Creative Loafing Tampa — September 17, 2026 by Chava Communications

SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 (VOL.39, NO.38) • $FREE CREATIVE LOAFING • CLTAMPABAY.COM

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Every pet deserves to feel safe, cared for, and loved. HELP THEM GET A SECOND CHANCE. This September, love can save a life. Friends of Strays is raising critical funds to save more cats and dogs in Tampa Bay and Florida – but we can’t do it without YOU!

LOVE UNLEASHED 30 Days to Save More Lives DONATE TODAY and give a sick, injured, or homeless pet a chance to feel cared for and loved at friendsofstrays.org/love-unleashed or scan the QR code.

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PUBLISHER James Howard CHAIRMAN Mike Trentalange EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa Editorial DEPUTY EDITOR/DIGITAL DIRECTOR Colin Wolf STAFF WRITER Valerie Smith IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Annalise Mabe COURTESY

PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker SUMMER INTERNS Leif Helland, Liam Oliver (apply for fall and spring by emailing clips and a resumes to rroa@cltampa.com) Creative Services CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Spatafora GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paul Pavlovich POLITICAL CARTOONIST Bob Whitmore ILLUSTRATORS Dan Perkins, Cory Robinson Advertising SALES DIRECTOR Anthony Carbone SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dan Winkler CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER Jerrica Schwartz

I wish they would reach out for help...

Tampa Bay Journalism Project DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR John T. Fox

Another part of Jackson House has collapsed, p. 19.

PARTNER NEWSROOMS Cigar City Sounds, The Gabber, San Pedro Gazette, Sapphic Sun, TB Arts Passport, WMNF News Events and Marketing MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Leigh Wilson

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SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Prieto MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Kristin Bowman Circulation CIRCULATION MANAGER Ted Modesta

cltampabay.com cldeals.com EDITORIAL POLICY — Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is a locally-and-employee-owned publication covering public issues, the arts and entertainment. In our pages appear views from across the political and social spectrum. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

FOOD+DRINK ��29 A+E ��35 MUSIC WEEK ��39 SAVAGE LOVE ��45 CROSSWORD ��46

Creative Loafing Tampa is proudly published by Events & Media, LLC.

Attendees will raise a glass from a selection of 50 Spanish and Mediterranean wines.

Popular Ybor City fundraiser returns, p. 31.

The newspaper is produced and printed on Indigenous land belonging to Tampa Bay’s Tocobaga and Seminole tribes.

ON THE COVER: Photo by Ray Roa. Design by Paul Pavlovich.

Our main number: (813) 739-4800 Letters to the editor: comments@cltampa.com Anonymous news tips: cltampabay_tips@protonmail.com

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Letters: St. Petersburg pastor has a modest proposal for a safer city

DEL HARPER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Crime is a serious problem, and our public officials have reminded us of an important principle: if a surveillance tool helps solve crimes, and you are not committing crimes, what exactly do you have to worry about? So I would like to offer a modest proposal.

And perhaps once a year we could all report to Tropicana Field (assuming something hasn’t been built there yet) to make declarations of innocence. Imagine the crimes we could solve! And imagine how safe we would be.

Let us begin by requiring every resident of St. Petersburg to submit their fingerprints and a DNA sample to the police department to create a searchable database.

The Fourth Amendment was obviously written because the founders opposed solving crimes.

Of course, fingerprints and DNA only tell us where you’ve been. To prevent crime, we should probably know where you’re going. Therefore, I propose police checkpoints at major intersections throughout St. Petersburg. Officers can randomly stop residents, inspect their vehicles, ask where they are going, and search anything that looks suspicious. Public safety is clearly worth the inconvenience.

As Chief Holloway and Mayor Welch keep telling us: privacy is clearly an admission of guilt. Requiring the government to obtain individualized justification before searching people (as the law requires) is being “soft on crime.” And “if you’ve done nothing wrong, you’ve got nothing to worry about” is the argument every surveillance state eventually makes. Our leaders keep saying it so it must be true.

We should also require every resident to install the Safe St. Pete App™ on their phone. The app would give law enforcement access to your text messages, emails, photographs, location history, contacts, and internet searches.

Really… what do innocent people have to hide?—Pastor Andy Oliver

Naturally, criminals may leave their phones at home, so every home should also contain a city-issued microphone connected to the police department. Alexa has already demonstrated the technology. Police wouldn’t listen all the time, obviously. Only when necessary. And recordings would only be saved for a month. We could also require: • Every resident to submit a facial scan. • Every vehicle to contain a government GPS tracker. • Every financial transaction to be screened. • Every resident to report overnight guests. • Every child to receive an implanted tracking device at birth.

