Paddling to Save Oceans

Margo Pellegrino is paddling an outrigger canoe from the Atlantic Coast of Florida to New Orleans in order to draw attention to the plight of the oceans. Yesterday she paddled from Sarasota to Madeira Beach and took time out from her trip to speak to the media at Tampa Aquarium this morning.........more

Considering The Food At The Tampa Ikea

here

Bike Safety Effort In Hillsborough County Attracts National Award

In mid April SWFBUD was awarded the Bicycle Retailer and Industry News' BRAINy award for bicycle advocacy. Headed by cyclist Alan Snel, the Southwest Florida Bicycle United Dealers, SWFBUD for short, is committed to helping improve Hillsborough County's bicycle infrastructure.........more

Child Killer "Angel Robles" Of Tampa

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 25-year-old Angel Robles and charged him with murdering an 11-month-old boy........more

Crist Leaving Floridians With The Mess

Via.....PoHo

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Kabob

With Rice And A Drink

$4.95..........At Kabob Korner, 7521 North 56th Street, Tampa

Eat Local

Revenue Collector In Ybor City

21th Street And 7th Ave.

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho In Tampa

Florida Republicans Turn Down Stimulus Money For Unemployment

This morning several of my friends were aghast about the Florida state Senate passing a bill to put crucifixes on license plates. And it was a bipartisan bill! But, truthfully, there was something even more disturbing that came out of the Florida legislature today. The Republicans, who still control the state legislature, are turning down the stimulus money that their own party's Governor is so eager to get.........more

BAMCO Backs Florida Tomato Pickers

The gigantic U.S. food-service company Bon Appetit Management Company has partnered with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to take on
Florida’s shamelessly, and infamously abusive tomato growers.........more

Florida Hospital Caught in Swine Flu Cover-Up?

A case of swine flu was diagnosed today in at Florida Hospital and disclosed in an email authored by its chief medical officer, but the infection was immediately denied by Florida Hospital and Orange County health official........more

Charlie Crist And The Jesus Plate

Offshore Oil Drilling In Gulf Off Florida Being Horse-Traded

Sen. Dan Gelber, a candidate for the U.S. Senate and a Democrat, warns of a rumor to that regard.......here

Canoeing Down the Hillsborough River

I’m about to endorse something I’ve previously spoken against - outdoor activity.
Take a deep breath, collect yourself…and we’re back...........more

Calvin Harris: No Pay Cuts For Pinellas Commission

Unlike counterparts in Hillsborough County,
Pinellas County commissioners won't dock their pay............here

HOTEL FLORIDAN TO REOPEN

Have you ever gone by this building in downtown Tampa and wondered what happened to it? There was a time when the Florida Hotel was the tallest building in Florida until 1966........more

Tampa Bay Water has Bleak Outlook

Tampa Bay is probably most known in the water community for having one of the largest desalinization plants in the nation, and is looked upon by many as the model to see if desal is a feasible alternative for the future...........more

Tampa Caribbean Carnival Festival

The 4th annual Caribbean Family Festival came to the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend, bringing authentic island culture, music, food and dancing to Tampa. The sounds and smells of the islands filled the air............more

Friends Of Stogie

At Baba Louies In Tampa

Bartlett Park Protest Against Violence

Thank you to all who came out this morning.
here

Shoreline of Florida’s Pan-Handle

here

Cyclist Down

On South Dale Mabry In Tampa

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Seafood Platter

$14.95...........At The Jerk Hut On Fowler Ave. In Tampa

Eat Local

Cat Killer "Robert George Smith" Of Clearwater

On Saturday, Smith was seen kicking a cat in the face, causing the animal to suffer a "severe head trauma injury," jail affidavits said. The cat had to be put down as a result..........here

Artist James Rosenquist Of Aripeka

Al Austin Using Up Tampa Bay’s Water

WestShore developer and Republican Party fundraiser Al Austin stared at the lush acreage that fronts his Tampa estate. The bluegill pond, the crape myrtles, the field of St. Augustine grass..........more

Hillsborough County's Cone Ranch

At the far northeast corner of Hillsborough County lie nearly 13,000 undeveloped acres that evoke old Florida. Here, cabbage palms, cypress stands, otters and gopher tortoises preside over an almost 20-square-mile swath, all owned by the public...........more

Temple Terrace Bat Tower Reconstruction

The Friends of the Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation and the Temple Terrace Preservation Society have partnered on fund raising to rebuild the greatest of Temple Terrace icons: “The Bat Tower............here

Peter Schorsch And The St. Petersburg Times

Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes since 2002, made several points and took some questions. This is what emerged, as it relates to the two wins by the St. Petersburg Times.

here

Florida Senate Approves Religious License Plates

If you want Jesus on your license plate, the Florida Senate is looking out for you...........here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse

Garden For Florida - Who Needs A Lawn?

