CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Kyla Fields, J.C. Roddy, Valerie Smith
PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker
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THE COVER: Photo by Dave Decker. Design by David Loyola.
Be my neighbor
Photos by Dave Decker
As Miami-Dade police officers moved to arrest them last Saturday afternoon, protestors from the Sunshine Movement sang a simple song: “I am not afraid. I am not afraid. I will fight for liberation because I know why I was made.” Blocking the entrance to the Krome detention center on the southeastern edge of the Florida Everglades—which is being used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a processing facility—protesters were brought to their feet and detained by officers. Read more on p. 21 and see all the photos via cltampa. com/news.—Ray Roa
Naughty or Nice, we’ll close it twice Naughty or Nice, we’ll close it twice
Scan to connect Scan to connect
WHERE TAMPA COMES TO
Tampa Bay's best things to do from December 04 - 10
Santas galore will march and ride through Tampa before a Christmas tree lighting at Curtis Hixon Park, officially starting the holiday season in downtown. The celebration also includes crafts, reindeer games, food and free photos with Santa. Mayor Jane Castor leads the countdown to light all seven trees before a screening of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (2024). Bring blankets, low-back chairs and well-behaved dogs on leashes. The parade starts at 1 p.m., beginning at Morgan and Madison Streets. It travels west on Madison to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends at Ashley and Cass Street. Best viewing is along Madison, per the city. The tree lighting happens at 6 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Park. For more ways to get holly and jolly, check out our holiday lights guide on page 43.
Tampa’s Santa Fest & Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec. 6. No cover. tampa.gov—Selene San Felice
Get bunga-low
If you’re watching Architectural Digest videos for more than just celebrity gossip, you’ve now got weekend plans. Walk through some of the most envied houses in Tampa Bay at the Old Hyde Park Home Tour this weekend. Century-old homes become mini-art museums in the mid-morning stroll with snacks, sips and music hosted by the Hyde Park Preservation Inc. (HPPI). “After last year’s record-breaking attendance, tickets will be sold online in advance with a VERY limited number of tickets available at the door,” per HPPI, which says it uses ticket funds for beautification efforts. Check-in and ticket pickup start at 9:45 a.m.
Old Hyde Park Home Tour: Saturday, Dec. 6. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30-$40. 727 S Edison Ave., Tampa. oldhydeparkfl.membershiptoolkit.com—Selene San Felice
Ain’t no challah back girl
Jewish Tampa Events hosts this Hanukkah dinner party and book discussion of “Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah” by Jean Meltzer. The book’s protagonist, Evelyn, is prepared to work through Hanukkah, producing a live-action televised musical of “A Christmas Carol.” But when an accident happens on set and her ex-husband has to become her doctor, the ghosts of her past lead her back to him. Meltzer will sign books after the discussion.
Jewish Book Festival—‘Eight Heartbreaks of Hannukah’: Sunday, Dec. 7. 5:30 p.m. $36. Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N Howard Ave., Tampa. JewishTampa.com—Selene San Felice
I know him!!!!
Happy holi-gays
This holiday benefit for Winter Pride St. Pete comes with a twist. Some of St. Pete’s finest public figures and professionals will be dragged to the stage for an amateur holiday drag competition. The lineup includes Pastor Andy Oliver, attorney Lee Pearlman, Baycare addiction psychiatrist Jason Fields, SarasotaOUT.com founder and editor Josh Beadle and Cocktail bartender Jennifer Rogers. The audience will decide if they’re busted or beautiful (but it’s the holidays, so they’ll probably be nice).
Yule Be Gagged: Sunday, Dec. 7. 1 p.m. No cover (21-andup). The Wet Spot, 2355 Central Ave., St Petersburg. cocktailstpete.com—Selene San Felice
Horny for the holidays
If your kid is a piece of shit, or just loves freaky monsters, it’s time to introduce them to Krampus. The horned, hairy German holiday icon works alongside Santa, who visits children the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 5. While St. Nicholas rewards good children with presents, Krampus scares and punishes bad children. At its second annual Krampusnacht celebration, the German American Society of Pinellas County’s Krampus Verein (“club”) will tell Krampus’ tale and dole out punishments to locals in its Krampuslauf procession. The club premiered its celebration last year at the Society’s Pinellas Park headquarters. This year, it promises upgrades to its sound system and event layout, along with a Bierhall. Krampus cosplayers are ready to scare the holiday cheer into you while DJ NightRaven keeps the vibe freaky with German metal, dark wave, post-punk and industrial music. Island Witches Dance Troupe will do fire performances, and there will be a Feuerzangenbowle demo (rum-soaked sugarloaf + fire + mulled wine) along with other traditional German fare. Ridesharing or carpooling is recommended for the limited parking situation, unless you want to start the punishment early.
Krampusnacht: Friday, Dec. 5. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $17.85. German American Society of Pinellas Park, 8098 66th St. N, Pinellas Park. krampusnachtpinellas.eventbrite.com
—Ray Roa & Chelsea Zukowski
Smoke break
The self-proclaimed world’s largest cigar festival is back. For more than three decades, stogie smokers have been gathering in the city built on rolling cigars. The no-cover event brings hand-made cigar makers and sellers from around the world to Ybor’s Centennial Park, where there will be cigar rolling demonstrations, drinks, food trucks, and local artisans. This year also features a garden lounge by Fort Mose Whiskey.
Ybor City Cigar Festival: Sunday, Dec. 7. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. No cover. Centennial Park, 1800 E 8th Ave., Ybor City. yborcigarfestival.com—Selene San Felice
FASTPITCH PHOTOGRAPHY
Live Irish Music
Thursday & Friday Nights
PRIVATE EVENT SPACE
Book your Holiday Parties
• WHISKEY TASTINGS BY APPOINTMENT
• FREE PARKING
• TROLLEY TO THE LIGHTNING GAMES (OR HANG AROUND FOR OUR WATCH PARTIES)
LIVE COMEDY SHOWS THIS WEEK
THU. 12/4/25 • WEEKLY IMPROV DROP-IN CLASS 7PM
Looking to give improv a try in a fun, supportive environment and pay just $15 for it? This class is for you! No prior experience required!
LONGFORM IMPROV SHOWCASE 8:30PM
Two of The Commodore's best improv teams split the bill in this weekly show! Come for the Drop-In at 7:00, and stay for this show for FREE!
FRI. 12/5/25 • WILDLY SUGGESTIVE IMPROV 7:30PM
It's Chicago-style improv right here in Tampa in this fast-paced, interactive, and fun new monthly show.
SAT. 12/6/25 • STAND-UP COMEDY SHOWCASE 8PM
Some of the region's best and brightest stand-up comedians appear in this one-night-only showcase.
She’s running
Ruth’s List Florida trains the next wave of women candidates.
By Valerie Smith
Florida women have watched their abortion rights erode at the hands of men in government. Ruth’s List Florida wants to put those women in office.
The organization held one of its first inperson candidate trainings since before 2020 in Tampa last month. Ruth’s List alumnae, political consultants and candidates spent the day flipping through PowerPoint presentations and swapping business cards as they geared up for the 2026 election cycle.
The organization’s CEO, Christina Diamond, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that Ruth’s List-endorsed candidate Naya Young’s recent election to Tampa City Council is a sign of a change in U.S. politics. People like Young and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Diamond said, represent a changing out of the “old guard” and the introduction of a lot of young faces to politics.
Financial Officer Alex Sink. Sink’s goal was to get more women elected to office at every level of Florida government. Since then, the organization has helped over 300 women win their races.
Florida House Rep. Lindsay Cross, who represents parts of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park, is a former Ruth’s List trainee.
LOCAL NEWS
“Ruth’s List was there, if not on day one then on day two,” Cross told CL at the November training event. Cross said the organization took care of a lot of overhead when she initially decided to run in the 2022 election. They helped Cross connect with consultants and fundraisers.
Cross noted that while Ruth’s List helped her refine her message, they didn’t try to control it. They also supported Cross in her reelection campaign. She said that Ruth’s List offered more support than any other organization in both of her campaigns.
office as often as they should. Anyone can reach out to Ruth’s List to be considered as a candidate, but the group will also reach out to candidates who fit the profile they’re seeking using on-the-ground connections.
The organization prioritizes training firsttime candidates, Diamond said.
“Running for office is daunting and expensive,” she told CL. Women often don’t run for office because they have careers and families, and when they do, they’re often pressed for time and money.
Diamond said that a “government of the people” is only possible if ordinary people are able to run for office.
