Carollwood Baby For Sale

Brand New, Hardly Used

The craigslist.com ad posted Friday night featured an 18-month-old little girl, for sale. The mother wrote she didn't have time to take care of the child, so she wanted to find her a good family
and would even sign a bill of sale........here

Congratulations Orlando

Orlando Magic
Eastern Conference Champs

Rhino PA.C. "Meet the Candidates" In St. Pete

here

Political Whore Wayne Garcia, Wins Top SPJ Award

Congratulations

Because Creative Loafing Political Editor Wayne Garcia would be far too modest to tell you himself, I’m reporting that this here blog, “The Political Whore,” won first place in the category of Blog-Affiliated last night in the Sunshine State Awards...........here

The House On Egmont Key

George Howell and former County Commissioner Jan Platt are trying to stave off demolition for 30 days to find a way to restore and maintain the house. Howell said he has contacted U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, and Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean for help.........here

Give The Tampa Bay Pilots Association 5 More Acres

GW And Bill Are Brothers

Bush joked about how much time his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and Clinton spend together. He said his mother, Barbara Bush, "said President Clinton and Father share the stage so much, he's like a son to her."............more
"So brother, it's good to see you.".......GW

The Green Party Of Florida

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse In Temple Terrace

Pythons in the Everglades

There could be a bounty on the head -- and frighteningly long body -- of the Burmese python, serpent scourge of the Everglades..........more

Bill Maxwell Retires

One of the St. Petersburg Times' sharpest minds and most fearless columnists
is heading for a new challenge..........here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Assorted Chinese

$6.29...........At China First, 2811 E Fowler Ave, Tampa

How Much Was Your Last Value Meal?....Eat Local

MLK And Dale Mabry

Under Surveillance

Help Support The Tampa Theatre

Support one of the coolest theatres not only in Tampa, but across the whole United States this week by purchasing just about anything at Barnes and Noble..........here

The Osprey Family Of Palm Coast, Florida

Last week during the heavy and prolonged rains in Palm Coast Florida, an osprey nest with two chicks was completely destroyed. The osprey family was obviously distraught and hung around the nest location trying to survive...........here

No Cow Tipping

Smart Cow In Tampa

here

The Rebirth Of Kiley Gardens In Downtown Tampa

Kiley Gardens, the hotly contested riverfront park nestled between Kennedy Boulevard and the new Tampa Museum of Art off of Ashley Street, will be saved after all. Well, most of it will be saved........more

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Pork Chops
With Black Beans And Rice And Tamale
$6.99.......At Airport Variety Store, 4600 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater

Eat Local

Steve Kornell - Open, Honest and Trustworthy

Draft Annette Taddeo for Florida’s CFO

Last week, 2008 congressional challenger Annette Taddeo suggested she might be interested in a possible run for CFO. This would be a very good idea. If you already know about Annette and agree, go sign the petition and encourage her to jump into the race.........here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho In Tampa

Virtual Town Hall Set For Hillsborough Budget Hearings

And It Was Commissioner Al Higginbotham's Idea
Hillsborough residents who don't like the way county government spends their tax dollars will soon have a way to question commissioners' budget decisions directly. Upcoming budget meetings will be the first "virtual town hall" events, during which residents can comment or ask questions via e-mails or by phone..........more

Why We Need Florida Hometown Democracy

As if the past dirty deeds and developer-driven agendas of many of our Hillsborough County commissioners wasn’t proof enough (yes, we mean you Team Sprawl) now the Florida Legislature has shown you exactly why we need Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD). FHD is a citizen-driven initiative that would allow voters to make growth decisions instead of leaving it in the greased and dirty hands of politicians. To help make the case for FHD, there is this year’s legislative session........more

Florida Hometown Democracy

Meetings On The Friendship Trail

Folks, many of you used the now-closed Friendship Trail and want the trail re-opened. Well, you'll get your chance to talk at two important public meetings to held by the Friendship Trailbridge Oversight Committee -- a public panel made up of county commissioners and staff members from both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties..........here

Downtown Tampa, Done In Legos

here

USS Vandenberg Is Sunk Off Key West

Ileana And Mario Protest Something Che Related

If something Che Guevara-related happens in America and Miami Cubans don't make a fuss about it,
did it even actually happen?............here
Lincoln Was Busy

Only $15 Million To Fix Friendship Trail Bridge

A St. Pete Times story says it will cost $15 million -- not $30 million as originally thought -- to repair the Friendship Trail Bridge so that its life would be extended by 10 years........here
We Spend About $255 Million Per Day On The Iraq War.

