Vol. 33, No. 25
As Florida sets new COVID-19 records, Gov. DeSantis is really hoping for a good job report
June numbers are slated to be released by the state on July 17.
By Jim Turner
Florida anti-LGBTQ group the Liberty Counsel received over $350,000 in PPP loans
At least six extremist organizations scored between $2,350,000 and $5,700,000 in total PPP loans.
By Colin Wolf
Florida sheriff who said he would deputize ‘lawful gun owners’ to combat protesters, nows says he legally can’t do that
"That is our responsibility.”
By Christopher Cann
Florida just added over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases, a new daily record
The state now has 169,106 confirmed coronavirus cases, 15,150 hospitalizations and a death toll to 3,617.
Florida congressional candidate pushes bizarre QAnon conspiracy linking Beyonce to George Soros
“Patti LaBelle is another Illuminati globalist puppet,” he tweeted.
By Spencer Fordin and Florida Politics
Over 400 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Florida's prison system over 4th of July weekend
Twenty-five inmates have died of complications related to COVID-19, including one inmate who died over the weekend.
By News Service of Florida
Florida ex-felons' voting rights on hold, after court agrees to hear DeSantis’ Amendment 4 appeal
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also granted the Republican governor’s request to put a stay on a lower-court's decision regarding Amendment 4.
By Dara Kam and News Service of Florida
At least Florida Gov. DeSantis' net worth is up
State officials faced a Wednesday deadline to file updated disclosure reports, which typically detail their finances as of the end of 2019.
Florida's vacation rental 'bed tax' fight will head to Supreme Court
The dispute centers on bed taxes that counties may impose on short-term rentals, with the money going to tourism-related purposes.
By Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida
Amid record COVID-19 cases, Florida schools are ordered to reopen this fall
Teachers, however, are concerned about their safety, according to Florida Education Association President Fedrick Ingram.
By Ana Ceballos, News Service of Florida
Florida topped 200,000 COVID-19 cases over the weekend
Hitting 200,000 cases this weekend would have seemed unlikely --- if not unthinkable --- a month ago.
Florida Fourth of July travel expected to drop amid pandemic
"The roadways, we expect them to be much less congested than they would on a typical 4th of July or a typical holiday weekend."
DeSantis backs bid for Space Force headquarters in Tampa Bay, and other Florida areas
President Donald Trump in December signed a law that created the Space Force as a separate branch of the military.
Florida Democrats warn of looming COVID-19 storm, bash Ron DeSantis
State health officials reported a record 11,458 new cases on the morning of the Fourth of July.
By Renzo Downey and Florida Politics
For the second month in a row, literally no one donated to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' reelection campaign
Friends of Ron DeSantis added $285.06 in interest on a bank account in June, while spending $19,905, according to newly filed finance reports.
New federal regulations puts thousands of Florida international students at risk of deportation
The state university system’s Board of Governor has not issued any guidance to universities on how to handle the new federal regulation.
Florida man filmed screaming in a Costco over mandatory mask rule, has been fired
"He absolutely does not represent our values and no longer works at our agency."
After initially saying they'd take it, Lake County no longer wants Confederate statue
“I think that we've learned a lot,” said commission Chairwoman Leslie Campione, who voted in favor of accepting the statue last July.
Airbnb limits young renters, as Florida Surgeon General warns against July Fourth parties
Those under 25 will need a history of good reviews to rent an entire home.
Florida Gov. DeSantis went on Hannity for the friendly coverage he needs
Among the chyrons: “How Florida succeeded where New York failed.”
By A.G. Gancarski and Florida Politics
Florida Gov. DeSantis is now blaming the media and protesters for state's record COVID-19 spike
“Really, for two weeks, you didn’t see much about it,” said the politician-turned-media-critic.
Pence and DeSantis attempt to offer assurance as Florida sets new record for COVID-19 cases
“No one wants to see these numbers where they are or no one wants to see them go up,” Pence said during an appearance in Tampa.
By Christine Sexton and News Service of Florida
Florida group homes and disability providers still don't have COVID-19 test kits
“I think it’s just an oversight, and it’s been brought to the right people’s attention, and we are working with them to bring about some resolution.”
Rick Scott tells Fox News that Florida doesn’t need a statewide mask order, the same day state sets new record for COVID-19 cases
“You don’t have to tell me to wear a mask. You don’t have to tell me to shut things down. Give me more information.”
By Chloe Greenberg
Savage Love: Repressing kinks is bad for your emotions and your relationship
And here's why all your boyfriends all have kink cards.
By Dan Savage
Despite health risks, Tampa Police increased the use of pepper spray and tear gas by 223 percent under Chief Dugan
The chemical has been described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as literal “poison.”
Jacksonville protesters have no plans to back down when Republican convention arrives
‘Trump is their king’ but ‘Protesting is our blood.’
