Extinction Rebellion Tampa Bay Noise at Clearwater Beach

Wednesday March 6th

Extinction Rebellion Tampa Bay will gather at The Sandpearl Resort & Spa in Clearwater Beach to protest the Spring Coal Forum, organized by the American Coal Council. The forum is an elite 3-day networking event for senior executives of coal suppliers, utilities, transport and trading companies, designed to examine markets and public policies and strengthen the position of coal as an 
energy source. 

At a time of catastrophic climate breakdown, when science urges us to halt all fossil fuel burning as soon as possible, the coal industry cannot be allowed to continue to push its agenda unchallenged.“The American Coal Council intends to meet quietly here in Tampa Bay, so we thought we’d bring some noise,” said Extinction Rebellion coordinator 
James Lamont. 

“When our region could be uninhabitable within a few decades due to extreme weather it is an insult for them to come and enjoy our beaches and an
afternoon of golf.”

The static noise demonstration will be an attempt to inform locals of the presence of the forum, as well as tell those inside that their event is not welcome. The demo will begin at 6 pm outside the hotel while the forum hosts an evening reception. Participants are encouraged to bring their noisiest instruments, sports appliances, children and kitchen ware. HERE

Extinction Rebellion Tampa Bay is a chapter of a new international movement demanding an emergency mobilization to combat climate change. 

Ybor City Homeless

Meet Tabitha 

Reclaiming My Mind: Nicholas Glover

Who I like for mayor of Tampa

MAYOR

Ed Turanchik
Best résumé of all candidates.
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Topher Morrison
Not a politician. Smart, nice guy!
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Harry Cohen

Cannabis decriminalization.

DISCLAIMER: I am a photographer and blogger. I do not work for any candidate or management company.
 I was not paid for this endorsement.

Florida Late Voting

Temple Terrace to Largo: 2 Weeks

Tampa Welcomes the CIW

March 5, 2019 at 6 PM

Waters Avenue Church - Tampa

INFO

Ybor City Musicians

Cara

What Stogie had for lunch

Chicken and Rice

With Tostones

At El Puerto in Ybor

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EAT LOCAL!

Topher Morrison's Social Justice Plan

HERE

Reclaiming My Mind: Vibha Shevade

Tampa Hoods

Ybor City

STANDOUT for PEACE

STANDOUT FOR PEACE IN SOUTH ASIA

I'm sure many of our readers have learned of the recent escalation of the conflict between India and Pakistan that is causing our sisters and brothers in Kashmir great suffering. This is another of the many unjust wars being waged between greedy and power hungry governments at the deadly expense of the innocent.
 
As part of the GLOBAL STANDOUT FOR PEACE IN SOUTH ASIA, an event has been organized for March 4 on the USF campus. Two young, passionate women who are students at USF have organized this event and they are asking for help from the activist community here in Tampa. This is an ideal opportunity to connect with activists at USF while lending your support to a just and noble cause. Please, if you can, join us Monday afternoon and help amplify the voices of these comrades for peace and justice.

Ybor Paparazzi

Johana Reynolds

Day in life of Tampa Mayoral Candidate Topher Morrison

Florids GOP wants to make It harder for the poor to access Medicaid

While the Democratic party's left flank is pushing lawmakers to extend Medicare to all citizens and/or create a "single-payer" healthcare system similar to those in every other developed nation on earth, many Florida Republicans are still coming up with new ways to chip away at healthcare access in the Sunshine State. HERE

Matt Gaetz Grovels To Nancy Pelosi

Vote for Harry Cohen, a Practical Progressive!

I stand with Harry Cohen for multiple reasons. Among those are a few different points: a solid record, a bold platform, and genuine character. Please take the time to review if you are still undecided in the Tampa mayoral election, or do not know much about City Councilor Cohen!

A progressive record:

While on the Tampa City Council, Harry has accomplished some relatively impressive feats. His most notable accomplishment, in my opinion, was propelling the cannabis decriminalization ordinance into law. This is an often overlooked and underrated accomplishment, which some of us on the left have conveniently disregarded, while over 2,500 people in Tampa have avoided unnecessary persecution and arrest. I, for one, owe Harry my freedom, as I would have been arrested in late 2016 had it not been for his hallmark ordinance. That some in our leftist community would underate such an action is well beyond me. It should go without saying that this is a truly progressive accomplishment.

