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(apply for summer and fall by emailing clips and a resumes to rroa@cltampa.com and selene@ cltampa.com)
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COURTESY
Whether
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay keeps reaching into the mailbag, and treading carefully into the comments section. The exercise leaves us increasingly grateful for readers who come to us in print—and especially online—to read the news and thoughtfully respond. Keep it coming, folks (scan the QR code if you’re the emailing type), and we’ll keep posting it.—Ray Roa
HOAs are ‘out of control’: Tampa Bay voters vent to Florida gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner on ‘Affordability Tour’ (via Facebook)
Pointing out: HOAs are just the property owners. The HOA has a budget that all homeowners get to see. They can come to board meetings and discuss, they can vote the board out if they want. But, guess what? Hardly anyone shows up at the meetings. Very little input is given on the budget. It’s just a lot easier to complain .—Bill Berra
And the governor can fix HOA’s, how? I can see why he’s struggling in the polls.—John Pedraza
We love our HOA Eileen Stafford
We’re missing candidates in like half of the state house and legislature seats.. Also can the Dems please allow independents to vote in our democratic primaries—@ williamp_08
Hillsborough sheriff says fired major was ‘under the influence’ while on duty, but won’t say how he got caught (via Facebook)
He’s taller and Chad got scared—Patrick Henderson
Florida Gas prices spike another 24 cents as war in Iran continues (via Instagram)
Are we great again yet—@djjpprolificproductions
‘This is illegal’: Florida Democrats blast coming congressional redistricting session I thought the amendents that Florida voters approved back in 2010, was basically to outlaw gerrymandering. yet even with that, doesn’t seem like much has changed. So how is this allowed, even though its clearly illegal under those amendments? Do Democrats have any ideas beyond just shaking their fist—Charles Morgan
Before you comment, google Illinois’ congressional map. Take a few minutes to ponder the design.—Daniel Davis
It wasn’t for Virginia or California or Illinois or any other state!—Donna Neal
Florida Dem Chair Nikki Fried says party has more candidates signing up to run for office than ever have before
This is what we call pulling of straws
Mark Yetter
How many of them take AIPAC money?
Daniel Satizabal
The party is at its best when we have the option of working class candidates—@earlefordfl on Instagram
Soooo much winning—@ greentrailwanderer
I’m jealous of $4.19—@ libertyoneill
Guy Fieri, Mayor of Flavortown, has been spotted outside Tampa’s Supernatural Food & Wine (via Instagram)
This should make getting a donut wayyyy easier—@ griffmeister86
“These breakfast sandwiches are gangster!”—@conversationpace
spells doom, that’s what happened to taco bus—@havesandthirds
Bob Buckhorn officially enters 2027 Tampa mayoral race, says he expects council members to ‘stay in their lanes’(via Facebook) [See more on pp. 19]
He’s not burdened by anything but his obligations to the folks who have written him big a$$ checks.—Stephanie Poynor
Eaton good
Photos by Dave Decker
TThe 32nd Tampa Pro, the country’s longest running and arguably most storied professional skateboarding competition, wrapped up last weekend at the Skatepark of Tampa. The two-day street comp culminated with Red Bull athlete Jagger Eaton taking the top spot and a $10,000 purse, while Monster Energy’s Liam Pace the Concrete Jam. A few other highlights included a sold-out performance from rapper BLP Kosher, skater Dalton Dern landing an absolute mental 20-foot acid drop from the railing of the second-story gallery into the Pro Course, longtime Central Florida legend Chris Blake debuting his first ever pro deck with Stereo Skateboards, and more. See all the photos via cltampa.com/arts.—Colin Wolf
PRESENTS:
MEET THE CHEFS - ST. PETE
The Birchwood Hotel
Thursday June 18 • 6PM - 9PM 340 Beach Dr NE • Downtown St. Petersburg
The best of Tampa Bay’s culinary scene in one room. Now in St. Pete & Tampa!
MEET THE CHEFS - TAMPA
The Vault
Thursday June 25 • 6PM - 9PM 611 N Franklin St • Downtown Tampa
Sponsored by:
Tampa Bay's best things to do from April 16 - 23. See more on pp. 24, 34 & 37
1964 Jubilee
Stageworks Theatre’s new play imagines how two Civil Rights leaders would’ve talked out their differences. “The Meeting” depicts a hypothetical conversation between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, who were considered opposites in their philosophical approaches to the Civil Rights movement. The dialogue between the two leaders delves into whether a movement with shared goals has room for different beliefs. “The Meeting provides a rare opportunity to experience two towering historical voices in conversation,” Kayla Hartley, producing artistic director, said in a press release. “It challenges audiences to engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives and reflect on the courage required to stand firm in one’s convictions.” The show opens Friday and runs on weekends through May 3.
“The Meeting”: Opens April 17. 8 p.m. $30 & up. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E Kennedy Blvd. Suite 151, Tampa stageworkstheatre.org—Jasmin Parrado
Goooooooooooal
Cum on down
Comedian, podcaster and current talk show host Adam Friedland brings his “dirtbag left” style of comedy to Tampa this weekend. The 39-year-old is arguably best known for his work on the popular and incredibly absurd podcast Cum Town with fellow co-hosts Stavros Halkias and Nick Mullen. The podcast ended in 2022, but his latest project, The Adam Friedland Show, is essentially a continuation of that anti-humor ethos, but in a classic and purposefully awkward talk show format. The weekly YouTube show features well-known celebrities and politicians and often finds Friedland getting them to answer increasingly uncomfortable questions, like when he asked Blake Griffin which N.B.A. players are Republicans, or when he grilled Gen Z political influencer Harry Sisson about his affiliation with establishment Dems. “You don’t tweet like a 22-year-old,” said Friedland. “You tweet like a D.C. comms person.” However, for this Tampa stop, Friedland will be in stand-up mode, performing two sets a night at Side Splitters Comedy Club in Carrollwood later this month.
Adam Friedland: Friday-Saturday, April 17-18. Various times. $30 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, 2938 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. sidesplitterscomedy. com—Colin Wolf
On nearly every Saturday morning in America, a bunch of fanatic Anglophiles get up during graveyard hours to watch Premier League football in their pajamas. The ones who live in the Tampa Bay area are actually gonna have to put on some clothes this weekend. NBC’s “Premier League Mornings Live” pop-ups in Tampa Heights for matchday 33. For the well-adjusted and uninitiated, “Premier League Mornings Live” is a two-day fan festival that brings NBC Sports’ staple program on the road, complete with host Rebecca Lowe, along with analysts Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe and USMNT legend Tim Howard. Their studio show will broadcast live on USA Network and Peacock from Armature Works’ pier, which has become the go-to spot for national sports broadcasters trying to show off how pretty the city can be. Registration is closed for the event, but Armature Works will still be open for fans who want a peek.
Premier League Mornings
Live: Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19. 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. premierleague. com—Ray Roa
Mmm, tasty
Tampa foodies can get a double serving of gourmet eats downtown this week. More than 60 restaurants and culinary experiences come to Water Street and the Straz Center for their “Taste” events. At Taste of Water Street on Thursday, April 16, guests will be some of the first to try bites from Smith’s Provisions, a new concept coming soon to the neighborhood. Also new to this year’s lineup are Dang Dude, Publix, Azure, Perk Coffee + Provisions and Back Bar, which join 20 more of the district’s culinary destinations. A portion of event proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay, which supports families in the Tampa area with children receiving medical treatment away from home. After a few days of digestion, Taste at Straz brings about 40 local restaurants to the downtown event center on Saturday, April 18. Participating spots include American Social, Bartaco, Green Lemon, Jay Luigi and Timpano. The night also centers around its drinks, with coffee, alcohol and more sips from places like Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, Magnanimous Brewing and Keel Farms. The event supports the Straz Center’s performances, arts education programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Taste of Water Street: Thursday, April 16. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $108 & up. 971 Water St., Tampa. waterstreettampa.com
TASTE at Straz: Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. VIP, 7 p.m GA. $105 & up. David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts,1010 N Macinnes Pl., Tampa. strazcenter.org—Kailey Aiken
Touch grass
There are lots of ways to pay respect to Mother Earth in Tampa Bay this spring. To start, Hillsborough River State Park hosts its annual “Respect Your Mother” Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18. The event includes guided excursions, including paddles and hikes, and it features live music, food vendors, an eco-fair, junior ranger activities and more programming. And, no, you don’t have to waste water on AI to find more Earth Day activities. We’ve got a great roundup for ya at cltampa.com/arts.
Respect Your Mother: Saturday, April 18. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $4-$6. Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. Hwy-1, Thonotosassa. floridastateparks.org—Jasmin Parrado
Help keep local
For 36 years, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has amplified the voices others overlook. Now we’re launching the Tampa Bay Journalism Project to strengthen independent, local reporting on issues that matter—housing, transportation, arts, food, and accountability. Your tax-deductible support helps fund nonpaywalled journalism for our community. Help the Creative Loafing newsroom grow.
Donating is easy, visit bit.ly/anfCLTampa
His wildest dreams
Remembering meteorologist and LGBTQ+ advocate Andy Johnson.
By Selene San Felice
Andy Johnson knew what he wanted.
After his family evacuated its Tampa home to flee a major hurricane in 1965, seven-year-old Johnson built his own weather station inspired by the one he saw on channel 13.
