Ybor City going from tobacco to marijuana?

Ybor City: its very foundation is based on taking a plant, rolling it up, and then smoking it.

Of course, that plant was tobacco and for decades, Ybor's prime product was cigars.

But now a group called Common Bond Collaborative is ready to cut in on Ybor's historical tobacco ties with its own smokeable, agricultural product: marijuana. here

Thought Seer - Ybor City

First Fridays Seminole Heights

info

Common Bond Collaborative - Ybor City

1302 N19th street, Tampa

here

Activist Workshop In Clearwater

Monday, March 9th

we're helping to organize an Activist

Workshop at Island In The Sun in Clearwater

(100 Hampton Road, Clearwater, FL 33759).

Sign up to join us today!

Sign the pledge: Don't buy these Koch products

here

Hillsborough County Commissioners Approved a $2.1 MillionCorporate Welfare Package

Designed to persuade Johnson & Johnson Services to build a shared services headquarters operation  in the county. here

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet Lina

She is from Fort Pierce

Street vendor fights Ybor City over ordinance

Occupy Orlando - Stone Soup

Wednesday, March 25 at 5:15pm, Orlando City Hall, info

Jeb Bush: The Worst Republican Traits In One Package

Broward County Court; Jury Rules Medical Marijuana Patient “Not Guilty” on All Counts

A jury in the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, Florida ruled that Ft. Lauderdale resident, Jesse Teplicki, was “not guilty” on all criminal charges surrounding his medical use of marijuana for the treatment of his chronic anorexia. Michael C. Minardi, partner at the Kelley Kronenberg law firm and longtime medical marijuana advocate, successfully argued Mr. Teplicki’s medical necessity defense in front of a jury of his peers. Today’s verdict is groundbreaking in that it is the first time that the “medical necessity” defense was successfully argued in a jury trial, since Florida courts established the defense over 20 years ago. 

Florida for Care Executive Director, Ben Pollara, reacted to the verdict with elation, “This verdict that Mr. Minardi won for Jesse Teplicki is a game changer on the eve of the start of the 2015 legislative session. Legislative leaders in Tallahassee now have to look at medical marijuana through the lens of this precedent established by a Florida jury, in addition to the 58% of Floridians who voted for medical marijuana at the polls last November.”

He continued, “the medical use of marijuana is no longer solely a political issue with wide popular support, it is legal precedent in Florida courts. This ruling should be a message to the legislature that they should act this session on establishing a medical marijuana system in our state so that sick and suffering Floridians don’t have to fight in court for the right to use the medicine recommended by their doctors, as Mr. Teplicki did today.”

Tampa Pride 2015 - Ybor City

March 28th, 2015

info

Centre for Girls: First Fridays Seminole Heights Art Walk

Please join us this Friday from 7-10pm for our first showcase in the First Fridays 

Seminole Heights Art Walk. info  

Florida DINOS Vote With GOP

Gwen Graham and Patrick Murphy 

Voted with GOP to promote 

government-by-crisis. here

Hillsborough And Pinellas Leaders In “Wage Theft”

Surpassed only by more-populous Miami-Dade County.

Leave it to local Liberals Darden Rice and Kevin Beckner to do something about it. here 

SWFL Scholarship Opportunity Now Open for Undocumented Students

here

Florida Banana Republicans

lorida Million Dollar Obamacare Alternative and No One Signs Up here

The Real Bob Buckhorn

 He believes the legalization of medical marijuana is a “slippery slope,” and was no fan of Amendment 2. here

He did not endorse anyone in Florida'governors race.here

The case of Bishop Chuck Leigh. here
On Occupy Tampa here

His 6 foot rule here

Right Wing love fest in Tampa here

We do have a choice, VOTE for Jose Vazquez

Florida Deputy Disciplined for Dragging Woman

What Stogie And Pilar Had For Lunch

Chicken Supreme

At D' Italia Pizza, Ybor City
Visit them here

St. Petersburg Black History Celebration

Hillsborough's Annual Homeless Count

300 volunteers armed with pens and clipboards fanned out around the region, counting, one by one and face to face, people without homes in the annual Point in Time Homeless Count. here