Harry was one of three on the City Council to join a delegation to Cuba during the Obama years wherein he called for open travel between Tampa and the island. That was a progressive action in support of good policy. Cohen was the driving force behind a comprehensive stormwater  ordinance which will be crucial in preventing major floods and protecting the citizens of Tampa. With those three points in mind, it is clear that Harry’s record on the City Council has been proactive and progressive!

A fantastic platform:

Aside from his stellar job on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, we in the leftist community greatly admire strong platforms, like those of Senator Bernie Sanders. I will equate Bernie to Harry here with some insight to his progressive platform. Harry has outlined plans for affordable, equitable housing and climate action. He supports the legalization of cannabis (this is important as State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith has introduced legislation to do just that statewide), and is one of only two mayoral candidates to do so! Harry has a plan for a Grand Metro Center to bolster public transit options in Tampa while supporting rail and bus expansion. He has the endorsements of Emgage, Indivisible Action Tampa Bay, The Tampa Bay Progressive Caucus, and several distinguished figures, including former City Councilor Mary Mulhern who has first hand experience dealing with Buckhorn as Mayor (and thus has an eye for those who are quite different from Bob). Harry’s platform is bold and progressive!

A sincere approach:

While Harry is a progressive, he is also a practical person with his own ideas and strategies. I did not agree with his vote on TBX (which I am greatly opposed to) and I made this clear to Cohen during our one on one meeting. Rather than obnoxiously argue with me, or whitewash his past actions,!he looked me in the eye and shared his reasoning. He explained his desire to alleviate traffic in the Westshore area while opposing the toll roads—while we didn’t agree, still, he did not waver and gave a genuine response. I also spoke to Harry about the bathhouse ordinance and had a candid discussion about decriminalizing sex work; while we did not agree on the issue, he did not avoid the question or attempt to drown my concerns with his own, instead opting to respectfully disagree on the position, while sharing his willingness to listen. We need elected officials who will engage in a genuine dialogue with us, who will champion decent character, and listen to constituents. That is arguably more critical than electing the purity test, especially in a day when those we elect sometimes deviate from their platform while maintaining a proud ego. Still, I look for those with progressive records and platforms, who balance their politics with sincerity. That’s Harry!

If Harry’s vote on TBX or the bathhouse ordinance is disqualifying to you, consider how each candidate in the mayoral election has some sort of baggage. We cannot install a purity test with politicians and expect 100% cleanliness. We can, however, aim for the most progressive, leftist candidate who will listen to our concerns regardless of their personal taste. I know there are three other great candidates in the race whom I respect, and I won’t hold it against anyone to support their bids. I am, however, supporting Harry Cohen for Mayor due to his work, impact, message, and character. I hope you will, too! The election is March 5th!

Legal Florida Marijuana

Two Florida lawmakers have filed bills that would legalize recreational marijuana.

Allow those over 21 to purchase or possess of 2.5 ounces, and smoke 
it in private.

"People are going to be doing it anyway. They have for decades, centuries, and they will continue to," said Merri Newman ,who works at Chillum CBD Dispensary in Ybor City. HERE

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, said that full legalization is a recipe for disaster.

Tampa Hoods

Ybor City

Florida GOP making schools separate and unequal again

Ybor Paparazzi

 Glen Eich

Florida GOP Matt Gaetz threatens Michael Cohen in tweet

The Florida Bar has opened an investigation into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz for a menacing social media post Tuesday aimed at Michael Cohen just as the former lawyer for President Donald Trump was set to testify before Congress. here

Christopher Cano on mayor’s race

“This mayor’s race has brought out into the sunshine where people’s loyalties lie. Many in the African American and Latino communities have been directly and negatively impacted by policies of the Buckhorn Administration. His former police chief, Jane Castor, is seeking to replace him. The same Jane Castor that ran a systemically racist program of enforcement under her tenure. The same Castor who has ties to lobbying firms that provide support and access to Donald Trump. Jane Castor can never get my vote.

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Then you see 1%’er and Republican Donor David Straz who has written checks to former Governor Rick Scott. The same Rick Scott that allowed pollution of our environment and cuts to vital healthcare programs. People vote with their pocket books everyday and David Straz has voted with his for years against us. Now we are supposed to back him because he has a (D) after his name? David Straz will also never have my vote.