Reader feedback for Creative Loafing’s story on Gualtieri memo Short and Simple. Sheriff Gualtieri is a goon and I don’t Back the Blue. I no longer Vote Blue No Matter Who in politics, and I don’t support our troops that bomb little girl’s school. In other words, this article further demonstrates why I no longer buy into the American exceptionalism propaganda. Oh, and I’d serve crack before I serve this fascist country. Stay classy Florida, and keep voting for thugs and racists. All the best, Mark Diorio St. Petersburg Creative Loafing Tampa Bay accepts letters to the editors and op-ed pitches. We will not run your letter without permission. Email your submissions to rroa@cltampa. com for consideration.

cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 7

Bootyful people Photos by Dave Decker

here are approximately 6,000 miles between Mykonos and the Mari Jean Hotel. That didn’t stop the St. Petersburg hotel and hotspot from hosting a big, gay, Greek pool party last Sunday. As part of the venue’s destination pool party series, a host of tanned torsos and bootyful catwalkers descended upon the venue as Veronica Foxx and friends entertained the crowd. See all the photos via cltampa.com/arts.—Ray Roa

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do this

Tampa Bay's best things to do from September 17 - 23. See more on pp. 33, 36-37 & 40

A day at the museum

Arts Alive 2026 free museum day: Saturday, Sept. 19.—Ray Roa

DAVE DECKER

St. Petersburg is a city of museums, and many of them will let you in for free this weekend as part of the “Arts Alive” promotion. Nearly a dozen museums are participating, and while some require advance registration, others do not. Highlights on the promotion include downtown’s MFA St. Pete, the Dalí just down the street, FloridaRAMA, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, and James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Find this post on cltampa.com/arts for links to more information.

Century club

The schedule for Tampa Theatre’s centennial celebrations is now in full view, and Andy Huse would’ve liked what he saw. The late Tampa historian, archivist, librarian and author passed away last year at the age of 52, but not before filing his final work, “Tampa Theatre: A Century of Stories” set for release on Sept. 22. To honor Huse’s memory, and begin on a long reflection on Tampa Theatre’s place in the city’s history, Jill Witecki, Vice President, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, together with Joey Hager, Box Office and Operations Manager at the Tampa Theatre, will discuss the book. Harger was part of a fascinating oral history interview conducted by Huse and Witecki in 2024, and this conversation should add another layer to the local lore. The duo brings the talk to St. Petersburg’s Tombolo Books next month.

Tampa Theatre A Century of Stories w/ Jill Witecki and Joey Hager: Sunday,

WEDU

Sept. 20. 3 p.m-4:30 p.m. $5. Oxford Exchange, 420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. oxfordexchange.com—Ray Roa

Living history

The story of Tampa’s peaceful February 1960 Woolworth sit-ins cannot be shared far enough. That’s when courageous Black high school students (including figures like former state Sen. Arthenia Joyner and NAACP Youth Council leader Clarence Fort) organized peaceful sit-ins at a downtown F.W. Woolworth lunch counter on Franklin Street. This weekend’s 12th Annual Family Heritage Festival includes a screening of a documentary that helps tell the untold chapter of Tampa’s role in the civil rights movement. “Triumph,” produced by WEDU PBS screens for free, twice (noon, 1 p.m.) in between presentations on Florida’s film and television history, Ybor City, and West Tampa.

12th Annual Family Heritage Festival: Saturday, Sept. 19. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. No cover. John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. hcplc.org/ familyheritage—Ray Roa CITYOFSTPETE/FLICKR

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See more (and submit your event) @ cltampa.com

USF Graphicstudio Alexandre Arrechea artist talk: Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m.

DAVE DECKER

El carpintero

The Cuban artist collective Los Carpinteros stretches back more than three decades, and one of its founders is in town this week. Known for large-scale installations, sculpture, watercolor and video, Cuban-born Alexandre Arrechea has never shied away from addressing politics, power and history in his work, which he’ll discuss on behalf of USF Graphicstudio. “Arrechea explores the cultural resonances embedded in architecture and considers how design, social value, and the built environment shape our understanding and experience of space. His work engages with the ways architecture and urban structures reflect and influence social, political, and cultural relationships,” a press release adds. No cover. Barness Recital Hall at University of South Florida,3755 USF Holly Dr., Tampa. graphicstudio.usf.edu—Ray Roa

Thanks, sister

For more than a decade now, Theatre eXceptional has provided performance and education opportunities for adults with disabilities. Next Thursday, the company opens its production of “The Little Mermaid,” and that shit costs money to put on. That’s why this bunch of nuns in makeup—aka the nonprofit Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual, which raised more than $20,000 for charity in 2024—will perform, throw ass, and more to raise funds. DJ Silence spins at this daytime event fueled by the strongest pours in Tampa Bay.

and arian work, use’s hiss, toatre, ducter to onth.