We can’t make the rain fall from the sky, but we can change our lifestyles to make the best use of it when it does. So get outside now, in this beautiful spring weather, and make some changes in your yard. By the time the next dry season rolls around, you’ll have a yard that pretty much takes care of itself. Who could ask for anything more?............more

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Meat Loaf

With Mashed Potatoes, And Green Beans

$6.99............At Central Park Restaurant, 13418 Telecom Dr. In Temple Terrace

Eat Local

Parallel Parking

56th Street And Fletcher Ave. In Temple Terrace

Confederate Shindig

Under Their Flag At I75 And US 92

Bea Arthur

RIP

Gator Shows Up On Hillsborough County Woman's Doorstep

Commissioner Beckner Strikes Back

Sued for libel by his former political opponent, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner fired back today with a sharply worded legal filing that seeks to get the case tossed out of court........more

St. Pete Mayoral Forum At Parkshore

About fifty or so residents of the waterfront condominium community attended a forum for the six major mayoral candidates on Thursday at the Parkshore building...........more

Friends Of Stogie

At Baba Louies In Tampa

How will we get around Tampa Bay in 25 years?

A plan to keep us moving in the Tampa Bay of the future will be unveiled today, and it proposes a pair of major new changes for the area in the next 25 years. Seven counties are officially included in the plan, from Citrus south to Sarasota........here

Dine Out for Life Tampa Bay

Next Thursday, April 30, Tampa Bay area residents will have an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause by simply enjoying a meal out on the town............here

Florida House Rep. Charlie Van Zant

Is in favor of HB 1219.
here

Commissioners: What In The World Is Going On?

It is my understanding that there is no policy controlling our lobbyists during session with regard to opposing or supporting legislation that arises during the session. Is this true? I have questions, and am also making a public records request under F.S. 119, for all the policies directing lobbyists for Hillsborough County.........more

Mariella Smith: Water Alert

State legislators are planning to rob the pollution cleanup fund (paid for by gas tax) which is supposed to pay to cleanup toxic chemicals seeping toward our drinking water sources and threatening our rivers. Hundreds of polluted sites are under cleanup in Hillsborough County — 8 of those sites are labeled an "Imminent Threat" to our drinking water supplies........more

Map Of Oil Platforms Off The Gulf Coast

A Map Every Floridian Should See. We Can Win The Battle Right Here.

here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Ceviche
Fresh Fish, Shrimp, Calamari, And Octopus
With Sweet Potato, Peruvian Corn, And Yuca
$12.99.......At Machu Picchu Restaurant, 3974 W. Hillsborough Ave. In Tampa
Eat Local

Obama meets Florida Gators

WMNF Live from Pasco Arts Fest!

The Pasco County Arts Fest and WMNF are teaming up to bring you great live music from the Shops at Wiregrass on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday May 3!

here

Friends Of Stogie

At Baba Louies In Tampa

Local Hero Denise Layne: Letter To The BOCC

SENATE BILL 360

To: Al Higginbotham; 'Jim Norman'; 'Ken Hagan'; Kevin Beckner; Kevin White; 'Mark Sharpe'; Rose Ferlita

WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU ALL DOING TO PROTECT US???? NOT ONE LEGISLATOR IN THE HOUSE SAID ANYTHING. SENATOR JOYNER AND SENATOR STORMS ARE THE ONLY TWO IN THE SENATE WHO VOTED AGAINST THIS.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IF THIS PASSES.

A very upset voter,
Denise Layne

Only $7.4 Billion For A Pinellas Light Rail System

U.S. War Costs: $12 Billion A Month

Voters could be asked next year to raise the sales tax to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail system and to double bus service in Pinellas County..........more

Howard And Main

In Tampa

VOTE NO ON SB 360 - PROTECT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY!

