Saturday, February 25, 2023

Rubio questions planned visit by Cuban Border Guard delegation to Washington next week

 Rubio urged President Joe Biden on Friday to “immediately” cancel a trip by members of the Cuban Border Guard and diplomats from the island to visit the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington and tour port facilities in North Carolina next week. MORE

Ybor City - The Tunnels From Below


Kate Connolly for New Port Richey Mayor

HELP HER HERE

Harsh Symmetry in Ybor City

Crowbar - Ybor City

Ron DeSantis' War on Wokeness with Kmele Foster, Chloé Valdary and David Bernstein


Congratulations Christopher Cano

"Honored to be selected to serve on NORML's Board of Directors." 
Christopher Cano


And Now For Something Completely Different......And Totally Awesome

A mom-and-calf humpback duo surprised whale watchers off the coast of Lāhainā, Maui, by breaching the water one after another on January 20. One of the onlookers, Vicki Kysella, said, ‘Out of nowhere, Mama shocked us all with a giant breach followed by the baby’s breach right next to our boat. If you take a look at each whale’s pectoral fin you can also see the baby’s fin is much stubbier — because the baby was much closer to the boat, it looks as large as mom.’



Early voting for Tampa municipal election begins Monday


Election Day is nearly two weeks away, but registered voters can begin casting their ballots for Tampa's municipal election this Monday.....MORE

Early Voting Locations

C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
2607 E Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd
Fred B. Karl County Center
601 E Kennedy Blvd
Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
3910 S Manhattan Ave
New Tampa Regional Library
10001 Cross Creek Blvd
North Tampa Branch Library
8916 North Blvd
Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center
2514 N Falkenburg Rd
West Tampa Branch Library
2312 W Union St

What You Need To Know
  • Early voting begins Monday, February 27th
  • Early voting sites throughout Tampa will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
  • Election Day is on March 7th
  • You must be registered to vote in Hillsborough County and live in Tampa to vote in this election
What To Bring To The Voting Site
Bring one or two forms of identification that include your signature and photo. Without proper identification, you may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility.

Nikki Fried wins race to lead Florida Democrats


After a contentious election, the former Agriculture Commissioner won on the first ballot.

The Florida Democratic Party has elected former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried as its new State Chair.

More HERE

DeSantis, GOP lawmakers pursue efforts to weaken news media protections

DeSantis has targeted one political enemy after another, from removing a top state prosecutor in Tampa who disagreed with him on abortion rights to promoting an “anti-woke” agenda that limits the teaching of racism in public schools and diversity hiring programs at universities. He even went after business behemoth Disney when its CEO opposed an educational bill. MORE

Will Ron DeSantis Force Farron Out Of Florida?


St. Pete approves possible $50k for increased abortion access


A reproductive rights resolution and Tampa Bay Abortion Fund allocation now head to a full council vote.

Thursday morning in St. Petersburg, two motions concerning the protection of reproductive rights and allocation of funds for abortion services passed in committee unanimously.

More HERE

Black History, Labor History: "The Killing Floor" Watch Party and Panel Discussion


'Don't know exactly why I'm being targeted': Indian River County School board chair on removal list


Trace Zacur Trio in Seminole Heights

MARCH 12, 2023 AT 3 PM
Ella's - Seminole Heights

Republicans Won't Stop Until Social Security Is Gone Forever


DeSantis Gets Substitute Teacher Fired For Making Him Look Bad


14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism


14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism
 
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism.
Fascist regimes make constant use of:
* Patriotic mottos
* Slogans
* Symbols
* Songs
* Flags

2. Disregard for Human Rights 
Human rights can be ignored because of fear of enemies and the need for security.
As a result, people tend to:
* look the other way
* approve of torture
* approve of long incarcerations of prisoners
* approve of executions and assassinations

3. Identification of Enemies as a Unifying Cause
People are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common enemy:
* racial
* ethnic or religious minorities
* liberals
* communists
* socialists
* terrorists

4. Supremacy of the Military
* The military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding
* Soldiers and military service are glamorized

5. Widespread Sexism 
* The government tends to be almost exclusively male-dominated.
* Traditional gender roles are made more rigid.
* Divorce, abortion, and homosexuality are suppressed.

6. Controlled Mass Media 
* The media is directly or indirectly controlled by the government.
* Censorship is very common.

7. Obsession with National Security
* Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
* Governments use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion.
* Religious messages and terminology are common from government leaders.
 
9. Corporate Power is Protected
* Mutually beneficial business/government relationship.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed
* Labor unions are seen as a huge threat to a fascist government.
* Labor unions are either severely suppressed, or are eliminated entirely.

11. Disrespect for Intellectuals and the Arts
* Open hostility to higher education.
* Professors and other academics are censored, or even arrested.
* Free expression in the arts and writing is openly attacked.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
* Local police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws.
* People are often willing to overlook police abuses in the name of patriotism.
* Often a national police force with virtually unlimited power.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
* Friends and associates appoint each other to government positions.
* Officials use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability.

14. Fraudulent Elections
* Elections are often a complete sham.
* Elections may be manipulated by smear campaigns.
* Manipulation of the media to control elections.
* Occasional assassination of opposition Candidates.

Peace Love & Rage: A Divorced Dad Rock Dance Party


Friday, February 24, 2023

Crybaby Ron DeSantis Is Boycotting NBC After They Hurt His Feelings


St. Pete Summer Jam


DeSantis’s Office Says He Will Boycott NBC, MSNBC Over Andrea Mitchell Question On Black History


Florida responds to threats against Jewish community ahead of ‘National Day of Hate’


In the interest of public safety, Florida law enforcement officials are increasing their presence across the state amid reports of a planned “National Day of Hate” targeting the Jewish community and other faith-based organizations. The National Day of Hate" is planned for tomorrow, Feruary 25.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies or by calling 855-FLA-SAFE. If there’s an emergency, the FDLE said you should call 911.

Read More HERE

A Word From Jessica Vaughn

Jessica talks about important school budget concerns, boundaries, Ron DeSantis' hit list and other topics.

FBI joins Clearwater recycling program investigation


Pedro the Lion in Ybor City

APRIL 21, 2023 AT 8 PM
Crowbar - Ybor City

Hundreds of USF students join statewide walkout to oppose Gov. DeSantis' education policies



Sec. Buttigieg responds to Marco Rubio’s call to resign over train derailment


White House rips Florida's new gun proposals following Orlando shooting


A day after an Orlando television reporter was killed on the job, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday criticized Florida Republican leaders for proposals (HB 543 and SB 150that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses.

“This is the opposite of common-sense gun safety,” Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing.

“And the people of Florida, who have paid a steep price for state and congressional inaction on guns, from Parkland to Pulse Nightclub to Pine Hills, deserve better.”

More HERE

Fox Host TREATS Matt Gaetz like TODDLER on LIVE TV


Florida bill bars women’s studies, inclusive programs & more


Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is moving to even further damage the education system.

A new bill attacks all university courses that fall under headings like critical race theory, gender studies, women’s studies, and intersectionality, and forbids universities to make statements on inclusion or diversity.

Read More HERE
Full Text of the Bill HERE