Ruth’s List seeks to enable campaigns for ordinary people. November’s “Campaign Bootcamp” had talks on grassroots campaigns, an alumnae panel discussion with Hillsborough Public Defender Lisa McLean, and a workshop on maximizing paid media budgets. The room had a few dozen candidates and also saw many political consultants who came to schmooze with the newcomers.
the legislature, Diamond said she thinks this work is important and it comes with a lot of fulfilling individual connections.
“If there weren’t organizations like us organizing for women elected officials, we wouldn’t be seeing women in office at this rate,” Diamond told CL. Ruth’s List boasted a 62% win rate in the 2024 election cycle, which Diamond said shows that women can win. Diamond said that Florida House Rep. Anna Eskamani started out as a Ruth’s List intern.
Ruth’s List doesn’t have age-specific criteria, but the people CL saw at the candidate training appeared to be a younger crowd than you might expect of local political candidates.
“Ruth’s List was there, if not on day one, then on day two”
Ruth’s List is funded primarily by donations under $1,000. Diamond said that grassroots support is key to the success of the organization and of their campaigns, especially in local races like Young’s election to Tampa City Council, where she received more small donations than her opponent.
Ruth’s List Florida—named after the first woman elected to the Florida House, Ruth Bryan Owen—was started in 2008 by then-Florida Chief
Diamond told CL that Florida politics are not easy. Putting up great candidates is important, Diamond said, but women don’t run for
“I actually love electoral politics,” Diamond said in response to a question about the widespread exhaustion many Americans feel over elections. While the work is exhausting and can feel futile in a state where Republicans control
Cross and Diamond both stress the importance of more women running for office and encourage people outside of typical political backgrounds to get involved. To learn more about Ruth’s List, prospective candidates and supporters should visit ruthslistfl.org.
ALL EARS: Florida Rep. Lindsay Cross RAY ROA
Sunshine in
Tampa journalist among 31 arrested at Miami protest.
By Ray Roa
As Miami-Dade police officers moved to arrest them last Saturday afternoon, protestors from the Sunshine Movement sang a simple song: “I am not afraid. I am not afraid. I will fight for liberation because I know why I was made.”
Blocking the entrance to the Krome detention center on the southeastern edge of the Florida Everglades—which is being used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a processing facility—protesters were brought to their feet and detained by officers.
Tampa photojournalist Dave Decker captured one protester telling cameras they were being “arrested for fighting for immigrants and families that deserve to be safe.”
“No one deserves to not come home from a day of work, from a day of school, from a day of just living their lives,” another protestor added after handing flowers over to the officer arresting him. “This is not the America we deserve. We deserve freedom, safety, and communities that are protected.”
The arrests come as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown separates families and drives up the number of people in ICE facilities like Krome, where there’s been alleged overcrowding.
In all, 31 people were arrested last Saturday, including Decker, who didn’t leave Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center until just after midnight last Monday morning after being charged with trespassing on property after warning and resisting an officer without violence.
One Miami-Dade police officer is seen in videos telling protesters that they are being charged with obstruction of justice.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office told WTVJ that protesters blocking the Krome entrance gate refused several requests to move. One
person remained in jail as of Monday afternoon, the station added. In a statement, the sheriff said, “While we fully support the right to peaceful expression, we must also maintain safety and ensure access to critical facilities.”
Decker’s video from the moment of his arrest shows him standing behind a concrete barrier on the grassy side of a barrier to the side of the entrance. He can be heard in the video explaining to law enforcement that he is not with the activist group.
Decker, who was on assignment for three outlets when he was arrested, told CL that he was detained despite presenting officers his National Press Photographers Association credential and Part 107 drone pilot license.
“I said, ‘Hey officer, I’m a member of the press.’ They said, ‘’You were warned, you’re getting arrested,” Decker added. “He said, ‘I don’t care about any of this. And he said, ‘You’re going to get arrested too.’ So he arrested me, and then he isolated me on another side of the road.”
Yesterday afternoon, Decker told WMNF News that he felt targeted by law enforcement. I was there documenting. I was not impeding any of their work,” he added.
Decker was able to convince officers to stow his camera gear in his car, which was impounded. He returned home to Tampa late Monday night and is assessing his legal situation. This reporter has started a GoFundMe to help Decker’s family with costs associated with the fallout from the arrest.
ALWAYS SUNNY: Protestors outside the Krome detention center in Miami, Florida on Nov. 22.
DAVE DECKER
Down Lao
A Pinellas Park staple’s triumphant return.
By Kyla Fields
Last summer, Food & Wine magazine named St. Petersburg “One of America’s Next Best Food Cities,” but editors maybe should’ve extended the search a few miles north to Pinellas Park. Within the county’s fourth-largest city are dozens of small, family-owned and operated restaurants that deliver striking and sometimes unfamiliar flavors from all corners of the globe.
“delicious” in the Lao language—and Phaengvisay and company deliver exactly that.
Lao cuisine is famously aromatic and deliciously pungent, often characterized by the use of fresh herbs, chilies, seafood pastes and fermented fish sauces.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Sap Sap Street Eats 6975 66th St. N, Pinellas Park. 727-545-8580
Sap Sap Street Eats, run by Chef Johnathon Phaengvisay and several of his family members, is just one of many Southeast Asian restaurants that call the city of less than 60,000 people home. “Sap” means
The newly-opened (or re-opened) Sap Sap Street Eats shares a carryout restaurant space with Sumo Hibachi Express at 6975 66th St. N, but packs a flavorful punch out of its communal kitchen. Its first few months of service have been to-go only, but its ownership hopes to change
that soon with the forthcoming addition of a shared dining room.
When carrying a meal out of the small Laotian restaurant, even the sheer weight of the plastic and styrofoam containers feels impressive and indicative of a great dining experience. The package fills your car with an intoxicating, intensely-fragrant smell that can make a driver quickly speed back home.
Sap Sap’s menu combines traditional Lao eats with popular Thai dishes like panang curry, basil stir fry, and pad see ew—a common blend of cuisines considering the two countries border each other. Fast casual favorites like fried eggrolls, crab rangoons, battered chicken wings and loaded fries also have their place on the approachable menu.
stalwarts of Lao cuisine are sai gok (aka Lao sausages) laab, a chopped meat salad with fresh herbs and a spicy papaya salad. This trio is a great place to start when ordering at Sap Sap, especially for diners stepping into the restaurant a bit unfamiliar with Southeast Asian cuisine. Sai gok ($8.99)—which goes well with a side of sticky rice ($2.50) and spicy dipping sauce jeow som ($2.50)—is tender pork sausage with a thin, crispy dark brown skin.
“Pinellas Park is lucky to have the Phaengvisay family back in business.”
The plain sticky rice balances the aromatic sausage spiced with sizable chunks of lime leaves, garlic, ginger and lemongrass—while the spice and acidity from the dipping sauce cuts through the fattiness of the pork.
Vietnamese food—found throughout the Northern Pinellas city much easier than its Laotian counterpart—is often represented by popular dishes like pho and banh mi. A few
Smaller-format dishes to add to an introductory spread at Sap Sap include its housemade beef jerky ($8.99), sauteed green beans ($8.99), spicy tofu bites ($7.50) and sticky, fried pork ribs ($9.99)—but save room continued on page 34
THAT’S WAS SAP SAP: Nam khao is salty, fresh, texturally interesting and simply fun to eat.
for larger dishes including soups, curries, stir fries and salads.
Thum mak hoong ($10.95) or Lao papaya salad is typically a bit more pungent and spicier than its Thai counterpart, often incorporating fermented fish sauce and crab paste that packs intense umami notes. Goong sae mam pa ($14.99) is commonly referred to as “Lao shrimp ceviche” and can offer a raw, chilled respite from the intensely-savory flavors of Sap Sap’s curries or stir fries—despite packing a spicy punch from bird’s eye chilies.
And those with a high spice tolerance can always order any of its Lao salads “baw phet baw sap”—which roughly translates into “if it isn’t spicy, it isn’t good.”
Nam khao ($12.99), one of the more popular dishes at Sap Sap, is a must-order item for a good reason. It’s salty, fresh, texturally interesting and simply fun to eat. Chunks of crispy coconut rice are mixed with a pink, tangy fermented pork sausage called som moo, cilantro, scallions, dried chilies and fried shallots—all dressed in a tangy lime and fish sauce dressing. You can’t go wrong with common Thai soups like tom yum and tom kai gai, but opt for khao piek sen with a side of crispy pork
belly ($13.99) for its homemade, pillowy tapioca noodles alone. Thicky, slippery tapioca noodles sit in a simple chicken broth and are garnished with cilantro, green onions, fried garlic and fried onions—a warm, simple soup that can help balance all of the intense flavors happening elsewhere in the meal.