Here

THANK YOU SENATOR JOYNER AND SENATOR STORMS

Email our Legislative Delegation today…they will vote it out of the House tomorrow

VOTE NO ON SB 360 - PROTECT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY!
Delegation: joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov; storms.ronda.s10@flsenate.gov; justice.charlie.s16@flsenate.gov; crist.victor.s12@flsenate.gov; Kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov; rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov; bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov; rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov; seth.mcKeel@myfloridahouse.gov; darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov; ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov; betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov; Michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov; will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov

Pirates On The Streets Of Tampa

I4 And Columbus Dr. In Tampa

Fourth of July Cafe In Tampa

A recent poll found that the populations of Seattle, the corporate home of Starbucks, and Tampa, the home of the Fourth of July Cafe on Howard Avenue, ranked first and second in coffee consumption...........more

Nelson Tweet: Is The Legislature Nuts?

“I can’t believe some Florida lawmakers might actually be serious about allowing oil drilling within ten miles offshore. They even want to ‘expedite’ permits for refineries in coastal communities.”............Bill Nelson

Hair the Highlight of Tampa Salon's Sustainability Effort

Hair stylists at Tribeca ColorSalon help the environment with every snip of their scissors. Inside this sustainability-focused salon, hair clippings serve a continued purpose. The forward-thinking company ships all cut hair to Matter of Trust, an organization which manufactures the material into mats used to absorb petroleum spills...........more

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Shrimp With Mixed Vegatables And Rice

$7.25........At Top China 13306 Telecom Dr. Temple Terrace

Eat Local

Pasco County Commission Fails To Lead In Water Conservation

Tuesday afternoon, the head of the regional water district called the Pasco County Commission the "absolute leader in water issues.'' Commissioners then did their best to prove him wrong.........more

Food Critic Laura Reiley Goes Out On A Limb

Best New Pizza In Tampa? Anthony's And Bavaro.

There are two pizza newcomers, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say they're both the best thing to happen to Tampa in a long time..........Laura Reiley

www.pizzaiolobavaro.com - www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com

Stogie Will Be Trying Them Soon.

America, Jesus, And Cheap Gas!

MLK And Howard In Tampa

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse

Stop Tent City

A group of people trying to stop
The Diocese of St. Petersburg
from building a homeless tent city (250 tents and sheds/shacks) at 6410 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa..........here

Mary Mulhern: Workshop On Green Jobs

City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern has put green jobs on her board’s monthly workshop agenda for this Thursday. Details for those who want to attend...........here

Got Bedding?

On Hillsborough Ave. In Tampa

Tampa Mayor Slams Elections Bill

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio fired off a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist today urging him to veto the elections bill making its way through the state legislature if it reaches his desk........here

Howard Troxler and Dan Ruth

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Meat Loaf

With Red Beans And Rice

$5.95...........At Rosa's On MLK Just West Of Lois In Drew Park

Eat Local

Commissioner Beckner Announces Community Office Hour Schedule

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, District 6, Countywide, is hosting office hours in the community the last Friday of every month. The community office hours provide residents the opportunity to meet with the Commissioner and voice their concerns about and ideas for their community..........more

Randy Klindworth Of Hillsborough County

With little fanfare, one of the county’s employees has been quietly implementing energy saving strategies. It all started way back in 2000 when the county made the bold move of hiring Energy Manager Randy Klindworth. Back then, all he set out to do was curb expenses...........more

Democrat? Yolly Roberson Of Florida

Capitol Office (850) 488-7088 - District Office (305) 650-0022

Contact

Florida Sunset?

In a full-barreled appeal to the House Policy Council, the oil and gas industry persuaded lawmakers to vote 17-6 along party lines to open the door to oil and gas exploration in state waters.............here
Democrat Yolly Roberson And Every Republican Voted For It.

Hillsborough County Revenue Collectors

On Lumsden Rd In Brandon

The Florida Blue Dogs

The Florida Democrats look like they're about to get behind another
"Reformed" Republican.
This morning CQPolitics reported that Jim Piccillo, a lifelong Republican, who stumbled into a NY Times story about Republicans-for-Obama, is going to run against Brown-Waite next year.........more

CJ Dude Ranch In Brooksville

Tim Clements was excited about getting his new business up and running. Several weeks ago, he put up an impressive sign on the gate of his 10-acre horse farm on remote Hampstead Drive, tucked away in a pastoral setting in southeast Hernando not far from the Pasco County line...........more