Mermaids & Martinis fundraiser: Sunday, Sept. 20. 2 p.m. Donations accepted. The Hub, 719 N Franklin St., Tampa. @TampaSisters on Facebook

—Ray Roa

WAVEANDSEE/INSTAGRAM

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Tampa Heights is home to one of the most creative spaces in the city, and there’s an open studio this week. Heightened Senses monthly activation includes a courtyard activation, plus music from Afro-Cuban duo of bassist Randy Bourdon and percussionist Carlos Javier Navarro Reyes. Multi-disciplinary in every way, the night also includes dance by Justin Gonzalez, plus jazz inside the gallery care of Aliqua. Water Street’s package store, Wine On Water, pops out to serve drinks while local clothiers, balloon artists, jewelers, perfumiers and more set up. Tacos will be handled by Adriana Pila Barrios of Taqueira Guerro. A dozen visual artists will also have works on display.

Heightened Senses: Next Thursday, Sept. 24. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Donations accepted. Wave & See Gallery, 2740 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @heightenedsensestpa on Instagram —Ray Roa COURTESY

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POLITICS

ISSUES

OPINION

Doctor’s orders

Council candidate seeks to fix district’s socioeconomic disparities.

ast July, Dr. Patricia Altagracia Alonzo filed Terrace Park have median household incomes just to run for Tampa’s District 7 City Council slightly over $41,000, according to SimpleMaps. seat, highlighting what she says are eco“I can look across the city of Tampa and see nomic disparity in her district. the same disparities based on the pockets that are District 7 starts north of Busch Boulevard, the most impacted, said Alonzo. “And we can look covering Forest Hills, Terrace Park, University at District 5 and see the same thing. So how do we Square, up to the New Tampa area. Two other make that more systemic, where every part of the candidates filed to run for the District 7 seat: city is getting access? Because one of the things retired journalist Alan Cohn and Morris Lopez III. we hear in the community is, ‘Oh, why did such At 18, Alonzo got involved in politics, work- and such community get this, and we didn’t?’ and ing as a voter registrar after recognizing how we want to be able to have a good way of showvaluable the election process is through her ing the growth or the favorable impact in this parents’ struggles living under a dictatorship in community with the appropriation of funding.” the Dominican Republic. Another key part “As a child of immiof Alonzo’s platform is grants, the value of voting transportation, specifiis never something we’re cally bringing back an 2027 Tampa Municipal Election not aware of,” Alonzo told initiative for a full year

CAMPAIGN HANDOUT

By Leif Helland

ELECTIONS

Voter registration deadline: Feb. 1 Creative Loafing Tampa of fare-free bus rides as Election Day: March 2 Bay. “It is something that city council did in 2025. votehillsborough.gov is plugged into us very “I think championing early on. My parents lived something like that [one through a partial dictatorship in the Dominican year free bus line] would be a great way to help Republic and then came to this country, and so within those communities,” Alonzo said. “Will did my grandparents. So we truly understand it take work? Most definitely. But I’ve never what that looks like and the value of the vote.” shied away from a good fight, whether it’s from This appreciation for the professional side, the perdemocracy and advocating sonal, or when you’re trying for underserved communities to help somebody. So I think extends to her potential role that that’s definitely some of leading District 7, explains the things we can do in the Alonzo. community to start.” “I think that the first thing is to look at those Amongst other economical concerns, Alonzo disparities and where the budget of District worries about the prospect of Amendment 3 passSeven is going,” said the current health care ing in November, which would raise the homestead access director. “I’m not saying take it from exemption tax from $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 Paul to help Mary, but see how we have a bet- in 2028 decreasing local municipality budgets. ter distribution of that.” “The issue [with Amendment 3] is it will take “If we look at the USF area, there’s still some off the top from the city budget between $35 and of those issues and concerns there,” Alonzo contin- $40 million immediately, and we’re talking about ued. “So I think my first thing is not only to start up to $60 million potentially year over year,” looking at those disparities, is then also talking Alonzo said. “That pays for our municipality’s to the community, which I’m already doing, to see needs for our roads, infrastructure, police and where those challenges and needs are.” fire; I mean, a myriad of things.” As a whole, Tampa has a median household Tampa City Council recently green lit its income average of $75,475, according to U.S $80 million portion of the entire County’s conCensus data, but parts of District 7 are well tribution of nearly $800 million to build the above and below this number. Rays Stadium, Alonzo says Tampa residents For example, New Tampa’s median income is are concerned with what Amendment 3 will just over $105,000, while University Square and ultimately look like.