But when the noodles sit in the chicken broth for a bit too long, they can start to become gummy and overly-soft. So keep that in mind when placing a to-go order at Sap Sap.
Folks may recognize Sap Sap Street
Eats as its former iteration, Sap Sap Cafe that was located on Park Boulevard
still cooks the same dishes that were featured at the restaurant’s previous iteration, but he told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that he wants his customers to know that this business is starting fresh.
He also wants to add a few of his own dishes onto the menu eventually.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
N before it quietly closed in 2023. For about two years, Pinellas Park lived without the Phaengvisay family’s no-frills, flavor-packed Laotian cuisine, but the family business reopened in the spring of 2025—less than three miles from its flagship restaurant.
When Sap Sap Cafe was still open, Johnathon’s mother Chanh helmed the kitchen as its head chef, but at Sap Sap 2.0, Johnathon runs things with the help of his sister, wife and other family members. For the most part, he
There’s even a handful of dishes that Chef Johnathon ate during his childhood that he regularly re-creates for his customers. He said that as a child, he didn’t even know that the stuffed coconut crepe known as bánh xèo was even a Vietnamese dish, since his mom often cooked it for the family.
The Phaengvisay family version, dubbed the Sap Sap omelet ($13.50), is stuffed with minced chicken and shrimp, bean sprouts and green onions, and has been a menu mainstay since Sap Sap’s original iteration.
While Sap Sap Street Eats only offers to-go service for the time being (unless you’re lucky enough to snag one of the few bar seats), Phaengvisay tells CL that he and his family are working creating a shared dining room next door.
While it’s clear that all of Sap Sap’s dishes are made to order and are delivered piping hot, the restaurant will definitely benefit from its forthcoming dining room. The ability to sit down and enjoy a full spread at the restaurant will give diners a better chance to customize their eating experience and enjoy its comforting fare without having to endure a drive home first.
Despite the restaurant mainly focusing on Lao and Thai cuisine, several different cooking techniques can be found scattered throughout Sap Sap’s menu—from high-heat sauteeing in woks and dehydrating meats to pounding in a mortar and pestle. Its dynamic menu is designed to attract both Laotian families looking for a taste of home and local residents that need to fulfill their fried cravings.
Pinellas Park is lucky to have the Phaengvisay family back in business—its matriarch may not be leading the kitchen anymore, but her traditions and recipes still reign supreme at Sap Sap.
Since Sap Sap Street Eats doesn’t have a website just yet, follow its Facebook at @ SapSapLaoCafe or Instagram at @sapsapstreeteats for more information. Sap Sap is now open from noon-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m. TuesdaySunday.
ON THE DOWN LAO: Chef Johnathon Phaengvisay’s family restaurant is carryout only, but not for long.
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
Yuletide gay
Whoville is gay as fuck.
By Evelyn Long/The Sapphic Sun
It’s easy to feel out of place during the holidays. Christmas, the beacon of pious Christianity and nostalgic Americana that it is, doesn’t read as queer at first glance. Even the uttering of “Christmas” evokes a Norman Rockwell-esque image of the perfect family gathered around the skirt of a Christmas tree. Sweet little Sally is elated to unwrap a baby doll, rowdy little Timmy is overjoyed to receive a toy gun. Of course, a placid mother and father watch fondly as the idyllic scene unfolds. Christmas packs a punch loaded with the triple threat of cisheteronormativity, religion, and family—a punishing blow for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Thankfully, as progress marches on, queer representation has become more and more prevalent in Christmas media. The existence of films like “Happiest Season” and “Single All The Way” changes the face of the holiday itself, exploring themes like contentious family relationships, coming out, and queer romance. Hell, even Hallmark premiered its first gay Christmas romcom in 2020 and has been pumping them out ever since.
Even as queer characters make their mark on the holiday genre, there is one festive flick to rule them all. One that depicts a queer family, the yearning to belong, and the process of recovering your Christmas spirit: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Yes, in my opinion, the 2000 blockbuster hit starring none other than Jim Carrey is the queerest Christmas movie of all time (and not just due to the sheer femme cunt that is Martha May Whovier). Now, children, gather ‘round the fireplace and let me tell you why.
In the Seussian land of Whoville, something strange blows into town on the night of Christmas Eve. The Grinch arrived the way all Who babies arrive—in a bright pumbersella drifting down from the skies. The Grinch landed on the doorstep of his hopeful parents, Clair Nella and Rose Who. That’s right, the Grinch was raised by dykes. Some will try to convince you that Clair Nella and Rose are actually sisters. But according to Clair Nella, the couple were having their annual key party at the time of his arrival. This detail swiftly disproves the theory that the Grinch’s mothers were a pair of spinster sisters. Who the hell is having a sex party with their sister? I rest my case.
Despite the loving upbringing provided by his two moms, the Grinch’s eccentricities, odd appearance, and disdain for Christmas resulted in his own struggle to conform to Who society. Even the support of Rose and Clair Nella was not enough to alleviate the pain of social persecution. Eventually, the Grinch self-ostracizes from Whoville, isolating himself in a dank cave to be consoled by his dog. Similar to queer folks, the Grinch was taught that Christmas is not for people like him.
However, it’s not all “bah humbug.” Like the Grinch, queer people still have an opportunity to reclaim Christmas for themselves and reconnect with holiday cheer in their own way. Unlike the Grinch, we also have access to a community
full of individuals with similar experiences and challenges, ready to accept us as we are and create new traditions together. Personally, I find the idea of rewriting holiday conventions for ourselves an immensely empowering prospect.
Beneath the incandescent swirling arches of Whoville, queer stories are told between the lines. When combined with the sheer camp served to us on a silver platter throughout the entirety of the film, I simply must deem “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” the ultimate LGBTQ+ Christmas movie. So, next time you’re swiping through Netflix during the holiday season, give “Carol” a rest and show some love to Rose and Clair Nella.
Dylan Dames Live at Woodlawn
On Nov. 8, under the dreamy glow of string lights and table lamps, Dylan Dames gave St. Pete a taste of his upcoming EP. This two-hour long backyard performance featured his singles “Lady of Mine”, and “The Feeling Between Us,” as well
as covers of songs by Anderson .Paak and Chaka Khan. Dames’ silky voice was accompanied by singers Astrid McIntyre and Carol Larrinaga. Sharing the deck stage, Josh Rodriguez was on bass, James Brimson on guitar and sound, and Jovanni Salas on drums. Together, the band brought new life to the sounds of blues and funk in front of a small but overwhelmingly appreciative audience. The concert, which was funded through donations and ticket sales, was the first of his St. Pete appearances to entirely star Dames. His EP, yet to be named publicly, will be released early next year.—Franki Diaz/The Sapphic Sun The Sapphic Sun is part of the Tampa Bay Journalism Project (TBJP), a nascent Creative Loafing Tampa Bay effort supported by grants and a coalition of donors who make specific contributions via the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation. If you are a non-paywalled Bay area publication interested in TBJP, please email rroa@ctampa.com. Support Sapphic Sun by subscribing to its monthly print edition.
SAPPHIC NIGHT: The Grinch’s lesbian moms.