CJ Dude Ranch

The 12th Annual Teenage Battle Of The Bands

The search is on for talented teen musicians to compete in the 12th Annual Teenage Battle of the Bands hosted by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. The event will be held November 6 - 7 at the Hillsborough County Fair from 6 – 11 p.m. The Fair is located at 4810 E. State Road 60 in Dover...........here

Helping The Vets

At Kennedy And Dale Mabry In Tampa

St. Petersburg Times Wins Two Pulitzer Prizes

The top editors knew on Friday, but the rest of the staff weren’t clued until earlier today. By 3 p.m., however, the newsroom at the St. Petersburg Times was filled with reporters and editors awaiting the formal announcement of the news: the Times had picked up two Pulitzer Prizes.......more

Tampa, St. Petersburg Mayors Face Off in "A Tale of Two Cities"

Two high-powered mayors will meet at 7 p.m. May 6 to debate whose city boasts the most colorful past. Sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council, “A Tale of Two Cities” features St. Petersburg’s Rick Baker and Tampa’s Pam Iorio at a free public program at the Centro Asturiano Theatre, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa. A cash bar and free on-site parking are available..........here

This Saturday Come To Bartlett Park

Please Don't Let Paris' Death Be in Vain

April 25, Saturday - People will begin to gather at 8:00 AM at the Frank Pierce Center, 2000 7th Street South, St. Pete..............more

Tampa Has A Thirst For Cuba Trade, Travel

In the minds of many, ties between Tampa and Cuba were among the strongest in Florida before the Castro-led revolution's impact on U.S. politics, trade and travel.........here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse

What Stogie Had For Dinner

Red Wine Steak

With Red Beans And Rice And Veggies

$14.95.........At The Jerk Hut On Fowler Ave In Tampa

Eat Local

Errors Of Impunity: A Pinellas Pattern

A lapse of justice that allows a culpable offender to remain at large is known as an error of impunity, a miscarriage of justice. The integrity of the entire justice system becomes imperiled and so it has in Pinellas County........more

Florida Republicans: The 6 Minute Solution

"The 81-page bill was debated for just six minutes before it passed on a 10-5 party-line vote... no other committee is slated to review the bill." Make no mistake: this vicious attack on the public was made by Florida Republicans in response to the Obama victory in 2008 in Florida. Republican strategists understand that new voting registrations and demographics are moving, quickly, away from them..........more

Great American Cleanup Collects Tons Of Litter In Hillsborough

J.C. Singletary, 5, and his sister, Erica, 8, picked up plastic bags, beer bottles, cardboard and other items along the westbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Parkway in Tampa during the Great American Cleanup on Saturday........more

Meghan and Jeff’s Ybor City Engagement Session

Jason Angelini Photography

Earth Day Tampa Bay!

Tampa’s biggest Earth Day celebration, Earth Day Tampa Bay, promises to be bigger and better than ever when it takes over Lowry Park’s Band Shell area on Sunday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.........here

Parental Guidance Suggested

via SFDB

Nature's Classroom To Host Open House

Nature's Classroom, an environmental education center, will have a two-day open house during its 40th anniversary celebration. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 13100 Verges Road..........more

Nature's Classroom

Wat Mongkolratanaram, Tampa’s Thai Buddhist Temple

If you take the 50th Street exit off the crosstown expressway, go south across the Palm River, turn left at the first light, and then, soon after the railroad tracks, turn left into the big parking lot, you will be transported to a different mindset, a completely different approach to life and being..........here

Buddy Johnson Faces Foreclosure Lawsuit

A Plant City savings and loan has filed a foreclosure lawsuit against former Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson because of missed payments on a $400,000 loan..........more

Peggy Fleming Coming To Tampa

Peggy Fleming spent years preparing to become an Olympic champion. Now she's using that same determination to reach what she considers a more important goal: a long, healthy life..........here

Friends Of Stogie

At Beer Bellys In Tampa

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Assorted Chinese

$5.48..........At China First, 2811 E Fowler Ave, Tampa

Eat Local

Howard Dean Visits UF

Dean encouraged citizens to participate in democracy at the local and state levels, especially those that bring diversity to the political arena...........more

“I did this for Bob Graham,” Dean said after his speech. “I’ve always really admired him.”