As a weatherman at that same station, he became a hero. Over four decades of meteorology for WTVT (now known as Fox 13) and on social media, Johnson gave residents vital information during several major hurricanes.
“I got to actually live my dreams,” Johnson told viewers on his last TV broadcast in 2013. “I got to do something that most people don’t get to do.”
his social media forecasts. He didn’t mention the diagnosis when the City of Tampa honored him with a proclamation, or when Equality Florida gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award that year.
“That’s how dedicated he was,” Johnson’s husband, Bryan Farris, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “He didn’t just lie down and die. He fought, and he was determined to beat it. Unfortunately, the cancer had other ideas.”
LOCAL NEWS
Nothing could stop him from living that dream. Not prostate cancer in 2009, a heart attack in 2016, or triple bypass surgery in 2022. Neither did the rare cancer diagnosis in 2024—a week before the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Johnson was credited with saving thousands of lives over those two weeks through
Johnson died of that cancer last week. He was 68.
“He was the guy who loved big, gave of himself unselfishly and just truly…was one of the last nice guys,” Farris said.
The two met in March 2001 at the CitySide Lounge in South Tampa. Johnson declared that he’d just gotten out of a relationship and wasn’t looking for another.
“If you want to go out a few times, have some fun, that’s great,” Farris recalled Johnson warning him. “But I don’t want you to think this is going anywhere.”
But Johnson also had an extra ticket for an upcoming Moody Blues concert. And one date later, things were definitely going somewhere.
“We went back to his house after the concert, and we just sat up all night talking,” Farris recalled. “We had the night.”
The pair bonded over a love of music, Tampa history and travel. Over 25 years together, they built a home and shared passions. Farris works as a Democratic political consultant and previously owned a travel company.
“I would take him to the political things. He would go to the Kennedy King dinners and sit and listen to the long, boring speeches over cold rubber chicken. And I would go to American Meteorological Society meetings and sit there, and, they could have been speaking Greek for all I knew, you know, but that’s the kind of couple we are.”
Farris said Johnson was patient and never talked down to people.
“If he was talking to a five-year-old about weather, he talked to him about it on their level. If he was talking to another meteorologist, he spoke a language that I never understood,” Farris added. “He had that ability to relate to just about anybody.”
And most people related to Johnson, too, Farris said.
“No one who ever met him disliked him. He was just that kind of guy.”
Johnson also joined Farris in LGBTQ+ advocacy with no hesitation.
“He never really came out,” Farris recalled. “He just started living more openly.”
Johnson took every chance he could to mentor students and peers, running WTVT’s intern program, participating in the Great American Teach-In, and working with the American Meteorological Society.
“Everybody loved Andy. Everybody. No one who ever met him disliked him. He was just that kind of guy.”
When Johnson retired from the station and started doing independent forecasts from home, the couple dedicated themselves to travel, visiting more than 70 countries in their 25 years together.
“People would criticize us and go, ‘You know, you’re spending all your money. You’re supposed to wait to travel till you retire.’ Well, if we had done that… we wouldn’t have done half the stuff that we did together. So to those people, I would say, travel now. Tomorrow’s not promised.”
A public funeral mass will be held for Johnson on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at St John’s Episcopal Church in Hyde Park.
ONCE UPON A TIME: The late Andy Johnson (left) and his husband, Bryan Farris.
DAVE DECKER
THE GROWN FOLKS STANDARD
Where the Rhythm Meets the Ritual
Live music venue featuring the finest in Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Blues.
A curated selection of premium cigars and a full-service bar for the discerning enthusiast.
The worst kept secret in Tampa politics is officially official. Last Monday morning, flanked at the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office by his wife Dr. Cathy Lynch Buckhorn, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn finally filed paperwork for the 2027 race to be the city’s next mayor. Ashley Bauman, former City of Tampa Director of Communications under Buckhorn and current Mayor Jane Castor, was also there. Bauman is now Managing Director at Mercury Public Affairs.
Buckhorn, 67, served two consecutive terms as mayor from 2011-2019. He endorsed his successor, Tampa’s former Chief of Police Jane Castor, who is terming out after her own back-to-back turns leading city hall.
“If the mayor functioned as the CEO, then the council would report to the mayor, and we just simply don’t,” she told CL this morning, adding that council is its own entity.
“Over the years, council has basically given up a lot of the power they have, and this council has been slowly bringing it back by paying attention to budgetary items, focusing on ordinances”
Hurtak said, noting that while council can fund items, the mayor doesn’t have to actually do them.
“That is a sticking issue. It requires two parts of government to work together, which, traditionally, in the last 16 years, hasn’t worked very well.”
ELECTIONS
There are nine other candidates officially in the race with Buckhorn, including Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak, urban designer and USF assistant dean Taryn Sabia, entrepreneurs Gary Hartfield and Alan Henderson, plus Best of the Bay-winning online food critic Anthony Gilbert Jr., and more.
Tampa municipal elections
Ends March 2, 2027
But Buckhorn, who served as a councilman under former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco—the only other mayor to come back for a third and fourth term—told reporters that, “This government works when people stay in their lane and do their jobs.”
votehillsborough.gov
Getting along with council
The mayoral race will get even more crowded in the weeks to come. District 4’s Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson, a political foe to Buckhorn, teased an announcement last weekend. Echoing past comments, Buckhorn said he’s not thinking about others entering the race.
“I’m here to finish the job,” he told reporters after filing, promising to go home after what he hopes is another turn as mayor. “I’m not running for anything else. I’m not burdened by ambition.”
“During my eight years, our mantra was no drama. We weren’t interested in drama. We didn’t have the luxury of drama,” Buckhorn added. “My job is to execute, my job is to finish the job. I anticipate the council to be good partners in that. But at the end of the day, council has its lane and the mayor has its lane.”
Hurtak argues that local governments function better when parties work together.
“It’s not whether or for or against a strong mayor, it’s just that in order to do the work, which is helping people, everybody has to work together,” Hurtak said, “Government by fiat doesn’t work.”
“This government works when people stay in their lane and do their jobs.”
With Hurtak running for the mayor’s office, and Carlson expected to announce soon, the makeup of city council will look different for Tampa’s next leader—and Buckhorn was clear about how he sees the mayor’s role in city hall.
Responding to a question from Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, he told reporters that the language in Tampa’s charter allows for a strong mayor form of government, where the mayor runs the day-to-day and is “basically the CEO of 4,500 employees and a $2 billion budget.”
Tampa City Council members have mostly gone along with the city’ last five mayors, but Hurtak disputed Buckhorn’s charter interpretation.
Troy Carnite, former Tampa mayoral candidate Ed Turanchik, and pro wrestler Dean Muhtadi (aka WWE’s Mojo Rawley).
Big money for Buckhorn
Buckhorn enters the race with the biggest war chest of campaign funds, thanks to a PAC that has more than $1.8 million in the bank.
Sabia leads the rest of the field in campaign funds raised, posting $21,171.54 from 114 unique donors since announcing her candidacy last March. Hurtak, who filed last February, posted $14,782 in her Q1 report, from 45 unique donors.
Hurtak’s largest single contributions are for $1,000 checks from friends and family, and also civically-engaged Tampeños like Elizabeth Corwin, environmental activist Todd Randolph, plus locals connected to Tampa’s Timmel family of harbor pilots.
Sabia’s campaign has eight $1,000 donations from OutsideIn Architecture (tied to Brooksville architect Darren Azdell), attorney
The next closest fundraisers in the Tampa mayoral race, based on Q1 data from the Hillsborough SOE are Hartfield ($3,876.58), contractor and real estate broker Julie Magill ($2,100), and Henderson ($583.08).
Combined, all candidates running against Buckhorn have raised $42,818.20 for the election, which wraps on March 2, 2027. (If no candidate earns more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will end on April 27, 2027.)
Latest reports for the Friends of Bob Buckhorn PAC show the former mayor with more than $1.8 million in the bank, from nearly 300 unique donors, collected between July 1, 2025-March 31, 2026. As previously reported, much of that stack comes from development and investment interests.
The Buckhorn PAC’s largest single contribution ($200,000) comes from Ayon Capital, founded by Bay area philanthropist and health care entrepreneur Sidd Pagidipati who cofounded Ellison Development.
Other six-figure donors to Buckhorn’s campaign include a company founded by Tampa
investor and landowner Charles Garber, Jeff Vinik’s Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties, and Tapper Ventures, a company with ties Republican and Former Florida Senate President Tom Lee, who is the CEO of the Pepin Family Office along with Pepin Distribution tycoon Tom Pepin, and the distribution company’s Kurt Osborn.
Buckhorn presumably won’t have to reside over debate of taxpayers shelling out money for a Tampa stadium for the Rays, but Dream Finders Homes—owned by new Rays co-owner Patrick Zalupski—donated $50,000 to Buckhorn’s campaign, too.
Buckhorn defended those contributions in past comments to CL, claiming that developers and investors helped make Tampa an attractive destination for talent.
Talking to reporters outside the county center last Monday, Buckhorn reiterated his idea that Tampa was once a “donor city,” from which its “best and brightest” youth moved—and that he would rather preside over a growing city than a withering one.
This story broke as Creative Loafing Tampa Bay was going to print. Read the full version at cltampa.com/news.
BUCKLE UP: Bob Buckhorn outside Frederick B. Karl County Center in Tampa on April 13, 2026.