Get lit: Tampa Bay’s best holiday lights
Just because it won’t snow (hopefully) this holiday season doesn’t mean Tampa Bay won’t get festive. There will be millions of twinkly lights, but all displays are equal. Here are a few of the better spots to get into the holiday spirit this season.—Riley Benson & Selene San Felice
Celebration of Lights at The Concourse
This event is only occurring on select dates throughout November and December, so be sure to check the website for details. Featuring a walk-through Christmas light display and a chance to meet Santa in the North Pole. A $3 train ride runs from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Through Dec. 27. 11919 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills celebrationoflightsfl.com
Chick-fil-A light display An iconic Tampa tradition, the Chick-fil-A on Waters Avenue has displayed millions of Christmas lights every year for over two decades. It honestly doesn’t feel like Christmas until you experience the drive-thru and grab a lil’ spicy chicken sandwich on the way out. Through Jan. 5 6299 W Waters Ave., Tampa. @CFAWaters on Facebook
Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa ZooTampa is once again hosting “Christmas in the Wild” on select dates, so be sure to check the website to see the calendar. Daily admission ($38.95 & up) includes holiday light shows, animal sculptures throughout the parks and three brand new exhibits, “The Realm of the Nutcracker,” “Mrs. Claus Storytime” and “The Forest of Fantasy.” Select nights through Dec. 30. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. zootampa.org
Christmas Lane at Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds This massive winter wonderland includes a “Great Light Maze,” live entertainment and rides. Get your picture taken with Santa by a professional photographer ($15 & up), grab some fair food and enjoy some local music. Tickets are $12 for adults 13 and older, $10 for kids 4-12 and free for children three and younger. Through Dec. 4 (select nights) from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. 2508 W Oak Ave., Plant City. christmaslane.com
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Busch Gardens will be fully-dazzled with millions of lights, tons of Christmas-themed events, seasonal treats and booze, holiday shows, character encounters and more, says the park. Classic favorites are returning, like Santa’s North Pole Experience, Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, the Holly Jolly Express, Elmo’s Christmas Wish show, Christmas on Ice, and a nightly Holiday in the Sky fireworks experience. This year, the park is adding a few new additions, including a gingerbread cookie decorating station, new Christmas Town craft cocktails, and nightly rides along the Skyride, which will be decked out with twinkly lights. Christmas Town festivities are free with park admission. Through Jan. 5. 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com
Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village at Hillsborough County Fairgrounds This annual family favorite event features a nearly
two-mile long continuous drive through holiday lights, followed by Santa’s village at the end, including rides, an inflatable snow tube, festive lights and holiday treats, as well as live music on select nights and a new “Santa’s Winter Woodland” attraction. Prices start at $25 per car for just the drive-thru, and $30 per car when the village is open, with season passes available for purchase. Nov. 27-Dec. 28. 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover. hillsboroughcountyfair.com
Friends of the Riverwalk: Holiday Spectacular Watch holiday lights and displays float through the Hillsborough River with synchronized music, at the Riverwalk. Some floats and attractions include a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, a 22-foot pirate ship, trees throughout Water Works Park lit up and a holiday selfie station. Through Jan. 2. Tampa Riverwalk. thetampariverwalk.com
Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides in Largo Central Park From 5 p.m.-10 p.m. every night this season, walk through over two million LED holiday lights, and enjoy activities like a Ferris wheel and carousel, a campfire and food. Park admission is free, with rides costing $6 each. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the park. Through Jan. 4. 101 Central Park Dr., Largo. playlargo.com
Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens The botanical gardens will be illuminated with over 1 million LED lights, lasers and lighted figures to walk through and explore every night from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. A donation of $10 per person is suggested. Through Jan. 3. 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. flbgfoundation.org
Holidays at Legoland Legoland is celebrating the holiday season and all attendees can join the fun with dance parties, writing letters to the North Pole, competing in Santa’s toy-building competition and checking out the park’s Christmas tree, made of over 300,000 LEGOs. Dec. 6, 13, 20, and Dec. 24-31. 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com
The Lights of Lake Park Estates Neighbors along this 3.2-mile route have been decorating their homes to raise money for Suncoast Hospice (and to outdo each other) every year since 1993. There’s no cost to see it, but donations are collected. Through Dec. 31. 100th Ave. N, Largo. lightsoflakepark.com
North Pole Express at the Florida Railroad Museum Tom Hanks won’t be the conductor, but families can still have a magical night on the railroad. This 35-minute train ride goes from Parrish to The North Pole, where for about 90 minutes, kids can experience “snow” with a foam sprayer, get photos with Santa, see model trains galore, make s’mores and get tuckered out in the bounce house—which they’ll need to do to burn off the sugar from unlimited cookies and hot cocoa. And, of course, there’s tons of lights. Tickets start at $41.25 and vary by
class, date and time. Many are already sold out, so reserve them online ASAP if you plan to go. Select nights through Dec. 22. 12210 83rd St. E Parrish. frrm.org
Oakdale Christmas Light Display
Oakdale is still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Milton, as is Redington Beach, which canceled its yearly display. This free event previously featured a halfacre Christmas light display, 70-foot-tall Christmas tree, railroad, carnival rides and animated displays. The event has been confirmed for this year, but no official dates have been announced. At the time of this writing, the event website says the neighborhood is preparing “to showcase our much smaller, yet just as beautiful Christmas display.” 2719 Oakdale St. S, St. Petersburg. christmasdisplay.org
Pirate Water Taxi River of Lights The Pirate Taxi will be cruising around, providing views of holiday decorations along the water in downtown Tampa. For this year’s 45-minute cruise, guests can expect plenty of holiday displays, storytelling, an elf host, beer and wine for purchase, and a snow flurry finale. Tickets start at $25 for kids and $35 for adults, and children will receive a holiday gift during the ride. Through Jan. 4. 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. piratewatertaxi.com
Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs hosts a Christmas celebration with an illuminated boat parade at 8 p.m., a tree lighting
at 6 p.m. and festivities for the whole family, like falling snow, a snow slide, an outdoor movie and more. Friday, Dec. 12. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Downtown Tarpon Springs. ctsfl.us
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass A no-cover choreographed light show with holiday music and “snow” flurries in the center court of the mall. Shows happen on the hour from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. nightly. Through Dec. 31. 28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel. theshopsatwiregrass.com
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park Featuring an overhead 360-degree Light Show, ice skating, curling and a massive pop-up market, Winter Village has just about everything. Entry to the area is free, but ice skating for 90 minutes will cost $17 per ice skater for all ages. The Winter Village Express, a TECO Line Streetcar taking riders from Winter Village to Ybor City and back, will feature singalongs, holiday trivia and milk and cookies, costing $10 for persons one year and older. Through Jan. 4. 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. wintervillagetampa.com
The Wonderland of Lights & America’s Christmas Village This drive-thru event features thousands of holiday lights, as well as food, family activities, and an opportunity to see Santa. Tickets cost $25, and there’s also an “Enchanted Elf” 3D glasses option for $5 more (not including fees). Through Dec. 28. 1052 US-Hwy 92, Auburndale. thewonderlandoflights.com
Sunday, December 7, 2025 • 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How We Roll to Ybor City Cigar Festival
@ Centennial Park
1800 East 8th Avenue
Tickets - $53.75 bit.ly/HowWeRollYbor
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Coffee & Referrals @ Ybor City Coffee & Tea
1907 North 19th Street
Tickets - $12.51 – $20 bit.ly/CoffeeReferralsYbor
Friday, December 12, 2025 • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Feliz Novedades: A Holiday Night Market
@ Hotel Haya
1412 East 7th Avenue
Free to the public bit.ly/FelizNovedades
Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Tampa SantaCon 2025 @ Centro Cantina
1600 East 8th Ave
Tickets start at $18.89
bit.ly/SantaConTampa
Sunday, December 14, 2025 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
7th Annual Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor Holiday Festival
@ Centennial Park
1800 East 8th Avenue
Free to the public
bit.ly/JingleBellYbor
Sunday, December 14, 2025 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Piquiniqui @ Centro Asturiano de Tampa
1913 North Nebraska Avenue
Tickets start at $28.52 bit.ly/PiquiniquiYbor
Thursday, December 18, 2025 • 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Elevated Effervescence: A Billecart-Salmon
Champagne Dinner @ Chateau Cellars Ybor
2009 North 22nd Street
Tickets - $174.04 bit.ly/BillecartYbor
Saturday, December 20, 2025 • 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Baddies Stealing XMAS… holiday PAJAMA JAM
@ Centro Lounge & Kitchen
1600 East 8th Avenue
Tickets start at $24.92 bit.ly/PajamaJamYbor
Sunday, December 21, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Chicken Yoga with Yoga Loft Tampa and Ybor Misfits
@ Hotel Haya 1412 East 7th Avenue
Tickets start at $15.74 bit.ly/ChickenYogaYbor
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
New Year’s Eve Celebration @ Ybor City Society Wine Bar 1600 East 7th Avenue
Tickets - $60.54
bit.ly/nyeYborWineBar
Where to Live:
Casa Ybor • casaybor.com
Casa Ybor offers unique retail spaces, office spaces, and apartment homes for rent or lease in both newly constructed and lovingly restored historic buildings throughout the vibrant National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City near Downtown Tampa, Florida.
La Union • bit.ly/LaUnionYbor
Community, connection, and culture come together at La Unión Apartments, where Tampa’s rich history and vibrant future unite. Inspired by the historic social hall once on this site, our Ybor City apartments honor that legacy by fostering bonds among residents, the neighborhood, and the area’s deep-rooted heritage.
Miles at Ybor • milesatybor.com
Step into the pulse of Tampa’s most vibrant neighborhood at Miles at Ybor, where modern luxury apartments in Tampa blend seamlessly with the rich cultural tapestry of historic Ybor City. These aren’t just furnished apartments in Ybor City – they’re your gateway to an elevated urban lifestyle that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
Jamey Johnson
Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland
REVIEWS PROFILES MUSIC WEEK
In control
Andy Frasco talks growing pains and more.