Pat Kemp 2016

 Ms. Kemp is definitely running again in 2016, this time for the Democratic nomination for the countywide District 6 seat that will go before the voters in November of 2016. here

More Hillsborough County Corporate Welfare

$2.1 million to
Johnson & Johnson

Hillsborough County commissioners are scheduled to take up the matter at their Wednesday meeting. here

United For Care Needs Our Help

Contribute

Leonard Nimoy RIP

March 26, 1931 – February 27, 2015

Florida could be next state to legalize recreational pot

The “Floridians for Solar Choice” amendment

As part of our effort to free Florida’s energy grid from dirty fossil fuels, Sierra Club Florida has joined a wide-ranging coalition of conservatives and environmentalists in a campaign to put a solar energy constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot. here 

JOSE for Mayor City of Tampa 2015

My Name is Jose, write-in candidate for 
Mayor City of Tampa. 
Since December 5, 1999, I have resided, eaten, shopped and worked within this city. Since Mayor Bob was elected, his priority is downtown Tampa and he has no thought about the problems this cause to the residents whole City of Tampa.

From that fact, I decide to run for mayor, and I want you to give me the opportunity to make a difference to benefit the residents of the City of Tampa. I have the interest, experience, capacity and ideas to reduce and resolve part or all problems of the residents of Tampa

Remember this is our future and not my personal decision, I am not perfect, but I am human just like you. I not do this for money, I do it because I cant continue see my city falling in pieces and the mayor do nothing to help us. 

Do not look at my past; look forward to your future. The only thing I want is for you to trust me. I need for you to go and vote write-in  for JOSE  on March 3, 2015. Every vote counts and you are very important to me. I am counting on your support! 

Sincerely; Jose

Visit him here, don't forget your pen/pencil when you go vote.

Floridians for Clean Water Rally in Tallahassee

 “What do we want?  Clean water!  How do we get it?  Buy the land!”

“Amendment 1 is not your slush fund!” 

“Buy the land!  Send water south!”

On February 18, 400 activists gathered together at the Floridians for Clean Water & Amendment 1 Rally on the Historic Front Steps of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee. The crowds delivered a resounding message to the Governor and the legislature. here

Congratulations, you helped protect Florida’s East Coast from offshore drilling

Last month, the Obama administration proposed a five year plan to open huge swaths of the East Coast to offshore drilling for oil. With your support, we are fighting hard to keep this dangerous proposal from becoming a reality. I wanted to take a moment to highlight your recent victory and a step in the right direction: Florida was not included in the five year plan for drilling in the Atlantic.

Congratulations, you helped protect Florida’s East Coast from offshore drilling for five more years! here

? To Ask Republicans

I think it's a legit Q to ask Republicans: do you really intend to force the deportation of 11 million people? If so, how, and then what?
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) February 26, 2015

March For Ocean Justice in St. Augustine

 March for Ocean Justice

Saturday, March 7 at noon, in 

downtown St. Augustine. info

Jeff Kottkamp and Ethan Nadelmann to Give Keynotes at Legislative Policy Conference

Tomorrow Florida for Care is hosting this year’s first policy conference- just before the start of legislative session. Among local politicians, lawyers, and experts will be former Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp, who is now advocating with Florida for Care for medical marijuana, and Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann.

WHAT: Legislative Policy Conference

WHERE: Westin Coral Gables, 180 Aragon Ave. Coral gables, FL 33134 at the Merrick Ballroom

WHEN: Friday, February 27, 2015

WHO: Florida for Care staff, former Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp; Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann, other speakers will be present

WHY: With the recent filings of SB528 and HB683 many Floridians want to the landscape of our legislature.

Tell The Tampa City Council To Stop Lying

When you lie to and turn your backs on the undocumented people of Tampa, Raíces en Tampa will come for you.

here

FANM 2015 Gala - Miami

info

Florida Competes

In Florida, someone can be fired from their job or denied housing simply because they are gay or transgender. It's wrong—but in 2015, we can pass common sense legislation protecting hardworking LGBT Floridians from discrimination.

Contact your legislators and ask them to support HB33/SB156, the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, a law to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination in Florida! Just enter your information on the right to get started. here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Pressed Cuban

At The Cuban Sandwich Shop, Tampa

Rick Scott: Worst Florida Republican

here

Fort Lauderdale Cop (Pig) Victor Ramirez

"I tell you what to do and you do it. It's that simple."