DAVE
DECKER
LIVE COMEDY SHOWS THIS WEEK
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
7:00 PM: WEEKLY IMPROV DROP-IN CLASS
Give improv a try in a supportive, fun environment! No prior experience required! 8:30 PM: LONGFORM IMPROV SHOWCASE Three great improv acts split the bill in this weekly show! Come for the Drop-In at 7:00, and stay for this show for free.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
7:30 PM: THE CAPTAIN'S WHEEL: EASTER/420/SPRING EDITION
Join your Captain and her crew of seaworthy improvisers for a competitive improv show like none other, where comedians are put through their paces by a wheel chock full of seasonally-relevant challenges.
9:00 PM: THE CROW'S NEST
Improvisers share real-life experiences of heartbreak, struggle, and triumph inspired by audience suggestions, then improvise scenes based on those stories.
An incredible lineup of NYC and local bands, in Tampa for one night only. Do not miss this show!
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
4:00 PM: CLEAN COMEDY SHOWCASE
Join your host Marla Hartson for Tampa Bay's only clean comedy showcase!
6:00 PM: IMPROV STUDENT SHOWCASE
Graduates of Bryan Fernando's Soundtrack Intensive class show you what they've learned in this FREE show!
7:30 PM: STU.CO: A MONTHLY IMPROV SHOW
FEATURING STUDENTS OF THE COMMODORE!
Students from our improv classes perform with their instructors in this monthly showcase.
OUTBOARD REPOWER
EXPERIENCE THE BEST of Nature & Culture
Join us for beautiful blooms, melodic music, awe-inspiring architecture, historic home tours, and more! Experience a day like none other in the
Join us for beautiful blooms, melodic music, awe-inspiring architecture, historic home tours, and more! Experience a day like none other
SPRING BLOOM GARDEN TEA PARTY WITH CLASSERN QUARTET
SPRING BLOOM GARDEN TEA PARTY WITH CLASSERN QUARTET
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 · 12PM - 3:30PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 · 12PM - 3:30PM
FIRE FEST WITH THE CARIBBEAN CHILLERS: A TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT FRIDAY, MAY 1 · 6PM
FIRE FEST WITH THE CARIBBEAN CHILLERS: A TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT
FRIDAY, MAY 1 · 6PM
MOTHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS SUNDAY, MAY 10 FREE ADMISSION FOR MOM
MOTHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS
SUNDAY, MAY 10 FREE ADMISSION FOR MOM
WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS FREE ADMISSION
WAWA SUMMER FUN DAYS FREE ADMISSION
MAY 28-29, JUNE 25-26, JULY 30-31, AUGUST 27-28
MAY 28-29, JUNE 25-26, JULY 30-31, AUGUST 27-28
SUMMER FAIRY FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JUNE 6
SUMMER FAIRY FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
1151 TOWER BOULEVARD LAKE WALES, FL 33853
1151 TOWER BOULEVARD
863-676-1408
LAKE WALES, FL 33853
BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG
863-676-1408
BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG
New stripes
Easy Tiger opens in St. Pete, and more Tampa Bay food news.
By Laura Troyer and Kailey Aiken
After more than a decade shaping St. Petersburg’s nightlife, Matt Kaye and his partners are back with another project.
Easy Tiger, a hi-fi listening lounge and cocktail bar, opens this Thursday at 915 1st Ave. N, just a few doors down from the iconic dive bar The Bends, which Kaye opened in 2012.
The lounge is a marriage of mid-century modern style, good music, deep St. Pete roots and a thoughtful cocktail program curated by Chris Trull, who also designs drinks for Kaye’s other ventures, Wild Child and Slim Charmer.
Kaye’s long-time collaborator DJ Casper will program a mix of artists. Casper, who is moving on from Water Street’s Alter Ego to join Kaye at Easy Tiger, told CL that he’s excited to experiment with different music in St. Pete.
“St. Pete is a different animal than Tampa,” he said. “I feel like musically, we might be able to dive in a little more and just kind of take people on longer journeys.”
Specifically, Casper is looking forward to incorporating more vinyl record mixing into his DJ sets at Easy Tiger.
“We’re definitely not an all vinyl establishment, but we have a Hi-Fi system,” Casper said. “So I’d like to showcase that at first, really showcase beautiful music on a really amazing sound system.”
The musical experience, Casper said, has been pushed to the forefront of the planning process for Easy Tiger, rather than treated as an afterthought or finishing touch. He hopes the music will bring folks over from Tampa who don’t usually make the journey over the bridge, and bring out new listeners in St. Pete who might not be familiar with his music yet.
“Hopefully, at Easy Tiger, we can make this musical bridge to fill the gap,” Casper said.
Alessi Bakery opens new massive location
Back in 2024, West Tampa’s 114-year-old staple Alessi Bakery announced plans to relocate and expand to a much larger space just a block down the street, and now they’re finally ready to open the doors.
Located at 3003 W Cypress St. in the historic Tampa Letter Carriers’ Social Hall, the new facility officially opened on Wednesday.
The 18,000-square-foot space features all the classic handmade desserts, baked goods
and Cuban sandwiches guests have come to love for the past century, along with a few upgrades.
The new Alessi sports a new quick service area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Guests can also expect an expanded bakery space, and a dedicated cafe area featuring coffee, shakes, smoothies, soft-serve ice cream and more, according to a press release. Alessi now carries woodstone oven pizzas, a rotisserie chicken concept, as well as a full-service bar.
A rep for the bakery told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that they do not know future plans for the old building, which will not remain open for service.
This is just the second time the familyowned institution has moved since founder Nicolo Alessi opened its first location on Cherry Street in 1912.
Hours at the new Alessi Bakery are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.—Colin Wolf
Renzo's moving in Tampa
After nearly two decades on the corner of W Kennedy Boulevard and S Sterling Avenue, South Tampa steakhouse Renzo’s will move to a new location less than two miles away.
Renzo Menzerotolo told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay he hopes to soft open at 122 S Howard Ave. by May. Both the new location and the original will operate at the same time before the lease at 3644 W Kennedy Blvd. runs out on Sept. 30.
Menzerotolo added that his original landlord sold the Kennedy Boulevard property a few years ago and that the new managing company’s rates were forcing Menzerotolo to look for a new spot. He even came close to signing leases in downtown Tampa and Water Street.
He settled at the location on the corner of W Cleveland Street and S Howard Avenue— former home of Rose Bar and ShoMi sushi & seafood—citing parking and proximity to the current Tampa location.
The menu will stay the same, with improvements and a new look, along with a full-service dining room, full liquor bar, plus the retail, bakery and meat market customers are used to.
“We’re bringing back breakfast, Sunday brunch, and entertainment,” Menzerotolo said, adding that open fire grills will also return along with the Argentinian parrilladas experience.
Most of the front and back of house staff at the Kennedy location is coming along, but Renzo’s is already hiring and training staff at its other locations in Carrollwood and St. Petersburg, which have been in operation for 14 and seven years, respectively. He’s also working on a project that could open in Wesley Chapel in 2028.
Known for meats, but also wine and housemade desserts like the chajá, Renzo’s steakhouse has a passion for “asado,” or Argentine-style grilling, showcased in everything from skirt steak to Brazilian picanha, churrasco, ribeye and more.
The current wine list includes more than two dozen wines by the bottle and about just as many by the glass.—Ray Roa
HUEVOS RANCHEROS | $11
black beans, tomatillo, tortilla tostada, guajillo salsa, egg
SOPE | $18
pork belly, mole verde, goat cheese, pickled carrot, on a masa sope
MASA BENEDICT | $12
soft masa biscuit, hollandaise, poached egg
CON AMOR BREAKFAST | $16
eggs, bacon, hash, side salsa, pickle mix, guajillo marmalade, side tortillas
HASH BOWL | $20 (ADD EGG $2)
deshebrada, hash, poblano & bell pepper, onion, pickled jalapeno, pickled fresno, guajillo salsa and avocado crema
BREAKFAST BURRITO | $18
pancake, sausage, egg, maple syrup, on a flour tortilla, side hash brown
Sunday walking tour part of active spring for Tampa DSA.
By Ray Roa
Despite Hungary’s recent rejection of rightwing prime minister Wiktor Orban, it’s still pretty dark out there—especially if you’re an immigrant, working class, or parent of a soldier. In uncertain times, Roger Ezra Butterfield knows it helps to look to the past to see how others before us dealt with it all. In a ramp up to May Day, the Tampa chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America will do just that during a Ybor City walking tour that promises to change anyone’s perception of the district as party-central or just a place that was home to cigar factories.
“It’s history is as alive as we make it,” Butterfield, a postal worker, union activist and researcher, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “In this little corner of the post-Reconstruction South, the small port village of Tampa established a hub of multi-ethnic immigrant unionism and political radicalism in the cigar factories of Ybor City.”
Donations will go towards Tampa DSA’s campaign to cancel $1 million in medical debt in Hillsborough County; to do that the organization has partnered with the Undue Medical Debt nonprofit, and hopes to raise $10,000 locally.
In 2024, Kaiser Family Foundation said that in the U.S., more than 100 million people are burdened by medical debt to the tune of $220 billion. A 2022 report from Alignment Healthcare added that “34% of those with medical debt in Florida” had bills “totaling at least three months of living expenses.” That same year, the Health Council of West Central Florida added that in 2020, 37% of Florida Residents had a health need that they couldn’t afford.