A Florida Progressive Blogger With Large Cojones

Ybor Aficionado Days

Savor the sights, sounds and aromas of Ybor City’s rich traditions at the 3rd Annual Ybor Aficionado Days . Gather with family and friends and discover the aficionado within. Saturday, April 18, 2009 and Sunday, April 19, 2009............here

Murder In St. Petersburg

Hillsborough County Under Air Pollution Advisory

The county Environmental Protection Commission issued the advisory today at 4 p.m. when ozone levels reached 81 parts per billion. The levels are forecast to remain above 75 parts per billion, the new federal safety standard, for eight hours..........more

Dummies On Kennedy Blvd

And Here

In Tampa

The Conservative Rot Across The Democratic Party

This week’s Mark Weavers show — 9-11am Saturday features U.S. Green Party leader Greg Gerritt who recently founded the Green Party Candidates and Campaign Resource Center, a consulting business to help Green candidates win campaigns...........more

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse

Tampa Bay's Favorite Right Winger Tedd Webb

At The Tampa Tea Party

Going Green In Tarpon Springs

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet John

He Is From Pennsylvania. He Has Been Homeless For 7 Years.
He Now Lives On The Streets Of Tampa.

Tampa Tea Party

Save Florida Forever!

The State Legislature is threatening Florida Forever, the state's land preservation program. Unless the Legislature funds it in the 2009-10 budget the program could end this year...........here

Three Journalism Heavyweights Visit Tampa Bay

The amount of journalism talent in the Tampa Bay area is about to reach ridiculous levels this week..........here

Hundreds March In St. Petersburg

They marched for Paris Whitehead-Hamilton on Good Friday.
More than 200 strong, they marched along 18th Avenue S in Bartlett Park clutching posters of the little girl. Dozens of family and friends wore her picture on white T-shirts........more

Tampa Bay's Suite Caroline

Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County

Needs Some Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Yvonne Gordils at

volunteers@habitathillsborough.com

with the date you wish to volunteer.

Super Pam

Tampa police say focusing on four crimes since 2003 brought an across-the-board improvement.They used the word “astonishing” to describe the numbers. Tampa Police count a 46 percent drop in nine major crimes since 2003 — and a 9.2 percent reduction be­tween 2007 and 2008........more

Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival

Find more videos like this on Brand Tampa

Friends Of Stogie

At Beer Bellys

Casa De Deggans

Eric Deggans
Ebony magazine has named me among its "Power 150" -- 150 black Americans who they say are the most influential right now. My instinct is to follow with a joke about how they must have mistakenly read my name off the reject list..........more

Florida This Week With Rob Lorei

Moderator Rob Lorei leads a diverse roundtable of journalists, academics, officials, and other political insiders for lively talk. A weekly mixture of familiar panelists and fresh faces promises a wide marketplace of ideas..........here

Gandy Area Business Owners Oppose Crosstown Extension

South Tampa businesses say they're not happy with plans by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority to extend the Selmon Crosstown Expressway to the Gandy Bridge..........more

The New Gay: Hello, Tampa!

There are many reasons Tampa has been included in TNG. A few of them are: a vibrant nightlife, a unique historical district, a rich art scene, the large number of indie theaters that are located in the area, and a local gay culture that could be better represented when it comes to things to do and the places to see and be seen..........here

Vintage Wedding In Ybor City

It’s been a month since my wedding day, and I’m still in awe of how fantastic and beautiful the day was. It was everything I could have imagined - and more! I’ve received all of my photos from my photographer, so I thought I’d post a few for your viewing pleasure.
here

The Jerk Hut On Fowler Ave

here

Kevin Burns: U.S. Senator From Florida

This is the story of a little-known South Florida mayor, a progressive anti-automatic weapons kinda politician with little name recognition and labeled with the tag “the gay candidate” in his quest to be the next U.S. senator from Florida..........more

Kevin Burns for U.S. Senate

Recession Pain, Even in Palm Beach

Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Fla., is home to scores of exclusive fashion and jewelry shops — and a growing number of empty storefronts. Some multimillionaires are snapping wallets shut, too............more

Role of Community Media and Cubans in Florida

With Patrick Manteiga Of The Gaceta

Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf To Speak At UT

The first woman elected president of an African country, is scheduled to speak at the University of Tampa commencement. The 70-year-old is known as the Iron Lady and was imprisoned in the 1980s for criticizing her country's military regime..........more

Lunch Report: Carmines in Ybor City

here

SunRail And Florida HSR Promoted As Inexorably Linked

Florida’s been flirting with the idea of a high-speed rail network for years now, having approved funding for a line between Tampa and Orlando in 2000, before stripping the proposal from the state budget in 2004.........more

