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Thank you for the letters. Thank you for the comments. Thanks to the people who harrassed me via text over the weekend. Thanks for calling out bots and trolls—and for holding us accountable when you think we fall short of what this publication can be. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has enjoyed opening up the mailbag, and we want to keep the party going. Scan the QR code on this page to give us feedback, or just find us wherever the algorithm has trapped you and chime in there.
—Ray Roa
Reader letter regarding the ongoing construction at the corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Armenia Avenue in Tampa
I did not need a traffic alert to know something had gone wrong on Kennedy Boulevard today. At 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2026, the sound outside my window changed. The horns, the sudden braking, and then the heavy stillness that settles over the block told me that traffic had come to a stop. Living less than a block from the intersection at Kennedy and Armenia, I have learned to read the road by ear. Today, it told me there had been another crash inside the Florida Department of Transportation’s construction zone.
What makes this stretch even more unsettling is that pedestrians cannot walk it anymore. The construction has swallowed the sidewalks and pushed pedestrians into unsafe detours. The entire corridor from MacDill Avenue to Rome Avenue has become a narrow, shifting funnel that drivers struggle to navigate. Kennedy Boulevard (Route 60) is one of Tampa’s major arteries, yet this work zone has turned it into a place you pass through only by car, and even that feels risky. From my vantage point, I can see the eastbound lanes tighten, the cones crowd the roadway, and the merges force drivers into sudden decisions that often end badly.
the aftermath, including blocked intersections, emergency responses, and the ripple of congestion that spreads through the neighborhood. FDOT controls the design, the timing, and the traffic flow. As a resident, it feels like living between two governments. When conditions become unsafe, it is not clear who is responsible or who is listening.
Pedestrians cannot walk along the road. Drivers can barely navigate it. Yet the construction continues with little explanation. Residents deserve to know what FDOT is doing along this entire corridor, why the lanes are narrowed so severely, how long this phase will last, and what is being done to prevent the next crash. Kennedy Boulevard is one of Tampa’s most important east-west corridors. The thousands of people who travel to and from downtown each day should not be left guessing about what is happening, why it is necessary, or when normal traffic conditions will return.
Every day, I watch cars drift across temporary lane markers, slam on their brakes, or hesitate as they try to interpret a layout that changes without warning. Today’s crash happened exactly where the funnel tightens, and it felt inevitable. The pattern is the same along the entire stretch from MacDill to Rome. The conditions repeat themselves block after block, and the results are predictable.
The most frustrating part is the lack of communication. Kennedy Boulevard is a state road, so the City of Tampa is not directing the project. The city deals with
FDOT should clearly explain what work is happening along this entire stretch of Kennedy Boulevard, why the lanes are narrowed so tightly, how long this phase will last, and what the next phase will look like. Residents deserve straightforward information.
FDOT should provide a temporary pedestrian route that is safe and clearly marked. Right now, walking the corridor is not possible. Temporary protected walkways and clear detour signage would make a meaningful difference.
The City of Tampa should request stronger coordination with FDOT. Even though the city does not control State Road 60, it can ask for safety reviews, adjustments to signal timing, clearer signage, and better communication with residents.
Residents can report recurring hazards through FDOT District 7’s work zone channels. When multiple people report the same issue, agencies respond more quickly.
Media attention can help close the communication gap. Creative Loafing has a long history of highlighting neighborhood- level issues, and this corridor is a clear example of a project that needs more public visibility.
This is not only a traffic problem. It is a neighborhood story about infrastructure, communication, and the experience of watching a familiar street become a hazardous construction zone without clear guidance or accountability.—Tom Feaster
Last caw
Photos by Dave Decker
Last Monday, Crowbar co-founder and co-owner Tom DeGeorge said the last few shows at his now-shuttered venue were as close as someone could get to experiencing death. “They say they see the bright light, and all of a sudden they’re surrounded by everyone they’ve ever loved. That’s literally how I felt,” DeGeorge told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Four days later, it was an entire community’s turn to see the light as friends from two decades of concerts converged at 1812 N 17th St. for what ended up being a joyous reunion—and reminder that the scene must go on. Read more, and see all the photos from the show—which featured Talib Kweli along with a litany of local talent—via cltampa.com/music.—Ray Roa
OUTBOARD REPOWER
do this
Tampa Bay's best things to do from August 06 - 13. See more on pp. 32, 25, and 41
Primary objective
Early voting is happening across the Tampa Bay area right now, with voters deciding on so many issues from St. Petersburg City Hall (mayor, city council), county commission and judges. Races for federal and state offices will also take shape in the primary as voters tell consultants and candidates what they’re looking for as far as representation in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. Pictured is Rep. Angie Nixon—a Florida resident since she was 10 years old—who is running in the U.S. Senate primary against Lt. Col. Alex Vindman who only found his way to the Sunshine State in February 2023. The voting registration deadline has passed, and voting wraps on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 18. In the meantime, early voting is on now through Aug. 16 in Hillsborough, and from Aug. 8-16 in Pinellas. Hillsborough’s public transit entity, HART, even has a guide to help anyone find the 21 early voting locations run by the Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. Find a more clickable version of this post via cltampa.com/news. 2026 Florida Primary Election: Ends Tuesday, Aug. 18 —Ray Roa
Land ho, and listen up. Tampa Theatre’s summer renovation is almost complete, but the venue is still showing movies. Not just in its own Taylor Screening Room, but on screens around the Bay area. One special showing happens next month just down the street. “The Black Pirate” comes to the Sykes Chapel at the University of Tampa in celebration of the Gaspar’s Gold: Carnival and Community in a New South City exhibit on display in the Plant Museum just a few steps away. Tampa Theater’s organist and a member of the UTampa’s music faculty, Dr. Steven Ball, will be performing a live original music score to accompany the silent film known as one of the first to be shot entirely in color and for its star’s athleticism, Douglas Fairbanks, performing outrageous stunts. Sykes Chapel holds 260 seats for the free event with doors opening 30 minutes before showtime. Tampa Theatre Presents ‘The Black Pirate’ (1926): Saturday, Aug. 8. 8 p.m. No cover. Sykes Chapel at University of Tampa, 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. tampatheatre.org —Leif Helland
Just purrfect
Stop doomscrolling and enjoy the feline festivities on screen when CatVideoFest comes back to downtown Tampa. With nearly 20 screenings between Friday and next Thursday, the party is centered around a curated 70-minute collection of cat worship that includes animation, music videos and memes galore. Donations of cat food, toys and powdered kitten formula will be accepted, but adoptable furballs won’t be on site this year due to the nearly-completed restoration of the venue’s main theater; some of the proceeds will go to Humane Society of Tampa Bay. CatVideoFest 2026: Friday-next Thursday, Aug. 7-13. $11-$14. Taylor Screening Room at Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. tampatheatre.org —Ray Roa
DAVE
Set sail
Take Founded County. ing space Tampa’s er to reira gether and with
“God’s lunch MCC Tampa.
