City of Tampa Hosts Free Event to Promote New eBike Voucher Program

Community members are invited to participate in a free eBike demonstration where they will have a chance to test drive an electric-powered bike and learn more about the City of Tampa’s new eBike voucher program.

The demonstration takes place tomorrow from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Ragan Park Community Center located at 1200 East Lake Avenue.

More Info HERE

John Ring Jr., a Tampa politico with ties to the mayor and members of city council, pleads not guilty in sex offender case

John Ring Jr. (pictured in a white shirt to the right of Mayor Castor) worked his way into the inner circles of Tampa politics. Photo via Gio Fucarino/Facebook

For years, Giovanni “Gio” Fucarino was a prominent figure in the Tampa political world. Until recently he was the board chair at the Italian Club in Ybor City, and was known to frequent political fundraisers and financially support a number of local politicians, including multiple city council members and Mayor Jane Castor.

However, Fucarino’s bombshell arrest last month revealed that the 52-year-old politico had a decades-old sex offender conviction on his record, and that his real name is actually John Ring Jr.

More HERE

Florida Republicans vote to hide from public who visits governor's mansion

The names of certain guests at the governor’s mansion would not be disclosed to the public under Senate and House bills that also would shield travel records of the governor and other state leaders.....MORE

Florida Senate advances anti-drag show bill

The Florida Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would punish venues and hosts that allow children to attend on-property drag shows.....MORE

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Gumbo

Front Porch - Seminole Heights

Tampa family urges community to come forward after 21-year-old father shot, killed

Ybor Paparazzi

Jason

ILDS summer vibes Ybor City

Grand jury updates charges against Andrew Gillum, eliminating two

New filings in federal court detail charges against Andrew Gillum, a one-time rising Democratic star. But it also shows prosecutors won’t pursue two wire fraud charges involving donations to Gillum’s Forward Florida political committee.

But Gillum and political associate Sharon Lettman-Hicks still face federal trial next week, when Gillum will face 19 charges.

More HERE

Florida Senators support additional costs for unsuccessful challenges to growth management

With Senate sponsor Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, pointing to a need for “skin in the game,” the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would lead to people facing additional legal costs if they unsuccessfully challenge changes to comprehensive growth-management plans.

Opponents argue that the threat of facing hefty legal costs would dissuade environmental groups and other people from challenging comprehensive-plan changes.

More HERE

Cannabis Action Awards

HOOCH AND HIVE

1001 W Cass St, Tampa, FL

May 27, 2023, 7 PM - 10 PM

Ceremony at 8:30 PM

Free Admission for Suncoast NORML Members.  $10 general admission for non-members.  $40 VIP Tickets. $100 VIP Tables.  Sponsors and vendors please contact us at info@suncoastnorml.org

Suncoast NORML presents the Cannabis Action Awards, recognizing the contributions and honoring the accomplishments of all the activists, advocates, and entrepreneurs creating an industry we can be proud of in the Sunshine State.

Event Page HERE

Tickets HERE

‘Forced pregnancy act?’ Florida House Democrats float symbolic amendments to 6-week abortion ban

The House is set to take up a Senate bill banning abortion after six weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest and human trafficking victims.

Though outnumbered in the supermajority Republican House, Democrats are floating key changes that are unlikely to be approved, but which aim to make symbolic statements about the legislation.

One suggested change, from Orlando Democratic Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, would change the bill’s title from the “Heartbeat Protection Act” to the “Forced Pregnancy Act.”