By J.C. Roddy/Cigar City Sounds
Long time festival favorite Andy Frasco first hit the road at 19 years old with all gas and no brakes. It wasn’t until the past year or so that the frizzy haired frontman took a muchneeded step back to reevaluate his priorities. With a clearer focus on the road ahead, the now 37-year-old has managed to kick it into second gear, shifting between musical styles without sacrificing his own. Before Andy Frasco & The U.N. return to Jannus Live in December, the L.A.-born songwriter took some time to discuss his new album, Growing Pains, and his recent mindset shift from party trick to poet. Read an abridged Q&A below and see the full chat via cltampa.com/music.
through with the turn from “Life is Easy” to “Tears in My Cocaine”. What was the difference in the songwriting process on this latest album, especially with those more personal, emotional songs?
INTERVIEW
Andy Frasco & the U.N. w/The Ries Brothers Saturday, Dec. 6. 7 p.m. $39.56 & up Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg jannuslive.com
You’ve been touring nonstop for years, with only a couple of two-or-three-week breaks each year. When you have nearly a month off like this, what becomes your priority? How do you spend your downtime?
Water. Sleep. I don’t know, my brain’s kind of weird where I learned how to take care of my time through being on the road. Learning how to figure out small times of the day to like, calm my brain down, my heart down. It’s like, if I’m living for those one-month-offs, I’m gonna eventually die. So, I’ve been learning how to take care of myself while on the road. I think that’s the most important thing people forget. You go so hard, and if you want to sustain that 15 years later, doing 200 plus shows a year, you just gotta find pockets inside the tour so that you don’t go crazy because, you know, it’s a hard thing coming down.
I think I stopped trying to write songs for other people to live through depression and started writing songs for how I am approaching depression. Like, anyone gives advice to anyone, but do they actually take the advice they’re giving, you know? Because it starts with you. I think for the first time in my life I’m actually taking the advice I’m giving. I think this is the first year I’m starting to be hands-on with how I’m dealing with depression versus just being that beacon of light for people. I want to be that beacon of light for myself.
Did you set out to have a more country sound with Growing Pains or did that just come out as you began writing?
I’ve been writing songs with all these country guys lately, and I’ve been working in Nashville. I had an epiphany where, like, I didn’t really go to school for music as a songwriter. I just kind of jumped on the road when I was 19. So, five years ago I just pushed myself—I wanted to learn the art of songwriting, you know?
“I think for the first time in my life I’m actually taking the advice I’m giving.”
A lot of your songs have this kind of central message of positivity and freedom from opinions and expectations. But the songwriting on this album also seems to take the exploration of anxiety and depression a bit deeper. I think the best example is about halfway
Like, 20-minute solos never really fascinated me. I really wanted to get down to the nitty gritty of how to write a great song. I felt like I’ve been writing with all these songwriters and, because it’s Nashville, it’s gonna have a little of that Nashville twang to it. But I just respect the craft, and I’m starting to respect country music a lot more than I ever did, because I grew up in L.A.
And you know, Jews in country music aren’t really wanted. I think about 1942 and stuff. So, I’m starting to learn. I feel like I’m getting better at it. And I just love Americana, and I always grew up listening to Bob Dylan. I never
listened to, like, Phish or anything. So, now I’m understanding this country-Americana thing. I dabble my toes in it, but I’m still true to myself. I’ll always be that.
Was any part of you motivated by wanting to show another side to the “showman” or the “party guy”?
Yeah, I’m 37. I’ve done enough nitrous to kill a horse. And cocaine. I don’t know, I think everyone just kind of grows out of it. Everyone always thinks about the person they were in the past, no one thinks about the person they’ve grown into. And everyone eventually gets older
and matures, so this is the new almost-40 Andy. I’ll still have a good time, but I’m not gonna be fuckin’ ripping, you know? I’m just not into that anymore, it’s not my shit.
This post first appeared at Cigar City Sounds, which is part of the Tampa Bay Journalism Project (TBJP), a nascent Creative Loafing Tampa Bay effort supported by grants and a coalition of donors who make specific contributions via the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation. If you are a non-paywalled Bay area publication interested in TBJP, please email rroa@ctampa. com. Support Cigar City Sounds by following @ cigarcitysounds on Instagram.
KOSHER COWBOY: Frasco is a self-described Jewish guy from L.A. writing country songs.
THU DECEMBER 04–THU DECEMBER 11
THU 04
C Denison Witmer w/Alexander & Philip Charos Record shop concerts may seem scarce, but store owners that hold them never say die. Microgroove’s Keith Ulrey—who also drums for legendary local emo band Pohgoh—is notorious for hosting release parties and punk shows in his 14-year-old store, and next up on his stage is Pennsylvania-bred troubadour Witmer, in the midst of a southeast solo tour. The 49-yearold’s longtime friend and collaborator Sufjan Stevens has had a rough few years, with the death of his partner and his diagnosis with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that forced him to relearn how to walk. But before shit hit the fan, Stevens produced Witmer’s new album Anything At All The soothing record, which comes 30 years after his first-ever cassette reflects on the beauty of the simple, oftentimes taken-forgranted things in life, and the ideology that “a life lived with thoughtfulness and care can lead to deeper joy and fulfillment.” This show won’t be Witmer’s first dance with Tampa, either. In 2015, he played New World Brewery’s old Ybor City location for a 10th anniversary reissue of his album Are You A Dreamer?, which saw St. Pete-based indie outfit The Grapes play as his backup band. Two of those Grapes—Alexander & Philip Charos—open this show. (Microgroove, Tampa)—Josh Bradley
C Rock The Park: Ashley Smith & The Random Occurrence w/Ari Chi/Autumn Drive It’s quite literally the most wonderful time to be at The Curt as the sun goes down. Dressed up in its Winter Village digs, downtown Tampa’s marquee greenspace hosts its monthly free concert this week, with powerhouse vocalist Ashley Smith in the headlining slot. Ari Chi, a uke-wielding pop songwriter who finally recorded her banger of a live staple (“Zip It Up”), is at the heart of the bill, with visiting indie-rock band Autumn Band opening. (Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa)
FRI 05
C Have Gun, Will Travel (EP release) w/Navin Ave./Roc Helton Revered Bay area Americana scene staple Have Gun, Will Travel is going the distance—or at least into it—with the release of a new EP. After some journeys into a more rock sound, Voyager Golden ’s lead single finds the band returning to a more rootsy aesthetic complete with stripped-back, harmonized vocals that help launch a concept record about interstellar space exploration and NASA’s late-’70s satellites. (Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg)
SAT 06
C 3rd Annual Farm Aid Tampa Bay Music Fest: Vagabond Tweed w/ Kristopher James/Katara/Laura Lonero & the Night Owls/more
Pull up a blanket or lawn chairs and head to Town ‘n’ Country for a day-long festival featuring sets from nearly a dozen bands including soulful songwriter and vocalist Kristopher James, ace drum and harp-based outfit Katara, and more. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, and for the first time ever, Sweetwater has added a campon-the-farm option that will let a family stay the night after the festival wraps. It's always good to check in with where your food comes from. (Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, Tampa)
C Austin & The Powers w/McMillin/ Area Of Refuge Up-and-coming “vibe rock” threesome Austin and the Powers have announced a few sporadic smallcapacity concerts. It’s been two years since the release of a debut album Big Brain, Empty Thoughts , and the Williamsport, Pennsylvania trio announced its intent to scrape up enough funds to move to Nashville. Since the move earlier this year, the boys (who have achieved over three million streams on Spotify) have put out an upbeat, surfy new-wave cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” and “Car Wash,” which sees frontman Austin Eisner emphasize how his current situation isn’t perfect, but could be a hell of a lot worse. And before you ask, yes, Panic! At The Disco is a major influence on the band’s sound, along with the likes of The Cure and Wallows. And with a sound like that—blended with elements of surf rock, new wave and pop, the guys are well on the way to taking the indie scene by storm. (The Bricks, Ybor City)—JB
Billy Summer & Joe Harley There was a time when Billy Summer might be on the tail end of a long night come 10 a.m., but here’s a chance to see one of the Bay area’s best engineers and guitar players sit onstage with his Semis and Hotel Life bandmate Joe Harley while grabbing a morning coffee. (Seven C Music, St. Petersburg)
Hagan w/Bill./Leonardo Joseph/Seafolk