Take me to church
Founded in 1971, MCC Tampa is the oldest formal LGBTQ+ organization in Hillsborough County. Over the years, the church has served as a spiritual home and community meeting space for everyone who has felt unwelcome elsewhere. For Rev. Mark A. Ferreira, MCC Tampa’s acting Sunday Pastor, the 55th anniversary is a celebration of the past and a reminder to keep going. “Fifty-five years is a long time for any LGBTQ+ organization to reach.” Ferreira told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “We stand on the shoulders of people who came together to create a safe place for queer people to worship. They built something beautiful, and we carry that legacy forward.” Ferreira said throughout the church’s history it has dealt with protests, vandalism and arson, but its central message has always stayed the same: “God’s love is for everyone.” MCC Tampa holds a worship service on Sunday, followed by a lunch celebrating the congregation’s history and future. Read more via cltampa.com/news. MCC Tampa 55th anniversary: Sunday, Aug. 9. 10:30 a.m. No cover. 408 E Cayuga St., Tampa. mcctampa.com—Liam Oliver
81-sea day
Tampa’s unofficial holiday, 813 Day, celebrates the second-oldest area code in Florida (if you have a 656 area code, you can still come). Parties are happening across Hillsborough County on Aug. 13, including one that features Old Time Sailors, a straight up sea shanty ensemble. The band’s show is an immersive experience featuring an ensemble cast of nearly two dozen people performing traditional foot-stomping shanties, Irish and Scottish folk and maritime-themed songs of the 19th century. Tickets to see the 813 Day “Pirate Invasion” at New World Tampa on Thursday, Aug. 13 are still available and start at $24.99. Find more ways to celebrate 813 Day via cltampa.com/arts. 813 Day ‘Pirate Invasion’ w/Old Time Sailors: Next Thursday, Aug. 13. 8:13 p.m. $24.99 & up. Music hall at New World Tampa, Tampa, 810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa. newworldtampa.com —Leif Helland
Bricked up
Lego fans’ Super Bowl weekend returns to Tampa this summer, giving builders a chance to make Lego (stylized “LEGO®”) masterpieces, hear talks from winners of the hit TV show “LEGO® Masters” and purchase merch. There’ll also be life-size replicas of Thor’s hammer, Captain America Shield, lightsabers and more. Fans of all ages can even build their own race cars out of thousands of Lego bricks to race in the race zone. Special guests in the lineup include LEGO® Masters Corey Samuel and Christine “Tacos” Blandino, according to organizers. LEGO® Show Brick Fan Event: Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 8-9. $16 & up. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy-301, Tampa. brickfanevent.com—Leif Helland
“Florida is executing sick elderly men who don’t need to be executed for public safety,”
POLITICS ISSUES OPINION
Ringmasters
Florida leads the country in death row exonerations—but still kills more prisoners than any other state.
By Liam Oliver
With 12 executions already carried out this year, Florida is on pace to surpass its own record from last year for most prisoners executed since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Last year, Florida executed 19 people, more than any other state—and is on pace to top that list again in 2026.
On July 14, the state executed 74-year-old Army veteran Dennis Sochor for a 1982 murder after he spent nearly four decades on death row. Last Tuesday—for the first time in over six decades—the state held two executions. James Duckett, 68, was scheduled to die at noon. Six hours later, Dominick Occhicone, 80, became the oldest person executed in Florida’s modern history. All three men are convicted murderers sentenced to death by non-unan i mous juries, a prac tice that was abolished for Florida in 2016 and then re-implement ed in 2023 following a policy change pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Tampa-based prisoner rights advocates, working to stop the executions, argue the recordsetting pace the state is on reflects an unfair politicization of Florida’s justice system. Grace Hanna, Executive Director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP), told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that Florida’s accelerated killings are “not in alignment with what Americans and Floridians want,” while citing national polling showing declining support for capital punishment.
Looking at Sochor and Occhicone’s cases specifically, Hanna, whose cousin was killed during a robbery, said the circumstances surrounding both men provide context that can be lost when executions are reduced to politicized headlines. With Occhicone, Hanna emphasized his age. He was executed shortly before his 81st birthday. After 40 years incarcerated, Occhicone dealt with kidney disease and a blocked artery in his heart, needing prison guards to assist him in using the stairs and showering. His lawyer argued that his age and poor health should keep him from needing to be executed. “In this pursuit of retribution, the state of Florida is executing sick elderly men who don’t need to be executed for public safety,” Hanna said.
In Sochor’s case, Hanna pointed to the fact that the victim’s body was never recovered and said the prosecution relied heavily on testimony
from a key witness who received immunity for his testimony. Sochor has not been proven innocent, but Hanna’s desire for more evidence nods at the state’s track record of deadly mistakes. Florida also leads the nation in death row exonerations, with 30 since 1973, per the Death Penalty Information Center.
The latest was Tampa resident Robert DuBoise, who was exonerated in 2020 after spending nearly 37 years in prison for a conviction based on faulty bite mark evidence. In 2024, the City of Tampa agreed to pay DuBoise a $14 million settlement.
Last month, Pamela Colloff, a ProPublica and New York Times Magazine reporter, told WMNF Tampa that exonerations are extremely difficult to win.
“That suggests that there are other people who are wrongly convicted who are sitting on Florida’s death row,” Colloff added. “When we have a punishment that is irreversible, combined with a high error rate. I would hope that people would want more transparency about why certain people are selected and when.”
Maria DeLiberato, FADP’s legal and policy director, said the recent pace of executions is unlike anything she’s seen in her 20 years as a capital defense lawyer.
reinforce a tough-on-crime political message to help with campaigns. If DeSantis isn’t trying to look good for another presidential run, the execution record could help reelect his attorney general, James Uthmeier, DeLiberato said. “If the state of Florida has a death penalty, it should be transparent and non-political,” she said.
And yet, in the last 35 years, the number of death sentences handed down by Florida juries has fallen from 46 to just five in 2025.
“Florida has increased executions at a time when juries have become more hesitant than ever to recommend capital punishment,” DeLiberato said. “Why is our administration killing two people a month, when it’s in opposition to what the people want?”
The governor’s office declined to comment, but DeSantis has repeatedly hinted at the answer to this question, saying, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
FLORIDA NEWS
Nearly 250 prisoners are on Florida’s death row. One of her biggest concerns is the amount of discretion the governor has in deciding when execution warrants are signed and which cases move forward.
In fact, Colloff pointed out, Florida is unique in states carrying out the death penalty in that the governor has sole discretion over who gets executed and when. And despite the state having some of the country’s most robust Sunshine Laws, records surrounding the governor’s death row decision making are some of the hardest to get.
“When it comes to who is being selected and why these dates are being selected, that is shrouded in secrecy,” Colloff added. “There, there is no transparency.”
The lack of explanation behind DeSantis’s decisions concerns DeLiberato. She believes the state has used record-setting milestones like age and pace to generate headlines and
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood, founder and head of the Execution Intervention Project, told CL he understands DeSantis’ desire to seek justice for victims and their families, but questioned whether executions carried out decades later truly accomplish that goal.
“My first thought when people say that is, of course they’re right,” Hood said. “So why would you give someone a penalty that takes 40 years to carry out instead of life in prison?
“The death penalty creates a false sense of justice,” he continued.
Hood has served as a priest for people on death row nationally for 15 years, being with them both spiritually and physically through their final months on death row. He has witnessed 12 executions firsthand, including the two most recent Florida executions. He argues that most Florida residents who agree with the death penalty would change their minds if they saw what he did.
“The greatest danger of the death penalty is distance,” Hood said. “It’s hard to kill somebody when you have to look them in the eye.”
Most people, including jurors and elected officials, never witness the punishment they authorize. That distance, he argued, makes it easier for those on death row to be dehumanized
and reduced to the crimes that were often committed decades before.
Through a liaison, Sochor said that his own dying wish was to have Gov. Ron DeSantis watch his execution. There’s no record of DeSantis watching any execution that he’s ordered.
Looking at the cases of Sochor and Dominick Occhicone, Hood argues that the state is executing men who have changed significantly since they were convicted of crimes decades ago. He questioned what purpose their executions now serve.
Hood recently told the Florida Phoenix that Sochor, 74, has either sent or given to prison staff a letter to Patricia Gifford’s family “expressing his remorse and sorrow for the pain he has caused.”
He added that Sochor has told law enforcement officers “multiple times” that he was too drunk to remember where he left Gifford’s body. “He wants people to know that if he could help locate the body, of course he would.”
The Phoenix added that after DeSantis signed a death warrant for his execution in June, Sochor filed his sixth postconviction motion in the Circuit Court for Broward County raising two legal claims: the state’s violation of its obligation to disclose exculpatory evidence, and a facial challenge to Florida’s lethal injection protocol. The trial judge denied both claims as untimely, procedurally barred, and without merit. Last month—just days before his execution—the Florida Supreme Court followed up and denied a motion by Sochor’s attorneys for a stay of execution and declined to hold oral arguments or entertain a motion for rehearing.
“Show me someone who is the same person they were 30 years ago,” Hood said. “Nothing would change in our lives if they lived out the rest of their lives in prison.”
Research has consistently shown that death penalty cases cost substantially more taxpayer funding than life in prison cases, raising questions about whether executing elderly inmates after decades on death row is worth the cost to taxpayers.
For Hood, the issue goes back to the distance that separates most Floridians from the reality of executions.