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In my humble opinion, anyone from these communities working for these candidates are selling us out. Some are selling out for checks, some for power, but regardless of the motivations, we should all take note as to whom is pushing candidates that for years have directly or indirectly harmed our communities of color in Tampa.

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We are a diverse city with a plethora of ideals and differing values, yet we can all agree that we want a Mayor who thinks of our families when they suit up, Jane Castor & David Straz are not. I encourage every Tampanian to view the other candidates, Cohen, Suarez, Turanchik, Morrison and vote with the one that best aligns to their values and vision
for our home.”

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Christopher Cano

Sarah McLachlan at Ruth Eckerd Hall tonight

TIX STILL AVAILABLE HERE
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Ybor City Homeless

Kirsten

Our Revolution - Tampa Bay

JOIN THEM HERE

Ybor Paparazzi

Asher Edelson

Tell The truth TECO

#TellTheTruthTECO

YOU WON'T BE HEARDIF YOU'RE NEVER THERE

TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

For those wanting to stay informed or be heard concerning issues pertaining to the transportation initiative which has levied a 1% increase in our sales tax, the City Council has just published the AGENDA for a council workshop to be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9:00am, Thursday 2/28/2019

The Tampa City Council
Tampa City Council Chambers
City Hall
315 E. Kennedy Blvd, Third Floor
Tampa, FL

This workshop is scheduled to address the following item:

3. 9:00 a.m. File No. E2018-8 CH 25 - (Workshop)
Jean Duncan, Director of Transportation & Stormwater Services, and Real Estate Department, to appear and provide a list of potential City sites for Transit Orientated Development. - (Original motion initiated by Suarez-Maniscalco on November 29, 2019.)

This workshop will include public comments of up to 3 minutes per person.

Protesters march outside Jane Castor campaign office

Who I like for Tampa mayor

I am going to handle this by 
process of elimination and expose the obvious.
---
Ed Turanchik 

History of good deeds, but he sold out the progressive community, supported Sandy Murman, was against the transportation tax (which he could still be correct on). Opens his campaign with Jack Harris and Ted Webb, 
2 guys who built their careers on bashing Dems.
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David Straz
Trump Supporter
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Jane Castor, Harry Cohen, Mike Suarez 
 and Greco
Status Quo, SOS, Buckhorn 2.
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I LIKE
Topher Morrison
Not a politician, fresh ideas, pro cannabis, inclusiveness.  
has reached out to the progressive comunity. 
People whose opinion i respect like him.

DISCLAIMER: I am a blogger. I do not work for any candidate or management company. 
I was not paid for this endorsement.

Marco Rubio Tweets Out Death Threat To Venezuelan Leader

Tampa’s good ‘ol boy network

Six of the seven candidates haven’t offered anything new or inspirational -- only Topher Morrison, owner of a small business and political neophyte, touts unique innovation and total inclusiveness.  Sadly, he is a long shot to make the anticipated two-person runoff despite energizing the youth vote.

The remaining aspirants are intent on perpetuating Tampa’s good ‘ol boy network that chains Tampa to third-rate status among the country’s big cities. 

 These candidates include a legacy candidate, two city council members with notably unremarkable records, an out-of-touch billionaire who hasn’t grasped the issues but is convinced he can buy the office, a former county commissioner with a checkered record whose rhetoric exceeds his accomplishments, and a former police chief who was castigated by the Department of Justice for racial profiling. MORE

Reclaiming My Mind: Vibha Shevade

22% of Tampeños Rule Tampa

Only about 22% of the elections voters vote in our city elections, and even less on the runoff.  Literally only a few thousand people decide our leadership. 
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Early voting starts today. 
Election day is March 5.

Ybor City Homeless

7th Ave

Tampa Berner Skull Session in Ybor Tonight

6:30 PM

Robert W. Saunders Sr. Library

INFO

Ybor Paparazzi

Asher Edelson

At New York, New York

From Wardsville to St. Petersburg

Our Revolution in Ybor City

Robert W. Saunders Sr. Library

INFO

Letter From Rob Lorei

Hi Everyone! 