WMNF Film Series: Flow

Wednesday May 27, 7:00PM -- Tampa Pitcher Show

here

Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor Award

The Hillsborough County Office of Neighborhood Relations is looking for nominees for the summer quarter 2009 Lonnie Lea Napier Good Neighbor Award. Individuals, neighborhood associations and community groups may make nominations to the Office of Neighborhood Relations
until close of business June 12.........here

The Truth about Florida SB 360

St. Petersburg Sued for Ordinances Targeting the Homeless

Three organizations just backed five homeless individuals in filing a class-action lawsuit against the City of St. Petersburg on behalf of all of the homeless people living in the city. The three organizations are the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, the Southern Legal Counsel, and Florida Institutional Legal Services..........here

Sen. Mike Bennett's Kool-Aid

Senator Mike Bennett-R who spawned SB 360. A bill that dismantles growth management.

The bill promotes growth in dense urban areas by removing the state required costs of transportation concurrency and the duplicative development of regional impact (DRI) process within those areas.

(Nimby translation: Developers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for more growth by having to pay for infrastructure; that is what you taxpayers are for.)..........more

Gov. Crist Phone: 850-488-4441 - Email: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse In Temple Terrace

St. Petersburg Landowners Sue Over Pinellas Trail

The owner of the City Wide Mini-Storage at 1942 Second Ave. S in St. Petersburg, Vito Farese, is suing the city because he feels it should have compensated him when the Pinellas Trail was put in............more

Miami: Stop Complaining and Get Off Your Ass

I typically don't like getting into politics, but when my friend Brad told me about the 100 Days of Obama event at Kafa Café in midtown Miami, I was more than happy to attend..........more

Stogie Recommends

Reservation Road

here

Last Chance To Ask Charlie To Veto SB 360

Now, more than ever, your voice needs to be heard by the Governor. Yesterday he signed HB 227 into law, which is the impact fee bill. Local governments have their hands tied for the next two years to increase or add any new impact fees to pay for new development.

If SB 360 gets signed by the Governor with this impact fee law enacted, our local governments will NOT be able to ask any more for transportation impact fees than we currently have. In effect, YOU will get taxed to make up for the infrastructure that developers should be paying for to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

SB 360 has been sitting on the Governor’s desk since 5/18. He has 15 days to sign the bill (becomes law), veto it (kills it), or do nothing which would automatically let the bill become law. You are not too late to help stop this awful bill.

Gov. Crist Phone: 850-488-4441
Email: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

Rally For National Health Care In Tampa

Phenomenal advocate for single payer Dr. Greg Silver of Physicians For National Health Program will be providing his expertise as we speak with Sen. Nelson's people and the media.
Please Join Us If You Can, Even For A Little While
Thurs, 5-28 3-7pm

Sam Gibbons Federal Court House

801 N. Florida Ave, Tampa

Contact Michael D. Fox @ 727-320-4502 For More Info

Walmart Put A Bible In My Pants

This small bible turned up in the buttoned back pocket of some khakis I bought. My receipt shows two polo shirts, pants, chicken tenders and potato logs hot from the deli. Store manager Eric Hirons of (the Supercenter in New Port Richey) name and phone number appears as well.............here

Sanford Police Destroy House

Sanford police wanted to make a drug bust early Saturday morning. They didn't make an arrest but did accidentally burn down a house........here

It's Crist vs. Crist

Remember the Charlie Crist who in February happily shared a stage in Fort Myers with President Obama? Remember the Charlie Crist who loved the nearly $800 billion economic stimulus plan that only three of his fellow Republicans in Congress voted for? Remember That Charlie Crist?........here