“As long as people in Florida don’t know who these people are,” he said, “these executions will continue.”
DARK TIMES: The governor's thinking on death row selections is shrouded in secrecy.
ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL PAVLOVICH
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Church it up
Scientology’s role shapes race for Clearwater City Council.
By Liam Oliver
The City of Clearwater is holding its City Council elections next month with two of five seats up for election. The Seat 5 race in particular has had candidates debating one issue that has shaped Clearwater politics for decades: The growing influence of the Church of Scientology in the city’s downtown.
Candidates in Clearwater City Council Seat 5 race include: Former Councilmember Mark Bunker, 70; Former congressional staffer Sam Wilson, 26; Businessman Kevin R.T. Laughlin, 67.
cost in a 3-2 vote reversing their original plan to sell the public land for $1.38 million.
The decision came following a highly unusual state-level intervention, triggered when Councilmember David Allbritton individually requested a non-binding opinion from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier regarding the local street’s property boundaries.
ELECTIONS
Clearwater municipal election
Early voting: Aug. 8-16 Election Day: Tuesday, Aug. 18. If no candidate gets more than 50%, a runoff will take place in the fall myclearwater.com
Across downtown Clearwater, Scientology has purchased over 200 properties since 2017 leaving only seven commercial properties not affiliated with scientology or the government in 2024, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The church’s influence in municipal matters was brought to the forefront starting in June when the City Council gave a 470-foot stretch of South Garden Avenue—a public road paid for by taxpayers—to the Church Of Scientology for no
In his letter, Uthmeier cited common law and said the church most likely owns that stretch of land under Garden Avenue.
“In short, my answer to the first question is the Church most likely owns the land under the section of Garden Avenue at issue," he added.
“ …assuming the Church owns this section of Garden Avenue subject to the City’s easement, the Church can petition to vacate it without paying fair market value."
Former city attorney David Margolis argued the city still had the rights to the land since Clearwater had maintained it since the early 1920s.
Last month, WUSF reported that, “Patricia Duggan, a Republican and Church of Scientology megadonor, gave $1 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, a PAC Uthmeier chairs.”
The church plans to permanently close the street and build a $250 million L. Ron Hubbard Hall auditorium with an adjacent memorial park and plaza open to the public. The church has asked for six years to complete construction.
In response, the grassroots coalition “Save the Garden” started a petition, looking to collect 7,000 signatures by mid-September in an attempt to force a voter referendum on the issue.
Scientology’s influence in downtown has become a dividing line in the Seat 5 City Council race. While all three candidates agree Clearwater needs a more active downtown, they disagree over how the city should deal with Scientology when trying to achieve that goal.
now-deleted Facebook post supporting Wilson, Jones encouraged Clearwater residents to vote for him, describing him as someone who is “on our side.”
Wilson—who currently leads the race in fundraising, with over $20,000 raised between Q1-Q2—told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that endorsements do not influence his decisions as a candidate.
“I can’t control who says what about my campaign,” he said. “No individual or group has a claim on my vote.”
“No individual or group has a claim on my vote.”
Wilson has also faced questions about his connections to Clearwater’s business community, including Amplify Clearwater and its political action committee, clearPAC, which donated $500 to his campaign.
Wilson, a former staffer for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, entered the race with support from many Republican officials and organizations. In addition, all three City Council members who voted in favor of the Garden Avenue transaction have endorsed Wilson including Allbritton who gave $100 to Wilson’s campaign.
Wilson has also received a public endorsement from Penny Jones, a self-proclaimed “Minister of the Church of Scientology.” In a
Public records show Amplify Clearwater has had documented connections with Scientology affiliated organizations, including Flag Service Org. who has been an Amplify member since 2025. Earlier records show Scientology hosted monthly networking events involving chamber members in 2015 and 2016.
Wilson argues the city shouldn’t ignore scientology but instead focus on if projects benefit residents. “If you’re going to do it, activate downtown,” he said.
continued on page 25
TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER: (L-R) Sam Wilson, Mark Bunker, and Kevin R.T. Laughlin
PHOTOS C/O MARILYN TURMAN, AND CAMPAIGNS OF WILSON AND LAUGHLIN
BEST FITNESS STUDIO / BEST PILATES STUDIO
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BEST PERSONAL TRAINER / BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
When asked about how he would decide future land dispute votes he said, “The test is simple: does it help downtown and move the city forward?”
Bunker, who served on Clearwater City Council between 2020-2024, has been a vocal activist documenting and criticizing Scientology’s practices in Clearwater for more than two decades. The church’s influence over downtown is the central focus of his campaign. In a recent forum he said that a major reason he wanted to run was because he is concerned “the entire City Council may be controlled by Scientology.”
The candidates have responded to each other’s positions, too.
Bunker argues the city must make sure pre existing commitments are fulfilled before giving the Church any more approvals. Wilson has criticized Bunker for focusing too much on Scientology without offering enough solutions for downtown, calling him a “single issue candidate.”
“If he wants to complain for the next couple years and achieve nothing, he can do that,” Wilson told CL. “But I’m focused on the future.”
ELECTIONS
Bunker said he is not opposing Scientology just for the sake of it, but he cares about making sure Clearwater keeps control over its decisions.
Bunker—who is rejecting any PAC donation—argues the city needs a more cautious approach when negotiating with the Scientology organization, saying “the city needs to monitor the process and ensure whatever businesses open are treated fairly.”
While Bunker told CL he would’ve voted no on the Garden Avenue land transaction he is not opposed to every project involving Scientology. When asked if he would support a Scientology-backed project that benefits Clearwater residents, Bunker— who founded XenuTV in the late-’90s—used the possible downtown theater as an example. “A theater downtown would be a tremendous draw and a good way to prove they are serious,” he said.
“I wouldn’t foolishly blindly believe that Scientology has Clearwater’s best interest at heart.”
“My approach is based on decades of research to understand how Scientology works, resulting in a cautious approach where they have to produce what they promise before being rewarded,” Bunker said “Unlike Wilson, I wouldn’t foolishly blindly believe that Scientology has Clearwater’s best interest at heart.”
Laughlin, the third candidate in the race, said Clearwater’s downtown challenges go beyond just Scientology. He criticized the city’s handling of downtown property decisions and questioned whether enough has been done to protect public interests.
Laughlin opposed the Garden Avenue land transfer, saying, “Giving away a downtown street when expansion is what’s needed is a mistake.”
Wilson argues Scientology is a major property owner that Clearwater must work with. He was noncommittal in comments about the Garden Avenue vote, saying he hadn’t done the same amount of research as the current council members. “[I] would only approve something if it activated downtown,” Wilson added.
He also pointed to the upcoming redevelopment of county owned properties as an opportunity for the city to prioritize projects that address Clearwater’s long-term needs, including transportation and parking.
Seat 5 on Clearwater’s City Council is currently occupied by Lina Teixeira, who will not seek re-election.
PLANTING FLAGS: Across downtown Clearwater, Scientology has purchased over 200 properties since 2017.
RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES
Ay, chihuahua
Mita’s opens in South Tampa with giant tortas, plus more local food news.
By Colin Wolf and Leif Helland
Tampa now has a torta the size of a full-grown Chihuahua. Mita’s Cocina Moderna, a new family-owned modern Mexican concept, quietly debuted in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood last month.
Located at 301 W Platt St. Ste C (the old Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant), Mita’s soft-opened back on July 11, with a focus on handcrafted tacos, fajitas, and signature tortas, including a 12-inch torta dubbed “La Titan!”, which is “built for sharing.”
All tortas, including La Titan!, can come in a variety of ways including steak, pork, roasted veggies, shrimp and more. For example, a grilled chicken La Titan! (pictured) is $25, and comes with stacks of grilled chicken chunks, cabbage, bean spread, chipotle aioli and avocado. Normal tortas range between $11-$15.
Byte (stylized all-caps) has opened a new food truck at 301 Westshore Blvd., in the Citgo gas station parking lot, while a more permanent location for Westshore is currently under construction. Until that location opens, the food truck will serve visitors from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended late night hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
OPENINGS
The locally-owned concept, founded by brothers Ahmed, Ali and Matt Mansour, will serve its signature truffle and falafel smash burgers made with prime angus beef, along with the option of six house made sauces and fries to dip them in. After the permanent Westshore restaurant opens, the food truck will move to another Tampa Bay location, as Byte continues its plans for growth, says a press release.