Florida for Care Bringing Nation’s Leading Drug Reformer

Florida for Care is hosting their first policy conference of 2015 this week. On Friday, February 27, 2015 they will bring Sheriffs, legislators, County Commissioners, advocates, medical professionals and business people together to discuss medical marijuana in Florida. Among those speaking at the conference will be Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance. “We are thrilled to have Ethan back. I suspect he’ll shed light on where Florida goes from here.” Stated Ben Pollara, Executive Director of Florida for Care.

Ethan Nadelmann was present during FFC’s last conference where he touched on Jamaica’s state of affairs in regards to medical marijuana- just over a month later Jamaica, as he predicted, decriminalized marijuana clearing the way for safe, legal access to medical marijuana. He also told guests of the last conference, “Building this industry isn’t just good for business, it’s the right thing to do”.

In addition to Ethan’s Afternoon Keynote speech, there will be panels titled Best Business Practices and Government Regulations.

The Policy Conference is being held at The Westin Colonnade of Coral Gables. The Conference is from 8am to 3pm on Friday, February 27 with a social networking event the evening before from 6:30 to 9pm. Registration is required to join the conference.

For more information on the event or how to become a member email Eric Stevens, Executive Deputy Director, at Eric@floridaforcare

Florida for Care will spearhead legislation in March of 2015 in Tallahassee, setting the standard for what the state’s medical cannabis system should look like and how it can function most effectively. Such a system must balance three core principles: first, safe, affordable patient access; second, a tightly controlled state regulatory structure; and third, a robust, free market commercial enterprise.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please call Bianca Garza at 407-930-3525 or email her at press@floridaforcare.org 

Local Hero Officer Christina Ammons

 I would like to thank the Florida Voices for Animals group for inviting me to be a guest of honor at their 22nd annual "HAVE A HEART FOR ANIMALS" meeting. I was awarded the "Animal Hero Award" and the group made a donation to the Shrimp Docks Kitty Rescue Project which was awesome! I met a great group of people who are completely dedicated to preventing the exploitation and abuse of all animals. This group is also involved with activities which benefit children and others in need as well as the betterment of our environment . I had a wonderful time and want to thank this great group of individuals for all that they do! here 

Florida Round Table - Alan Grayson

Stop New Oil And Gas Drilling Off America's Shores!

Did you know that after the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill, which dumped more than 130 million gallons of toxic crude oil into the 
Gulf of Mexico, only eight percent 
of that oil was ever cleaned up? Yet the Obama Administration just proposed a disastrous five-year plan that would open up vast portions of the Arctic and the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Georgia to dangerous new offshore oil and gas drilling. here 

The Campaign Against Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Because of her congressional votes and her criticisms of a Florida medical marijuana initiative last year, four political groups that advocate prescription cannabis and drug decriminalization vowed to campaign against the Florida representative if she were to seek a Senate seat in 2016. here

“She’s voted repeatedly to send terminally ill patients to prison. And we’re certainly going to make sure Floridians know that.

Hillsborough County Gives Hollywood $100,000

Director Tim Burton's next movie, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, will start shooting in various locations around both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties thanks to $100,000 approved by the Hillsborough County Commission. Florida Inc. approved about $200 million dollars in state tax credits over a 5 year period. here

Florida GOP Corruption

The Florida House's move to quickly change how the state manages and preserves water is more about pleasing developers and farmers than protecting the environment. here

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Szechuan Beef

With fried rice and egg roll
At Hong Kong Chinese Food

128 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa

Lisa Wheeler-Brown Party In St. Pete

Tuesday, February 24th - 5:30pm – 7:30pm

The Hanger, 540 1st Street Southeast, St. Pete

To RSVP please contact Jon Stewart at 614-364-6601 

or at jon.matthew.stewart@gmail.com.

Karl Nurse and Darden Rice will be there. 