Atlanta outfit Hagan is at the Legion in Seminole Heights to play shoegazing slowcore for fans of Sun Kil Moon, Owen and Slowdive. Experimental acts Leonardo Joseph and Seafolk open along with Bill., a long-running Tampa art-pop staple. A $10 donation will be collected at the door. (American Legion Post 111, Tampa)
C Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival: Headin’ Home w/Fast Track/Tennessee Bluegrass Band After getting wiped out by last year’s back-to-back hurricanes, organizers are bringing hardcore twang back to Honeymoon Island. It’s bring your own lawn chair for this six-hour festival featuring fiery coastal Georgia family sextet Headin’ Home along with gospel-wielding Nashville band Fast Track and Osborne Brothers-approved Tennessee Bluegrass Band. (Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin)
C Punk For Paws: Wolf-Face w/ Mosquito Teeth/Bargain Bin Heroes/ more There won’t be a more meta moment in rock and roll this weekend, than the one that finds lupine St. Petersburg punk band Wolf-Face taking the stage to raise money for Tampa Bay area animal nonprofit Friends of Strays. Frontman Michael J. Wolf has a brand new axe to grind (he just went to Redwoods Vintage Guitars to trade a Gibson SG for a Telecaster), and his pack is joined by more than a dozen other bands playing for the cause. (Pinellas Ale Works, St. Petersburg)
Row Jomah’s 8th Annual Holiday Toy Drive: Row Jomah w/Road To Nowhere Joe Roma is one of the most solid guys in the Bay area rock scene, and his long-running toy drive returns to Dunedin. His band, Row Jomah (playing as “Snow Jomah”), has Christmas music to jam on before clearing the stage for the Talking Heads tribute Road to Nowhere. All toy donations benefit the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. (Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin)
The Spill Canvas w/Mae Nostalgia is in full effect for this 20th anniversary tour that finds The Spill Canvas and Mae playing landmark albums front-to-back. The former takes on One Fell Swoop , a record that saw Spill Canvas teaming up with Get Up Kids producer Ed Rose for its first full-length as a complete band. Mae, for its part, plays The Everglow , which established the Virginia outfit as a genre favorite capable of pulling off big picture concept albums. (Orpheum, Tampa)
SUN 07
C Randy’s Rowdy 35th Jamboree Under The Sun: Monae Marleau w/ Pusha Preme/Richie Guapo/Don Mack/ Taylor Moon/Kalib Music/Asaru/DJ Dfaz There aren’t a lot of locals who love homegrown hip-hop more than Randy Ojeda. The Bay area music lawyer and cofounder of Cigar City Podcast also curates a mighty fine Tampa Mixtape, but brings all that enthusiasm to the stage for a 35th birthday party where a toy donation gets you free entry (it’s $5 if you don’t do shopping). The lineup features heavyweights of the Tampa rap scene (masked genre-hopper Pusha Preme, ace East Coast emcee Asaru) along with hand-selected favorites like Don Mack (“I’m Back”), Tampa Beat Weekend alum Monae Marleau and more. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
C Stevie Nicks Four months after postponing this show, classic rock’s ultimate gypsy is finally ready to mystify Tampa. The 76-yearold Fleetwood Mac frontwoman—who has been on the opposite end of some co-headlining shows with *squints* Billy Joel—has spent most of the last few years playing sets that look back on her entire career, with and without the classic rock giants. Between songs, she’ll tell stories about a hand-painted box she received from a Ukrainian friend, and admit that it’s been less than a decade since she cast her first vote. (Benchmark International Arena, Tampa)—JB
THU 11
C Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday Is it really the holiday season if Nate Najar isn’t at the Palladium leading a gang of the Bay area’s best jazz musicians through a yuletide jam session? This Natemas includes vocals from Brazilian songwriter-guitarist Daniela Soledade along with a band that features Simon Lasky on piano, drummer Eddie Metz, Charlie Silva on bass, plus brass from trumpeter Bruce Harries and woodwinds by Adrian Cunningham handling saxophone, clarinet and flute. And while next year is the 20th anniversary of Najar’s end-of-theyear throwdown, this one marks the last jazz holiday in a room that is set to undergo a massive renovation. “At 19 years—which is very surreal to me—this is likely to be the last Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday in the original Hough Hall and we are extremely excited to put a bow on the era with the most swinging holiday show we’ve ever played,” Najar told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “The frontline is composed of some of the greatest jazz soloists playing today and we have a brand new all star rhythm section that will swing us into the most grooving holidays ever. “ (Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)
See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/music.
By Ray Roa
C CL Recommends
Ari Chi
The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music continues to produce some of the Sunshine State’s most exciting young artists, and one of them is headed to Tampa this winter.
Following in the footsteps of trumpeter Jason Charos (a Gibbs High School alum now making headlines as arranger for Samara Joy and for his recent solo debut), Nikki Anderson—better known as Nep—is making waves and brings a 2025 album, Noelle , to Ybor City in February.
A press release says Noelle is the sound of Nep “leaving Florida behind,” but the effort, produced in collaboration with Jake Sonderman (bassist for for Miami jazz-pop band Sunny Side Up) reeks of this peninsula, from a breezy, Len-flavored carefree closing track (“Florida Girl”) to the fuzz-rock on getme-the-fuck-outta-here anthem “Daytona,” and dream-pop on “Biketoberfest.”
It follows a bop-filled 2024 outing, Nep’s Storybook , that bounces around between Grecian Urns-esque Americana (“Lovelace,” “Cottontail”), melancholic jazz-flavored balladry (“Eat It Too,” “Flowergirl”), and experimental noise (“Coffee Gives Me Energy”).
Her 20-date North American tour kicks off in late-February with just two Florida stops, including one in the Tampa Bay area.
Afrojack Wednesday, Dec. 31. 9 p.m. $62. Hard Rock Event Center Pool at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
The 4411 Friday, Jan. 9. 8:30 p.m. $16. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa
Winter Jam 2026: Chris Tomlin w/ Matthew West/more Saturday, Jan. 10. 6 p.m. $15 donation at the door. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Meet Me @ The Altar w/Peace Cult/ Kitty Kitty Meow Meow/NowInColor/ We’re Sweet Girls Friday, Jan. 23. 7:30 p.m. $28.03. Crowbar, Ybor City
Aurorawave Saturday, Jan. 24. 7 p.m. $17.67. Crowbar, Ybor City
Good Terms Thursday, Feb. 12. 7 p.m. $20.22. Crowbar, Ybor City
Wheel Friday, Feb. 13. 7 p.m. $17 & up. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa
Descendents w/Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls/Nobro Tuesday, Feb. 24. 7 p.m. $58. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
St. Paul and the Broken Bones w/The Point Thursday, Feb. 26. 8 p.m. $49.11. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Dead Boys Sunday, March 1. 6:30 p.m. $25. Brass Mug, Tampa
Tickets to see Nep play Crowbar in Ybor City on Wednesday, Feb. 25 are still available and start at $21.82.
See Josh Bradley’s list of more new concerts coming to Tampa Bay—including St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Marren Morris, and more—below.—Ray Roa
Joey Diaz Thursday, March 5. 8 p.m.
$110.55 & up. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong w/Lotus Saturday, March 7. 7 p.m. $44.14 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Ron Pope Tuesday, March 10. 8 p.m. $33 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Lari Basilio Wednesday, March 11. 7:30 p.m. $42.60 & up. Jaeb Theater at Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
Cult Member Saturday, Mar. 14. 7 p.m. $29.67. Crowbar, Ybor City
Moe. Friday, March 27. 8 p.m. $50.14 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Maren Morris w/SlimDan Tuesday, April 21. 8 p.m. $62.25 & up. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Boys Like Girls w/IDKHow Wednesday, April 22. 7 p.m. $105.40 & up. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Journey Friday, May 15. 7:30 p.m. $65.45 & up. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
Ricardo Montaner Tuesday, Sept. 15. 8 p.m. $70.95 & up. Yuengling Center, Tampa
Dear Oracle, I’ve had a tough year. My entire industry was essentially shuttered due to Trump’s policies, and I’ve been out of work since March. I’m not looking forward to the holidays, where I will be surrounded by family and have to answer questions or talk about myself. How can I get through these inevitable conversations?—Silent for a night
Cards: Magician (reversed), Four of Wands, Seven of Swords (reversed), Five of Wands
Dear Silent, First things first: if you are the kind of person who likes to imbibe—either in a celebratory atmosphere or to deal with crushing despair—tread lightly this holiday season. While the Seven of Swords can be about two forking paths (more on that later), it’s also a card that comes up with substance use, and since alcohol can make a mood mercurial, these conversations might actually be easier to handle if you’re sober(ish).
have a lot of control right now, but you do have control over how you respond to the prying questions of well-meaning but possibly judgmental family.