Troy Tidwell The 'One Armed Man' Of Marianna

The White House Boys, now men in their 50s and 60s finally got a deposition with the man they accused of the intense beating that went on in the building they dubbed "The White House" on the campus of the Florida Industrial School for Boys in Mariana, Florida..........more

The Death Of Joey Turner

Was the death of 20-year-old Joey Turner on July 4, 2004, in the Gulf of Mexico, less than 100 yards off St. Pete Beach a tragic drowning—–or was it a homicide? Nearly five years later there are more questions than answers surrounding the mysterious death of Turner, an accomplished swimmer, in a “boating accident” after he allegedly jumped from a vessel being operated by Lance Skipper, 19, son of prominent Pinellas County developer Paul Skipper............here
There is evidence of a seriously flawed investigation by the St. Pete Beach Police Department, and in particular, by lead investigator Vincent Marsilia.

Death On The Waterways

St. Pete Mayoral Contender Paul Congemi

“Don’t touch me. I am running for mayor and once I get elected, you will be fired.”

here

Where Would We Be Without Newspapers?

Tampa Police (Finaly) Executed A Search Warrant
Friday night on the Davis Islands home of Robert and Kim Valdez, parents of a teen suspected of fleeing a hit-and-run crash. On Thursday, police reactivated their investigation of the crash,
after the St. Petersburg Times raised questions about the 3-month-old case.............more

Izzy Cox at The Garage In St. Petersburg

Thurs., May 28, 9 p.m
here

Picnic Island Beach Closed

County health officials say the high levels of bacteria indicate fecal pollution, which could cause disease, infections or rashes if a swimmer ingests the water..........here

Jordan Valdez Of Tampa

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Valdez

The Editors, tbt*

Dream Boy In Ybor City

Saturday, May 23, 2009
Muvico Centro Ybor - 7:30pm
here

Beverly Edwards of Arden, North Carolina

Left her 96-year-old aunt at a local Salvation Army shelter in Bradenton , then left for a Walt Disney World vacation with no plans to return for her...........here

I Love You, Jasmine

Jasmine Bedwell collapsed in tears outside the courthouse after a reporter asked for her reaction to McTear telling her he loved her in court........here

The Silent Witness On Davis Islands

Police say they can't prove who was driving the Nissan Murano that killed a homeless woman in a hit-and-run case three months ago. But they haven't used all the investigative tools at their disposal..........more

Had the driver of the Murano stopped at the time of the crash, it's likely that no charges or even a traffic ticket would have been sought.

Strip Club King: Trailer

Jennifer Porter Should Be In Jail

Jennifer Porter, the former schoolteacher who drove away after hitting four children and killing two, was denied her request to end probation this morning........here

Creative Loafing Summer Guide: Pam Iorio

The Bruised Knight's Ybor City Adventure

I was floored by this little jewel of activity in an otherwise bleh state. I make no lie I don’t find much awe inspiring beauty in Florida *well there was that one girl on the bar at Coyote Ugly but I digress.*.........here

Ybor City Museum Needs Volunteers

Ybor City Preservationists Win

An agreement between preservation supporters and Hillsborough Community College, in Tampa, will let the college proceed with construction of a controversial new student-services building.........here

Lawton Chiles Elementary Students Head To Iowa

Seven students were building a bridge out of the flimsiest materials imaginable — a thin strip of construction paper, string, tape, labels, rubber bands and a few paper clips. And they had just five minutes to make it as long as possible.......more
Go Falcons!

Hillsborough Residents Say No To Tent City For Homeless

Most agree that homelessness is a problem in Hillsborough County that needs more attention. But one solution, a proposed tent city on Hillsborough Avenue near Harney Road, has neighbors fearful of decreased property values and increased crime.......here

Welcome Rain

The Back Woods at the Museum of Science & Industry

Is a 25 acre forest preserve in the midst of urban Tampa, Florida.

here

Tampa, Home Base Of Operation Panama Express

Four Colombian men are facing a federal judge today in the first trial under a new law targeting semisubs used to smuggle cocaine from Colombia to the United States..........more

The new law, signed by former President George W. Bush in October. It makes it a crime punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison to be in international waters in a stateless submersible or semisubmersible vessel designed to avoid detection.