“I’ve never shied away from a good fight.”

LUCKY NO. 7: Dr. Patricia Altagracia Alonzo “I think many residents felt that the decision for them was rushed, particularly with Amendment Three that’s looming out there and is a big concern for our city and for our state,” Alonzo said. “I think that when people were looking, based on the conversations I was having, at the size of the investment of the stadium and what it can mean for taxpayers.” Alonzo, a baseball fan herself, said her vote from the dais would’ve been complicated. “I don’t think it’s a simple yes or no answer to that without having gone through the same process as our city councilmen and women did, where they had access to all of the information that our council had before the vote,” Alonzo said. “To be able to dissect it and walk it through, and have the one-on-one conversations with the Rays leadership, the mayor, everyone that was involved in these decisions. But I can say that I would have asked really difficult questions.” I think now the big responsibility lies on [city] council to be good stewards and our county commission to be good stewards of the outcome of this decision,” continued Alonzo, “and really

work with the Rays and our upcoming mayor, whoever that may be, in making sure that this deal goes the way it was approved to.” Alonzo is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Equiti Health, a medical technology company that helps underserved communities with language access barriers receive medical services. Back in 2024, she took a run for District 2 County Commission, but lost to Ken Hagan. Tampa City Council’s District 7 seat is currently occupied by third-term councilman Luis Viera, who is resigning to run for Florida State House. He steps down on Nov. 2, and the city council will have to appoint a replacement to serve the rest of his term. Tampa’s municipal election is in March. Currently, Lopez leads in campaign financing with nearly $29,000, while Cohn is earning nearly $14,000 and Alonzo has zero campaign donations so far. Tampa’s upcoming municipal election ends on Tuesday, March 2, 2027; early voting days are still to be determined. The deadline to register to vote is Feb. 1, 2027.

cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 15

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OPEN TO THE FIRST

60 PEOPLE

Making contact

Hillsborough Black caucus readies candidate forum. By Leif Helland

ust a couple months from the midterm elec- November midterm is Monday, Oct. 5. Early vottion, Hillsborough County Democratic Black ing runs Oct. 19-Nov. 1. The deadline to request Caucus will bring people together again for a vote by mail ballot is Thursday, Oct. 22. its general election candidate forum. The Democratic Black Caucus held a similar The event invites all statewide and local can- forum “Meet the Candidates” forum back in July didates and residents across the state to First ahead of the primaries, giving the opportunity Baptist Church of Progress Village, located at for anyone to come and speak with candidates. 8722 Progress Village Blvd., on Thursday, Oct. President of the Hillsborough County 8. The forum allows residents to speak with Democratic Black Caucus, Angela Birdsong, told candidates and ask quesCreative Loafing Tampa tions before the upcoming Bay back in June about the general midterm election importance of getting peowraps on Election Day, ple together to meet their 2026 Midterm Election Tuesday Nov. 3 (early elected officials. Tuesday, Nov. 3 voting happens Oct. 19 “A lot of people never get Registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 5. Early voting: Oct. 19-Nov. 1 through Nov. 1). to meet a candidate or an So far the candidates elected official, so we want expected to appear at the Hillsborough County to give them that opportunity,” Birdsong said. Democratic Black Caucus candidate forum are Birdsong relayed the importance of getHillsborough County School Board District 6 ting young voters out to the polls and that Karen Perez and School Board District 2 can- this upcoming event will be a big push for didate Daniela Simic. educating and registerHillsborough County ing 16 and 17-year-olds to Commission District 7 pre-register to vote in the hopeful Aileen Rodriguez, general election two years and Neil Manimala from now. She also said candidate for County that regardless of what Commissioner District 5. President Trump says Congressional candidates about voting by mail, she Robert Peoples and Kathy wants to get those ballots Castor will appear and so will Luis Salazar who to the people. is running for State House in District 64. State “We want every voter to sign up for vote by Rep. Angie Nixon, running for U.S. Senate, will mail regardless of what you’re hearing from also be there along with congressional candidate the president”, Birdsong said. Kimberly Overman and State House canidate The no-cover event is Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 Ben Braver. p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Progress The voter registration deadline for the Village.

ELECTIONS

“We want every voter to sign up for vote by mail regardless of what you’re hearing from the president.”

