Saturday, September 7, 2013

Florida's Backdoor Tax Increases

Sen. Jeff Brandes filed SB 144 to repeal Florida’s red light traffic laws.
We have had red light cameras in Florida for over three years. They were initially sold as safety devices, but I have come to firmly believe that they are now being used as backdoor tax increases,” stated Brandes. “We have seen municipalities that have installed these devices shorten yellow light times and set arbitrary standards on right turn on red violations. I believe cities will continue to install these devices if left unchecked.”
Earlier this year, WTSP Channel 10 reporter Noah Pransky reported that the state had quietly reduced the minimum number of seconds for yellow light intervals — specifically for those that were equipped with red light cameras. The result? Citation rates spiked by almost 40 percent in municipalities that have the cameras......more>

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ybor Paparazzi


 Meet Agent Bauer he works at La France in Ybor.

Firehouse Cultural Center In Ruskin

Local  treasure Mariella Smith has launched a new website for the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. Their ribbon cutting is on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, 10:00 a.m. It looks like a cool place, they offer quality programming with a focus on a full spectrum of the arts, and on education for all ages. Check it out here

Vote No On Military Force In Syria

Call your member of Congress now and tell them to vote 'No' on an Authorization to Use Military Force in Syria? Here are the numbers to call: 
Senator Marco RubioPhone: (202) 224-3041
Senator Bill NelsonPhone: (202) 224-5274
Representative Kathy CastorPhone: (202) 225-3376
Report your call here

A Bad Month For South Florida Mayors

An FBI sting operation on Aug. 6 nabbed the mayors of Sweetwater and Miami Lakes for taking suitcases and envelopes stuffed with cash. the two mayors, Manuel Maroño, of Sweetwater and Michael Pizzi, of Miami Lakes, not only took bribes in exchange for helping businesses apply for federal grants, but they plotted together to siphon off a share of the grant money for themselves. Steven Bateman, mayor of Homestead, was arrested Wednesday on charges that he secretly took a $125 per hour consulting position with a health care company that was doing business with the city.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Ybor Paparazzi

Local comic Will Ejay with friends at The Improv.

Rubio Raising Money For Right Wing Extremist Ken Cuccinelli

Sen.  Marco Rubio will appear at a fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli, according to an invite. Tickets start at $50 for a luncheon and boom to $25,000 for chair status and a table for 10.....more>
Who is Ken Cuccinelli? Check him out here. Nice company Rubio keeps.

Hometown Hero Laci Carnes


Tampa Bay Area Peace GroupsTo Protest

Peace activists plan to gather from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Saturday at S Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy Boulevard in Tampa to protest possible U.S. military intervention in Syria.......more
Hard to believe we are having to do this again so soon.
"Raytheon's stock is up 20% in the last 60 days. It seems that nobody wants US intervention in Syria except the military-industrial complex. I oppose US military intervention in Syria. Join me."....more

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Rally At Kathy Castor's Office In Tampa

Bypass Boehner Day of Action
MoveOn and other progressive groups have committed to supporting a discharge petition for comprehensive immigration reform. We hope you will join us in urging FL Representative Kathy Castor to be true to her bipartisan convictions by standing against partisan stalling on immigration reform.
Rep. Kathy Castor's Office, 4144 N Armenia Avenue in Tampa
 Thursday, September 5th, 12:00 PM
info 

Countryside High Principal Gary Schlereth

A local school district won't let cheerleaders wear their uniforms to class because they're too sexy.  principal Schlereth said "The district instituted a stricter dress code this year and the short skirts and sleeveless tops don't make the cut." Principal Kevin Hendrick at Northeast High added "The skirts were just too short.".......more

Tampa Demands: Hands off Syria

Over 100 protesters gathered Aug. 31, to demand no military attack on Syria by the U.S. Members of the Syrian American community as well as many others assembled at a busy intersection in South Tampa waving signs at motorists who went by......more>
I could not make it!

Tampa Palm Trees Dying From Disease


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Republic Of Ybor

Bench in Ybor City

Tampa Bay's New Leaders Council

Tampa Bay has a new community resource for progressive leaders wanting to play a role in shaping the future — the New Leaders Council.......more>

Tell Congress: Don't Attack Syria

Florida Rep. Alan Grayson says he'll work to convince other House members to vote against the U.S. attacking Syria, and has started an online Petition.