Friday, September 15, 2023

Food Not Bombs West Palm Beach Protest


YBOR CITY NIGHT LIFE


New study brings MDMA as treatment for PTSD closer to FDA approval


MDMA, commonly referred to as “ecstasy” or “molly,” is on its way to becoming the first psychedelic to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a study conducted by an industry-leading research group found that the drug was effective in treating moderate and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a racially diverse set of patients.....MORE

US school shootings reach new high, doubled in past year


School shootings reached a record high in the 2021-2022 school year, doubling the previous record that was set the year before, according to new federal data released Wednesday.....MORE

Ybor Paparazzi

Ybor Mayor Willie

Groundbreaking of Ybor Gas Worx town homes


Florida has highest COVID-19 hospitalization rate in the nation, CDC says


Florida currently has the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rate in the nation. This comes as hospitalization rates rise across the country.....MORE

St. Petersburg passes antisemitism resolution

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St. Petersburg city leaders have voted in favor of a resolution more clearly defining antisemitism.....MORE

Call To Action: Support $10 Million for Affordable Housing for the Hillsborough County Hope Fund


New bill could raise Florida teachers’ minimum salary


A bill filed last month could raise Florida teachers’ minimum salary next year.

Florida Rep. Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds filed House Bill 13 on Aug. 22.

The bill would increase salaries for full-time classroom teachers and other instructional personnel to a minimum salary of $65,000.

More HERE

The Florida GOP on Slavery


Under DeSantis, FL has become the bellwether state for voter disenfranchisement

The book “Laboratories of Democracy” appeared in 1988, positing that individual states were poised to experiment with progressive policies that could transform the political landscape if adopted in other states or the national level.

A new edition might be called “Laboratories of Autocracy,” since Republican-run states these days are experimenting with ways to disenfranchise Democratic constituencies, stack the courts against progressive initiatives, and cement their control over this country one state at a time.

The dust cover could feature the smiling mug of Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, the Republican presidential candidate who since the Black Lives Matter summer three years ago has pushed an ever-more-reactionary campaign against marginalized communities, not least at the voting booth.

More HERE

New Florida bill could limit rent increases


A Florida bill filed earlier this month could set limits on rent increases.

Florida Rep.  Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds filed House Bill 17 on Sept. 6. The bill would protect renters from increases of more than 30 percent over a 12-month period if they remain in the same unit.

More HERE

State battered by requests for information on voucher expansion costs


A left-leaning advocacy group is making noise this week about Florida’s new voucher plan and what they say is a lack of transparency.  The Florida Policy Institute (FPI) wants the state’s Department of Education to release data on the growing number of private schools that have begun accepting vouchers since the expansion of the program in July.....MORE

Thousands of auto workers go on strike: What you need to know


Workers at three U.S. auto plants are on strike after the Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers (UAW) failed to reach an agreement by Thursday night’s strike deadline.....MORE

Thursday, September 14, 2023

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Antipasto Salad
NY, NY Pizza - Ybor City

UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell Files Complaint Against DeSantis


Jessica Rose Powell in St. Pete


Florida Museum of Photographic Art Opening Today in Ybor City


After antisemitic incidents, St. Pete considers new resolution

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The St. Pete City Council will consider a new resolution Thursday aimed at measuring, monitoring, and ultimately combatting antisemitism.

The rule would create a formal definition of antisemitism that if passed would be adopted by the city.

More HERE

NASA to release report on what it needs to better understand UFOs


After a yearlong study into UFOs, NASA is releasing a report Thursday on what it needs to better identify unidentified flying objects from a scientific point of view.....MORE

GOP struggles to unify on abortion messaging


Republicans are struggling over how to craft their message on abortion, an issue that has repeatedly kneecapped GOP candidates and that is seen as a huge problem next November. 

No consistent message has emerged from the GOP presidential field, which has been all over the map with its strategies for winning over voters on the issue.

More HERE

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

The Florida GOP on DeSantis Campaign Staff


Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa

September 23 - 12 PM

The Ageless Agenda: A Conversation with Congressman Maxwell Frost


Florida educators and parents fight for race-related American history in schools


Federal judge declares DACA immigration program unlawful for second time


A federal judge for the second time found the DACA program unlawful but held back from ordering the deportation of the nearly 600,000 who remain in the country as “dreamers.”....MORE

Ybor Paparazzi

Lexii

State Of Florida Takes Aim At New COVID Booster


Continuing a long-running clash with federal health officials, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Wednesday recommended that people under age 65 not receive newly approved COVID-19 booster shots.....MORE