And here lies the two paths set forth by the Seven of Swords. On one side, we have the Four of Wands, which is a happy home, full of love, family, and stability. On the other side, we have the Five of Wands, which is flat-out war.
But ask yourself: is there anyone in your family you can confide in? Maybe a loving aunt or a cousin who also had a hard year? Is there anyone you can be honest with about your struggles who won’t say judgmental shit or give you rote but infuriating advice? Even just having one conversation where you don’t have to mask your troubles can feel very validating.
I hope you’re able to find the peace and joy in these gatherings.
ORACLE OF YBOR
Send your questions to oracle@cltampa.com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram
Now on to the pep-talk: I don’t think you understand your own power and your own worth. The Magician is the master of his own fate, a powerful being with value, insight, and control. You are still The Magician, even if you don’t have a job. Your value as a human being is not tied to your paycheck or working status. (Something us Americans—including yours truly—have a difficult time considering.) You might not feel like you
With the Swords being the suite of the mind, they are also the suite of the ego. If you already have a very bruised ego from a rough year, even little benign comments might come across to you as an attack. It’s going to be very easy for you to slip into fights with family members, either about your future, about politics in general, or about any number of things. Here is where the control of The Magician comes into play: you cannot take the bait. You cannot let yourself be drawn into an argument that may or may not be really happening.
You might want to take charge of the conversation early on and ask people about how they’re spending their time, if they’ve read or watched anything interesting, how they feel about the American Pope, or anything away from the topic of work. Generally speaking, people like to talk about themselves, so keeping the conversation focused on them is a great way to deflect answering any questions about yourself.
And if all else fails, remember: you can always come down with “a cold” and cut your visits short.
Dear Oracle, I tend to get the “winter blues,” even here in sunny Florida. What can I do to keep away the sads?—S.A.D in Seminole Heights
Cards: Page of Wands, The High Priestess, Knight of Wands, Four of Wands (reversed)
Dear SIS, Practically speaking, spend as much time as you can outdoors and in natural light. Light and light therapy are proven to help with seasonal affect disorder—and besides, it’s actually nice out now. Soak up the rays while you can.
Then, I think you should throw yourself into a new creative project and really give it your all.
The Page of Wands is a fiery explorer, one who jumps into the deep end and follows his free spirit. The Wands are a suite of passion and creativity, and to couple the adventurous Page with the passionate bronco that is the Knight of Wands, I think you should dive headfirst into a project that sparks your passion and creativity.
I think it will be good for your mind and your soul. The High Priestess is the guardian of our subconscious, where good and bad things dwell. In psychoanalysis, it’s believed that issues buried in the subconscious are what cause problems in our conscious life. It’s mucking around in the subconscious that allows us to process things, and one way to do that is by creating art. It taps into something deeper within us and allows us to get into a “flow”—which is a real High Priestess feeling. Maybe you want to learn piano or finish that oil painting you started or try your hand at a screenplay—whatever it is, give yourself permission to just throw yourself into it.
But, in addition to your creative pursuit, also be around people. The Four of Wands is stability, family, and home, and in these dark nights, it can feel very lonely. Reach out to people. Host a cocktail party in your apartment. Say yes to holiday lunches. Be around people you love and who make you feel seen. You might even rope some of them into your art if they’re down. (Life model? Actor? Tester for your gourmet experiments?)
The Four of Wands can also represent the physical home, so make your space feel soothing and conducive to creativity. Get some candles or fairy lights, turn on a video of a fireplace burning, and do whatever you need to make it feel cozy and nourishing.
And then have at! What are the long nights of winter for if not exploring the rich terrain of your inner world? Winter can be a magical time for creativity, and I hope it serves you well.
Best of luck, my dear.
See more of Caroline and learn about her services via carolinedebruhl.com.
Ace of hearts
By Jane Dyke/The Sapphic Sun
Hello! I am an asexual who is not interested in sex, but I want to start dating. I am worried that no sex would make a relationship impossible for me. I know people really value intimacy and sex for a healthy bond. I fear I cannot provide what a partner needs. Are my fears warranted? Should I even try dating? Ace of Hearts
Hi Ace, Yes, you can date as an asexual person. Many people crave a romantic bond and the intimacy of a committed partnership, and asexual people are no exception. The answer to your question could be as simple as seeking out other asexual individuals to date. However, the road to doing so could be complicated, depending on your style.
Personally, I don’t typically favor dating apps as a way of meeting prospective partners. It can feel restrictive and like it limits natural connection. But if you are looking to specifically meet other asexual people, surely the easiest way would be to put that in the bio of a dating app, right? Maybe, but I don’t want you to be stuck searching for your soulmate on Tinder (which maybe should have an asexual counterpart, called “water” or something).
the standard dating and flirting process and, when you end up on a date with someone, open up about asexuality and what it means to you. Some asexual people are still open to sex, and some aren’t, so just saying you are “asexual” may not be enough to communicate your preferences. You say that “people” value sex for a healthy bond. Not all of them do! A deep and intimate bond can be formed by sharing secrets, engaging in acts of service or giving earnest compliments about enjoying spending time together.
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You can also try an open relationship where your partner seeks sex with someone else but remains romantically and emotionally committed to you. This can be tricky and I can’t say I’d recommend it as the primary course of action, but it certainly is an option available to you. So is general polyamory, where you have a partner who has other partners. These arrangements work for some and don’t work for others. Consider what you want to get out of a relationship before entering into one.
Most importantly: don’t compromise where you don’t want to. You’re asexual, and you shouldn’t pressure yourself to be a different way just to open up your compatibility. Be yourself authentically, and you’ll attract what you need.
How can you form a natural connection with someone you’re into while also making sure they’re down with a sexless partnership? Asexual flagging does exist, but it’s not as mainstream and recognized as wearing a carabiner and some Docs. Instead, you’ll have to do what everyone dreads most: just come out and say it. You don’t have to tell everyone you’re into that you’re asexual right away, but just go through
Yours in love, Jane Dyke.
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This again
By Dan Savage
The person who introduced me to your column and podcast—my wife—is ironically the source of my woes. We have a child and a lovely home and financial security. But the issue is my feelings of sexual dissatisfaction. My wife suffers from health issues that make sex painful. I never pressure her, and her wellbeing is always my top priority, so for years I’ve “taken care of myself.” However, she also isn’t a “touchy-feely person,” while I love cuddles, holding hands, and kissing. As the years have gone by, I’ve grown resentful. I feel undesired and unloved. I no longer initiate any sexual moves, since I always get rejected. Since she has “good days” and “bad days,” we agreed the ball should be in her court and that she would initiate when she was feeling well enough. However, this has led to months of no sexual contact. We maybe had sex twice a year. We try and have open communication and when it reaches a point of me feeling particularly down, I raise the subject. This usually resorts in us setting a date to at least snuggle, but it feels like a chore for her, which just exacerbates my feelings of worthlessness. For that reason, I’ve stopped trying at all. I’m in my early-30s and I feel like my best sexual years are disappearing before my eyes. I recently started going to trance nights and meeting new people. Speaking to other women and feeling a sense that I’m desired has made me feel alive again. I’ve been faithful to my wife, but I can’t see things continuing as they are and the two of us maintaining a healthy relationship. If you had suggested an open relationship to me six years ago, I would’ve said you were psychotic, as I once experienced pretty intense jealousy. But now the thought of my wife with another man does not bother me at all.
These are my questions: 1. Is an open relationship a feasible option? 2. Would suggesting this not destroy my wife’s self-esteem or, at the very least, hurt her feelings? 3. Is there another alternative your wise ass would suggest?—Aging Sex Machine Resentments
1. Is an open relationship a feasible option? That’s a tough one—let me go ask my husband of 30 years and my boyfriend of 13 years. Good news! My husband and boyfriend both said open relationships are a feasible option. In fact, there are countless examples of onceclosed-now-open relationships that work, mine included, and if you’ve been reading and/or listening to me for more than a month, ASMR, you couldn’t have been ignorant of that fact. There are also lots of examples out there—far more examples—of successful closed relationships, including ones where the sex dried up for health reasons. So, honoring the monogamous commitment you made (“in sickness and in health”), it has to be said, is another feasible option.
“Feasible” doesn’t mean “frictionless,” ASMR, whether we’re talking about open or closed relationships. And if living with very little sex and next to no physical intimacy isn’t a feasible option for you any longer—if the emotional friction is more than you can bear—something will have to change. But if you don’t wanna be a cheating piece of shit, ASMR, you’ll need your wife’s permission before you start fucking the women you’re meeting at those trance nights.