THINGS TO DO
Labor history walking tour
Sunday, April 19. 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
$10 suggested donation. Meet at Centennial Park, 1800 E 8th Ave. Ybor City. tampadsa.org
The neighborhood, Butterfield added, was driven by workers. Men, women, Black and white, from countries like Spain, Cuba and Italy. “Very often illiterate and speaking different languages, they overcame division and united in the workplace and beyond to imagine and build a new political reality,” he added.
“Nothing is lost to us as long as we can remember it.”
As Butterfield speaks this weekend, members of Tampa DSA will remind attendees that Ybor City was also frequently visited by political radicals like Eugene Debs and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, who inspired solidarity among neighbors—something DSA tries to do in its chapters across the U.S.
Tampa DSA’s Labor History Walking Tour meets at Centennial Park near the Immigrant Statue on Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m. The group expects to cover just under 1.5 miles, and has planned an afterparty at La Sétima Club on the corner of 7th and Nebraska Avenues. A $10 donation is suggested, but Butterfield told CL that “no one will be turned away for lack of funds.”
Last February, speaking to this reporter on WMNF Tampa’s public affairs program The Skinny, Tampa DSA member Jules Lopez said the motivation for this campaign was simple.
“We’re a community, right?,” Lopez asked, adding that medical debt spirals people into poverty, and into homelessness. The need, Lopez said, is clear and the campaign aligns with DSA’s mission to advocate for an improved healthcare system. “We do this because we care. We do this because we love our neighbors, and we do this as an act of seeking justice.”
That explanation echoes how Lopez talks about being a Democratic Socialist over dinner at a family holiday.
“I tell my family that my politics are rooted in care and love for others. And it’s not enough that I just say the thing,” Lopez explained. “I want to make that meaningful in a real, concrete way.
Lopez takes it a step further, asking family members questions about why the U.S. even has a private health care system that makes it so people fall into poverty? That spirit bleeds into other members of Tampa DSA, including cochair Manny Ramirez, who recently took part the Nuestra America Convoy, an international coalition that delivered critical humanitarian
aid to Cuba. He was one of about 600 people from across the world who went to Cuba. More than 35 tons of aid—including medication, supplies for women and more—was delivered, according to Ramirez, who also visited the Caribbean nation in 2022.
Addressing questions about where the aid was going, Ramirez, speaking to WMNF’s The Skinny earlier this month, said he hand-delivered supplies directly to Cubans, who’re no strangers to struggles related to the embargo. But compared to 2022, Ramirez said that the streets were not riddled with the classic cars visitors are used to seeing, citing the fuel blockade.
“People were clearly exhausted,” he said before hinting at Cubans’ resilience. “But at the same we saw folks playing dominoes in the streets, we saw kids skating around.”
That kind of joy—regardless of where you struggle—is something Butterfield and all of Tampa DSA will bring to the surface.
“History is too often written for the victors, the 1%, the oligarchs,” Butterfield said. “The histories of working people, their struggles and triumphs and joys, are buried underneath the red brick roads of neighborhoods like Ybor. But nothing is lost to us as long as we can remember it.”
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
WRITTEN IN STONE: Immigrants have always been the bedrock of Ybor City
DAVE
DECKER
Booked and blessed
Tarpon Springs Book Festival tops Indie Bookstore Day events.
By Maroon Stranger
The Gilded Page in Tarpon Springs will be celebrating Indie Bookstore Day in style next weekend. The recently opened bookstore joins other local shops participating in this month’s Bay Area Book Crawl.
Book lovers can participate by collecting a passport at their local shop and gathering stamps at any of the participating stores up to the day on April 25. The crawl concludes with a myriad of events hosted at each shop, where stamped passports can be turned in to enter a giveaway for literary-themed prizes. See a list of participating stores below.
The Gilded Page has partnered with Tarpon Springs Downtown District to take their festivities to the streets, hosting its second annual Book Festival that day. The street fair features a wide array of vendors, including local authors and artists, new and used book stalls, literary nonprofits and guest speaker panels. (Disclosure: this reporter will be in attendance, representing literary nonprofit Kitchen Table Literary Arts).
BOOKS
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Last year’s inaugural festival drew a crowd of thousands and, in the words of its organizers, “We can’t wait to do it again. But this time...BIGGER!”
See below for a list of Indie Bookstore Day participants and more bookish events across Tampa Bay April 16-May 2.
Indie Bookstore Day Crawl
• Back in the Day Books, Dunedin
• Black English, Tampa
• Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg
• Bookends Literature & Libations, Tampa
• The Book Lounge, St. Petersburg
• The Gilded Page, Tarpon Springs
• Oxford Exchange, Tampa
• Pages & Perks, St. Petersburg
• Portkey Books, Safety Harbor
• Steamy Lit, Tampa
• The Story Garden, St. Petersburg
• Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg
• Wilson’s Book World, St. Petersburg
‘Speaking in Italics’ and ‘Last Call South Florida!’: An Evening with Gregg Shapiro and Rick Karlin Thursday, April 16. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg Halfway To Halloween Book Fair Saturday, April 18. 12 p.m. No cover. Books-AMillion, Port Richey
Erin L. McCoy Tuesday, April 21. 7 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg ‘Sight Unseen’ Release Celebration with debut fantasy author Alexis Marie Saturday, April 18. 12 p.m.-3 p.m. No cover. The Book Lounge, St. Petersburg
‘Between the Arches’ Featured Poetry Reading with local poets Alexandra Morgan Geiger, Jamaal Rocke, and Unspoken Wednesday, April 22. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg Annual OE Book Fair: ‘A Celebration of Local Authors’ Thursday, April 23. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. Oxford Exchange, Tampa ‘Mending the Nets’ Launch Event with Keep St. Pete Lit founder Maureen McDole Friday, April 24. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg Inchstone Books Grand Opening Saturday, April 25. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No cover. Inchstone Books, New Port Richey Tarpon Springs Book Festival Saturday, April 25. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No cover. The Guilded Page, Tarpon Springs Book + Bottle Article Club Sunday, April 26. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg Tampa Bay History Center’s Black History Book Club reads ‘Race Matters’ by Cornel West Monday, April 27. 5:30-6:45 p.m. No cover. Black History Museum, Tampa
‘The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall’: An Evening with local author Paul Wilborn Wednesday, April 29. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg Steamy Lit hosts ‘Romantically Ever After’ Library Lit Fest Saturday, May 2. 10 a.m. No cover. Largo Public Library, Largo Maroon Stranger is the pen name of Yasmin Adams. See more bookish listings at cltampa. com/arts.
YOU’RE SO GOLDEN: The Guilded Page in Tarpon Springs.
The events listed in our Do This section on pp. 12-13, our Food section on p. 27, and the Bookish roundup on pp. 30 aren’t the only things to do in town this weekend. Have a look at what’s going down the week of April 16-23 and beyond. All events are at community.cltampa.com unless noted otherwise. Head there for more and list your own.
ARTS
Art In Bloom: Curated Beauty ThursdaySunday, April 16-19. 10 a.m. $175 & up. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Theatre Kids Broadway Dance Party Friday, April 17. 7 p.m. $17.65. Orpheum, Tampa
Coastal Ballet of Florida: Cinderella Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19. 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $30 & up. Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo Exhibit Z: Sustainability Day Saturday, April 18. 2 p.m. No cover. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa.
Teen Night: America at the Crossroads Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. No cover. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa. Tribal Burn: Sacred Shores Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. $20 & up. Sacred Lands, St. Petersburg Bird and Wildlife Photography Sunday, April 19. 10 a.m. $75. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Ybor City
Gallery Talk: Beth Belaschky on Echos of the Luminous Sunday, April 19. 1 p.m. $75. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Ybor City
Salsa Dancing Social Sunday, April 19. 4 p.m. No cover. Outcast Brewing Company, St. Petersburg
Figure Drawing Study Tuesday, April 21. 6 p.m. $50. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Workshop: Dalí-inspired plate painting Tuesday, April 21. 6 p.m. $35 & up. The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg It’s Showtime open mic/tournament Wednesday, April 22. 9 p.m. $10. Crowbar, Ybor City
Make & Take: Glass Landscapes Art Event Wednesday, April 22. 5:30 p.m. $55 at event. 7venth Sun Brewery, Dunedin The Finest In Funk featuring AJ Hall Thursday, April 23. 9 p.m. $12.50. Hotel Haya, Ybor City
Remix: The Etruscans Thursday, April 23. 6 p.m. $55. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
Theresa Caputo Thursday, April 23. 7:30 PM. $78.65 & up. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
The Wonderment Weekend ThursdaySaturday, April 23-25. 3 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. Friday & Saturday. $795. The Paper Seahorse, Tampa
June Bunch: State Flower Ladies Exhibition Select times and dates through Saturday, May 2. No cover. Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg Jun Kaneko: Silence Before Sound Through Aug. 23. $5 & up. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
COMEDY
Cindy Kaza Wednesday, April 15. 7 p.m. $48. Funny Bone, Ybor City
Jeff Klein Wednesday, April 15 and Saturday, April 18. 8 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $20. Coconuts, St. Pete Beach
Jack Shaw Thursday, April 16. 8 p.m.
