No Strip Clubs, Casinos or Liquor, Guns ok.

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban those receiving government assistance from using their electronic benefits (EBT) cards at strip clubs, casinos and liquor stores. The provision banning EBT use in gun shops was stripped out in committee.

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Pic Thanks To World Of Wonder

The Weather Kids on TBCN

Bring your children to TBCN to give their own version of the weather report.
Call us at (813) 977-5200 or visit us at tbcn.org.

Illegal Ggambling's Fat Checks

Allied and affiliates pumped $2M into political campaigns.
Threatened with being shut down, the owners and operators flooded lawmakers with campaign cash and hired a stable of lobbyists with money that police now say was illegally obtained. Among the biggest contributors was Allied Veterans, the purported charity that authorities this week said illegally operated electronic slot machines at 49 Internet cafes across Florida. Allied and related companies donated $2 million to the lawmakers' campaigns and committees over at least three years, police say.
here

Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg $40,000
Joe Negron, R-Palm City $25,000
Both voted against  Medicaid Expansion.
Republican Party of Florida $52,000
And even the Dems were in on it.
Florida Democratic Party $75,000

Corporate Welfare: $3,796 Per Job In Florida

 For the past 16 years, more than $80 million in state incentives backed by taxpayer money helped recruit and subsidize companies creating nearly 20,000 jobs around Tampa Bay. In more than 200 deals since 1996 by Enterprise Florida in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties, the largest sum handed over to a firm is $19.6 million to California research firm SRI International. In 2009 SRI opened a marine research facility in St. Pe t e r s b u r g . The number of SRI jobs documented by the state so far: 86.

here

Bikes On Buses

 Hillsborough Area Regional Transit
Go Hart

The Beer Flows Left And Right

The difference between a Conservative and a Liberal 
And the way they drink their beers.  The Conservative likes cans or bottles, it's all my you can't have any. ie When a group of diehard conservatives gathers at Keegan's on Thursdays, they pay their own tabs. And they drink Guinness or an expensive import. The Liberal likes pitchers, so he can share and when its time to buy another one everyone can chip in. ie When a group of diehard liberals gathers on Wednesday nights at the 331 Club, they all throw money into a kitty and share pitchers of beer.

I must say after drinking many beers with my Right and Left Wing friends over the years that theory is  probably true.

here

Hugo's Spanish Restaurant

What Stogie Had For Lunch
Boliche
With Yellow Rice and Platanos
$8.49 at Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 31 S Howard Ave in Tampa
This place has been on S. Howard for along time. I remember coming here back in the 80's when i lived on Davis Islands. I am sorry i stayed away so long. The food  is delicious and the price and portions are just right.

Marco Rubio: Liberal Freeloaders

Hey Rubio I Got Your Liberal Freeloader Right Here.
here
Pic thanks to A Ghost in El Salvador

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet Chris
He is from Chicago, he has only been homeless for a short time.

The Culture Of Corruption In Florida

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll
The legislature is working to pass "ethics reform" that will do little to stop the culture of corruption that's consuming Florida. Now more than ever, we need real ethics reform that will stop the worst abuses of the public trust that pervade our government.
Sign our petition
To the Florida Legislature demanding real ethics reform.

The March for Rights, Respect, and Fair Food reaches Tampa!

The march completed its northward leg yesterday by reaching the city of Tampa, where the marchers were received from start to finish like conquering heroes, a reception that included a massive -- and remarkably creative -- candlelight vigil at a Publix store in Temple Terrace.
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"Don't let making a profit stand in the way of doing the right thing.".....George Jenkins
Do The Right Thing Publix

Celebrate Sunshine Week

As we celebrate Sunshine Week, I encourage readers to get involved in their local communities and promote the importance of open government and access to information. Anyone can play an active role in government and help keep public officials honest, make government more efficient and act as a check against waste, fraud and abuse of power.

Freedom of information isn't just an issue for the press; it's a cornerstone of our democracy. Join us and help make a difference in the battle against unnecessary government secrecy and waste.

You can find out more here

Stogie's Hate Mail

I don't usually post my hate mail but i thought i would share this one with everyone. I got a message in my inbox the other day that suggest i should get a Chemical castration. He/She said that me and all of my Commie Socialist loving friends should get one so as not to make any more of our kind. I didn't know what that was, so i looked it up. According to Wikipedia:

Chemical castration is the administration of medication designed to reduce libido and sexual activity. Unlike surgical castration, where the testicles or ovaries are removed through an incision in the body,[1] chemical castration does not actually castrate the person, nor is it a form of sterilization.