The bread for it comes from Seffner’s Sweet Face Bakery, manager Carlos Osorno told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
The menu also features a variety of micheladas and beers, as well as a slew of wines and agave cocktails. Mita’s is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on Sundays.
In a text message to CL, Osorno said the moniker is a nod to his mom, who got the nickname “Mita” from her mother.
“She sacrificed everything in pursuit of the American Dream,” Osorno wrote. “With resilience, passion, and an unwavering vision, she transformed that dream into something meaningful—sharing her culture, her flavors, and her story through food.”
The Temple Terrace location opened in midMarch one mile east of the USF Tampa campus at 10935 N. 56th St.
Tampa’s Boozy Pig will be featured on Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
Tampa is apparently the new Flavortown.
This summer, Food Network star and celebrity chef Guy Fieri has popped up at a number of local restaurants, and now we can add West Tampa’s Boozy Pig Butchery & Kitchen to the list.
The popular butcher shop and sandwichfocused cafe (technically in the Midtown neighborhood) will be featured on an upcoming episode of “Diners, DriveIns and Dives,” airing Friday, Aug. 7 at 9 p.m. EDT.
“She sacrificed everything in pursuit of the American Dream.”
Mexican flavors are apparently hot in Tampa right now. Back in June, “Coastal Mexican” restaurant La Victoria announced it will debut this fall about a mile down the Riverwalk.
Popular Temple Terrace smash burger joint Byte Burger opens new location in Westshore Byte Burger, which recently opened its first location less than four months ago in the Temple Terrace area, is expanding.
“It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to us. What started as a dream, a whole lot of hard work, and a belief in doing things the right way has led us to something we never imagined,” wrote Boozy Pig on a social media post.
“Being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is an incredible honor, and we couldn’t have done it without this amazing crew & community.”
To celebrate the occasion, the restaurant will host a watch party at Riveters, located at 2301 N Dale Mabry Hwy., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Owner Andrew Tambuzzo opened the establishment, located at 3255 W Cypress St., back in 2019 with a focus on customizable cuts alongside meaty sandwiches, bacon, and sausages on demand.
Tampa Bay’s annual hot sauce festival ‘I Like it Hot!’ returns this September
September will be hotter than normal, because spice heads and pepper connoisseurs can feel the burn at the I Like it Hot! Festival in Pinellas Park. Florida’s longest-running hot sauce festival returns for its 26th year bringing a sizable selection of hot sauces, seasonings, salsas, specialty products and unique retail vendors.
The scorching hot sauce festival will move this year from the Largo Event Center to the England Brothers Park located at 5010 Dave
McKay Wy. in Pinellas Park. The fiery weekend starts Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 am to 4 pm. The event has no cover and also free parking. The event is family and pet friendly.
I Like it Hot! is one of the longest-running festivals in the United States, spanning 26 years. This year will include vendor hot sauce competitions, wing-eating contests, a peppereating challenge, a barbecue competition and a salsa competition.
The festival’s fan favorite extreme Lolli LickA-Thon contest returns for spicy food lovers to test their Scoville threshold as they lick the hottest lolly pop in the world.
Along with the spicy accouterments—and if it’s too spicy to handle—there will be an assortment of food trucks, gourmet foods, snacks and live entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
CLASH OF THE TITANS: Mita’s giant torta doesn't even fit in two columns.
TACO TU EsDAY
has been hosting sold-out cooking demonstrations for a few weeks now, and he continues the practice this weekend at the St. Petersburg location of his Taverna Costale concept.
Organizers for a weekend lunch at 200 Central Ave. and demo said that guests will get a glass of prosecco and special three-course prix-fixe lunch. While the menu includes a caprese salad, shrimp orecchiette, and tiramisu—all paired with libations—don’t be surprised if a meatball makes an appearance.
“There is never an instance that you show up at Costale and you’re not gonna get meatball,” Viviani, a 47-year-old “Top Chef” fan favorite, recently told WTSP’s “Great Day Live.” Jovial as all get out, Vivani told hosts that a proper meatball will ruffle feathers because it will only have beef.
“I don’t care what grandma says. If you put pork or veal, you’re doing a meatball a disservice,” he argued saying beef is flavorful, including the fat. “If anyone tells you that you have to use lean beef, I automatically disqualify them, OK? Meatball has to have a little fat component. If they ask you for the lean meatball, they’re probably into Pilates, too, so they’re not a reliable source for meatball.”
Reservations for the cooking demonstration and lunch with Chef Fabio Viviani, happening Saturday, Aug. 8 at Taverna Costale in St. Petersburg, are still available and start at $75/person. The event is just one of many from Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s usersubmitted events calendar, which is free to use and read. See more food and drink events coming to the Bay area below, along with bulleted bits of local food news.
• St. Petersburg Distillery has launched its first ready-to-pour bottled cocktail collection, the 31 South line, debuting with an Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Maple
Old Fashioned—each $35 for a 750 mL bottle yielding seven to eight cocktails, available exclusively at the distillery’s Welcome Salon (800 31st St. S). A press release says the collection “lets us take some of that experience beyond the speakeasy.”
Andy’s Frozen Custard: National Frozen Custard Day Coozie Giveaway Saturday, Aug. 8. 11 a.m.-midnight. With purchase. Nine locations across Tampa Bay
The Art of Coffee: A Tasting Journey Featuring Mission Grounds Coffee Friday, Aug. 7. 10 a.m. $7.18 & up. Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg. imaginemuseum. com
Bad Moms Brunch Monday, Aug. 10. 10 a.m. Shuffle, Tampa. shuffletampa.com
Let Us Cook Tuesday, Aug. 11. 11 a.m. No cover with RSVP. Palm Harbor Library, Palm Harbor. palmharborlibrary.org
Blind Wine Tasting Battle Wednesday, Aug. 12. 5:30 p.m. Sold out. Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg. bookandbottlestpete.com
R&B Ink & Sip Night (Beginner tattoo experience and wine tasting) Friday, Aug. 21. 6:30 p.m. $104.07 & up. Vino Ghvino 21, Tampa. vinoghvino21.com
Ice Cream Stroll Saturday, Aug. 22. 2 p.m. $10. Tarpon Springs Downtown District, Tarpon Springs. thegildedpagebookstore. com
I Like It HOT! Festival Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 12-13. 10 a.m. No cover. England Brothers Park, Pinellas Park. saucyqueen. com
Wines of Spain: An Evening of Spanish Wine & Culture Friday, Oct. 16. 6 p.m. $108.55 & up. Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Tampa. centroasturianotampa.org—Ray Roa
• Chef Fabio Viviani
Chef Fabio Viviani
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
Life in the shade
Author of BookTok hit ‘Daggermouth’ finds hope in dark dystopia.
By Chelsea Zukowski
Like many authors right before their book takes off, H.M. Wolfe didn’t expect “Daggermouth” to become a social media darling. The dark, dystopian story was a palate cleanser for Wolfe, who had been writing mostly fantasy worlds and magic systems. “Daggermouth” was her “last-ditch effort” to make full-time writing work before returning to the corporate world.
“I was also really enraged at the world, and I needed a way to get that out of my body, so I wrote ‘Daggermouth’ in a crazy short amount of time,” Wolfe told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “I had to get words on a page, and then it kind of just took off from there.”
Originally from California and having lived in Utah and New York, Wolfe and her husband have lived in Central Florida for the past three years. She gives some credit for “Daggermouth’s” success to other local authors and reader communities she met in the Sunshine State.
our reality. This might be a little bit too heavy and too dystopian for a lot of people’s comfort, but at the same time, I needed it out of my body.”
It’s no secret that reading fiction is good for our brains. That’s especially true for genres like fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian, which can be therapeutic to our information-overloaded minds. For creatives like Wolfe, writing fictional worlds was a way for her to process deep emotions on the page.
INTERVIEW
“Daggermouth” is dark and violent, full of terrible things happening to people who are just trying to survive. The world is fueled by a cycle of desperation and brutality. And yet, there is still hope.