Tampa Artist Cristina Fernandez

I am a 26 yr old artist currently working out of Tampa, Florida. For 4 years I had abandoned myself, my fans, and my art, dealing with life's sense of humor. Enduring these undernourished
years were not with out reward. I have since gained appreciation and perspective conducive to my artistic nature. I am simply bursting at the creative seems, eager to give these abstractions life.............here

Breakfast In Ybor City

here

Friends Of Stogie

At Ballest Point Park

TBARTA: Future Of Transit Not Far Away

Imagine if commuters could ride a train along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to jobs in Tampa. Imagine Tampa residents using the same rail line to come shopping at Wesley Chapel malls..........more

Mary From Tampa Called C-SPAN’s Washington Journal

Via...r/ct

First Solar-Powered City In Florida

Real estate developer Kitson & Partners today announced a landmark agreement with electric utility Florida Power & Light to build the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant at Babcock Ranch, Florida - making it the world's first city powered by solar energy........more

USS Bainbridge No Stranger To Pirates

The USS Bainbridge, which is in sight of a lifeboat carrying an American captain held hostage by four Somali pirates, docked in Tampa two years ago for Gasparilla..........here

Tampa Bay Mug Shot Site Draws Ethical Questions

A new website that showcases mug shots of people arrested in several Florida counties is like a modern "Scarlet Letter." Some privacy activists are condemning the site...........more

Tampa Bloggers and Friends Walk for Maddie

On April 25th, I will join local Tampa area bloggers and friends of the Spohrs to walk in the memory of their daughter Maddie. Maddie passed away unexpectedly on April 7th after a miraculous life with her family...........here

Seminole Heights Community Gardens: Clean-up Day

Tomorrow, Saturday April 11th, All Day.
Violet Street Garden

Bring gardening tools like shovels, spades, tillers, rakes, pruning shears and possibly some hammers and nails. We'll also need some water donations to the rain barrels for storing water especially during these dry days............more

Yves and Melisa Conze Of Tampa

Clever Ways To Spring Through The Drought
Yves and Melisa Conze installed AstroLawn synthetic grass at their Tampa Heights home in 2001, and have been happy ever since.........more

Jennifer Closshey Of Plant City, Florida

One of the city's largest residential water users over the last year is a Southwest Florida Water Management District board member..........more

Local Milkmaids Produce Fresh, Delicious Milk For Tampa Bay

Pam Lunn started Dancing Goat after losing her job and we’re the beneficiaries of her efforts. But goat’s milk isn’t the only thing she produces. She turns this milk into kefir, whey and cheese. Very few communities in Florida can say they have this available to them!...........more

Sickles High School Penis T-Shirt

Administrators at Sickles High School got into a bit of trouble with this year’s t-shirt when a few parents called to say that the shirt was “obscene” and “inappropriate.”.........here

If you squint your eyes, dim the lights, and drink a glass of wine - that castle still doesn’t look like a cock.

Thanks New Blair Higginbotham!

Rural residents against sprawl (or as opponents negatively call us, diehards) successfully defended the rural area against another assault last Thursday. Not without first having to battle arguably one of the most influential developers in the county, Stephen Dibbs..........more

Alex Pickett’s Guide To Ridiculous Legislation

5 Bong Hits: Florida Lawmakers Want To Ban Novelty Lighters

There are few bills that reach the absolute absurdity of SB 806, a proposed law banning lighters that resemble “a cartoon character, animal, toy, gun, watch, musical instrument, vehicle, food or beverage, that plays sound or musical notes, or that displays flashing lights or other visual effects.”...........here

Hillsborough County To Vote On Furloughs

With the Hillsborough government facing a deficit of more than $100 million, County Commissioners today agreed to lead by example by voting to furlough themselves several days sometime later this year.
The idea of the Commissioners taking a hit themselves originated last week from Commissioner Kevin Beckner..........more

Friends Of Stogie

Sarge Of The Bulls Club In Tampa.