The key words here is "nor is it a form of sterilization". One would think if you were going to take the time to write something like this to someone you would find out what it is frirst.

St. Pete Police Threatened By Pair Of Scissors

The mother of 43-year-old Arthur Dixon Jr. called St. Petersburg police on Sunday evening because he doused himself with gasoline and threatened to take his own life. At around 7:30 p.m., the suicidal man allegedly ran at Officers Devin Jones and Curtis Wright with scissors while they were stationed at the back of the house. Both officers opened fire, hitting Dixon in the torso multiple times. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center and pronounced dead at around 10 p.m.
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“The police assured me that they weren’t going to hurt him, that they were concerned for his safety. He has no weapons, he’s never hurt anyone ever. So, they forced him out the back of the house and they shot him three times. I want to know why they shot him, he had no weapons and he’s drunk. He has a traumatic brain injury, he’s blind in one eye, can’t see well out of the other. Why did they shoot him?”.......Lydia Andrews, Dixon’s mother.
“Scissors are a deadly weapon, they can cause great harm. They can be just as dangerous as a knife.”.......St. Petersburg police spokesperson Mike Puetz
Poor Guy!

Corporate Welfare In Florida

Stop Rick Scott's Massive Corporate Giveaway
Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years making devastating cuts to critical services for middle class families. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
Please sign the petition from Daily Kos and our partners at Florida Watch Action as we demand that the Florida legislature reject this $141 million corporate tax break. Florida Watch Action will deliver the signatures to Florida legislators.
here

You Can Beat City Hall

Great Job Dana Shores
When Dana Shores residents wanted to keep 23 acres separating their neighborhood from Tampa International Airport's runways as a scenic reserve, they did things by the book: They attended meetings and spoke to airport officials.
here

Will Weatherford: What A Funny Guy

"You're just funny, y'know, the story. It's funny. You're a funny guy." Henry Hill
I read with great amusement this morning

Will Weatherford piece in The Tampa Bay Times. He is trying to explain why he and his Republican cohorts in Tallahassee voted against Medicaid expansion in Florida. He states that he is not confident in the feds given the track record of the federal government, which hasn't balanced a budget in years.
(I have smoked a lot of weed in my life but my memory is still sharp) if i remember correctly bill Clinton not only left a balanced budget but a surplus. if it wasn't for the Republicans reckless spending ( Wars on credit, Tax breaks for the rich and corporations) we would not be in the mess we are in. Then he mentions future funding for our schools, public safety, and protection of our beaches and springs. When the hell did his party ever care about teachers or the environment. He keeps trying to dig himself out of the hole he is in and it is not working. Wesley Chapel is just up the road, i will make it my goal to send this man home after his term is up.
here

The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act, SB 1250

The Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act now in the Senate’s Health Policy Committee.
Florida residents are urged to contact committee members and tell them the importance of passing this legislation. A recent poll found 70% of Florida voters, including 56% of Republicans, support medical marijuana legislation in the Sunshine State.
More info here
Senator Aaron Bean (R) bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Eleanor Sobel (D) sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Jeff Brandes (R) brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Oscar Braynon,II(D) braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Anitere Flores (R) flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Bill Galvano (R) galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Rene Garcia (R) garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Denise Grimsley(R)grimsley.denise.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Arthenia Joyner(D) joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov

Community Conversations

Saw this on the side of a Hartline bus in Tampa.
Community Conversations is a show that explores key topics that matter in our community. "Edu-taining" conversations revolve around the physical, mental, educational, and economic health of our community.
On-Air-Schedule: Saturdays 2pm-4pm
Stations : WHNZ AM 1250
more info

Florida Republican Rejects Medicaid Expansion

A Florida Senate committee voted Monday against Medicaid expansion, joining the House in rejecting Gov. Rick Scott's proposal for a three-year trial covered entirely by federal funding. The Senate select committee on the Affordable Care Act voted along party lines, 7-4. Democrats said they were willing to explore alternatives but unsuccessfully pleaded with colleagues to embrace expansion as a backup.
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Yet they are very good at doing this. Governor Rick Scott has spent the past two years slashing services for the middle class, such as education cuts that led to massive teacher layoffs, while dishing out millions of dollars to major corporations. Now he plans to go even further by pushing through a bill this legislative session that will give big corporations another $141 million in tax breaks.
here
Remember these people come election time.
Will Weatherford of Land o' Lakes,Joe Negron of Stuart, Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Richard Corcoran, of Trinity,Nancy C. Detert of Sarasota,
Bill Galvano of Hillsborough County, Denise Grimsley Polk County,
Jack Latvala of Pinellas County.
Come on Florida let's not let what happened in 2010 happen again, that is how these people get elected. 