$23.80. Side Splitters, Tampa
Clay Miles Thursday, April 16. 8 p.m. Free. Cigars on the Boulevard, Apollo Beach
History as a Joke: Hockey with Johnny B, Matt Fernandez and John J. Murray Thursday, April 16. 7 p.m. $10. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa
James Yon Thursday-Saturday, April 16-18. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $23.80. Side Splitters, Wesley Chapel
Mike Loftus Thursday-Saturday April 16-18. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7 p.m. And 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $32.50. Snappers Grill, Palm Harbor
Darren Fleet Friday, April 17. 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $32 and up. Funny Bone, Ybor City
Adam Friedland Friday-Saturday, April
17-18. 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $30 and up. Side Splitters, Tampa
EJ Masicampo Friday-Saturday, April
17-18. 8:30 p.m. $23.58. Sunshine City Comedy Club, St. Pete Beach
Stephen Henry Friday-Saturday, April 17-18. 8:30 p.m. $23.58. Clearwater Comedy Club, Clearwater
D.C. Benny Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. $20. Side Splitters, Tampa
Ginger Billy Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19. 6:30
p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Saturday; 6 p.m. and 8:30
p.m. Sunday. $42 and up. Funny Bone, Ybor City
Clean Comedy Showcase Sunday, April 19.
4 p.m. $5 & up. The Commodore, Ybor City
Dr. Abby Hamilton Sunday, April 19. 4 p.m.
$28.80. Side Splitters, Tampa
420 Show with Dick Ruse Sunday, April 19. 4:20 p.m. $23.58. Sunshine Comedy Club, St. Pete Beach
Ester Steinberg Sunday, April 19. 8 p.m.
$25.93 & up. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg Tarus Sunday, April 19. 8 p.m. $15 and up. Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton
Josh Pray Sunday, April 19. 6:30 p.m.
$23.80. Side Splitters, Wesley Chapel
Rudy Wilson w/Dan Bakst Sunday, April 19. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Joy Bar, Tampa
Baking Bad with Stoner Rob Monday, April 20. 7:10 p.m. $25. Side Splitters, Tampa
Sammy Obeid Tuesday-Wednesday, April 21-22. 7 p.m. $33 and up. Funny Bone, Ybor City
Sloan Wednesday, April 22. 9 p.m. Free. CJ’s
Backstage
Rosco Nash Wednesday, April 22. 8 p.m.
$20. Coconuts, St. Pete Beach
Chris Tucker Thursday, April 23. 8 p.m. $65 & up. Morsani Hall at Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
“Dr. Dirty” John Valby Thursday, April 23. 7:30 p.m. $25.80 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa
FILM
The President’s Cake Friday, April 17. 7 p.m. No cover. Miller Auditorium at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg
Grease Sing-Along Saturday, April 18. Times vary. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
Hook Sunday, April 19. Times vary. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke Monday, April 20. Times vary. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
Kids Movie on the Deck: Monsters, Inc. Wednesday, April 22. 5 p.m. No cover. Lower Deck Harbour Island, Tampa Ocean Conservation & Upcycled Fashion Talk; “Mission Blue” screening Wednesday, April 22. 7 p.m. No cover. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg
LEARN
Cafe con Tampa Fridays. 8 a.m. $12. The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. cafecontampa.com
Earth Month Community Plant & Seed Swap Friday-Sunday, April 17-19. 8 a.m. No cover. The Body Electric Yoga Company, St. Petersburg Opera Workshop Friday, April 17. 7:30 p.m. Sold out. Barness Recital Hall at University of South Florida, Tampa Spelling Bee for Grown-ups Friday, April 17. 6:30 p.m. $15. Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Business Seminar Friday, April 17. 9 a.m. No cover with registration. The Well, Lakeland Echoes of the Earth: Personal Journeys in Nature Saturday, April 18. 2 p.m. No cover. Living Mirror Playback Theater, Tampa
continued on page 37
the code to regsiter or go to www.dfac.org/summer
Out and about: Events happening in Tampa Bay (cont'd)
Respect Your Mother 2026 Saturday, April 18. 10 a.m. No cover with park admission. Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa
What the Snail? A Youth Letter Writing Saturday, April 18. 2 p.m. No cover. The Paper Seahorse, Tampa
Ybor City Labor History Walking Tour Sunday, April 19. 2:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Centennial Park, Tampa
Project Phoenix: Tampa Bay Hurricane Recovery - Hillsborough Tabletop
Session Monday, April 20. 8:30 a.m. No cover. Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Ybor City 17th Annual Duckwall Lecture
Wednesday, April 22. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa
“In the Field” Recording, Sampling, & Production; and Taking Root: the Art of DJing Thursday, April 23. 7 p.m. No cover. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg
MARKETS
Dunedin Friday Market Fridays. 9 a.m. No cover. Pioneer Park, Dunedin
Dunedin Saturday Market Saturdays. 9 a.m. No cover. Pioneer Park, Dunedin Clearwater Craft Festival Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19. 10 a.m. No cover. Coachman Park, Clearwater Tarpon Springs Art & Craft Festivals Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19. 10 a.m. No cover. Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs Zine and Poem Market Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. No cover. Deviant Libation, Tampa Friendly City Arts Festival Sunday, April 19. 12 p.m. No cover. Oscura, Bradenton Lealman Farmers Market - Spring Gardening Sunday, April 19. 9 a.m. No cover. Lealman Neighborhood Park, St. Petersburg
The Market at Water Street Every third Sunday. 10 a.m. No cover. Water Street, Tampa St. Pete Sunday Market Every third Sunday. 11 a.m. No cover. University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
PRIDE
RuPaul’s Drag Race Finale Viewing Friday, April 17. 5 p.m. No cover, but donations encouraged. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, Sarasota
RuPaul’s Drag Race Finale Watch Party hosted by Nicole Paige Brooks w/ Adriana Sparkle Friday, April 17. 7 p.m. No cover. Cocktail, St. Petersburg
Morgan McMichaels Saturday, April 18. 9 p.m.- 3 a.m. Showtimes at 11:15 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Disco Pony, Ybor City
Glamour Puss Thursday, April 23. 7 p.m. $25 & up. Disco Pony, Ybor City
SPORTS
Annual Corgi Derby Saturday, April 18. 6 p.m. $3. Tampa Bay Downs, Tampa
USF Women’s Lacrosse Vs. East Carolina Saturday, April 18. 12 p.m. $11 &
up. Corbett Soccer Stadium, Tampa. gousfbulls.com
Tampa Roller Derby: Tampa Bay Junior Derby vs Magic City Mischief / Black Widows vs Cigar City Mafia Sunday, April 19. 8 a.m. $20. Astro Skate, Brandon USF Softball vs FGCU Wednesday, April 22. 6 p.m. $8 & up. USF Baseball and Softball Complex, Tampa. gousfbulls.com
THEATER
Into The Woods in the park Select dates through Sunday, April 26. 7:30 p.m. $63. Demens Landing Park, St. Petersburg Blue Planet Various times on ThursdaySaturday, April 16-18. No cover. David Falk Theater, Tampa. ut.edu
The Meeting April 17-May 3. $30-$50. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. stageworkstheatre.org Patel Conservatory: High School
Musical Jr. Thursday-Sunday, April 23-26.
7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday. $36. Teco Theater at Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
Anastasia Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24. 7 p.m. $13.60. Palm Harbor University High School, Palm Harbor
TRAVEL & LEISURE
True North Society’s Chips for Charity Friday, April 17. 7 p.m. $150. Hyde House Public Studio, Tampa Tampa Bay Walk to End Colon Cancer Sunday, April 19. 10 a.m. No cover. Gadsen Park, Tampa
Interested in advertising around this listing? Contact jhoward@cltampa.com and acarbone@cltampa.com for details. continued from page 34
Sip Into Bliss: Tampa’s AstroBliss Is Changing the THC Game
Drink,
Relax, Repeat:
Why AstroBliss Is Taking Over Tampa Bay
AstroBliss is delivering an otherworldly THC beverage experience right here in Tampa Bay. Known for its award-winning lemonades, seltzers, and drink additives, the brand offers a versatile way to unwind with dosages ranging from 10mg to 120mg THC. Whether you’re looking for a light, social buzz or a more elevated experience, AstroBliss makes it simple—just sip, reseal, and relax.
The company was founded in West Tampa by Michael Pool and Trixie Szilagyi, whose passion for high-quality hemp products initially led them to work behind the scenes, producing private label goods for small businesses across Florida. As demand grew, so did their vision. It
quickly became clear that consumers were looking for a reliable, transparent THC brand they could trust—one that was accessible on retail shelves throughout the state. AstroBliss was born from that need.
Today, the lineup has expanded well beyond its early offerings. Customers can choose from extrastrength 120mg lemonades, low-dose 10mg seltzers, tasteless drink additives, gummies, and more. The range allows both newcomers and
experienced consumers to find their ideal balance, whether the goal is relaxation, social ease, cutting back on alcohol, or even transitioning away from smoking.
AstroBliss products are available at retail locations throughout Tampa Bay, but for the full experience, head to AstroBrew, the brand’s flagship café in West Tampa. Located at the corner of Cypress and MacDill, AstroBrew blends the worlds of coffee culture and cannabis innovation. Guests
can enjoy THC-infused beverages alongside traditional coffee, tea, and mocktails, all crafted to suit individual preferences.
Open daily with extended hours throughout the week, AstroBrew has quickly become a neighborhood hub for those curious about THC beverages or looking for a new way to unwind. The welcoming, laid-back atmosphere makes it easy for first-time visitors to explore the menu while regulars return for their favorite infused creations.