Wengay Newton’s Summer Vacation

It was eight of us with a single mom, so there wasn’t a lot of vacationing. We’d go to Busch Gardens … one or two of us, then we would come back and tell the rest how it was.”......... Wengay Newton

Justice For Melissa Sjostrom

Three months ago, a driver in an SUV killed a woman crossing a South Tampa street and fled. Within hours, Tampa police had connected a red paint chip from the scene to a Nissan Murano with front end damage parked in front of a million-dollar Davis Islands home. The paint flake from the crime scene fit
"just like a jigsaw puzzle," an officer wrote in a report..........here

Stogie Has Some Questions
*Two weeks after Sjostorm died, a check for $100,000 was sent to her mother from the company that insured the SUV?
*If there is nothing to hide, why take the fifth?
*Why is the family in therapy?
*Why did the Tampa police detective who investigated the case, Robert D. Powell, failed to appear in court?
Powell listed two crash witnesses in an affidavit he sent to the court 11 days ago. However, no witnesses were subpoenaed to testify at today's hearing, the judge learned in court today. Sending subpoenaes to witnesses in traffic cases is typically the responsibility of the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court's office.

"You wouldn't leave a dog to die alone in a street like that,"..........Connie Wheeler

Strip Club King: The Story of Joe Redner

Is now available for pre-order at the link below. The official North American release date is August 4, so all DVDs purchased will be shipped that day.

here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse In Temple Terrace

Alex Sink for Governor

Pit Bulls Pounding the Pavement

Please come out and support Pit Bulls Pounding the Pavement's all time favorite Pit Bull Rescue group PIT STOP BULLYS in their efforts to raise money for their rescue organization........here
Thursday, May 21st! from 5pm-8pm
Sweet Tomatoes on Dale Mabry just south of Bearss

Tampa Children Sing to Help New Orleans

Focusing on the needs of others, 15 members of the award-winning Tampa Bay Children's Chorus will participate this summer in a five-day festival in New Orleans..........here

Going Green

In Tampa

Spence's Ybor City Adventure

Wow what an interesting night! What started off as a few friends going to a local bar to do some karaoke turned into us going clear down to Ybor City and seeing many interesting sites..........more

The Tampa That Might Have Been

A year ago I was doing microfilm research on local history at the John German(y) Library in Tampa. I was flabbergasted to discover a Tampa Tribune article from November 25, 1924, that mentioned the work of the famous town planner John Nolen in connection with Tampa..........more

Tampa - Gipsy Kings

Stogie Recommends: Star Trek

The New Crew Of The USS Enterprise
Great Casting, Especially Karl Urban As Dr. McCoy. Stogie's Trekkie Fix For The Rest Of His Life.
here

ENOUGH OF THIS

There can be no question that an insidious effort to dismantle growth management is bad for the state when both the Hillsborough County Commission and 1000 Friends of Florida are asking Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the legislation.

The commission rarely stands up to developers,

and 1000 Friends is a stalwart supporter of smart community planning........here

Hillsborough Gets Two New Pet-Friendly Hurricane Shelters

Hillsborough County is doubling the number of pet-friendly disaster shelters it offers to four, just in time for hurricane season. Animal Services workers are seeking monetary donations so they can purchase pet crates and other supplies for the additional two shelters............here

Leilani’s Perspective: Heatwave Hopscotch

Last night, Photographer Phil and I played Heatwave Hopscotch, skipping from stage to stage, pausing longer at some than at others though never staying long enough to get comfortable in any one place, and having a grand old time all along the way............more

Anti-Sink Web Site Set Up By Alachua Republican

There's already one group going after Democrat Alex Sink with a Web site called Don't Bank on Sink that re-uses the same "banker" talking points the state GOP put out yesterday, minutes after the state chief financial officer announced her gubernatorial bid.........more