H.M. Wolfe in conversation with Krystal Lang Wednesday, Aug. 12. 6:30 p.m. $39.41 Oxford Exchange, 420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. oxfordexchange.com
“I feel like I have more love in my life and in my heart that it kind of transcends into the way that I create, and I don’t think that I would have found that without finding my community and my friends here in Florida,” she said, noting her neighbor is the artist behind the original cover of “Daggermouth.”
“While it was so angry, and there was so much female rage…I still get to dictate how that ends,” Wolfe said. “I’m a Black queer woman in American society right now, and that is a hard place to be, and so being able to speak to that and put that on the page, while also knowing that I control the outcome…I think it was a really healthy way for me to process.”
“I’m a Black queer woman in American society right now, and that is a hard place to be.”
Indie-published in December 2025, “Daggermouth” is set in a gritty, near-future surveillance state controlled by the Heart—the rich, masked elite and their sadistic president. Despite being snuffed out time and again, a rebellion keeps sparking to life in the Boundary where the poorest and most neglected live. With an ensemble cast and a romance subplot, “Daggermouth” is a thrilling story of rage-fueled rebellion and willingness to sacrifice everything for a chance at a better future for others.
“It’s an angry book; there are a lot of middle fingers to society, not just in America, but across the world,” Wolfe said. “It’s a mirror to
Despite the too-real horrors and violence, reading a story like “Daggermouth” is cathartic and inspiring. The most thrilling scenes are the ones where all the odds are stacked against our heroes, and yet they persist with a hope and a prayer that their actions will be enough to make even the smallest difference.
“I think the scene that stands out to me the most, that stayed with me the longest, is the prison scene at the beginning with Shade,” Wolfe said. “That one showed the power of the people; no matter how oppressed they are, most communities aren’t willing to give up. They are willing to fight to the bitter end.”
Another scene near the end features Lyra, a member of the Elite who finally puts the last piece of her rebellious plan in place to expose the president, also her father. Where Shade’s
fighting power is fueled by anger and aggression, Lyra’s is a quiet power that’s severely underestimated.
“It’s just those two moments of women standing up and protecting what they believe in and putting their lives at risk…these two women coming to the forefront and showing their different strengths,” Wolfe said. “I’m a firm believer that a lot of things that are going to get done in our world are going to be done by a woman paving the way.”
Billed as a true enemies-to-lovers romance, “Daggermouth” delivers on that promise in a way that doesn’t diminish the incredibly high stakes. Wolfe didn’t want to “soften a dystopian world by saying everything’s OK because they’re in love.”
In a world so cruel and suffocating, two dangerous, “morally black” characters can and do find love and respect for one another…even if they’re constantly threatening each other with violence.
“The romance in this book is more so that love brings hope…we needed that vein of hope,” Wolfe said. “Bringing (Greyson) and (Shade) together with their backstories was kind of the ignition of this rebellion; they are the catalyst. But it’s
also very much what happens when you put two people on opposite sides and they see themselves in each other—what does that look like?”
The book has plenty of steam and spice, but love fuels the rebellion’s Hail Mary moves.
“The vein of this story is, what are you willing to do for the people you love?” Wolfe said. “At the end of the day, love does conquer all; love for your country, love for your people, love for your community.”
Concluding on an epic cliffhanger, readers won’t have to wait long for “Daggermouth’s” sequel, titled “Python,” which arrives in March of next year. “One thing I can say is I never, in any of my books, write submissive-type women. They may be quiet, but they’re lethal. They may be emotional, which is fantastic, but they get shit done,” Wolfe said.
The Scarlett Press edition of “Daggermouth” is on shelves now as a deluxe hardcover with sprayed and stenciled edges, new cover art by Tomasz Majewski, and a new bonus chapter. Wolfe comes to Tampa Bay Comic Con on Sept. 4-6 in Tampa, but does a book tour next week, including a stop at Oxford Exchange in Tampa.
GET SHIT DONE: The women in H.M. Wolfe’s books are quiet and lethal.
BABS REINGOLD AFTER VENUS NOW
(Left) Yvette Mayorga (American, b. 1991), Rhinestone Vaquero After Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun 2025, textile, rhinestones, buttons, belt buckle, gold flakes, silver flakes, glitter, and acrylic piping on canvas, 72 x 60 inches, Image courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery. (Middle) Élisabeth Vigée-LeBrun (French, 1755-1842), Julie as Flora, Roman Goddess of Flowers 1799, Oil on canvas, 50.9 x 38.5 inches (Right) Yvette Mayorga (American, b. 1991), Self Portrait of the Artist After Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun 2025, textile, collage, stickers, gold flakes, silver flakes, pen, lace, buttons, acrylic nails, nail charms and acrylic piping on canvas, 72 x 60 inches, Image courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery.
Babs Reingold, After Venus No. 7 (detail), 1991, Oil, collage, canvas, modeling paste, linen, encaustic on panel.
There’s a whole heck of a lot going on inside Sam Tallent ’s egg of a skull. In 2024, the now 39-year-old told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that he was excited to head to Paris and get to work on a follow-up to his criticallyacclaimed debut novel “Running The Light.” On Sept. 22, “Brut,” his 368-page thriller, hits shelves. Tallent recently told WDET that the novel centers on a contract killer doing one last hit, but that it’s really about two Marines who fall in love but then find themselves unable to deal with their toxic masculinity and the fact they’ve fallen in love with a man. It’s pulp fiction and a boy beach read that’s lyrical and full of prose describing people getting pummeled to death. “It’s fun to have the people who come to my shows and tell them, ‘Oh, it’s a hitman,’ and then they’re reading a book about two gay men desperately in love,” he told the radio station. “I like pulling that little switch on the young men in their white hats and polo shirts.” A true rare, um, talent, Tallent returns to Tampa for five shows next Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 13-15. Tickets start at $25.
This listing is maintained by CL staffers and contributors, who also keep a close eye on the publication’s user-submitted events calendar. Please help us out by submitting yours at community.cltampa.com.—Ray Roa
ARTS
GrowHouse’s 1st Mondays Open Mic and Poetry Workshop Every first Monday. 7 p.m. No cover. The Backroom, Tampa
The Art of Banksy On view through Aug. 30. $29.99 & up. Morsani Hall at David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Oh, Cuore Mia Through Sept. 17. No cover. Tempus Projects, Ybor City Jun Kaneko: Silence Before Sound Through Aug. 23. $5 & up. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa. tampamuseum.org
Art After Dark: Summer Sessions
Thursday, Aug. 6. 5 p.m. No cover for members and under 18; $16 for everyone else. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. mfast. org
Dani Lewis: Apricity (Opening reception) Saturday, Aug. 8. 5 p.m. No cover. Morean Center for Clay, St. Petersburg moreanartscenter.org
The Art of Flight: Birds in Helping Hands Fundraiser w/Sasha Tuck Friday, Aug. 7. 6-9 p.m. No cover. Brenda McMahon Gallery, Gulfport
Ernesto Maranje: To the Edge of the Wild (Opening Reception) Saturday, Aug. 8 (on view through Sept. 19). 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
No cover. Wild Space Gallery at The Factory, St. Petersburg
Still Forces: Browne Art Salon Grand
Opening w/Paul Tilton Saturday, Aug. 8. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. No cover (RSVP). Browne Art Gallery, St. Petersburg Theatre Kids Broadway Dance Party Saturday, Aug. 8. 8 p.m. $20.97. Orpheum, Tampa
New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations
Thursday, Aug. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027. 5-8 p.m. Museum admission $12-$24. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
BOOKISH
Book Bedazzling Thursday, Aug. 6. 6 p.m.