To explore the full lineup or take advantage of 420 deals running throughout April, visit astrobliss.com —and discover what it means to truly find your bliss.
REVIEWS
PROFILES MUSIC WEEK
In the groove
New shops celebrate Record Store Day around Tampa Bay.
By Jasmin Parrado
Nearly two decades ago, independent record store owners kickstarted a day to celebrate their groovy enterprise and keep analog music alive.
This Record Store Day, new store openings are still on the horizon as a physical media renaissance emerges.
One of those openings came through this year with Brooksville-based Grandaddy Records & Vintage.
Tyler Mauriello launched the store on Feb. 1 alongside his partner, Sydney Brown.
to him, though he wasn’t sure how Brooksville would treat it, as it’s a small and “sleepy” town.
Grandaddy sells a variety of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes alongside a selection of vintage fashion, which Brown manages.
“The community aspect—seeing how people have taken to it—has been super, super cool,” Mauriello added. For him, there’s also beauty in the tangible, interactive elements of physical media.
LOCAL MUSIC
Mauriello told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay he fell in love with the quaint downtown vacancy on Broad Street and constantly imagined how it could be “the coolest little record shop.” When he saw a “For Rent” sign plastered out front, that was his calling.
Record Store Day
Saturday, April 18. See participating stores at recordstoreday.com
“I was like, ‘No freaking way,’ and that was what really kickstarted it,” Mauriello added.
He was already buying and selling collections online. So, opening the shop came naturally
“It’s almost like having a timeline of where you’ve gone musically with your tastes,” Mauriello said.
“It turns it back into a ritual, something to be cherished a little bit more than just throwing something on your phone and kind of letting it be that background noise.”
Mauriello said that for Record Store Day— which goes down across the Bay area this Saturday, April 18—the store will do a raffle entry for a $100 gift card with each purchase and a buy-two-get-one-free sale for budget bins. Look for the shop at 10 S Broad St.
Here’s an updated list of record stores across the Tampa Bay area. Some are home to extensive collections of different genres, and others offer a smaller, curated inventory—including used and older records for the vintage lover.
ArtPool Records : 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Asylum Sights and Sounds (now also known as Asylum Smoke and Stuff): 6566 Central Ave. St. Petersburg
Asylum Sights and Sounds Outlet : 7180 49th St., Pinellas Park
Banana’s Records : 2887 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg
Banana’s Records [Warehouse]: 2226 16th Ave N, St. Petersburg
Blue Moon Antiques, Books & Music : 1413 Cleveland St., Clearwater
The Clearwater Record Shop : 1610 N Hercules Ave., Clearwater
Daddy Kool Records : 2606 Fairfield Ave S, St. Petersburg
Disc Exchange: 6712 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Grandaddy Records & Vintage : 10 S Broad St., Brooksville
Hello Darlin’ Records : Roving VW Camper
Hot Wax : 1524 E 7th Ave., Ybor City
Kingfish Records : 26024 U.S.-Hwy 19 N, Clearwater
Kingfish Records Outlet : 180 Race Track Rd., Oldsmar
Jerk Dog Records : 1119 12th St. W, Bradenton
Mojo Books & Records : 2554 E Fowler Ave., Tampa
Microgroove : 906 N Florida Ave., Tampa
Patrick’s Book and Music Store of Hudson : 15215 U.S. 19 N, Suite C, Hudson
Planet Retro Records : 226 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg
Roxy’s Hot Vinyl Records and Collectibles 180 Race Track Rd., East #50 Building I, Oldsmar
Sound Exchange Tampa : 14246 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa
Sound Exchange Pinellas Park Superstore : 8625 66th St. N, Pinellas Park [Closing soon]
Stay Tuned Records : 102 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs
St. Pete Records : 6648 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Steelworker Records : 708 W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa
Vinyl Vibes CD Shop : 813 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
What did we miss? Email rroa@cltampa.com to kindly let us know.—JP
OLD SCHOOL: Tyler Mauriello launched Grandaddy Records in February.
Teach your children
Graham
Nash talks America the beautiful, ICE, flowers and more.
By Ray Roa
Graham Nash has about seven songs that he knows people want to hear: “Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” “Military Madness,” “Immigration Man,” “Chicago,” and “We Can Change The World.” The 84-year-old ex-Hollie will play them in Clearwater this week, then take some liberties during the two-night stand at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.
“In between all those, I can do whatever I want,” he told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, crediting his bandmates Todd Caldwell, Adam Minkoff, and Zach Djanikian for helping him out.
It’s a pain in the ass, he said, that the social issues he wrote about in those songs are still prevalent today, but he’s still writing songs about what’s happening outside his door (his most recent is “Out In the Snow,” a tune he worked on with his wife Amy). Nash talked about all that, and more, in a 20-minute conversation with CL. Read part of our Q&A below and see the full chat at cltampa.com/music.
for bringing us together at such an important time in my life?
It’s always very personal. It’s not about the work. I’m not a strong believer in organized religion—I think it’s a scam, actually, in lots of ways. But I do understand that religion is very important to people. That’s why it took me two or three years to write “Cathedral,” because you have to make sure every word is true to my way of being.
You frequently tell that story about you and Joni going into that antique shop, getting that vase or vase, if you’re singing the song, and then you saying, ‘Hey, you know, it’s such a crappy day. I’ll light a fire, you grab some flowers and put them in the vase.’ The piano was open, so you wrote the song, but you still send Joni flowers every November, I think, what kind of flowers do you send her?
& CO.
I do want to know if anyone has ever rolled a blunt as good as that blunt that David Crosby rolled the first time you guys met.
No. I stopped smoking dope several years ago, but nobody’s ever come close.
How many close friends do you have left? I know you want to live to 100 and have a lot of work to do, but does the passage of time get easier?
Really close friends? Yeah, maybe less than a dozen. David’s passing took the heartbeat out of CSNY for sure. It’s life, you know. I’m 84 now. I know that my life is coming slowly to an end, but as you say, I want to try and make it to 100. My father died when he was 46. I was wondering, when I reached my 46th birthday, whether I would die like my dad did.
They’re always roses, and sometimes 11 white roses and one red one. Sometimes they’re 11 red ones, one white one. But I have sent Joni flowers every single year for her birthday since we parted.
“Your life is the choices that you make.”
Can you talk about relationships and and for you at this stage of your life, how you’re able to have such good relationships, especially being a “rock and roller,” and why that’s been such an important part of your whole career and your whole life?
It’s quite simple, really. My life is made up, as is yours, with choices. Do you turn right? Do you turn left? You talk to him, do you talk to her? Do you do this? Do you do that? Your life is the choices that you make. And I want to always try and make the right choice for my life, and so far, I haven’t done too bad.
Thinking about Cass Elliot, you said that she’s the last part of your prayers every night. And that got me thinking, ‘What does Graham Nash pray about every night?’
I am not a strong believer in organized religion. I understand that God is not a gray haired old man in the clouds. My prayers are mainly for and towards the spirit of the universe. I go through my prayers every single night, and I end up, you know, thanking Cass
Why so much time in Florida? Are you looking for Trump at Mar-a-Lago or something?
Oh yea, sure. My wife, Amy, is from Tallahassee, and I love Florida—apart from the Gators, of course. We were in Tallahassee just two weeks ago. For a week, we were visiting an ex-girlfriend of mine who became a very dear friend of Amy’s—Rita Coolidge and her husband, Joe.
Can you talk about the spirit of songs like 'Chicago' and 'Change the World' Those are from the ‘70s…
And the truth is that those songs that I just mentioned, are still incredibly relevant today, including “Teach Your Children.” Immigration stuff is on the front page of The New York Times today. It’s an honor that my music has lasted so long, but it’s a pain in the ass that we don’t learn from history.
How much beauty do you still see when you travel America? Has it gotten more beautiful or less beautiful since those first drives you took from Hollywood into the canyon? Well, first of all, America is a very beautiful country. The majority of people want the same thing that everybody else wants—to bring up their children to have a better life than they had. And it’s an incredible country. It’s just the people that are leading it right now are completely fucked.
BUDDY’S BACK: Graham Nash is a frequent visitor to the Sunshine State.
Live wire
Concert giant shares venue plans for Ybor City.
By Colin Wolf
Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promotion company that was recently exposed for joking about robbing Tampa concert goers blind, plans to build a new 4,300-capacity music venue in Ybor City. Real estate developer Kettler says the new yet-to-be named mid-sized venue will be part of the still under construction Gasworx District. It plans to open sometime in 2028, according to a press release.
currently does not exist in Tampa Bay. For example, Yuengling Center and Benchmark International Arena can hold approximately 10,000 and 20,000 respectively. Clearwater’s BayCare Sound includes 4,000 covered seats under a permanent canopy, with an additional 5,000 to 6,000 available seats or spots on the surrounding lawn.
MUSIC NEWS
Details and specifics were not announced, but Kettler says the venue design and construction will be led by TVS Architecture and Interior Design, and Blueprint Studio (Live Nation’s in-house design and development group). The new venue will feature a “vintage-style marquee,” a brick facade, and a “second-level balcony inspired by Ybor City’s distinctive architecture.”
The venue’s 4,300 seating capacity would give Live Nation a unique booking space that
Several other venues can hold around a couple thousand, like Ruth Eckerd Hall and Jannus Live. Plus, Carol Morsani Hall at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts holds about 2,600 seats. The Ritz, just a few blocks away from Live Nation’s new spot, can host just about 1,000 concertgoers in its historic space.