Alex Sink

Engagement Session in Ybor City

Jason Angelini Photography

Cut and Run Charlie Crist

By running for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist has cut and run on the Sunshine State, once again taking the easy way out, avoiding responsibility and leaving the hard work of facing Florida's problems to the next governor........here

Hillsborough County Teacher Ross Anderson

Was named this year's We Deliver award winner. The award, funded by an anonymous donor through the district's education foundation, recognizes an employee who "delivers miracles every day,"...............here

Buddy Johnson Is In More Hot Water

In an effort to appeal to taxpayers during his campaign for re-election last year, Buddy Johnson boasted that he had cut his office's budget by 10 percent. Instead, according to an audit released Friday, Johnson overspent his budget in the final 15 months of his administration by $2.35 million...........more

Parents Gave Permission For Their Children To Be Shocked

Florida Prisons Shock Kids

Demonstrations at three Florida prisons where more than 40 children were shocked with stun guns have led to the dismissal of three employees and the resignation of two others, Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil said Friday.............here

Become A Friend of SWFBUD

You can become a Friend of SWFBUD for $25 a year and the first 100 Friends will get a free Polar Bottle water bottle.

here

If you want to become a Friend, contact SWFBUD Director Alan Snel at

alansnel@yahoo.com

Michael Lowry's Mercy

A St. Petersburg homeowner's mercy might be the only reason a burglary suspect is still alive.............here

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White

The Cyrano de Bergerac of Kennedy Blvd.

Has found himself in a fine kerfuffle of kinkiness in the wake of a federal sexual discrimination lawsuit brought by a former aide who claims no sooner did she go work for the commissioner in 2007 than Kevin White began redefining the term public service...........more

A Day Late And Billions Of Dollars Short

For Hillsborough On Growth-Management Bill

After months of hounding from activists and even early coverage in both papers including this editorial in the Trib dated Feb 21st, 2009 the Hillsborough County Commission finally weighs in on Senate Bill 360, a bad revamp of Florida’s growth-management safeguards.........here

TECO Denies Report Of High Toxin Discharge

Tampa Electric is denying suggestions that its Big Bend Power Station is dumping high levels of selenium, a metal toxin, into Tampa Bay. The Washington Post reported recently that several U.S. power plants have been flushing wastewater with levels of selenium that far exceed EPA standards into U.S. waterways.
The Big Bend plant was included in the Post's analysis..........more

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho

Solar Car Stops In Tampa

It's a glimmer of gold and black topping out at 75 mph. No stops for gas. Just food, rest and friends. But it's a looker.......here

The 28th Annual WMNF Tropical Heatwave

Saturday May 16, 5:00PM -- Cuban Club, Ybor City
here

Bob Graham Endorses Alex Sink

Former Gov. Bob Graham has endorsed Alex Sink for Florida's next Governor. Graham is the most respected Democratic politician in Florida. The endorsement is symbolically huge for Sink.........here

Under-The-Bus Week For Hillsborough’s County Commissioners

For all of you mass transit supporters … buses everywhere were busy last week giving you a glimpse of what really goes on down at County Center...........more

Dan Gelber To Campaign In Tampa

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dan Gelber will be in Tampa on Friday.

here

Colleen Sullivan Of Tampa

A Tampa mother who deputies say left her baby in a hot car while she broke into a home and punched a resident was arrested Monday. Colleen Sullivan, 21, lifted a sliding glass door off its track to enter a home at 1326 Autumn Drive while
her 4-month-old boy sat in 93-degree heat outside...........more

Patrick Manteiga: Half The Man He Used To Be

My Kind of Town

Ybor City in Tampa is my favorite place to hang out and take photos. It's been a part of my life since the early eighties when I attended college there...........more

Palmetto Beach

Where is this little building. What country is it in? When I found it I drove right by at first, circled back and stopped right in front and just studied it for a while..........here

Alex Sink For Governor Of Florida!

