Colson Baker—the rap-rock icon whose pseudonym was recently shortened to just its initials—recently dropped his seventh album Lost Americana, which steps away from his standard, sadboi emo-rap sound while taking on more of a contemporary, pop-rock vibe.
Photos: Charlie Kirk mourned at vigils across Tampa Bay
Hundreds across the Tampa Bay area have mourned controversial conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, joining vigils across the globe. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Palm Harbor Conservative groups gathered at Klosterman Rd and U.S. 19 on Sept. 14.…
Voters urge Pinellas legislative delegation to oppose DeSantis’ ‘partisan gerrymandering’ plan for redistricting
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis first mentioned the idea of a mid-decade redrawing Florida’s congressional map in July. Florida voters urged the Pinellas County legislative delegation to oppose the effort.
In Tampa, city councilman Alan Clendenin pushes back hard against proposal to eliminate property taxes
Reactions are mixed to proposals from Florida’s GOP legislatures to reduce local property taxes.
Yes, Mandy, Barry Manilow is coming to Tampa on his 2026 farewell tour
Legendary crooner Barry Manilow is bringing his final tour to Tampa in January 2026.
Photos: Everyone we saw partying at the Hard Rock for Best of the Bay 2025
Photos showing all the partygoers at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay 2025 party.
Lucky Tigre gets AC and more room for growth in Old West Tampa
The Filipino American local favorite reopened a block away from its former food truck space.
Photos: Everyone we saw when Franz Ferdinand made its Tampa Bay debut at The Ritz Ybor
Franz Ferdinand plays The Ritz in Ybor City.
The Tampa Bay theatergoers guide to fall 2025
The fall theater season is afoot and we’re already spotting trends. Intriguing one-woman, one-man and two-person shows. Twisty thrillers. Juicy roles for women. One of the Straz Center’s most exciting Broadway lineups in years. Plus, a new new-play festival.
Hail Mary Social Club opens this winter in Tampa Heights
Hail Mary Social Club is set to open on Tampa Heights’ Yellow Brick Row this winter.
Tampa Bay’s best restaurants, food and drink of 2025, according to our readers
Food & Drink winners and finalists for Creative Loafing Best of the Bay 2025.
New College of Florida plans bronze statue in honor of Charlie Kirk
In a move to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, New College of Florida announced plans last week to commission a bronze statue for its Sarasota campus. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The initial design, depicted in…
![At Port Tampa Bay, activists rally in solidarity with Gaza flotilla [Photos]](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/untitled-35-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
At Port Tampa Bay, activists rally in solidarity with Gaza flotilla [Photos]
The group organized by Tampa DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) included members of Pinnellas DSA, Tampa FRSO (Freedom Road Socialist Organization) and Tampa Bay SDS (USF’s Students for Democratic Society chapter), who rallied and gave out pamphlets to drivers entering the port.
ZooTampa’s ‘Creatures of the Night’ starts spooky season this weekend
Spend a night at the zoo.
Ghost hunters are taking over the historic Mari Jean Hotel for National Ghost Hunting Day
To celebrate National Ghost Hunting Day, attendees will get a crash course in ghost hunting 101 and learn about supporting local businesses. Curious souls also have the opportunity to book an overnight stay at the Mari Jean Hotel for a discounted rate.
Everyone we saw when Raging Nathans and Tides played Skatepark of Tampa
“The last great punk band” brought Tides and Miller Lowlifes to Skatepark of Tampa last Saturday.
20 upcoming cons and festivals from antiques to zines
Tampa Bay has conventions for just about every niche. Whether you’re into trading cards or coffee, there’s a con for that. Here’s what to look forward to through Spring.
Labubu parties pop up at Armature Works
Guests who make a purchase get a free Japanese chef outfit for their trendy besties or for lucky Labubu claw machine winners. Fans can also take pics with a life-sized Labubu mascot and enter for a chance to win two rare Labubus (Labubi?).
Oh, schnitzel: Tampa breweries offer two-week ‘Octoberquest’
In their two-week celebration, “Oktoberquest,” a $25 custom stein and quest card unlock a lineup of activities at both spots — from “Drink Around Germany” beer tastings and Bavarian pretzel plates at The Independent to stein selfies, trivia, and Oktoberfest games at Common Dialect.
Tampa General Hospital joins organ transplant rule challenge
Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami filed the challenges after the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in August issued a proposed rule for transplant programs. The challenges, filed this month at the state Division of Administrative Hearings, came after years of debate and disputes about…
In Tampa, Byron Donalds changes charter school stance
Donalds, who served in the Legislature from 2016-2020 before moving on to Congress, said he’s evolved in his thinking on one form of education policy.