As some of you know I was fired from my WMNF Radio job last Monday and given 15 minutes to leave the place I’ve worked at since June 1978. There are no words to describe the feeling of being suddenly let go from the place I’ve dedicated my life to.

In the last five days I’ve been busy meeting and talking with hundreds of people who think the firing was wrong. Thanks to those friends, journalists, mayors, PBS CEOs, activists, politicians and listeners who have helped me get through this!

Yesterday I filed the first step in my appeal to get my job back. The ultimate decision about whether this termination was justified is up to the radio station’s board of directors. The fifteen member board will soon decide my fate by simple majority vote. I hope that if you are concerned about the firing that you will write our board president and ask him to share your message with all 15 board members.

We all want the station to survive this crisis and eventually become stronger. We are all better off with WMNF than without it. So please be civil in your interactions. My heroes include MLK and Ghandi who were peaceful, non-violent and persistent. That’s the way I hope we’ll all behave as we work to resolve this awful situation.

Rob Lorei

Ybor Paparazzi

Lexii

Drunk History: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Fought for the Everglades

John Godwin's Plan to Make Tampa More Affordable

We will solidify the growth we’ve experienced and make sure it continues, while also making sure that growth benefits current Tampa residents, rather than 

displaces them. HERE

Ybor Rob: First Amendment Audit (Port Authority)

Ybor City Homeless

James

Florida GOP Matt Gaetz lusting after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has been slammed by a Florida reporter for his weird lusting after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. While Gaetz has offered his fair share of baseless criticism like other Republicans, what sets Gaetz apart are his creepy innuendos and constant comments about how attractive she is. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

Tampa City Ballet: YBOR 7th Ave

Our Revolution - Tampa Bay

Reorganizing and Re-invigorating the Our Revolution chapter 
for Tampa Bay. 

Join us with your ideas, interests and focus areas for 2019 
and beyond!
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2.25.2019 6:30 PM

Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Library - Ybor City

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HERE

Pat Kemp on Ed Turanchik

Long-standing commitment to the environment and transportation. Pat Kemp emphatically supports Ed. They have worked side-by-side on our cities most important projects. From establishing the high-speed ferry to preserving environmental lands.

The Merchants Of Ybor

Reservoir Bar 

Tampa Bay Indymedia

The Tampa Bay Guardian

Publishes independent news and analyses.

No advertising revenue.

BPIOL

(Bay Post Internet On-Line) 

Published by Dr. Gene Webb, a retired 28-year employee of the City of St. Petersburg.

EyeOnTampaBay

Published by Tampa Tea Party leader 

Sharon Calvert and others.

TampaBayBeat 

Published by indepedent left-leaning 

journalist Jim Bleyer.

Topher Morrison Connecting with Younger Tampa Voters

In a Tampa mayoral campaign noted for its bland, good ‘ol boy gentility, political neophyte Topher Morrison has injected vitality into the race—directly challenging opponents, attracting a cadré of dedicated workers, and most importantly, energizing a key electoral demographic. MORE

Tampa Hoods

Ybor City

Ybor Rob: First Amendment Audit (SCIENTOLOGY) Ybor City

Ybor Paparazzi

Kim O'Connor

Bring Rob Lorei back to WMNF

 Fire Craig Kopp!

Rob Lorei has been a pillar of WMNF since its founding. His shows and interviews are loved by thousands of people in the Tampa Bay area.

This decision to fire him is not supported by the community. 

We ask the Board of Directors and Craig to reinstate Rob as the news director or bring him back in some capacity to continue his show.

The show of support for Rob has been great. In about a day we already have almost a thousand signatures.
Support this petition

Ybor Bartenders

Lulu at Tequilas

Congress members tour migrant facility in Florida

Ybor City Homeless

Melissa and her adopted friend 

Florida Berners It's Showtime, Again!

Our Revolution - Tampa Bay

'Not Here, Not Now, Not Everglades

Environmentalist supporters held signs in Everglades Holiday Park, to join with local lawmakers in opposing the Kanter Real Estate LLC oil drilling permit in the wetlands. HERE

US media passes over in silence Trump’s fascistic diatribe in Miami

The US corporate media has passed over in near silence the fascistic content of a speech delivered to a chanting audience of right-wing Venezuelan and Cuban exiles along with right-wing Republican operatives at Florida International University in Miami Monday night.
HERE