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LIVE COMEDY SHOWS

Sad state

THIS WEEK

Another segment of Tampa’s historic Jackson House has collapsed.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 T H

By Valerie Smith

small upper room of the Historic Jackson House in Tampa was in a collapsing state last Monday, Sept. 7 on the heels of heated discussions about how to preserve the structure. The landmark at 851 E Zack St. in downtown was once a boarding house for Black travelers during segregation. James Brown, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald are among the prominent former guests of the Jackson House. It’s been in disrepair since at least the 1970s, and was once slated for demolition under former mayor and current mayoral candidate Bob Buckhorn Jr. The continued deterioration of the building is causing some friction between the foundation tasked with preserving the house and the city. The Jackson House Foundation has said that permitting, zoning and historic preservation requirements all add barriers to the work. Last year, after years of negotiations, the Accardi brothers who own the neighboring parking lots agreed to a deal with the city for a 10-foot easement in the land surrounding the house. Tampa City Council member Bill Carlson told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the public would like to see more progress. After over a decade, Carlson said, the house should have more preservation work done.

“I wish they would reach out for help from the city or some other organization that has the capacity to step in and fix it quickly,” Carlson told CL. “There are individuals on the board that have experience, but the organization itself doesn’t have experience. They’ve had 12 or more years to preserve, protect and renovate the building and they haven’t done it.” Carlson said that if the permitting issue is holding up progress, he’d like to see Mayor Jane Castor’s administration step in to expedite those permits. The segment of the building that collapsed—an upstairs room in the southeast segment of the building—appears to be part of a later addition to the house. That segment doesn’t appear in the renderings on the foundation’s website, so it may be torn down anyway. The Jackson House Foundation declined to comment, saying the board needed to meet before any media availability. A CL reporter spotted a crew working on the collapsed section on the afternoon of Sept. 9. On Sept. 10, the Jackson House Foundation told Tampa City Councilmembers that the existing structure will need to be torn down before a new Jackson House is rebuilt. On Tuesday, the city said its chief building official had cleared the way for emergency repair work. Permits are still required for work to begin.

LOCAL NEWS

7:30 PM WMNF PRESENTS WAVEMAKERS LIVE: THE 2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS — WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Join WMNF 88.5 FM for a special edition of WaveMakers Live, our quarterly speakers series bringing important conversations out of the studio and into the community.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 T H

7:30 PM THE CAPTAIN'S WHEEL:THE FALL OF SUMMER

Join your Captain and his crew of seaworthy improvisers for a competitive improv show like none other, where comedians are put through their paces by a wheel chock full of seasonally-relevant challenges.

9:00 PM TAMPA UNHINGED

Tampa UnHINGEd is raw, real, and ridiculous—an improvised comedy show tackling dating disasters, Tampa life, and the weirdness of just being human.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 T H 8:00 PM: MANDY KEEN: MAGGIE

Packed with physical comedy and audience interaction, Maggie follows a tenacious misfit undergoing a strange metamorphosis as she searches for love, self-worth, and a place in the world while navigating the confusing rituals of humanity.

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NETFLIX

Help keep local journalism alive. UNTOLD: A screengrab featuring Timothy Burke.

Next steps

Feds won’t appeal wiretap charges against Tampa journalist. By Valerie Smith

or 36 years, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has amplified the voices others overlook. Now we’re launching the Tampa Bay Journalism Project to strengthen independent, local reporting on issues that matter—housing, transportation, arts, food, and accountability. Your tax-deductible support helps fund nonpaywalled journalism for our community. Help the Creative Loafing newsroom grow.

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ederal prosecutors withdrew an appeal last week that could have charged Tampa journalist Timothy Burke with wiretapping. Burke allegedly obtained unaired clips of Kanye West—now known as the artist Ye— making antisemitic remarks in an interview with Tucker Carlson, and then sold them to Vice. He did so, prosecutors say, using a password obtained from a publicly-available website. After the FBI raided Burke’s Seminole Heights office in 2023, the Department of Justice charged him with several crimes, including conspiracy, hacking, and wiretapping. In late-2025, the wiretapping charges were dismissed. Prosecutors then indicated their intent to appeal. But last Wednesday, they withdrew their attempt to appeal the dismissal. Burke’s lawyer, Mark D. Rasch, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that according to the DOJ, Solicitor General D. John Sauer must approve the appeal, or a notice to withdraw it. Prosecutors never filed the appeal, says Rasch, which could indicate that Sauer did not approve it. There are currently no wiretapping charges against Burke. Burke is still on the hook for one count of conspiracy and six counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization. Rasch told CL that the charges weren’t dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning that prosecutors could potentially try to bring those charges again. But he also said that the constitutional issues are too integral to the charges to fix, so he doesn’t anticipate a successful appeal. “This represents a much broader attack being waged by the Justice Department on journalism and free speech generally,” Rasch told CL. “The goal here is to ensure that [journalists]