Sign the New Petition for Medical Marijuana

Thank you for helping us get medical marijuana back on the ballot for 2016.  We need everyone to sign the new petition. here

Guide Dog Brittani Retires In St. Pete

Brittani, guide dog of wounded U.S. Marine veteran Cpl. Michael Jernigan, was honored upon her retirement when St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman declared Tuesday “Southeastern Guide Dog Brittani Day.” here 

The Florida Wildlife Corridor

On January 10, 2015 we begin a new 1000-mile leg of our Expedition, to highlight a wildlife corridor from Central Florida to the Gulf Coast, through the Big Bend, and across the Panhandle all the way to Alabama, 
where our trek will conclude.

We’ll document our journey the entire way, using social media to showcase imagery and reporting from the field. We’ll host a series of Saturday Trail Mixers, where followers can join the Expedition team and participate in our trek. We are committed to bringing the Florida Wildlife Corridor to life through our Expedition. Join us!

MARCO RUBIO: NO CLIMATE DENIERS-IN-CHIEF

here

Clear Channel refused to accept billboard here

Justice for Brittany Overstreet

On February 13, twenty five activists marched through the streets of Ybor City to demand justice for Brittany Overstreet, a Black teenager who was attacked by her School Resource Officer at Chamberlain High School. here

On Monday, February 23, Bay Area Activists Coalition will be holding a rally at 7:45am at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, 600 East Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602, as Brittany and her family fight to get the charges dropped. The rally, “Kids Not Criminals: Justice for Brittany Overstreet” will be wearing all black and asking the question, Are our children really safe in Hillsborough County Schools?

Allen West Wants Congress To Censure Obama For Being An 'Islamist Sympathizer'

Florida Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam

 is aiming to wrest control of Florida water quality from the (absurdly, horribly) weak Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in which case taxpayers will never, ever have a "fair and balanced" accounting of the costs of pollution and why, exactly, the polluters aren't being held accountable to clean up their pollution. This development is unfolding right now in Tallahassee. It is being portrayed as a conflict between the ambitious Putnam and Gov. Rick Scott. In reality, these two are working 
hand-in-glove. here

Raíces en Tampa Rally To Support #DAPA

What: Sign-wave to support #DAPA

Where: La Mexicana Store

When: MONDAY, February 23rd at 6:00 pm

info

Jeb Bush Just Like His Brother In The Scariest Way

The Art Of Nicki La Rosa

Please join our art instructor, Nicki La Rosa, at her reception tomorrow at Bamboozle Tea Lounge. Her exhibition of fine art and photography will be displayed until March 12th and proceeds from her sales will support C4G!

For more info and to see Ms. Nicki's work, visit her website

John Morgan: We don't negotiate with prohibitionists

 We don't negotiate with prohibitionists. 

 Or bullies.

When Debbie Wasserman Schultz came out last year against Amendment 2, she didn't just simply empower our opposition - she obstructed thousands of patients who desperately need access to this medicine.  Her poor timing and very public stand against medical marijuana helped squander the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors. 

Now she wants to have a conversation in exchange for me toning down my criticism of her position last year (and the damage she caused)?  Not a chance.  

Because, while I don't believe she is well loved or personally has much influence in this state, I'll allow her the possibility that she might have changed a few minds that we needed.  Staring down a campaign funded by a billionaire, we needed all the help we could get.  She turned her back on people with Cancer, MS, PTSD, epilepsy, severe neuropathic pain, and more.  She could have even stayed silent.  She didn't.  She made a big show of it.

I won't be bullied or trade favors when it comes to medical marijuana.  If she thinks its time to support the bill - as she should - then SHE SHOULD SIGN THE PETITION, MAKE A DONATION TO UNITED FOR CARE AND 
SUPPORT THE BILL.  

Everything else is B.S. politics in order to rehabilitate the damage she's done to herself by being on the wrong side of the issue.  It's not support - it's a quid pro quo and I won't do it.  3.4 million voters came out for medical marijuana - and she should know that if she runs for Senate, we're not going to fall in line just because she's more open to it now.   

First - we have to get this back on the ballot.  So I encourage you, your family, and your friends to use this moment to show your support for medical marijuana by contributing here.  Let's make this a lesson for her and anyone else against us.  We're coming back - and I'll be sure to let her know how we did in response to this.

BELIEVE!

- John Morgan

P.S. If you haven't yet signed the new petition, 
please click here.