COUNTDOWN: Can Trump run down the legal clock before the election?

Candidate Donald Trump faces some extremely bad polling news but, weirdly, he has time on his side.

A series of new polls conducted by  Bloomberg and Morning Consult found that 53 percent of voters in key swing states would refuse to vote for Trump if he were convicted of a criminal offense.

That might sound like bad news for Trump were it not for the fact that more and more, it looks unlikely that there will be time for a trial — and any convictions — before the election.

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OFFENSIVE? The WORST censorship effort from Moms For Liberty EVER

 

What content could be inappropriate in an elementary school library? Moms For Liberty has scored some wins banning books in a few school districts, pushing a handful of books about LGBTQ rights and racial injustice out of schools. Now they’re broadening their net, targeting even books intended for the youngest readers.....Read More

Tampa history shop highlighting Black history year-round

A local history expert and author has turned her passion for the preservation of Black history into a business.

Ersula’s History Shop is located at 1421 Tampa Park Plaza in Tampa. The store is Ersula Odom’s ode to what once was.

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Florida banning changes of gender on driver’s licenses sparks confusion, backlash

Sasha Buchert, senior counsel and director of New York-based Lambda Legal’s Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project, said Florida is the first state she has heard of prohibiting people from updating the gender markers on driver’s licenses to match their gender identity.

“This just creates this really harmful situation where people are going to have to walk through the world without an ID that matches who they are,” said Buchert, who is transgender.

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In latest spot, Lincoln Project likens Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler

The Lincoln Project’s latest creative draws comparisons between the Donald Trump campaign of 2024 and Adolf Hitler’s reign over Nazi Germany.....Read More

Florida group seeks to put Medicaid expansion before voters

Policy experts and healthcare providers are again trying to enshrine Medicaid expansion in Florida's constitution through a ballot initiative. The petition, unveiled Thursday, seeks to open Medicaid's doors to millions of uninsured Floridians.....Read More

Hillsborough TPO preparing to vote on big changes

The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Board is preparing to vote on some big changes. These changes aim to increase safety and ensure reliable transportation is available for people in the county. As Hillsborough County continues to grow, with more people moving here every day. The county is working to expand public transportation to keep up with demand.....Read More

Florida residents, politicians give their thoughts on potential social media ban for teens 16 and younger

The Florida House has passed two bills aimed at teens access to social media and adult content.

House Bill 1 is Florida House Speaker Paul Renner’s priority this year. He believes the bill addresses a danger that’s developed over the last ten years, citing advisories by the U.S. Surgeon General.

HB1 sets out to ban Floridians 16 and younger from being able to open a social media account.

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Barbie Movie Under the Stars

The Barbie movie took over the world over the summer. The well-reviewed film grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, and netted itself Golden Globe wins and several Oscar nominations. Sparkman Wharf will host a movie on the lawn February 12 (Galentine’s Day). The movie starts at 6:30pm and is totally free to attend.

77th Annual Fiesta Day in Ybor City

The 77th Annual Fiesta Day returns to E 7th Avenue in Historic Ybor City on February 24 from 11am-6pm. This free event features tons of food, arts and crafts, live music, and more.

This sprawling event supports dozens upon dozens of local vendors and provides visitors the opportunity to celebrate the myriad flavors of the Tampa Bay region. Fiesta Day is an outdoor event during Florida winter, which means it’s the perfect time to layer up and explore historic Ybor.

This event includes fabulous performances near Centro Ybor, in addition to cigar rollers, historic lectors, so much local cuisine, live music, arts and crafts, and more.

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Smothered Pork Chops

Dirty Rice and Collard Greens

Mr B's Cafe - Ybor Heights

Matt Gaetz's WORST NIGHTMARE Comes Back to HAUNT Him

Ybor Paparazzi

The Yes Team

Ron DeSantis to deploy additional troops to Texas border

House wants state, local agencies to cut CAIR off

The full House has adopted a Rep. Randy Fine nonbinding House resolution (HR 1209) strongly encouraging “all executive agencies of the State of Florida, all law enforcement agencies, and all local governments in this state to suspend contact and outreach activities” with the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR).....Read More

Black History Month event: HOPE Photovoice Initiative On View

See Tampa Bay through a new lens at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts’ HOPE Photovoice Initiative, which is on view from February 20 to March 24 at the FMoPA in the Ybor Kress Building. The powerful exhibition showcases the stories and challenges faced by the University Area community. Witness the raw beauty and struggles of everyday life in Tampa with stunning images that tackle issues like employment, affordable housing and community engagement. 

“These evocative images unveil the University Area Community’s authentic stories, aiming to ignite awareness and foster positive change in policies and perceptions,” a description on the exhibition website says. Experience the power of photography and discover what makes this community resilient, hopeful and inspiring.