When Alex Sink is elected in November 2010, she will be Florida’s first woman governor!

here

www.AlexSink2010.com

Salvation Army Shelter In St. Pete

I love the daily paper. In no other publication can you read one article full of facts, shedding light on some problem and then read a columnist in the next section completely unaware of said facts and making uneducated statements. I bring this up, because I just finished my Sunday edition of the St. Petersburg Times..........more

Tampa No.1 ‘Cookout Capital’ In Florida

Propane tank exchange brand Blue Rhino has just announced its top 100 Cookout Capitals for 2009.

here

Bike To Work Day In Tampa

Downtown Tampa will be celebrating National Bike to Work Day on May 15 with group rides coming in from literally all directions. Participants will meet up afterwards at Indigo Coffee for a free beverage........here

Local Hero Tyler Kemmitzer

Saw his 3-year-old sister standing on the pool ladder, a frozen expression on her face. Her hand was pointing down toward the water. She was pointing at Ashley Lawler, floating face-down. Tyler took only seconds Sunday evening to clamber over a 4-foot fence, jump into the above-ground pool and grab Ashley........here

Jamie Bennett

For St. Petersburg Mayor

here

Lisa, Zachary, And Savannah Freiberg Of Tampa

Lisa worked at Wal-Mart on Dale Mabry Highway at Bearss Avenue where dozens of her friends and co-workers attended the ceremony in the lobby. The 26-year-old mother and her young children were brutally killed in their Lutz home on Mother's Day last year.........here

A Place Called Chiapas

Wednesday, May 13, 8:00pm
Cafe Bohemia, 937 Central Ave. St. Petersburg

Sara Swanson's Work Out

A Tampa mother has been charged with child neglect after her 3-year-old son was found wandering their apartment complex Sunday afternoon without any clothes on.........more

Pam Iorio: Not Running For US Senate

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who a few months ago expressed interest in Mel Martinez’s seat in the Senate, said today she will not run for statewide or national office in 2010..........here

Jennifer Howe's Mothers Day

Howe, who was let go by WTSP in September after more than a dozen years, has not yet found another job. She said life has been tough since she left the station, with few job prospects..........more

"Mr. Nice Guy" Peter Schorsch

Schorsch said Bennett was at first reticent to bring him on as a hired campaign employee given Schorsch's previous legal troubles. He was arrested in 2006 on charges he stole nearly $10,000
from the Tarpon Springs Democratic Club and from Ed Helm and Eve Joy, who ran for mayor and a seat on the St. Petersburg City Council, respectively, a year earlier.
Schorsch also still owes the state more than $67,000
for 40 election law violations in 2005..........more

Jamie Bennett

Stogie Recommends

Trouble the Water

here

On Vacation

In Tampa

Seminole Heights Community Gardens T-Shirts

here

Tampa Mom Asks Cosmetics Victims, “WTF?”

Tara Lee is a Tampa mom who dared to ask the question, “If my children’s toys were recalled because of lead contamination in paint, why has lead not yet been banned from lipstick?”........here

Engagement - Ybor City

ErinChris Photography

Benefits of Socialism

Letter-to-the-Editor, from Brian Moore

Peter Stathis’s response (”Spewing Socialism”) on April 22, 2009, to my earlier letter, requires clarification as to his misunderstanding of socialism. The writer seems to be living in the past with his stereotypes of socialists as either communists, fascists or indentured servants of the state........more

Reflecting On Tampa

Seminole Heights Blogs, Websites

There are lots of blogs and websites about the Seminole Heights area. Here are some I have found.

here

FLORIDA FOUNTAIN TREATS WASTEWATER

Florida’s “fountain of youth” today may be a wastewater treatment system disguised as a cascading water feature in a building atrium. Considering Florida’s critical water shortage, suffering its third driest season on record since 1932, with less than 30 percent of normal winter rainfall, salty estuaries, and the Everglades’ marshes evaporating, it’s not surprising that the paved-over state in this subtropical climate with endless golf courses and countless housing developments is in a dilemma...........more