Tampa used to be home for venues like downtown’s Curtis Hixon Hall (about 7,0008,000 capacity), along with The Tampa Jai Alai Fronton which seated up to 4,000 people.
Last week’s news comes a few months after developers in Water Street Tampa announced
plans to build and manage a 3,500-capacity venue across the street from Benchmark. Last December, a rep for that proposed venue told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that Live Nation is not a partner in the financing or ownership of the room, adding that programming will be led by Vinik Sports Group.
No exact address was given, but Ketter said Live Nation’s proposed Ybor City venue will be located near N 15th Street. and “steps from the 7th Avenue entertainment corridor, the Centro Ybor parking garage and a future TECO Streetcar stop along Channelside Drive.”
The company goes on to claim the new venue will provide 440 jobs, will have an $80 million economic impact on the area and create “roughly $6 million each year in state and local tax revenue.” Though it should be noted Kettler provided zero evidence supporting those financial projections.
The announcement comes after local favorite and longtime Ybor City music venue Crowbar (300 person capacity) announced it is being forced out of the area partially due to rising rents.
Crowbar owner Tom DeGeorge referred to the announcement of the new Live Nation venue as “the ultimate slap in the face” on social media. Crowbar’s lease will expire this July. This summer’s closure of Crowbar leaves just The Ritz and neighboring Zodiac as the main independent music venues in Ybor City.
DeGeorge, Southeast director for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), is on a crusade to shine light on the plight of venues like his. As previously reported, NIVA’s recent “State Of Live” report showed that independent venues in Florida rank in the top three across the country in multiple economic measurements related to facilitating off-site tourism, jobs supported, industry jobs, tax revenue, wages paid, and more.
Despite the impact detailed in the report, only 35% of independent stages in Florida identified themselves as profitable in 2024.
Live Nation—which operates the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre six miles away— made headlines last month after text exchanges between the company’s employees were made public during an anti-trust lawsuit, calling customers (specifically in Tampa) “so stupid” and boasted of “robbing them blind, baby” over ticket fees and parking costs.
By Ray Roa C CL Recommends
FRI 17
Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
Although Murray has been known to drift in and out of the music scene on his own terms, he and his Blood Brothers might be here to stay. The 75-year-old’s blues-rock collective features seasoned guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, plus longtime bandleader and Conan O’Brien collaborator Jimmy Vivino. The group first turned heads with a set at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas in 2024, blending classic covers with originals, and plenty of Murray’s quirky charm. The show leans into rock and blues, with clear inspiration from Bob Dylan and The Beatles, anchored by serious musicianship, with Zito and Castiglia alone accounting for over 10 Blues Music Awards. Murray brings a playful, casual spirit that longtime fans will recognize from his “Saturday Night Live” days and surprise musical appearances over the years. Originally slated for December, the performance has been rescheduled for this spring, with all tickets honored on the new date. 7 p.m. $68.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater—Laura Troyer
C Goose Chain yer dragon. Last year was a whirlwind for Connecticut jam band Goose. Two new studio albums (with a brand new drummer filling in for its traditional duo of percussionists) have given the boys plenty of material to bounce off of on their seemingly perpetual touring schedule. And playing a debut headlining gig at Madison Square Garden didn’t hurt their reputation, either. Per a press release, the band is “a deft union of indie-rock hooks, sprawling improvisation, and driving rhythm.” And with almost the entire classic lineup of the Allman Brothers Band gone and Grateful Dead members and collaborators seemingly dropping like flies, don’t be too shocked if this band of brothers is next in line to hold legendary New Year’s Eve concerts, or even a residency at The Sphere somewhere down the line. The band has come a long way from 2017 when it played Dunedin Brewery. 7 p.m. $38.99 & up. The BayCare Sound, Clearwater—Josh Bradley
SAT 18
C Chew-uhh-palooza: Dagger w/Last Bias/Kinda Culty/Awkward Age/Watch List/Miller Lowlifes Chewy Hemphill might call Zephyrhills home these days, but the legendary Bay area promoter still has a bunch of homies around here. He still books one hell of a show, too. Tampa pop-punk band Awkward Age reunites for this show anchored by Kinda Culty, a Miami punk band bringing the garage-rock vibes of Magic City bands like Jacuzzi Boys to a hyperactive
2018 album (Things That Kill You! ) and 2024 singles “No Astrology / No Parties.” Because it’s just not enough to throw a concert, Chew-uhh-palooza encourages participants to wear wrestling regalia and be ready for a match between Kayden Greene Noah Veil. 6 p.m. $10-$20. Magnanimous Brewing (Seminole Heights), Tampa
C DJ Three w/Brian Busto “Respect your elders” usually suggests that a person has reached the end of their run, but DJ Three continues to be as influential as he was in the early-’90s when Trip Magazeen was the heartbeat of a local electronic music scene. The DJ and producer is back in the booth with longtime scene staple Brian Busto for a four-hour, all-vinyl set complete with three decks and a mixer. 9 p.m. $24.80 & up. The Nest at St. Pete Brewing Co., St. Petersburg C Kitty Craft w/Deadharrie More than three decades after she arrived with a selftitled cassette, Pamela Valfer is still among the foremost purveyors of lo-fi, DIY bedroom pop. The Minneapolis songwriter is still on stage, too, most recently touring as a stripped-down trio alongside guitarist Nils Bryan and vocalist Carrie Hensen. Expect quirky samples, pristine vocals and an exemplary display of what can happen when good music gets discovered by a new generation of music fans fed up with algorithmic echo chambers and trendy sounds. 5 p.m. Soldout. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg
Record Store Day: Dames w/Kneedz/ April Showers/Little Giver/Spanish Needles Fresh off sets at Gasparilla Music Festival and Gainesville’s Big: Culture & Arts Festival, Bay area band Little Giver is back onstage, this time for Record Store Day (more on p. 41). The folk-pop outfit’s gem of a debut LP is a quiet and irresistible self-titled for fans of Faye Webster, Phoebe Bridgers and even Red House Painters. April Showers is at the heart of a solid bill that topped by songwriter and activist Dylan Dames. 9 a.m. No cover. Bananas Records, St. Petersburg
SUN 19
Jobsite Theater: ‘Hedwig and the Angry’ concert For some, the only thing better than live “Hedwig” is getting it on a breezy patio with a bottle of wine. Jobsite Theater gives Tampa that this weekend for a fundraiser featuring “original cast members Spencer Meyers and Amy E. Gray along with other special guests accompanied by Jeremy Douglass, Mark Warren, and Elwood Bond.” Every dollar dropped in the hat will be tripled meaning $100 turns into $300— all to support local theater. 7 p.m. No cover, but you will be harassed for donations. Independent Bar and Cafe, Tampa
C USF Faculty Jazztet: Miles Davis centennial The coolest man in music would’ve turned 100 years old this year, so it’s only
fitting that the Tampa Jazz Club would stage a tribute. The University of South Florida’s faculty jazztet drives this Miles Davis tribute recreating the 1957 album Birth of the Cool , where the famed trumpeter first connected with pianist Gil Evans. On WMNF Tampa’s “Jazz In The Night” last Monday, USF’s Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Trombone, told host Bob Seymour that the compositions “still stands up like no tomorrow,” for listeners but especially for players. 3 p.m. $30; $10 for students. Mainstage Theatre at HC Ybor, Ybor City
THU 23
C Chameleons w/The Veldt Following a nearly two-decade long hiatus, founding Chameleons Mark “Vox” Burgess and Reg Smithies revived the Britpop outfit to record a post-COVID live album, Edge Sessions (Live from the Edge). Backing them were members of ChameleonsVox, a semi-eponymous project that saw Vox perform his old
band’s catalog. Something seemed to click, because ever since, Vox and friends have moved towards unveiling new material, having released two EPs—one with brand-new songs, and the other with revamped archive material—and most recently, the first new album released under the Chameleons moniker in 25 years. While last year’s Arctic Moon is a nod to the original band’s glory days, the album’s production levels are more intense than ever, as are its messages. It’s pretty clear to read between the lines on the politically-driven “Saviors Are a Dangerous Thing,” and Vox recently admitted how “David Bowie Takes My Hand” came from how the empathy of the late Starman’s “Rock and Roll Suicide” helped him out during a dark hour in 2024. Before this ht gig, Vox told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay all about the album that changed everything for him. Read his full quote at cltampa. com/music.) 7 p.m. $48.64. Music hall at New World Brewery, Tampa—JB
See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/music.
Kitty Craft
Fun. had a quick two-album run that changed radio pop between 2009-2012, but that supergroup wouldn’t have been possible without The Format.
The band was made up of Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Ruess went on to form Fun. with Anthathollo’s Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train (and now Bleachers).
The Format’s Arizona homebase unfairly landed the duo in the “desert pop” category, but its bouncy, everly-optimistic sound landed the band to deals with Elektra and Atlantic Records.
The Format released two EPs (an untitled in 2022 and Snails in 2005), plus three albums including 2006’s indie, self-released hit Dog Problems
Smile Empty Soul w/Exoplasm Friday, April 24. 6:30 p.m. $28.08 & up. Brass Mug, Tampa
The 502s Thursday, May 21. 7 p.m. $38.87. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Wage War w/Nevertel/Orthodox Sunday, May 31. 6:30 p.m. $48.75. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Ashes to Omens Saturday, June 6. 6:30 p.m. $14.25 & up. Brass Mug, Tampa
KBong w/Johnny Cosmic Thursday, June 11. 7 p.m. $35.43. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Green Jello Saturday, June 20. 6:30 p.m.