cower and capitulate. This is meant to send a message out to others: ‘Don’t do journalism.’” The feds aren’t the only ones trying to paint Burke’s journalism as something else. The Tampa Bay Times’ top editor penned a lengthy column explaining that the publication refuses to call Burke a journalist, mostly because he also works as a media consultant. The Times—which recently launched a marketing service—said people working in public relations cannot also be journalists. “It’s not really practical or possible to straddle both worlds at once,” Tampa Bay Times editor Mark Katches said in his letter. “... That mission [of objective journalism] would be compromised if we represented clients in politics or instructed businesses on messaging, even if we tried to keep separate the local stage from the national arena. It all blends into a murky soup.” The Times’ own marketing agency instructs businesses on messaging. “I think that has a little bit more to do with sort of a bit of editorial snobbery by legacy media,” Rasch told CL. “The truth is that people who are journalists are more than just people who have ink on their hands.” Rasch maintains that obtaining newsworthy information and disseminating it publicly is categorically journalism. The ACLU, the Florida Press Association and the National Press Club agreed and also called Burke a journalist in a letter to the U.S. Attorney General. “Courts have rightly warned against limiting the First Amendment’s press clause to established media outlets,” reads the letter, “a warning that is especially important as technological advances give rise to new forms of journalism while traditional news outlets close their doors at alarming rates.”

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Reality cuts

Discussion on Amendment 3 heats up at Largo town hall. By Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix that the leaders of City Hall brought forth the chiefs of the two most popular departments of the city to tell you that property taxes, if it’s cut, will somehow harm the things that we care about the most, which is public safety. As if there aren’t any other places where cuts can be had.” Essential services Florida House Republicans approved language during the legislative session that would have banned local governments from reducing funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders below the level in either fiscal year 2025-26 or 2026-27, whichever was higher. However, the Senate never approved that proposal and it died during the session. That’s in part why organizations representing law enforcement have come out in opposition to the measure. In July, the Fraternal Order of Police said Amendment 3 “creates far too much uncertainty about how local governments would continue to fund law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, and other critical public safety functions. Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences.” Brandes said the state needs property tax reform, but argued that Amendment 3 is not the vehicle to get there. He maintains that if the measure becomes law, Florida homeowners will not get the tax cut they are being promised but will have to adapt to a tax shift. “We’re already seeing this,” he said, noting that the City of St. Petersburg is already considering a special assessment to help pay for fire services that could offset property tax cuts. There is a strong possibility, he said, of new fees on stormwater management, utility charges, and other essential services. Florida’s Republican leadership in Tallahassee strongly supports the proposal. Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has gone around the state over the past year calling out local governments for what he sees as “wasteful and excessive spending,” alleging their budgets have exceeded population growth and inflation. Local officials like Largo City Manager John Curp insist inflation isn’t the best way to gauge the cost of providing certain basic services, citing a 25% increase in fuel prices and the cost of gear for firefighters going up by more than 50%. Jacques emphasized that local government officials are overplaying how drastic the reductions to their budgets would be. He brought

SARAH GRAY/STATE OF FLORIDA

town hall discussion last Wednesday night of the proposed constitutional amendment to reduce homestead property taxes sparked sharp exchanges between two Pinellas County Republicans. The conversation took place in Largo, the third largest city in Pinellas and fourth biggest in the Tampa Bay area with a population of more than 84,000. City officials caution that if Amendment 3 passes in November, it would reduce the city’s budget by $10 million in its first year and more than $15 million by its second. Local governments throughout Florida are conducting similar “community conversations” with the public ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. In other cases, county commissions are holding budget workshops on the potential financial effects if the proposal is approved. In all cases, those officials have to ensure that they are not advocating a policy position. If Amendment 3 receives the 60% approval required for passage, the proposal would increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028, but the portion of property tax bills that pay for schools would be excluded from the increased exemption. The research arm of the Florida Legislature estimates it would reduce revenue by as much as $12 billion annually. Participating last Wednesday were former Pinellas Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a noted critic of the proposal, and sitting Pinellas House Rep. Berny Jacques, a strong supporter. Jacques was not originally slated to be there but was included after he wrote a letter to Largo Mayor Woody Brown complaining that including a prominent opponent like Brandes exclusively in a government meeting would give the appearance the city was electioneering on the taxpayer’s dime. The meeting began with a detailed explanation by Largo officials— including Police Chief Mike Loux and Fire Chief Matt Carpenter— about how the amendment could harm city services. Then Jacques got his first crack at the mic, and he wasn’t forgiving, accusing city leaders of “using public safety as a scare tactic.” “The evidence is clear that the city was prepared to use taxpayers to tell you, the taxpayer, that a tax cut is bad. And they would have gotten away with it if it wasn’t for a meddling state representative,” Jacques said, generating light applause from the audience. “And something tells me that they’re still trying to do it, and this is evidenced by the fact