Sold out. The Gilded Page, Tarpon Springs. thegildedpagebookstore.com
Aaron Cline Hanbury Sunday, Aug. 9. 3:30 p.m. $6.71 & up. Oxford Exchange, Hyde Park
OE Book Club: On the Calculation of Volume Tuesday, Aug. 11. 6:30 p.m. $32.64. Oxford Exchange, Hyde Park
H.M. Wolfe with Krystal Lang Wednesday, Aug. 12. 6:30 p.m. $39.41. Oxford Exchange, Hyde Park
COMEDY
10th Annual Countdown Improv
Festival Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 5-9. 6 p.m.; 7 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday. $21.94 & up. HCC Performing Arts Building, Ybor City. countdownimprovfestival.com
The Dating Detectives Live Thursday, Aug. 6. 7 p.m. $37. Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa
Officer Kevin Eudy Thursday, Aug. 6. 7:30 p.m. $25 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa
Kurt Metzger Friday, Aug. 7. 8 p.m. $25 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa
Michael Colyar Multiple times FridaySunday, Aug. 7-9. $27. Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa
JustCallMoe Comedy Jam Saturday, Aug. 8. 5:30 p.m. $15 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa
Comic’s Night Out Sunday, Aug. 9. 9 p.m. $10 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa
Porkchopz Sunday, Aug. 9. 7 p.m. $25 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa Laughter League (Comedy showdown) Tuesday, Aug. 11. 6:30 p.m. $12. Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg. imaginemuseum. com
Majah Hype Thursday, Aug. 13. 7 p.m. $32. Funny Bone Comedy Club, Tampa
FILM & TV
CatVideoFest Multiple times FridayThursday, Aug. 7-13. $9 & up. John T. Taylor Screening Room at Tampa Theatre, Tampa Fiume o morte! Select dates through Aug. 6. 5:30 p.m. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa
Snatch Friday, Aug. 7. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor 40 Years of Fuckin’ Up: A Film by NOFX Friday, Aug. 7. 7 p.m. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa
Remake Select dates Aug. 7-13. Various times. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa
The Black Pirate (1926) Saturday, Aug. 8. 8 p.m. No cover. Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values at University of Tampa, Tampa. tampatheatre.org
The Devil Wears Prada 2 Saturday, Aug. 8. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
2026 Cat Video Fest Select dates Aug. 8-9. 2 p.m. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa
The Seven Year Itch Sunday, Aug. 9. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
Revenge of the Nerds Monday, Aug. 10. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
A Fish Called Wanda Tuesday, Aug. 11. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
As Good As It Gets Wednesday, Aug. 12. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
Back To School Thursday, Aug. 13. Multiple times. $5.35. Gigglewaters, Safety Harbor
LEARN
Art & Nature Sunset Tour with the MFA & Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Every last Sunday through Sept. 27. 3:30 p.m. $45. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org
Cafe con Tampa Fridays, 8 a.m. No cover. The Portico, Tampa
Coffee with a Curator Every first Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. No cover. The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg
Cigar City: Bringing Industry to Tampa Thursdays through Dec. 31. 2 p.m. $18.95. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org
Creatives Support Group Every other Monday. 7 p.m. No cover. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg. @suite.e.stpete on Facebook.
Amplify Women Tampa Bay - Women at the Helm Friday, Aug. 7. 9 a.m. $150 & up.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg. amplifywomentampabay.com
Revolutionary Ideas: An Introduction to AI Friday, Aug. 7. 10:30 a.m. No cover. East Lake Community Library, Palm Harbor. eastlakelibrary.org
Back To School Health Clinic Saturday, Aug. 8. 9 a.m. $10 registration. South University, Tampa. b2sch.org
Life Of A Bee Saturday, Aug. 8. 11 a.m. No cover. Tarpon Springs Public Library, Tarpon Springs. tarponlibrary.org
Community Photography Project dropin Monday, Aug. 10. 5 p.m. No cover. Palm Harbor Library, Palm Harbor. palmharborlibrary.org
Genealogy Research Group Monday, Aug. 10. 6 p.m. No cover. Tarpon Springs Public Library, Tarpon Springs. tarponlibrary.org
Coffee and Referrals Networking Event Tuesday, Aug. 11. 9 a.m. $12.51 & up. Madrinas Insurance, Tampa
MARKETS & RETAIL
Seminole Heights Sunday Market Sunday, Aug. 9. 10 a.m. No cover. American Legion Post 111, Seminole Heights. tampabaymarkets.com
813 Day Market Thursday, Aug. 13. 6 p.m. No cover. M. Bird, Tampa. mbirdtampa.com
NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Meet the Candidates - St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Aug. 6. 5:30 p.m $30 & up. Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. business.stpete.com 2026 Candidate Series (Networking experience) Monday, Aug. 10. 5:30 p.m. No cover with registration. Higgins Hall, Tampa. tampavotes.com
PRIDE
Drag Bingo Every first and third Wednesday. 9 p.m. No cover. American Legion Seminole Post 111, Tampa Deviant Coven Every first Thursday. 6 p.m. No cover. Deviant Libation, Tampa
THEATER
Jobsite Theater: American Idiot Select times and dates through Aug. 9. $41.40 & up. Jaeb Theater at Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa The Last Unicorn (World premiere play adaptation) Multiple times and dates Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 13-23. $30. The Fringe Theatre, Ybor City. tampafringe.org Jobsite Theater: Penelope Select times and dates from Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 6. $71.40 & up. Shimberg Playhouse at Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 22 & 23. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $5; no cover for members. Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa
Interested in advertising around this listing? Contact jhoward@cltampa.com and acarbone@cltampa.com for details.
AUGUST 06–THU AUGUST 13
By Ray Roa
THU 06
The George (album release) w/The Pleasantries/The Tilt/Fly Trap/Kingsley III Tampa historians have been talking about “The George” after the city announced plans to restore West Tampa’s historic George Guida Sr. House. The music-loving slice of those nerds might want to check out a band that shares a moniker. The outfit celebrates the release of Dog Days, a new album propelled by the bouncy, party-starting sound of new single “Lil Bo Peep,” which is perfect for fans of The Nude Party and even Twin Peaks. 7 p.m. $20.97. Orpheum, Tampa
FRI 07
C Egyptian Lover There is no forgetting “Egypt, Egypt.” The hit song from 1984 defined the decade and remains as recognizable as other hits from the same era including Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five’s “The Message.” It also inspired an entire generation of would-be beatmakers to save up money to buy a Roland TR-808. The cut forever changed its creator, too. Gregory James Broussard, now 62 years old and still running Egyptian Empire Records, recently reflected on the hit in an interview with Spin magazine, detailing its meticulous creation, and how it still holds up today. “When I hear it compared to the other songs, I hear how clean it is. I always remember that engineer trying
to milk me for that money, making us all better. Even though he did it for money, I thank him because he made it sound great. It was worth it,” Broussard said. 9 p.m. $33.30 & up.
Zodiac, Ybor City
C Songwriter Club Presents: Jim Lauderdale It’s a busy week for the Jack Kerouac House’s Songwriter Club series. Jim Lauderdale, a king of Americana, plays two shows on Friday night (just 60 people can come to each sitting) that will surely sell out.