Black History Month event: Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival

Get your blues on and soak up the sun at the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival on February 23, 24 and 25, where national blues artists like Jontavious Willis and DK Harrell perform smooth tunes. Kick off your Friday night with hits by Makattack Music and Reverend Raven, let loose with Walter Trout and J & The Causeways on Saturday and then head to Coachman Park on Sunday to jam out to Nick Moss, Albert Castiglia and more.

Fuel your soul with seafood, craft brews and local handcrafted finds at the festival’s market. VIP tickets and reserved seating start at $20, with proceeds going to the Clearwater-based charity, Homeless Empowerment Program.

Black History Month event: Carmada en Ybor

Car lovers, buckle up for Carmada en Ybor, where art cars cruise in Ybor City. Get up close and personal with cars like you’ve never seen before as you experience Ybor’s flourishing art scene at art galleries and artist studios along Seventh Avenue from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 3. Join NOMAD Rolling Studio for free activities while listening to DJ Donnie Luv spinning the soundtrack to your afternoon. 

“Carmada is rolling into Ybor City to highlight the artistic resurgence that is taking

Carmada en Ybor celebrates 10 years of the Carmada Art Car Showcase and the revitalization of the arts in Ybor City on Saturday, February 3rd.

 place,” says Silver Meteor Gallery Owner Michael Murphy. “In addition to viewing creatively decorated cars, NOMAD Art Bus and the HCC Art Club will have art activities for visitors to enjoy. The Art Galleries and Artists' Studios in the Kress Collective will be open for art aficionados to explore. You can get a sneak peek of Marcolina's Fine Art Gallery's first-anniversary show, which is opening that night. Check out the unique and macabre art in Dysfunctional Grace's new space above Big Easy Bar. Visit Drip Ybor and the recently relocated Florida Museum of Photographic Art to round out your artistic excursion.” 

This event is free and for all ages, so bring the whole crew for a one-of-a-kind afternoon of art, cars and community.

Black History Month event: February ArtWalk: African Americans & the Arts Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month as you explore “African Americans & the Arts," an exhibit showcasing the talents of Creative Clay's member artists during February's St. Pete Second Saturday ArtWalk on February 10. Meet the artists and learn about their artistic journeys as you immerse yourself in the power of community. Get your caricature drawn by resident artists while listening to soulful tunes by Emily Turnage.

Black History Month event: Resilience & Revolution - An Immersion Of Black Americana

Visit the Woodson African American Museum of Florida anytime during Black History Month to experience the free exhibition Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion Of Black Americana. Broaden your understanding of African American history, triumphs and culture as you stroll through a full sensory experience of art, music and interactive displays. The exhibit is free to experience and donations are also welcome.

Tlaib opposes ‘fear-mongering’ bills adding immigration restrictions

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) denounced a set of bills adding immigration restrictions as “fear-mongering” and “anti-immigrant” on Wednesday.....Read More

Gov. DeSantis is ‘100%’ against removing Confederate monuments

Florida’s Governor is unambiguous in his support for keeping Confederate monuments up, painting such efforts as a slippery slope that could lead to the removal of tributes to Martin Luther King Jr. if today’s standards are applied to bygone history.

“I’m 100% against removing the monuments. I think it’s just gone too far,” Ron DeSantis said on the first day of Black History Month.

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Elmira's World Wildlife Market & Fundraiser

Elmira's World Wildlife Market & Fundraiser

Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary

13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, FL

Sunday, March 3 @ 11am

Vendors, food, plants, raffles, silent auction, and DISCOUNTED TOURS!

Organizing Bootcamp @ USF

It's a new year and we are excited to get back to work building the next generation of leaders!

Join Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and People Power for Florida as we host our sixth  ever Campus Organizing Bootcamp, and first of the new year, @ USF! We will be hosting an in-person Political Organizing Bootcamp at USF Tampa focused on how to build political power on your college campus and organize your peers for social change.

Read More and Register HERE

Ron DeSantis announces State Guard deployment to Mexican border, expanding his armed force’s mission

Gov. Ron DeSantis will be deploying a battalion of the Florida State Guard to the U.S.-Mexican border to deal with what he calls a “total disaster.”

“The goal is to help Texas fortify this border,” DeSantis said, noting it was the first deployment of the group he reformed recently.

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Federal Judge Rules Against Pro-Palestinian Groups In Florida

A federal judge on Wednesday refused to issue injunctions sought by pro-Palestinian student groups in First Amendment lawsuits against the state amid the war between Israel and Hamas, saying the students hadn’t shown that their speech has been chilled or that they face imminent punishment.

Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida and Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of South Florida filed lawsuits in November alleging that efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis and state university leaders to disband the groups violated their First Amendment rights.

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If the conservative justices actually believe in originalism, they must disqualify Trump

If the justices of the Supreme Court want to allow Donald Trump to seek the presidency, they will have to throw their originalist and textualist doctrines out the window to do it.....Read More