ACLU’S ‘Camerahead Project’ In Ybor City

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida’s Greater Tampa Chapter,
together with a group of performance artists from USF’s College of Art and Art History, will stage a street theater performance in Ybor City to raise awareness about the increasing “mission creep” of government through surveillance cameras. The event will coincide with
WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave Festival
the evening of May 16, 2009.........more

Florida Boy, Walking To D.C. For Homeless Kids

At age 11, Zach Bonner has already walked farther and done more for charity than many grown-ups. Now he's about to make good on his vow to walk more than 1,200 miles from Tampa to Washington to bring attention to the plight of homeless kids in the United States..........more

Do It For Your Muddah

Looking for some way to celebrate your mom, with your mom, but don’t want to deal with the traditional flowers-sentimental card-dinner-kiss on the cheek? Here are a trio of events taking place this weekend that are sure to be a treat for your dear old muddah.........here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Pepper Steak

With Moro And Green Beans

$5.99..........At Rosa's On MLK West Of Lois

Eat Local

Dry In Safety Harbor

here

Creative Loafing's Green 100 Party

here

Crist Signs 'Rachel's Law'

Gov. Charlie Crist And The Film Outrage

As Florida Gov. Charlie Crist considers whether to enter the competitive race to replace Sen. Mel Martinez, some public talk has turned to the issue of his sexuality, thanks to Outrage........more

Bartlett Park and Green Cities Florida

I feel what Van Jones is promoting in this short film is exactly what the citizens of St. Petersburg are looking for. A renewal based on "Human Technology"...........here

Tampa Adult Film Star For US Senate

At 30-years-old, adult film star Stormy Daniels is considering a new career: politics. The buxom blonde, who lives in Tampa, is considering a run for the U.S. Senate..........here

Local Legend Tim Fasano Calls Obama

I even called the White House. I said put Barrack on the phone Tim is calling. She said, "who is Tim.' "Just tell him...he knows who I am." I got thru............more

Zach Bonner's Little Red Wagon

Zachary Bonner was born in Arkansas but is now living in Tampa, Florida. ... In 2005 he formed the Little Red Wagon Foundation a non profit organization

Roosevelt Lorenzo Byrd Dies On Tampa Sidewalk

Tampa detectives are investigating as a homicide the death of a homeless man found early today on a city sidewalk.........here

Tampa Tattoo Artist: Jett Jones

here

Cheap Homes

In Clearwater, Florida

Florida Mailbox

In Hudson

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho

Florida Listening Tour In Tampa

Come out and meet new OFA State Staff and find out how you can get involved with OFA in Tampa!

Thursday, May 7 from 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM
John F. Germany Library, 900 N Ashley Dr Tampa

here

Tampa Off In The Distance

here

HEP Of Pinellas County

HEP is a registered 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Our mission is to provide homeless and very low-income individuals and families with housing, food, clothing and support services necessary to obtain self-sufficiency and improved quality of life.HEP is the oldest and largest provider of emergency housing and support services in Pinellas County.
here

Where To Eat, Drink, Shop With Your Dog In Tampa Bay

Sancho, 1-year-old mixed-breed pooch is in the house and at the bar at the Pets on the Patio Yappy Hour at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City. That’s his owner, Teresa Bieber. Sancho was a rescued dog..........more

Florida's Curious Case Of Buttons

I am thinking to myself at this point wouldn’t it be great if
Commissioners Al “the New Blair” Higginbotham and Jim Norman just stayed home
and asked Commissioner Kevin Beckner to vote their buttons for them?...........here

www.oldseminoleheightsfoundation.org

Expect no lawsuit, but cyber action is a possibility as the executive board of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association tries to lay claim to a Web domain name.........here

Tampa Strobist

here

Friends Of Stogie

At The Tally Ho In Tampa

Victor Crist Throws Hillsborough County Under The Bus

Developers win big in Tallahassee, and which Hillsborough lawmaker voted to support them? Well, for one the now State Sen. Victor Crist, who has an eye on Ken Hagan’s county commission seat in a game of musical sprawlers and just voted to throw Hillsborough under the bus by gutting what meager growth management laws we do have..........here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