The other sold-out gig coming to the venue this week is headlined by Chuck Prophet, who plays on Wednesday ahead of another headlining show at the much larger Skipper’s Smokehouse on Thursday. 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. $40.81. Kerouac House, St. Petersburg
Just Courtesy w/Library Card/Holly Pocket St. Pete’s First Fridays are more than just dudes in polo shirts. A short walk away from First Block, Tampa rock band Just Courtesy headlines a gig where the Bay area gets a visit from Orlando indie-pop project Holly Pocket, and an introduction of sorts to Library Card, a Tampa band that’s been cutting its rock sound at boba spots since January. 7 p.m. $12. The Nest at St. Pete Brewing Co., St. Petersburg
SAT 08
C Grit & Rumble Presents: Kitty Kitty Meow Meow w/Cozy In The Black/Hovercar/Julep With the closure of Crowbar in Tampa, St. Petersburg has emerged as a surefire community where small, indie-centric stages still exist. Suite
E Studios continues to hold it down in the warehouse district, this time bringing in a stacked local bill that marks the debut for Grit & Rumble, a new live series curated by Josephine “Cozy” Selbeau. In a promo video, Selbeau asks, “Do you like women screaming in your face?” We do, and we’re hyped to see Selbeau’s band joined by Nikki Raven’s Hovercar project, which releases a new three-song EP, Medicine , the night before. 7 p.m. $16.53. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg
WED 12
C Totally Tubular Festival: Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People w/A Flock of Seagulls/The Motels/The Producers/ Animotion/The Escape Club/Tommy Tutone Many a Gen-X-er spent their best years blinded by science, thanks in part to MTV and, of course, Thomas Dolby, whose 1982 hit was a staple on the channel. After playing the Totally Tubular nostalgia tour as a solo act two years ago, Dolby, 67, revisited his band, The Lost Toy People which was active in the California club scene (listen to Aliens Ate My Buick in some headphones or on a giant speaker system). Now a six-piece, that band is on the road and headed to St. Pete, complete with horns and an allergy to click tracks and stems. The ensemble is part of a loaded, timetraveling, lineup. 7 p.m. $25.79 & up. Ferg’s Concert Pavilion, St. Petersburg
THU 13
Phoebe Bridgers ‘Lost Weekend’ listening party This isn’t a live show, but after a
six-year wait for a new solo album, Phoebe Bridgers is making her return to record store shelves, and St. Pete fans will have a chance to hear Lost Weekend before the rest of the world. The record marks Bridgers’ first fulllength solo release since 2020’s critically acclaimed Punisher, an album that earned her multiple Grammy nominations and cemented her place as one of indie music’s biggest names. Since then, she has continued working on her music through her work with Boygenius (stylized all-lowercase), a Grammy-winning group with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus. The rollout for Lost Weekend has leaned into mystery. Earlier this summer, flyers began appearing in local coffee shops across the country announcing same-day surprise pop-up shows in small venues giving fans an opportunity to see her live performing new unreleased music. The shows eventually culminated with a sold-out surprise concert at Madison Square Garden, where all proceeds benefitted organizations supporting immigrants in detention centers. Last Tuesday, Bridgers dropped the tracklist in a cryptic Instagram post, revealing her most expansive album to date with 16 songs and a runtime of just under an hour. The record also features new collaborators, including producer Jack Antonoff, known for work with huge pop artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. For listeners who have spent years waiting for new music, Daddy Kool’s midnight event offers a rare opportunity for fans to experience the album together on release night. Read more via cltampa.com/music. 11 p.m. No cover, but RSVP required. Daddy Kool Records, St. Petersburg—Liam Oliver
See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/music
C CL Recommends
Egyptian Lover
There’s a very good chance that the Florida air will still be summery-thick in early September, and Soft Cuff has the perfect soundtrack. The homegrown instrumental quartet (which features Kevin Ha live) a debut full-length, Thick Heat , along with plans for a release party at St. Pete Shuffleboard Club this fall. Bay area indie-pop favorite The Jackettes supports.
Soft Cuff was listed among the Bay area’s best instrumental bands in the summer of 2024, just ahead of a self-titled debut EP, which was followed by the July 2025 single “Dennis Quaalude.” Those records quickly drew in fans prone to spending too much money on Daptone and Linear Labs releases.
Due on Aug. 28, Soft Cuff’s 10-track LP spans 37-minutes, and finds the band—made up of
Eric Johanson Thursday, Aug. 20. 8 p.m. $19.75. Skippers Smokehouse, Tampa
OG Nixin Saturday, Aug. 22. 9 p.m. $23.18. Zodiac Live, Ybor City
EMMMA (opening for Suki Waterhouse) Thursday, Oct. 1. 7 p.m. $63.15. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Mariachi El Bronx w/Bedouin Soundclash/Max Dia z Saturday, Oct. 3. 7 p.m. $39.45. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Elena Rose (opening for Karol G) Friday, Oct. 9. 7 p.m. $138.50 & up. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
The Linda Lindas Sunday, Oct. 25. 7 p.m. $39.52. Orpheum, Tampa
Gym Class Heroes & Lupe Fiasco w/B.o.B Sunday, Oct. 25. 5:30 p.m. $59.81. England Brothers Park, Pinellas Park
Alice Cooper Tuesday, Oct. 27. 7 p.m. $79 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater Heart To Gold & Stereosity (opening for Sweet Pill) Monday, Nov. 9. 7 p.m. $30.56. New World Music Hall, Tampa Zauntee w/Skeema Boy Wednesday, Nov. 11. 7 p.m. $24.30 & up. Orpheum, Tampa.
scene lifers Christina Sanchez, Shane Shuch, Brian Schanck, and Michael Bostinto—letting itself stretch out, especially on the title track where almost Dilla-esque off-beat drumming floats along layers of synth, trippy guitars and omnichord texture.
Limited numbers of eco-cherry and opaque yellow vinyl—all wrapped in artwork by the crew at Brooklyn’s Morning Breath design studio—are available on pre-order via softcuff.bandcamp.com.
Tickets for Soft Cuff’s Thick Heat album release party at St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on Friday, Sept. 4 are still available and start at $15. See Josh Bradley’s weekly rundown of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below.—Ray Roa
Rett Madison (opening for Paula Cole) Wednesday, Nov. 11. 8 p.m. $45 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Friday, Nov. 20. 7 p.m. $46 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Olga Tañón & El Gran Combo Saturday, Nov. 28 8 p.m. $93.60 & up. Yuengling Center, Tampa
Croce Plays Croce Monday, Nov. 30. 7 p.m. $34.50 & up. Tampa Theatre, Tampa
Zingara: The Girls Are Making Riddim Tour w/Machaki/Wiley Friday, Dec. 18 & 19. 7 p.m. $43.07. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Jim Messina and The Road Runner s Thursday, Jan. 14. 7 p.m. $50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Get The Led Out Tuesday, Mar. 16. 7 p.m. $54.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
THU, AUG 27 SEP 1 BLUES TRAVELER & GIN BLOSSOMS WITH SPIN DOCTORS 97X NEXT BIG THING LEGENDS YELLOWCARD WITH WATERPARKS DYLAN COTRONE FRI, SEP 4 MODEST MOUSE WITH ROBBER ROBBER SEP 16 RISE AGAINST WITH ALKALINE TRIO TEEN MORTGAGE FRI, SEP 25 GOV ' T MULE ZIGGY MARLEY WITH SUN, OCT 4
AVETT BROTHERS WITH SAT, OCT 10 FRI, OCT 23
Fostering
Help cats and dogs get a break from the shelter
Raise kittens and puppies in a safe home environment
Earn 4 volunteer hours per day
The invite
By Dan Savage
I’m a late-30s hetero married man. I’m also a flirt. I’ve known this about myself for a long time, and while my spouse knows this generally, she probably doesn’t know that I can lean into a bit at times when she is not around. For a long time it was fine. I considered my flirting to fall into my “zone of erotic autonomy” and never intended it to lead anywhere. Then twice in the last year it’s led to women getting the wrong (but honestly, understandable) impression that I’m open for more. Nothing happened but I realize now that I need to… not do this anymore? No more flirting, no more coy innuendos, no more dangerous-but-plausibly-deniable interactions, chats, etc. But thinking about a life without flirting makes me a little dead inside. It’s the spice of life, isn’t it? Not having that little bit of tension, that sense of danger, that glow that comes from a successful flirtation—the thought of never experiencing any of that again leaves me feeling almost despondent. But I love my relationship and don’t want to endanger it anymore and I don’t want to be a dick to other people when they realize I’m not open for more. I’m not sure what to do. Or how to think about this. Do you have any words of wisdom?—Feeling Like I’m Risking Trouble
SAVAGE LOVE
First of all, I need to thank you. I’ve been following you for almost 10 years and you gave me such a spectrum of possibilities in relationships and a really open mindset. My little drama is, I’m in an open relationship where we’ve had ongoing issues with communication and emotional labor. I’m always the one carrying the baggage while he gets to be the “light” one, which makes me feel unconsidered. We finally had a deep conversation about this, and I thought things were finally understood. I really needed a demonstration from him. Instead, just three days after that conversation, he went away and slept with someone else. It’s true that he was checking in more than usual on that trip, since I had just asked, but it felt like a demonstration done completely negatively. I guess my question is, how do I navigate an open relationship in this case? In my head, you shouldn’t be sleeping around when things are not stable within the relationship, or am I wrong? If things are lacking on the inside, is it still OK to have sex on the outside? Why do I feel like he cheated?—Italian Fan For Years
difficult to get a man to understand something when his freedom to fuck around depends on his not understanding it.” No hints, no ambiguity, no hoping he gets it—tell him.