More HERE

Advocates plan for battle as DeSantis preps ‘Don’t Say Gay’ expansion

Florida LGBTQ advocacy groups and lawmakers are gearing up for another uphill battle against Gov. Ron DeSantis and his fellow Republicans as the legislature appears poised to pass an expansion to the controversial state education law restricting talk of sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms.....MORE

Tampa neighborhood natives worry rich history will be lost

Tampa’s rich history is hard to miss, especially when you visit places like Ybor City. But what about those areas in the city where the history isn’t as obvious? There’s one Tampa neighborhood with a history that is just as rich as the recent development going on in and around it.....MORE

Stephen Colbert: Top-Secret Pentagon Docs Leak | Clarence Thomas Didn’t Report Gifts | Tennessee GOP Denies Racism

Leaks of government intelligence reports have created a full-blown international crisis, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas appears compromised by decades of undisclosed luxury gifts from a Hitler-loving GOP donor, and the Republican-led legislature in Tennessee claims race played no factor in the expulsion of two Black lawmakers.

Veterans speak out against Florida's new permitless carry law

One veteran says the law will result in more crime, and "no one wants to try to deescalate anymore."

Thousands of legal Florida gun owners no longer need a state permit to carry their weapons concealed. The new law also removes a requirement that gun owners undergo training. Even though the proposal is now law, it’s still under heavy criticism.

More HERE

Florida GOP lawmaker apologizes after calling transgender people ‘mutants’ and ‘demons’

During a committee meeting Monday, a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives called transgender people “mutants” and “demons.”....MORE

Jenerational Change: Justins For Justice & Impeaching Justice Thomas w/ Rep. Jasmine Crockett

Hosted by Jen Perelman and Peter Hager

We'll be speaking with Rep. Jasmine Crockett of TX-30 about her experience thus far as a freshmen Congresswoman.

We'll also be discussing the courage of TN Reps. Justin Pearson & Justin Jones and the overwhelming evidence to bring impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Blue Raven- Feminine Ascension Market

Bula's Kafe - St. Pete

Bill allowing insurers, docs to deny payment, provision of health care keeps moving

The Legislature continues to deliver on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda with a House panel agreeing to move a bill that allows insurance companies and providers to deny paying for or providing care to patients who have a “conscience-based objection” to it.

Despite concerns that the bill (HB 1403) could allow physicians to discriminate against female, gay, transgender and minority patients, members of the House Health and Human Services Committee voted 11-5 Monday afternoon to approve the bill.

More HERE

Rep. Maxwell Frost ANNIHILATES The GOP On The House Floor

Sharkapalooza in Tampa

OCTOBER 7, 2023 AT 12 PM – 5 PM

7venth Sun Brewery

Ron DeSantis Declares All-Out War On Disney In Major Power Grab

Ron DeSantis escalated his attack on Disney after his announcement to tax Disney hotels and develop toll roads around the company's parks. Adrienne Lawrence breaks it down on Rebel HQ.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

The Deb

With Black Beans and Rice

STONE SOUP HERE

Rep. Maxwell Frost to discuss proposed Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Rep. Maxwell Frost will speak at Orlando City Hall about a new proposal on Monday afternoon. (Spectrum News 13)

United States House Rep. Maxwell Frost joins Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Monday to discuss a bill that would create a new office in the Department of Justice. The proposed Office of Gun Violence Prevention would bring together those most affected by gun violence, fund prevention programs, and create policy recommendations.....MORE

Donald Trump floats charge that Ron DeSantis wants to ‘sabotage him in General Election’

Former President Donald Trump is still finding variations on his attacks on Florida’s Governor, including saying Ron DeSantis is a spoiler and that campaign workers are trying to join his team.....MORE

Trump’s response to criminal charges revives election lies

FILE – Former President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his legal team in a Manhattan court, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in New York. Trump appeared in court on charges related to falsifying business records in a hush money investigation, the first president ever to be charged with a crime. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)

Legally, the most important words former President Donald Trump said after he was charged with 34 felonies by the Manhattan District Attorney last week were “not guilty.” But, politically, the most significant may be “election interference.”....MORE

Weather Report - Birdland

Governor DeSantis' PETTY Attack on Florida Democrats Falls Flat

Governor Ron DeSantis believes the Florida Democrats are defeated, outnumbered and beaten, and states Florida is in Republicans' control. Senator Nina Turner and Mayor Mondale Robinson break it down on Unbossed.