The Ybor City Stogie

Thursday, August 10, 2023

EG.5 COVID-19 subvariant: VERIFY Fact Sheet

A new strain of COVID-19 called EG.5 has been spreading in the U.S. and slowly becoming more widespread than other variants. EG.5 refers to a set of subvariants including EG.5.1 and EG.5.1.1, and has been nicknamed “Eris” (pronounced air-iss) by some scientists on social media.

EG.5’s rise is happening at the same time as a relatively small uptick in COVID-related hospitalizations. We’ve VERIFIED the answers to top questions surrounding the new strain.

More HERE

'We’re not breaking any laws': Critics want Lakeland charity drag show event canceled

A fundraiser for kids heading back to school is coming under fire in Lakeland, where several people have asked the city commission to pull the plug on the event.

That's because it involves a drag show performance.

More HERE

Democratic prosecutor suspended by DeSantis says decision was political

DeSantis, With a Subtle Maneuver, Hides His Small-Dollar Donations

When WinRed, the company that processes nearly all online Republican campaign contributions, recently released its enormous trove of donor data for the first half of the year, donations were conspicuously absent for one presidential candidate: Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. more

Local dance battle sparking excitement in University Area

Ybor Life

7th Ave

Be Transported to New Orleans at the Big Easy Bar in Ybor City

10 beautiful bookstores to visit in the Tampa area

The Tampa area is replete with stunning indie bookstores, and ample used and gently used book exchange stations. There are so many local shops to support and each shop emerges with its own quintessential identity (and offerings). Here’s a quick look at the bookstores you should have on your radar in Tampa Bay.....MORE

Florida Legislative Report Card Reveals Which Lawmakers Put ‘People First’

Public interest groups Progress Florida and Florida Watch today unveiled their 2023 “People First” Report Card, grading Florida lawmakers on key floor votes cast during this year’s legislative session. The report card’s grades take into account how each legislator voted across a wide spectrum of issues including reproductive freedom, civil rights, public education, government transparency, safeguarding democracy, housing affordability, environmental protection, and more.....MORE

David Hogg, Kevin Lata launch super PAC supporting young progressives running for office

David Hogg & Glen Eich (Stogie contributor)

March for Our Lives activist David Hogg knows the value of bringing a young voice to politics. Now he’s joining forces with Campaign Manager Kevin Lata in an effort to urge more young people to run for Congress.

The two Florida political voices just launched Leaders We Deserve, a grassroots effort to attract more millennial and Generation Z progressives to run for Congress.

More HERE

Tampa Renters Can Lean on New Housing Team

In an ongoing effort to tackle the affordable housing crisis, the City of Tampa is proud to introduce a new service dedicated to assisting residents, specifically renters, who need access to resources and fast results when facing housing issues.....MORE

HOPE Cottages closer to helping house the vulnerable

The HOPE cottages in Tampa are one step closer to becoming another temporary housing option for those in need.....MORE

Trial date set as supporters rally for Tampa 5

On the morning of Wednesday, August 9, supporters gathered outside the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa to stand in solidarity with the Tampa 5, who were attending their third pretrial hearing.....MORE

Florida state attorney claims suspension is ‘retaliation’ against counties DeSantis lost

The Florida state attorney who was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) Wednesday accused the governor of removing her and other Democratic officials in the state as “retaliation” against the counties that didn’t vote for him.....MORE

Immigration groups ask judge to block portion of Florida's new law

Multiple advocacy groups are vowing to fight a part of Florida's new immigration law.

This week, the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice and American Immigration Council filed a motion for a judge to block section 10 of SB 1718, which criminalizes driving undocumented people into the state. The groups argue it illegally infringes upon federal law and is unconstitutionally vague.

More HERE