LOCAL NEWS

“These aren’t scare tactics…”

FEEL THE BERNY: Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole. props, displaying a pie chart showing that of all the property taxes Largo takes in, 19% come from homestead taxes, and less than 4% of total revenues. “They want to use our great men and women in public safety as the chief example, make an example of them, and unnecessarily cut them,“ he said. “That is a choice that they chose to make because they do not have to make it when 80% of funds left to fund critical government functions, public safety being at the top of it.” ‘That’s what makes us a great city’ Brandes interjected. “So, in your mind, if we say police and fire is totally protected, and EMS is totally protected—all of that is totally protected—all of the cuts from somewhere else? Right? Is that what we’re saying?” He went on to say that if public safety is taken off the table, then cuts must come from

services that people enjoy about living in Largo. “You love Largo because of the parks and the library and the recreation centers, right? That’s what makes us a great city,” he said, generating applause. Largo Mayor Woody Brown argued the definition of “public safety” goes beyond police and fire to include the city’s wastewater treatment plant, street and stormwater crews, and building inspectors. The stuff that would be “easiest” to cut are the most popular, he added. “These aren’t scare tactics — these are reality cuts,” he said. “As Sen. Brandes said, we will survive, but we will not be the same city. Our residents appreciate our superior services. I mean, it’s in our motto, right? So, we provide superior services that instil community pride. We’d love to keep doing that. If this passes, it would be very difficult if not impossible to continue to service that motto.”

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For the people

John Morgan boasts about policy that pushed 23 employees to quit. By McKenna Schueler/Orlando Weekly

hile billionaire Orlando attorney John Morgan’s law firm fights to protect the rights of U.S. workers, Morgan revealed that he’s not above creating a surveillance state for his own workforce. Speaking to hosts of the podcast “Iced Coffee Hour,” Morgan said last month that when his personal injury firm, Morgan & Morgan, created its work-from-home policy, nearly two dozen of his employees quit within the first week. Why? “Here’s what we’re going to do,” Morgan recalled saying on the podcast. “You can work from home, but guess what? We’re going to put a camera on your computer. We’re going to put a camera up your ass.” “We won’t look at you,” he added. “You’ll be a pixel.” Twenty-three employees quit within the first week, according to Morgan. “It’s not that they don’t want to work from home,” he argued. “They don’t want to work.” Video footage of Morgan sharing this anecdote on the podcast—where the 70-yearold further discussed topics such as MAGA politics, his most lucrative legal cases, and his “vandalized” billboards scheme—went viral on social media this month. Morgan, a pot-friendly Orlandoan and saucy legend known locally for buying rounds for the bar at the old Wally’s back in the day (ed. note: and Tom & Jerry’s, RIP), is better known outside the City Beautiful for helping to bankroll ballot initiatives in Florida to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour—which passed in 2020—and legalize medical marijuana, another successful venture. But Morgan has also spoken openly of his use of cheaper foreign labor from countries such as El Salvador and Belize to power his law firm’s call centers—a practice he confirmed again on the “Iced Coffee Hour.” After Orlando Weekly questioned Morgan over pay rates for office employees in the U.S. in 2017, Morgan—a year later—announced a minimum wage of $15 an hour at his firm by 2019, putting his money where his mouth was on the wage issue. Morgan’s firm today employs roughly 5,000 employees nationwide, including about 1,200 attorneys. According to People magazine, Morgan first defended his Big Brother-esque work-fromhome camera policy on the podcast “Success Story” on July 22—where he initially said it was 13 people that quit within the first week, not 23. Morgan admitted that the 13 employees (23?) who decided to quit, instead of allowing for a camera to (per Morgan) “measure keystrokes” and broadly surveil their activity on the clock, felt the policy was “invasive.”