Get Involved in 2014. Let's turn Florida Blue.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Palomilla Steak
With Moro and Yuca
$10.95 At Reo at the Grayhound bus station in Tampa.
So Good!

The Rodney Dangerfield Blog

I am not a writer, my thing is in photography. my mom gave me a Kodak Brownie for Christmas when i was 6 years old and after many Nikon's later i am still at it. The nest few paragraphs were a struggle, so please be kind. I read with great sadness the other day Ben Kirby's post about putting his great blog The Spencerian on hiatus, possibly forever. he mention in his post the disappointment he felt when he wasn't listed on the Washington Post's The Fix blog.
  By the way, they just updated their list of best state blogs, and The Spencerian didn't make the cut.  I'm not particularly pleased with their Florida list, but I don't want you to think this is about being bitter.
Peter Schorsch of St.Peters Blog mention that he hopes this wasn't the staw that broke the camels back. I don't want to sound bitter myself but if that was the case with the Stogie my camel would of been on the ground along time ago. I started this effort  back on March 19, 2003. First as a website thanks to Wayback Machine you can see what it looked like here) and then as a blog in May of 2006. For some reason, (maybe i wasn't someones idea of what a blog should look like). it took the Stogie along time to get accepted. Some bloggers did help me out and put my link on their blogrolls (Litbrit, Out In Left Field, Tampa Do-Gooder, Finding Tampa, Pushing Rope stc.) I remember how proud i was when Ken put me on the old Florida Progressive Coalition blogroll.
 Let me not forget madfloridian who gave me a link and who now also writes for Daily Kos where she also gave me a link. (How cool is that?) I never get mentioned in any Best Of Blogs list. including the one Mr. Kirby is talking about. And as far as awards go, I  finally won the Netroots Award for Best Local Blog of 2011 and that was only becouse Mr. Kirby and especially Mr. Schorsch sent their support my way. If not i would still be Award-less (Is that a word?). So for me it has never been about lists or awards and i hope that is the case with the talented Mr Kirby. 
My daughter has Instructions to post my obituary, when you see it, that will be it for me.

Kevin Beckner Community Event

Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 10 am-12 pm
SouthShore Regional Library 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
More Info At Pushing Rope

Republican Stacy White

Beware of this man in 2014

He is a Right-Wing extremist  who is a strong supporter of local bigots Terry Kemple, David Caton and former Republican state Sen. Ronda Storms, He is planning to run for the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners District 4 seat.  Commissioner Al Higginbotham cannot seek re-election in that district due to term limits. We cannot replace one right-winger with another. We need folks who will epresent all the people of Hillsborough County not just the ones they like.

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Please Consider April Griffin who is also running.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Picadillo
With Red Beans and Rice
$5.99 at Reo. at the Grayhound Bus Station in Tampa.

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet Jim
He is a local. He has been homeless 3 years.

The Tampa Bay Times

Get The Times at your home.
Call Edwin @ 813.486.9608 and say you saw it on
The Stogie and he will give you a good deal.
Florida's Best Newspaper

Sad Day In Tampa Bay

One of Tampa Bay's best writers is saying goodbye.  

"I am sending The Spencerian on an extended hiatus.I am not sure when it will be back, if at all.".....Ben Kirby

You don't know how many times i've thought of doing the same thing. But i always come back to what MLK once said. "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." i think
i owe that to my  daughter. my granddaughter and all my
 nieces and nephews. I have come this far, i just can't stop now. I will miss you Mr. Kirby.
At Pushing Rope
At St. Petersblog
Should i start a petition to get him to reconsider?

St. Petersburg City Theatre

info
More Than Community Theatre – Theatre in the Community
Support Local Theatre

Marco Rubio: GOP's Hispanic Uncle Tom

The Smell Of Sulfur Still In The Air

Thanks To All Hat No Cattle

Solidarity Sunday at New World Brewery in Ybor City

The Telecommunication Workers of IBEW Local Union 824
are hosting an informal get-together for all workers, friends and allies of the working class.
Come have a beer on us at Solidarity Sunday at New World Brewery, featuring
DJ Hug-A-Thug spinning tunes of by and for the working class.
 Sunday March 10 from 3 - 6 PM
New World Brewery
1313 E 8th Avenue, Ybor City.
Free Parking: In the lot on 8th Avenue immediately West of New World.
info

Republicans And Jesus

Please Help The Stogie Understand
How Can You Love Jesus And Be A Republican?
 Mahatma Gandhi once said "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

"Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God."
"Whatever you do for the least among you. You do for me."
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you"
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
This man does not sound like a Republican,he sounds like a Liberal.