2. The request you’re about to make—this enormous ask—is going to hurt your wife’s feelings. While she’s likely aware of the problem, ASMR, there’s a good chance she’s rationalized and/or minimized the problem; it’s also possible you’ve worked so hard to avoid pressuring her that she doesn’t know how unhappy you really are. And asking you to go without sex—or to live with very little sex and no physical contact—is itself an enormous ask.
But asking your wife to open your marriage… for perfectly legitimate reasons… will force your wife to confront two painful subjects: your unhappiness and her illness. At the very least, she’s going to be sad; it’s entirely possible she’ll be devastated. And she’s almost certain to have perfectly legitimate fears—are you going to leave her for someone else?—and while you can offer reassurances, ASMR, the only way you can prove you won’t leave her if she agrees to open your marriage is by not leaving her once you do. Kind of a Catch 22.
has only occurred online up to now, but a meeting has been mentioned. I was in shock that my wife kept this from me and started a relationship without first talking about it. I would like her to stop interacting with this person and, if she must, seek out a more ethical connection. But she says he is the only other man she is interested in. Do you think my feelings are valid? She said she could just be friends with this guy without their chats being sexual, but I’m not sure that makes it any better. What do you think I should do?—Lying Isn’t Ever Sensible
Calm the fuck down. Your wife isn’t guilty of “starting a relationship” without talking to you first, LIES, because she isn’t in a relationship with this guy. She sent some dirty texts and swapped nudes with a guy she hasn’t seen for at least 15 years—that’s all she did—and while she may even have been sexting with intent, nothing actually happened. She didn’t cheat on you, LIES, and this Dutch guy hasn’t cheated on his wife. If you want to do the most possible damage to your marriage, you can keep giving your wife grief for not disclosing this flirtation the moment it started… but why would you want to do that?
SAVAGE LOVE
3. There are only three options in cases like yours: leave, cheat, ask. I haven’t been holding out on you guys for the last 35 years, I swear, and if there was a magical fourth option—something that could solve the problem of sexless-or-nearsexless monogamous marriages without anyone getting their feelings hurt and/or anyone doing something they know is wrong—I would’ve shared it with you already.
I’m an Italian straight man, married to a beautiful English woman for 15 years. We have two kids and we live in Italy. We have been navigating non-monogamy in various troubled ways for over five years. It started with cheating before we settled on tolyamory. All along, my wife said she wasn’t into meeting new people. But she recently reconnected with an old flame on Facebook. There has been some intense sexting and an exchange of nude photos. This all happened in secret. She finally confessed to me, saying she wants to pursue a relationship with this man (he lives in Holland) despite the fact that he is in a long-term relationship and his partner (they also have two kids) is not aware of his behavior, so he is cheating. The cheating
You say you guys settled on tolyamory, LIES, but you seem a little unclear on the concept: tolyamory means tolerating or putting up with your spouse’s affairs. While very few toly couples have explicit agreements, being toly means turning a blind eye to what you suspect (or know) your partner is doing behind your back. In a mutually toly relationship, neither partner needs permission to do what they’re gonna do, LIES, so long as they do it discreetly. If that’s not what you want—if you require advance disclosure and want to have a veto—settling on tolyamory was a mistake.
You and the wife began to explore ethical non-monogamy after someone cheated, LIES, but you don’t say who it was that cheated first. The omission makes me suspect it was you. And seeing as your wife hasn’t expressed an interest in another man in the last five years, this is the first time you’ve had to confront the reality that your wife may want to act on her freedom, just as you’ve acted on yours. I suspect you’re blowing her “infraction” out of all proportion in an effort to even the score: you cheated, you were wrong, you had to make it up to her. Now you’re accusing your wife of cheating (which she hasn’t done) so you can tell yourself that she’s guilty of the same wrong.
If you want veto power over your wife’s choice of potential lovers, you can ask for that. But if you went with toly or DADT because that’s what you wanted—if you wanted one of the turn-ablind-eye options — you didn’t actually have a veto. Which means your wife didn’t need to tell you who she was thinking about fucking. It’s a mistake she won’t make in the future.
My wife and I basically are in a sexless relationship. We’ve been in separate beds for a few years now (her choice), and sexual intimacy is rare, and is always initiated by me. It only happens one way, and it’s never penetrative. We saw a couples counselor a few years ago, and our therapist recommended we see someone who specializes in sexual intimacy. I found some locally, but my wife had no interest in going, and it never happened. I try to discuss it and suggest ways to initiate things, but she has no interest and changes the subject. I am at a loss. I don’t know how to move forward. This is important to me, and I currently feel very lonely in my marriage. Feeling Alone In Love Leave, cheat, ask.
I’m in marital purgatory waiting to save enough to move out (hard and expensive in the Bay Area). One of the things that put a sexual strain on the partnership was asking my husband of 21 years why I had to initiate every single physical interaction. Was it because he wasn’t interested? He said he was VERY interested in sex, but because I had told him—eight years earlier (!) when he complained that once a week wasn’t enough for him—that he could jerk off if he was really horny, he decided to stop initiating at all. This is just one thing that led to three completely sexless years. However, from tell-tale crusty washcloths left in the backyard shack he moved into for a while, he’s jerking off on the regular. After our teenager left for college, my husband moved into their bedroom. Can I tell him to NOT jerk off in our child’s bed? I’m in a super sad place. He’s moved on and is out pursuing his musical interests, which sometimes means he’s hanging out with a bunch of teenagers who used to be in high school with our child. I have to bear this until I’m able to leave. I’m just so grossed out. Is this a reasonable request?—Gagging Regularly Over Soiled Socks It is not. You and your husband have essentially separated, GROSS, and you don’t get to tell someone you’re no longer with—not in any meaningful sense—where, when, and how they’re allowed to masturbate.
And unless you’re physically entering what is, for the time being, your future ex-husband’s bedroom, you won’t be confronted with the evidence that he’s jerking off in there. So, don’t open the door and go into that room, GROSS, and if you’re doing his laundry (and I pray you aren’t), stop. Then it’ll be easier not to think about where, when, and how your husband is jerking off. I want you out there pursuing your own interests because you’ll be happier, most importantly, and your husband’s crusty washcloths won’t bother you quite so much. He didn’t wait until you moved out to move on from you, GROSS, and you shouldn’t wait until you’ve moved out to move on from him.
Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love!
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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 December 12th, 2025 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
WHAT MAKES LOCAL CULTURE CREATIVE MARKETING
Unit 3216 Christel Kessler Parking Spot 6 Patrick Graham. Run Dates 11/27/2025 and 12/4/2025.
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 December 12, 2025 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 1076 Alfonzo Rosario Unit 2013 Stephen Nicely Unit 2039 Derek Lang Unit 2166 Unique Auguste Unit 3044 Elijah Henderson Unit 3166 Edgar Brito Unit E405 Robert Moore Unit E407 Sharon Coleman. Run Dates 11/27/25 and 12/4/25.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to Section 715.109, notice is hereby given that the following property will be offered for public sale and will sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash: a 1990 PALM mobile home, VIN 23650231AZ and 23650231BZ and the contents therein, if any, abandoned by previous owner CAROLYN SUE MOORE and tenant
CHARLES MOORE on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at 1121 Opal Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870. ICARD, MERRILL, CULLIS, TIMM, FUREN & GINSBURG, P.A. Alyssa M. Nohren FL Bar No. 352410 2033 Main Street Suite 600 Sarasota, Florida
34237 Telephone: (941) 366-8100 Facsimile: (941) 366-6384 anohren@ icardmerrill.com smenasco@ icardmerrill.com Attorneys for Sebring Mobile Estates
60 El stop: abbr.
“You don’t know the half ___”
NOTE: There seems to be no official—or even slangy—name for my favorite hot drink—“mostly decaf with a smidge of caf,” for those of us who want just a mini-boost in the morning. Hence, some suggestions to remedy this travesty. ACROSS
Frosts
Green-lights
“Out of the question”
“We’re after the same rainbow’s ___” (“Moon River”)
“... against ___ of troubles” (Shak.) 19 River through Berlin 20 Bro. or sis, e.g. 21 “Decaf with a bit of regular” 23 See 21 Across 25 Dave’s electronic problem 26 Fearsome fight 27 Coronets 29 Ill-mannered sort
King of Crete
See 21 Across
See 21 Across
Of insect wings
Dispenser candy
Nautical term
Nicosia’s island
Newton need
“Babalu” singer 49 See 21 Across
See 21 Across
Beach, in Baja 57 George W., e.g. 58 Crater output 59 Regret
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