A little light flirting is fine, FLIRT, even for people in monogamous relationships. With the exception of the “micro-cheating” lunatics, everyone understands that. So, you can only be faulted for leading someone if 1. the person with whom you’re flirting doesn’t know you’re happily married and hopelessly monogamous and 2. the flirting crossed that sometimes-hard-todefine line between harmless married-not-dead (MND) flirting and what a reasonable person would interpret as flirting with intent (FWI). Married-not-dead flirting looks (and sounds) like two people acknowledging and enjoying a mutual attraction that—in their timeline in which they find themselves—can never be acted on. MND flirting tends to be lowkey, it sometimes has a slightly melancholic tinge, and ideally it stirs up sexual energy that you take home and plow into your spouse. Flirting with intent, on the other hand, is reckless and disrespectful—of both your spouse’s feelings and the feelings of the person you’re cranking the fuck up. As with so many things, FLIRT, you just use your words. Once you’ve engaged in a little light MND flirting, pause to clarify that you’re married and monogamous. Then you can dial it up a few notches without crossing into FWI territory. If you sense that your flirting partner is starting to doubt whether you meant it when you said you were monogamous, dial it all the way down to zero.
If you told your partner you didn’t want him fucking other people for the time being… if you literally said, “No sex with other people while we work on us,” and he agreed to close the relationship, IFFY, and then he turned around and fucked someone else at his first opportunity… yeah, pretty clear your partner cheated on you.
But if you told your partner you felt like there was an imbalance in the emotional labor department and that you needed him to be more attentive… but you didn’t tell him you wanted to close the relationship… and then he made an effort to be more attentive before fucking someone else, IFFY, then didn’t cheat on you.
Not wanting your partner to sleep with other people when your relationship doesn’t feel safe and secure—when things aren’t feeling stable—is a fine and perfectly valid feeling. But if that feeling remained “in your head,” i.e. if you didn’t say as much and say it unambiguously, you can’t be angry that your partner wasn’t able to read your mind. Now, maybe he should’ve, IFFY, but we’ve already established that your partner needs all the help she can get where emotional sensitivities are concerned. Maybe he should’ve understood what you wanted, IFFY, but he didn’t. Maybe his failure to understand what you wanted was self-serving, but your emotionally dense partner could just be… dense.
So, if you want to stay in this relationship and closing it while you work on these issues together is a requirement, IFFY, you need to make that explicitly and abundantly clear to him. With apologies to Upton Sinclair: “It is
I’m a guy, age 65, and writing to you from Seattle. My wife is also 65 and we are both considered young and fun for our age. We’re sexually active and ambitious, but happily monogamous, having been married for 44 years. Many of our best friends are in their 30s and 40s and they seem to enjoy hanging out with us. That’s the good part. Now here is the confusing part and the basis for my question. Five years ago, one of our friends let me know that they are in “the lifestyle.” I filed this info away and have always been just a little bit curious about logistics and other details. I spend way too much time on social media, and I have realized that many, many of our other friends are also connected to this person, even though, ostensibly they seem to have little in common. I now have a fun, weird theory that I cannot prove or disprove. Almost every one of our friends is also active in the lifestyle, but for reasons that I cannot fathom they have never spoken of it to us or even said a word, much less invited us to join in. Should I take this as a compliment or an insult? Are all of our friends having kinky fun behind our respective backs? Just to make this more fun, and to give you a good laugh, the odds that my wife and I would ever want to do this are about a million to one against. But you never know!—Swingless in Seattle
If you wanna get a general conversation about swinging started, SIS, you could ask your 30-and-40-something friends what they thought of “The Invite,” Olivia Wilde’s amazing new movie starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton. If they haven’t seen it yet, suggest a group outing.
As for your theory that the one swinger you know is swinging with every other person and/ or couple they know…
While people in the lifestyle do know other people in the lifestyle (obviously), SIS, it doesn’t follow that every person a swinger knows is in the lifestyle. So, while you can’t rule out the possibility that all of your 30-and-40-something friends are fucking each other, you shouldn’t assume they are either. But even if they are fucking each other—let’s go ahead and make that assumption as a thought experiment—I can easily fathom two good reasons why most of them haven’t spoken to you about it:
1. These swinging singles and/or couples assume you and your wife aren’t interested in swinging.
2. These swinging singles and/or couples aren’t interested in swinging with you and your wife.
If you are interested in the lifestyle for purely intellectual reasons—if you have questions about the logistics—you could raise the subject with the one friend who came out to you as a swinger. When someone volunteers that kind of information
about themselves, SIS, you’re allowed to ask nonintrusive follow-up questions. So, if you want to know how your friend and his partner meet other couples, how they got into the lifestyle, what their rules are, etc., you can ask those questions. But don’t ask your friend to rattle off the names of other people you know who are in the lifestyle, SIS, as that would require him to violate their privacy. (And if you do ask and he answers, you shouldn’t expect him to respect your privacy either.)
I’m a bisexual woman in a hetero marriage. We’ve been together for 15 years, we have two amazing kids, and we’re very happy/committed to our relationship. As so often happens when kids enter the picture, our love life has hit a long-term dry spell. So, my question is twofold:
1. How do I spice things back up without creating more of a problem by adding pressure?
2. I’ve been thinking of asking if he’d like to explore group sex or sex with another hetero couple. How on earth do I begin this conversation? Neither of us want to open the relationship. For some reason bringing in just one woman for a threesome feels like it could lead to tricky territory (what if this other woman wants more?) but being with another couple that is also committed to each other could be a fun/safe way to explore. It would also allow me to reconnect with my queerness. I don’t think my husband has any queer leanings. Are straight guys also into group sex?—Distressed About Mounting Pressure
1. Sometimes a little push—some gentle pressure—is exactly what’s needed to get things moving again. But frame your push as an invitation, not as a complaint: “I would like to go on some new sexual adventures together.” If your partner agrees but responds to every suggested adventure with complaints about feeling pressured, DAMP, that could be a sign they may not be interested in getting the spark back and/or they’re feeling overwhelmed by work/kids/wildfires/midterms, etc. You may have to be both persistent and patient.
2. The question isn’t whether there are any straight guys out there into group sex—plenty of straight guys are—the question is whether your straight guy is into group sex, DAMP, which is a question only your straight guy can answer.
As for your concern that a single woman might catch feelings for you and/or your husband: getting with another couple doesn’t automatically protect you from feeling feelings. One or both halves of a couple can catch feelings and foursomes have blown up just as spectacularly as threesomes. If you wanna explore playing with another couple, you should do it because the idea appeals to both of you, not because it seems like the lower-risk option. If you would prefer a threesome with another woman, suggest that instead.
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Legals
Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on www.storagetreasures.com. ending on August 14th, 2026 at 10:00 am for units located at Compass Self Storage 1685 Hwy 17 N Eagle Lake Florida 33839 . Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at time of sale. All Goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment. The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances, unless otherwise noted. Unit 2036 Monica Mincy Unit 3019 Zackary Jarvis Unit 3033 Janice Jennings Unit 3120 Natasha Lopez Unit C200 Danny Pike Unit C201 Wayne Benjamin. Run dates 7/30/2026 and 8/6/2026.
Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner,
at public sale by competitive bidding on www.storagetreasures.com ending on August 14th, 2026, at 10:00am for units located at: Compass Self Storage 3000 Mulford Rd. Mulberry Fl, 33860 Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase.
Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sales are subject to adjournment. The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances, unless otherwise noted. 5013 Ð TAYLOR, THOMAS 5005 Ð TAYLOR THOMAS 5012 Ð TAYLOR THOMAS. Run dates 7/30/2026 and 8/6/2026.
Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on www.storagetreasures.com ending on August 14th, 2026 at 10:00 am for units located at: Compass Self Storage 2291 S. Frontage Rd, Plant City, Florida 33563 Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase.
Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment. The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances, unless otherwise noted. Unit 210 Kelly Preston Unit 2269 Shahidah Phillips Unit 2064 Harry Fleming Unit 2162 Anne Noyola. Run dates 7/30/2026 and 8/6/2026.