Tampa's Wise Man

Fred Karl RIP
May 14, 1924 - March 7, 2013
remembering Tampa's wise man...Daniel Ruth
With the voice of reason gone, who do you call?...Sue Carlton
_______

"Fred Karl was a role model for excellent public service. His lifelong legacy as a public servant draws the conclusion: 'Well done, thy good and faithful servant.' "...Bill Nelson

"Fred Karl was born to be a public servant. He tackled issues with a sense of fairness, respect and honesty, always reflecting his personal and professional high standards. His values and character were shaped in large part by his generation that viewed duty, sacrifice and civic engagement as necessary components of a full and meaningful life."...Pam Iorio

"Fred Karl was a war hero, dutiful public servant and statesman. No matter his role, Fred was always a calming influence on those around him. He believed that fairness should always carry the day, and his love for our community and the people who shaped it, regardless of their color or creed, superseded anything else."...Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn

"He wore many hats. He loved public service. And he made a positive impact on our community. We are a better place because Fred Karl lived and served here."...Jan Platt

No Camping In Bradenton

A 50-year-old woman was arrested and charged with camping in an unauthorized area within Bradenton city limits.Annette Stafford was camping behind the JODAT Law Firm at 500 9th St. W. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Bradenton Police Department report.When an officer arrived at the area behind the law firm, the officer discovered Stafford and another subject using blankets as bedding.

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Via Pushing Rope

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Center Cut Pork Chops
With Yellow Rice and Mushrooms.
$5.99 At The Gold Ring, Tampa St. and Columbus Dr. in Tampa.
I have been coming here for years.The food is always great.

Tampa Is Joining The 21st Century

Things Are Starting To Look Up Around Here

Two weeks ago i get an e-mail from a group called Connect Tampa Bay asking me to join them. The other day i meet these folks from Vote Transit in Dowtown Tampa. Both want to bring Mass-Transit to our area. Today i read in The Times that Tampa soon could have a public bike-rental program similar to those in New York and Washington, D.C.
here
Should we thank Mayor Bob for all this? He did say, "The downside risk is that we try it and it doesn't work.
 But we'll never know unless we try."
I am starting to like the big guy.

VoteTransit.org

I met these folks at the the rally in downtown Tampa. They are trying
to bring Mass Transit to Tampa Bay.
Visit them here

Tampa Bay Homeless

Homeless Living In Tampa.

Bill Weatherford, a Republican from Wesley Chapel

And then there is this guy. Bill Weatherford, a Republican from Wesley Chapel, In outlining his opposition to expanding Medicaid on Tuesday, told an emotional story about how his family relied on existing safety nets to provide health care for his 13-month-old brother."It was the safety net that picked my father up. It was the safety net that picked my family up." He left out one detail: the name of the safety net. According to his father,

 it was Medicaid.

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This is hypocritical at best.
here
Here's hoping for naive.
here
Who the hell votes for these people?

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Polish Sausage
At the food truck across the street from the Marion Transit Center in Tampa.

Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías RIP

28 July 1954 - 5 March 2013

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet Jeremiah
He is from Seffner. Been on streets for about a year.

WMNF Day at Whole Foods Market

WMNF is giving you a way to support your station while shopping!

What: WMNF Day at Whole Foods Market - Tampa
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Where: Whole Foods Market - Tampa
1548 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 874-9435
Time: 9am-9pm

During WMNF Day at Whole Foods Market, 5% of every purchase made that day will support the station! There are no special codes or coupons needed. From buying a small snack at the deli to doing your grocery shopping for the week, proceeds will add up to benefit WMNF and help fund Tropical Heatwave!

Rally In Downtown Tampa

Top 10 Reasons to Kick Scott Out

10. Rick Scott Refused High-Speed Rail

9. Rick Scott Slashed Over $1 Billion in Education Funding

8. Rick Scott Spent Millions of our Tax Dollars on Incentives for Companies that Never Created Jobs

7. Rick Scott Slashed Environmental Protections

6. Rick Scott Opposes Equality

5. Rick Scott Cut Jobless Benefits While Handing out Corporate Tax Breaks

4. Rick Scott Oversaw the Purge of Legal Voters

3. Rick Scott Doesn’t Stand for Florida’s Women

2. Rick Scott Has Long Waged a War on Affordable Healthcare

1. Scott is Responsible for FL’s Elections Debacle in 2012

here

Friends Of Stogie

In Tampa