Florida Journalists on the Future of Newspapers, Community Media

With Amy Goodman, Rob Lorei Of WMNF, Patrick Manteiga Of The Gaceta, And Marty Petty Of The St. Pete Times. From Tampa

Ghost Hunters @ The Cuban Club & Trelles Clinic Ybor City

There was a fairly decent display of actual debunking going on, but still a lot of assumptions that leave the proverbial door wide open to debate. First, lets look at the paranormal claims being made by the sites under investigation...........more

Joe Gets Fined For Helping A Chicken Cross The Road in Ybor City

Hillsborough Rejects Development In Little Manatee River

Hillsborough County Commissioners today rejected a developer’s request to build homes on a slice of land near the Little Manatee River in Ruskin, and instead said they would forward the issue to their environmental lands acquisition department for possible purchase...........more

Rob Lorei Chats With Rich Lowry Editor Of National Review

Play Date 4.8.09
Rich Lowry Was Actually Pretty Cool, For A Right Winger

Banquo's Ghosts - NRO

USF Student Arrested by Immigration Three Days After Acquittal

Nighttime Economy Stimulus Program

Ybor City Will Host The First Of Fourteen Regional Forums

On the nighttime economy held throughout North America. Each forum will guide business and government leaders in planning and managing nightlife. The first forum in Ybor City on April 30 will be followed in cities from Providence to San Diego, Toronto to LA and Seattle to New York City...........here

The "IKEA-Zation" Of Ybor City

The latest addition to the Ybor City arts scene is part gallery, theater, concert hall, gift shop and classroom...........more

Tampa The Best City For Cats

Stogie's Friends

A survey by CATalyst, a coalition of veterinarians, cat loving academics, nonprofits and industries as well as animal welfare organizations, has named Tampa the best city for felines..........here

Tax Leaves Cigarmakers Feeling Burned

Wallace Reyes of Gonzalez Habano Cigar Co. fears new taxes will kill the cigar industry in Tampa..........more

Mom Finds Missing Son In Ybor City Bar

A missing Orange County man was found safe in Hillsborough County recently after walking away from his life in Orlando. Darren Harris, 24, was found safe in Ybor City on April 3 at a bar there. Harris' mother, Carrie Helfrich, drove from Tennessee to Tampa after Orange County deputies discovered he had been staying in the area...........more

The Warrior Woman Of Tampa Bay

Adrienne Nadeau

The Warrior Woman, Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing teens and at-risk youth a means of artistic expression is looking for volunteers!We are currently running a program called "The 36 Schools Project". We will travel into under-funded and at-risk schools and run empowering spoken word poetry events for approximately 150 teens...........more

Hit and Run

Tampa Mugshots

here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho

Ben Folds at The Ritz Ybor

Walking by the Ritz in Ybor City last Friday night, you may have thought some tech convention was going on..........more

Alan Snel's Letter To The City Of Tampa

I want to share a letter I wrote today informing the city of Tampa to please instruct its police officers to not stop bicyclists from crossing the Gandy Bridge...........here

Plan Colombia: Cashing in on the Drug War Failure

WMNF Film Series Committee

Presents the film Plan Colombia: Cashing in on the Drug War Failure, a documentary about the 1st US war for oil of the 21st century Narrated by Ed Asner........more

TIA Transfer Center

In March, bus service to Tampa International Airport got faster and more convenient with improved frequencies on Route 30. Now, service is slated to improve even more with an agreement to build a new multi-modal transfer center on airport property..........more

Mote Aqaurium’s Turtle Mascot

Mote Aqaurium's Turtle Mascot, Shelley, Comes Out of Her Shell... from roblimo on Vimeo.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Assorted Chinese

$5.24.............China First, 2811 E Fowler Ave, Tampa

Eat Local

Jen Of "Go Green Items"

Featured her recycled eco friendly purses in a 10 x 10 tent in beautiful Hyde Park Tampa and had a wonderful day. Not realizing it I was in conversation with a very nice woman and then realized it was Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. What a great feeling to welcome the Mayor into my booth, then it got better, she loved my recycled juice box purses and actually purchased one. She was also sweet enough to let me snap a quick picture..........more

U.S. Congressional Delegation Arrives in Havana

U.S Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif, speaks with journalists along with fellow congressmen in Havana, Friday, April 3, 2009. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus traveled to Cuba on Friday in another sign of the US Congress' apparent interest in easing a long-standing trade embargo and travel restrictions............more
Let's End The Embargo, Yes We Can.

Best of Tampa Bay Apron Contest

The winner this year by unanimous decision was

Shelby McCarter

here

Looking For A Prostitute In Tampa?