By Casey Craig
New interactive map tracks police violence across the country and in Tampa
The numbers represent only a fraction of the use of force incidents reported in the Tampa Bay area since the beginning of the recent protests.
Hillsborough County is giving away free face masks at 10 local libraries this week
No appointment is needed, but the county has advised calling or texting the library upon arrival.
Hillsborough County Commission District 3 Candidates tackled transit, housing and more in Tuesday forum
The forum was hosted by the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association.
By McKenna Schueler
Hillsborough County will send out a record 290,000 vote by mail ballots tomorrow
This is nearly double the amount that was sent in 2016.
Some participants skeptical after Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s policing task force opens on Saturday
The next meeting is on July 18.
By Kelly Benjamin and Ray Roa
Hillsborough schools will require students and staff to wear face masks
Superintendent Davis said the new rule will be in place as long as new cases are rising, but will consider relaxing the rule if COVID-19 numbers drop.
A ‘Boycott the 4th’ protest is happening in Tampa this weekend
“As Black people, we’ve never truly felt free."
'Godmuthafuckin’ damn!': Meet East Tampa’s charismatic new Instagram star Chester Stone
‘I’m really struggling and going through difficulties too.’
By Justin Garcia
Reasons why 2020 could actually be the 'Year of Hope'
Let's crunch the numbers.
By Pete Kotz
After years of heckling the Trump robot, Disney fans are now calling for 'Hamilton' to replace Hall of Presidents
A Hamilton replacement has its own problems.
By Ken Storey
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay reopens Safari Tour with new social distancing procedures
Like the rest of the park, guests will need to wear masks.
Abner Pastoll and Sarah Bolger create a bloody noir for the ages with 'A Good Woman is Hard to Find'
The thriller is packed with relatable moments, creating an immediate bond between audience and star.
By John W. Allman
'Two Heads Creek' cooks up a cannibal cult classic
Finally, a movie to get our minds off of the very real scary situation outside our front door.
The Ultimate Guide to CBD and Seniors With Joint and Back Pain
SPONSORED CONTENT
By Creative Loafing staff for CBD Seniors
Getting Started: Cooking With CBD Oil
By Creative Loafing staff for Blue Ribbon Hemp
Military veterans can get into USF and Selina Román’s online photography workshop for free
But they have to sign up before July 6.
By Jennifer Ring
St. Petersburg rock band The Venus returns to Earth and delivers journal entry about our American blight
A sophomore album, 'Ancestor Simulator,' arrives July 24.
By Ray Roa
Black Crowes reschedule Tampa concert for next summer
The band was supposed to play MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on July 1.
Pinellas’ Feinstein restaurant group doesn’t know when ‘it’ll be the same again,’ but it’s still trying out big ideas
The wife-husband duo are doing anything to get money into employees' pockets.
By Jon Palmer Claridge
Local restaurant now offering 'most expensive pizza in Tampa Bay,' for some reason
It costs $350 and takes 48 hours to prepare.
Tarpon Springs’ Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art welcomes you to its free Zoom happy hours
Make awesome cocktails at home every Tuesday through December.
As Florida COVID-19 cases soar, new study links infection spikes to in-person restaurant dining
"Looking across categories of card spending, we find that the level of spending in restaurants three weeks ago was the strongest predicator..."
By Matthew Moyer
Tampa’s Gen X Tavern closes dining room service over increased COVID-19 concerns
Both Gen X Tavern and Bake ‘n Babes, which operates out of the tavern, will continue to provide carry out and Uber Eats service.
Naked Farmer will open a new Tampa location in Sparkman Wharf this week
The restaurant will be open for pick up, walk up, delivery, and catering via its website.
New Thai street food spot Patti’s Kitchen just opened in Pinellas Park
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Patti’s only has limited seating, but is still offering takeout and delivery options.
Sunflower Festival: Harvest Moon Fun Farm
@ HarvestMoon Fun Farm
First Saturday, Sunday of every month, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through May 26
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After code complaints temporarily closed doors, Nana’s fights for survival in Ybor City
By Kyla Fields and Suzanne Townsend
Songwriter Kevin So plays intimate bungalow show in St. Pete
After 13 years, Ybor City’s Stone Soup Company announces immediate closure
By Kyla Fields
Tropical Heatwave, Ybor City’s beloved exotic evening of eclectic entertainment, stages a comeback
A waterfront home that sits along the most touristy stretch of river in the Tampa Bay area is now on the market.…
Vocalist-songwriter and handpan band Sealskin & Zitrovision took to Rock the Park Tampa last night. Rock the Park Tampa happens on the…
Few Florida bands have experienced a rise as meteoric as Flipturn. The indie-rock outfit played Gasparilla Music Festival’s smallest stage in 2019,…
Everybody's got an opinion about Tampa Bay restaurants. As of late, our local eateries have been getting some serious shine. In April,…
By CL Staff
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