BBQ Beef
With Potato Salad And Baked Beans
$9.99.........At Pit Boss BBQ, On Little Road In New Port Richey

Eat Local

Walk Like MADD At Lowry Park

MADD National President, Laura Dean Mooney, will join approximately 300 local supporters on Saturday, May 16th, to participate in Walk Like MADD, a 5K non-competitive walk that encourages the community to support MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving............here

Child Killer "Richard Anthony McTear Jr" Of Tampa

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

A man was caught in Tampa Tuesday for allegedly throwing his ex-girlfriend's

4-month-old baby out of a car window,

killing the child.........here

Calling All Dali Look-Alikes

If you’ve ever been told your looks won’t win you any traditional beauty pageants, your lucky day is here. That’s because the Salvador Dali Museum is seeking entrants for “Double Takes,” its second annual Dali look-alike competition..........more

Dave Schmidt: Mugshots

First thing that amazed me were the sheer numbers of people arrested every day. The second was: how many are busted for not having a drivers license and how many are busted for marijuana possession........here

Don Of Clearwater Needs Help Getting To The Keys

I'm trying to put together a 2-3 week vacation trip from Clearwater area to the keys...........here

The Kevin White Show

During his campaign a couple years back, we found out the current County Commissioner Kevin White likes expensive suits. We also found out he wanted to pay for those suits out of his campaign election funds, not out of his own pocket...........more

Anyone besides me think Mr. White needs to resign and let someone with an unblemished record represent his district?

Friends Of Stogie

At The Firehouse In Temple Terrace

What's Wrong With Republican Deveron Gibbons?

First Rick, Then Charlie

here

PoHo Chat

Florida's Newest Tourist Attraction

GOP World

I4 And Branch Forbes Road, Florida

Rep. Wexler's Letter To Attorney General Eric Holder

here
Robert Wexler

Happy Birthday, Pete

here

New Barker Magazine, For Tampa Bay Area Dog Lovers

Anna Cooke, just finished the eighth edition of the New Barker, a quarterly magazine for Tampa Bay area dog lovers, which she created with her husband.......more

Tampa Old City Hall

here

Taming Ybor City

The city's original cigar-making center has gone through many transformations. But the most recent one, a mini-version of Bourbon Street, went down like a shot of bad whiskey to many of this area's old-timers........here

Dragonboat Racing at Tampa's Garrison Channel

You know those motivational posters for Teamwork? Someone really should make one about Dragonboat racing..........here

Tampa Bay Xeriscape

In Temple Terrace

Stogie's Friend Monthly Poker Game

In Tampa

The Jesus Christ Show On WFLA In Tampa

Heathens Are Invited To Listen And Learn.

here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Central Park Signature

With Fries And Greek Wedding Soup

$7.29...........At Central Park Restaurant, 13418 Telecom Dr. Temple Terrace

Eat Local

Talk On Corners

Adamo Dr. And 21th Street In Ybor City

How To Travel Green In Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay region is on the way to making improvements in our transportation systems, ones that will help people move around, not just vehicles..........more

Fun Bike At Fun-Lan

In the Tampa Bay area, you're never disappointed when it comes to the array of bicycles out there..........here

Friends Of Stogie

At Apadana Pub In Tampa

Wingnut In Brandon

here

Rally For Immigrant Rights In Tampa

This afternoon in Tampa, on the corner of North Dale Mabry and West Columbus Drive, about twenty-five people held signs saying “Reform, Not Raids” and “Family Unity."............more

Rowlett Residents Tampa Trip

As city officials decide how many people to send to Tampa to represent Rowlett at the All-America City competition, some residents are upset that they’re sending any at all.........here
Please Bring Passports.

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Drama In Seminole Heights

Neighborhood politics seem to be the most contentious, huh?

here

So, What's It Really Like Living In Downtown Tampa?

The real estate boom promised a flood of new people living in downtown Tampa and the Channel District. Finally, Tampa would bustle after dark. New businesses would open. Restaurants would serve dinner. To a certain extent, it happened. Not quite as boldly as envisioned, but certainly more lights dot the skyline at night........more