Stay Off Nebraska Avenue, Tampa Police Is Watching

Friday night, they set up a prostitution sting along Nebraska Avenue. Undercover female officers posed as prostitutes. It took less than 30 seconds for a man in a truck to stop..........here

Free Electric Cart Rides In Downtown Tampa

With the electric shuttle behind him, driver Harry Peabody takes a photo of tourists from Allentown, Pa., in front of the fountain at the University of Tampa........more

A Florida Raccoon Bite Story

I am sharing this story as a reminder to never try to pick up a wild animal no matter how good intentioned you may be. Wild animals should be left alone and no one can really determine by a visual inspection that a animal may have rabies or other diseases.............more

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Is Rated Top Zoo For Children

Parents magazine, the nation’s leading parenting magazine with a community of 15 million readers, today named Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo the best zoo for kids in its first ever “10 Best Zoos” survey...........more

Friends Of Stogie

At Baba Louies In Tampa

Irregular Artbeat Show at the Skatepark of Tampa

here

Tampa Photographer Michael Levan

Opportunistic Body Language

The Florida Meat Man

Working On Tampa Road

In Oldsmar

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Picadillo

With Red Beans, Rice And Green Beans

$5.95..........At Rosa's On MLK Just West Of Lois Ave In Tampa

Eat Local

Seminole Heights Tries Nonprofit Approach

Trailblazers in this historic section of central Tampa have big ambitions.......more
via....re/creating tampa

Mark Weaver Urges Boycott of Democratic Party

This week’s Mark Weaver Show (Sat 4/4 9-11am) reports on the Florida March for Peace and a New Foreign Policy last Saturday in Melbourne where 200 activists representing 64 peace and justice organizations convened from all over Florida............more

Going Green

Joe In Tampa

Thank You Representative Kathy Castor

President Obama's budget—which lays the groundwork for massive investments in health care for all, green jobs, clean energy and education—passed both the House and the Senate last night. It's a huge victory for progressives everywhere.

Call Rep. Castor and tell her how much her vote means to you?

Phone: 202-225-3376

Mail Box

In Palm Harbor, Florida

Tribute To Taft Richardson

Will be held in his honor at the the George Bartholomew North Tampa Center, 8608 N. 12th St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today............more

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho

Hillsborough County Schools And Cell Towers

Sase Persaud has always had a passion for fiction and poetry writing, but his newest fight to stop Hillsborough County School District support for school cell towers comes in a close second..........more
A 160-foot tower at Pride Elementary was built to resemble a flagpole.

Moslim Al-Assadi Likes Pornography

Tampa police have charged an Iraqi born Tampa man with torturing a female family member after she caught him with pornography.........more

Free Rain Barrel for Tampa Residents

All Tampa Water Department customers are eligible to receive a free rain barrel and a free Water Conservation Kit for attending a Hillsborough County Extension Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Rain Barrel Workshop.........here
Art Work: Durant High School Students

Tampa Indoor Rock Climbing

Come out and join the Tampa Adventure Group as we meet up for our monthly rock climbing event on indoor rock climbing walls...........here

Tampa Eyeing Land For Park In Channel District

The city is trying to bring green to the Channel District. It is negotiating to buy vacant property at Washington and 12th streets to build a half-acre neighborhood park............more

Pam's Stuffed Grouper

Olivia's Kiss: Chapter 18

Catherine Durkin Robinson

Bennigan's On Fowler Ave.

This place has been closed for months. Why is the sign still on every night?

Tampa Bay Community Gardener

Natasha Motesharei

Seminole Heights

here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho

TECO Sunset

A Relic On Big Bend Road In The Sunshine State

Tampa's Mad Artist

904.861.9261

Orchids

Nebraska Ave & Fletcher Ave Tampa

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Pork Chops

Black Beans With Yellow Rice

$6.95............At Airport Variety Store, 4600 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater

Best Spanish Food In Pinellas County

Eat Local

1,000 Gallons Of Waste Oil Spilled into Tampa Bay

The spill happened at 11 a.m., when a barge making for the Port of Tampa was having some difficulties with its propulsion unit and struck a tugboat pushing a barge. The waste oil poured into the bay from a fourteen-inch gash in the gut's side..........here

Hillsborough Commissioners Vote On Light-Rail

Pam Iorio’s top priority for her second and final term appears to be close to getting a shot at the voting public. On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Commissioners unanimously asked their county attorney to start drafting ballot language for a 1-cent light-rail transit tax, which would go to a referendum in 2010..........more