$22.95. Brass Mug, Tampa
Tame Impala w/Djo Thursday, July 9. 7 p.m. Sold out. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Ruess and Means amicably went on hiatus in 2008 as Fun. took off but reunited last year for a short run of summer dates ahead of a new album, Boycott Heaven , released last January. This fall, The Format is back on the road “hitting some states we didn’t get to hit on the Spring leg of the Boycott Heaven tour (including Florida).”
The Format played St. Petersburg’s longshuttered State Theatre in July 2006 in support of Dog Problems and returns to the neighborhood this fall alongside The Get Up Kids.
Tickets to see The Format and The Get Up Kids play Jannus Live in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, Sept. 29 are still available for $54.44. The show is the only Florida show on the tour. See Josh Bradley’s weekly roundup of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below.—Ray Roa
J. Cole Wednesday, July 15. 8 p.m. $150.65 & up (resale only). Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Cat Power Friday, July 17. 7 p.m. $46.25 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City
The Black Keys w/Eddie 9V Tuesday, July 28. 7 p.m. $61.50 & up. The BayCare Sound, Clearwater
Mumford & Sons w/Medium Build Friday, Aug. 7. 7:30 p.m. $54.65 & up. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Los Tigres del Norte Friday, Oct. 2. 8 p.m. $60.05 & up. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Tim McGraw Friday, Sept. 25. 7 p.m.
$54.75 & up. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa.
Show and Tell
By Dan Savage
I’ve been married to my wife for nine years and we share a beautiful life together with our two young children. I came out to her as bi late last year after working through some major intimacy issues that are still ongoing. She accepts me and the issues are getting better. We are monogamous and I feel like we are still not as intimate as I would like. I don’t blame her—our lives are chaotic. Needless to say, sex is very important to me. Working with a therapist, I think I’m hypersexual due to past sexual trauma with men. I’ve never stopped fantasizing about my assaults, and I recently attended an all-male sex gathering where I masturbated in front of thirty men without my wife’s knowledge. It was cathartic being in a respectful environment where I was able to communicate my boundaries—which included not allowing anyone else to touch me—and consent was so clearly defined. I was able to find my voice, rewrite some past trauma, and fulfill a voyeurism/exhibitionism kink in a queer safe space.
This was definitely just a one-off experience, and I don’t intend to move forward with any other same-sex play without communicating with my wife about it. I deeply love her, and I would never want to harm her health. Still, I feel so selfish, and a part of me feels like I really messed up badly, but I can’t shake how empowered I felt after it happened and how empowered I still feel. I’m extremely conflicted. My question is this: Should I tell my wife about it and risk ruining our amazing marriage? Or can I just let this truly be a one-off experience and forget about ever mentioning it—Jerking Off Somehow Enabled Significant Healing
“I don’t think JOSESH messed up badly,” said Dr. Joe Kort, a psychotherapist who has worked with many male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. “He didn’t put his health at risk or his wife’s health at risk—and he didn’t risk legal issues that could have had consequences for his wife and family.”
In other words, JOSESH, unlike some men who are drawn to voyeurism and exhibitionism, you didn’t risk arrest by pulling your dick out in a public place or by peering through a window and observing someone without their awareness, much less their consent.
“JOSESH found men who provided him with informed consent and respected his boundaries about not being touched,” said Dr. Kort, “and created a corrective emotional experience for himself, one that helped him resolve part of his childhood trauma. We just don’t like to talk about this, but it is normal for a person to fantasize about childhood assaults. Clients come to me feeling very shamed about this and I tell them it is normal. The idea is that we were not in charge of it happening to us as a child, but
we are in charge of the fantasy now. And taking charge like JOSESH did can be very empowering, so his feelings make sense.”
As for the wife…
“I always ask my clients facing similar decisions, ‘What is the reason to tell?’ Is it for you? Or is it for her? If a client says it’s for her, I ask, ‘How will being told benefit her?’ In JOSESH’s case, I don’t think being told about this one-off experience will benefit his wife. Therefore, I would advise him not to tell his wife.”
While you cut moral corners, JOSESH, and while you definitely stepped outside of your zone of erotic autonomy, you didn’t do anything that put your wife at risk. If you’d done something riskier—if you’d gotten fucked in the ass by all those men—your wife would need to get tested and/or wait until you were in the clear before having sex with you again. If your wife needed to get a full STI screening, she would “benefit” from knowing why (she would demand to know why); if you couldn’t have sex with her while you waited for your STI screening to come back, she would likewise benefit from and/or demand to know why.
“I do like the idea of JOSESH running the idea by her about doing it again in the future,” said Dr. Kort. “She knows her husband is bisexual, so the conversation about how he might want to act on it makes sense. Then he can decide—based on her reaction—whether he might want to tell her about what he did.”
Dr. Joe Kort is the author of Is "My Husband Gay, Straight or Bi: a Guide for Women Concerned About Their Men," among other books. You can follow him on Instagram @DrJoeKort and learn more about his work at www.joekort.com.
don’t want to be with anyone besides her. When she says she doesn’t hook up with other people, I want to believe her, but I have doubts. Honestly, why wouldn’t she hook up?
My questions:
1. Is she hooking up with other people?
SAVAGE LOVE
My wife and I have been together for thirty years. Our sex life has been up and down throughout that time. Our sex life has been trending down for the past five years. We can go months without any sexual interaction. We have two teenagers at home and one of our kids has severe anxiety issues, where she always has to be with either me or my wife. So, my wife and I have not been alone together outside the home for close to two years. No dates, no dinners, no weekends away. It has been hard on both of us. Our kid is in therapy, and is definitely on an upward trend, which is great. I have voiced my displeasure about our sex life, and she hardly engages back. She blames perimenopause and the current situation with our kid, which is understandable. About five months ago, she decided to sleep in a separate room and sleeping apart has made things even worse. The manner in which she switched rooms was abrupt. There was no discussion.
2. If I do start hooking up with other people—per her suggestion—what would be the best method? I have never been on a dating or hookup app. I know some people in my area who are single, but I am unsure if it would be wise to ask one of them to be my “sex partner.” Is that a thing people do?
3. What is the best way to have more frequent sex with my wife? I have tried many things over the years. We went to a counselor one-time decades ago and it didn’t really help our sex life or marriage, and she refuses to see another counselor.—Husband Upset By Situation
1. I don’t know whether your wife is fucking other people—I couldn’t possibly know that— but your wife is definitely fucking other people. Packing lingerie and “going out on the town” clothes for her solo trips is a tell, HUBS, because she wouldn’t need crotchless panties and a cocktail dress if she was just ordering room service and having a wank. Another tell: When someone in a monogamous relationship urges their spouse to start fucking other people, HUBS, it’s often a sign they’ve already started to fuck other people themselves.
Dr. Kort wanted to address one other thing in your letter: your use of the term “hypersexual” to describe yourself.
“I’d be cautious with that label,” said Dr. Kort. “What JOSESH describes may be less about excess and more about unintegrated sexual energy tied to trauma, shame, and identity. This wasn’t random acting out—it wasn’t “hyper”—it was organized, contained, and meaning-driven.”
Over the past five years, she has gone away by herself to hang with friends or on non-mandatory work trips. She takes lingerie, sex toys, and “going out on the town” clothes on these trips. I have asked to participate in these excursions via phone or video chat—I’ve also suggested we get sex toys that can be controlled remotely—but she never wants me to participate in these activities with her, not even remotely. I want her to be happy, and I know getting away does that. Earlier this year, I voiced my concerns about her hooking up with other people on these trips when our own sex life is in such a dismal state. She insists she’s not hooking up and added that she wants me to be happy “whether that’s with me, with someone else, or a combination of the two.” I really
2. Unless a single person in your area has unambiguously expressed an interest in fucking you, hitting on a single friend, neighbor, coworkers, etc., would be highly unwise. And by “unambiguously expressed an interest in fucking you,” I don’t mean a single laughed at one of your jokes. I mean a single literally looked you in the eye, HUBS, and said, “I want you to fuck me.” Any attempt on your part to interpret non-verbal cues as a sign someone wants to fuck you—acting on anything short of a clearly and unambiguously expressed desire to fuck you—will be tainted by dickful thinking and highly likely to end in disaster. To find a single person who wants to fuck you, get on the apps, post some current photos, and be honest about your situation: you’re in a sexless marriage and—with your wife’s consent—you are looking for other partners. You should also be open to fucking married women who are also in sexless marriages.
3. I can’t know for sure whether your wife will ever fuck you again, HUBS, but your wife is never going to fuck you again. So, if you want to have sex again sometime, you will have to get over only wanting to fuck her. And even if she does fuck you again someday, it’s better to be pleasantly surprised on the day it happens than to be devastated every single day that it doesn’t.
Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love! Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan! Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love
Agenor & Campbell Structural Engineers seeks a structural engineer associate for Clearwater, FL office to design/develop construction plans for transportation-related and load-bearing structures (bridges, drainage structures, traffic signal structures, retaining walls, etc.) & ensure compliance with construction specs, building codes, and safety standards. Req'd: master's degree in civil engineering with concentration is structural engineering. Send CV & salary reqs to remy@ac-structural.com.