“They didn’t want to be accountable,” Morgan claimed. “What they didn’t want to do is they didn’t want to work, because they’re lazy. But they want to be paid to work from home.” Working remotely became all but a necessity for many during the COVID-19 pandemic — or a luxury, if you were given no other option than to go into an office and risk contracting a deadly illness or lose your job. The rise of WFH has spurred a flurry of research and debate on the pros and cons of remote work, ranging from its effect on productivity to mental health and work-life balance. Morgan himself admits he spends winters these days in Hawaii, and recently shut down a rumored run for Florida governor citing, in part, the fact that he likes to be able to take a weed gummy during hurricanes—something a governor likely would not be able to do (without facing sharp rebuke, anyway). Meanwhile, a growing share of U.S. elders are working past retirement age because they can’t afford to retire. About one in five Americans (or 20 percent) age 65 and older are still active in the workforce, according to federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That’s up from 10 percent in 1985. “Look, there are people that I have no problem working from home because there are certain people that, you know, they’re going to work from home,” Morgan acknowledged on the “Success Story” podcast. As of March, nearly a quarter of the U.S. workforce worked from home or “teleworked,” according to BLS. That includes about 6.7% of workers age 16-24, 25% of workers age 25 to 54, and 24% of workers 55 and older.

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Fill ‘er up

Five Tampa gas station restaurants worth the pit stop. By Annalise Mabe

as station restaurants are nothing new. They first sprouted from roadside “filling stations,” offering simple snacks, cold drinks, and barbeque to weary travelers driving long distances. The Great Depression made way for entrepreneurs like Harland Sanders (of KFC) and Gus Belt (of Steak ’n’ Shake) who famously began selling their greasy goods directly at or adjacent to gas and service stations. And later, in the Jim Crow era, filling stations with eateries served as vital, one-stop shops and safe havens for Black patrons at a time when mainstream restaurants refused them service. Today, lots of folks love a good sit down restaurant with linens when the time and occasion allows, but there’s something to be said for getting really good convenience store food that hits the spot while filling up the car for the next errand. Two birds, one stone. There are plenty of great gas station food spots right here in Tampa Bay. Here are five great spots in the 813 serving up hot plates and taking names, giving Tampa folks the best bang for their buck. Chicago Paulie’s (1301 N Howard Ave.) This spot already snagged national notoriety,

RAY ROA

NOTHING BUT LOVE: Paulie cooks for customers the way he cooks for family.

coming in at No. 6 sandwich shop in the country according to Yelp, and there’s no question that Paulie’s got something really special going on here. Hungry folks will find seriously authentic Chicago dogs, Polishes, Maxwell Street style, Italian Beef sandwiches ranging in heat, and more—all well within $10-$20. So what makes a place like this work so well? “Fill up your body, fill up your car. It’s just convenience,” Paulie, the owner, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “We truly love everybody. We make our food like we would for our family. That’s why our tomatoes are almost perfect.” Is there anyone else doing dogs like these? “There are a lot who try,” Paulie said, “but I’m a Chicago dude making Chicago food. It’s not anything about anyone else. You can read and follow an Italian recipe but it just don’t taste the same.” Chalawaan Thai Delish (5018 N Armenia Ave.) Layla Martinez opens up shop at Chalawaan Thai Delish on Armenia, prepping the kitchen for a busy day. This location has been open just six months inside a Citgo tucked all the way in the back. Martinez is the friendly owner behind the counter, and

she recommends a few different plates, citing the Panang Curry as a current favorite. The dishes here come with a default mild spice, but can be upped in heat. The fresh-to-order food is hot and the curries are spicy, creamy, sweet, and fresh. Martinez had this to say about her spot’s popularity, and it’s hard to argue: “The food, the friendliness, the big portions, and the fair prices,” — to which one can’t really argue. Tazz Takeout (4990 E Busch Blvd.) Ahead of a dinner rush on the borner of Busch Boulevard and 50th Street, Tazz, the owner, helps a gentleman who says they’ve got the best chicken around, and that he can taste that the oil is fresh. It’s true—Tazz never reuses it. The same customer also says he comes all the way from Carrollwood to Busch Boulevard to get these wings, and that his kids love the lemon pepper flavor. Tazz’s phone rings off the hook as his line cook chops and flips thinly sliced steak for Philly Cheesesteaks. Tazz has been in Tampa for four years, but originally hails from Palm Beach county where he’d been doing the hot ‘n fresh food thing since March 12, 1992, 18 hours a day. “We do it fresh. Fresh ingredients. We cook with love—that’s the main thing. When you cook it and you do it because you love it, that means a lot,” he told CL.

And keep your eyes peeled because Tazz’s son is opening up another location on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 50th right around the corner. Mangonadas (6823 N Habana Ave.) Is there a Taco Tuesday in Tampa that can beat three tacos for $6.99, including steak, pastor, and chicken? Mangonadas shares a wall with a Chevron, and it’s got a full sit down area for anyone who wants to have a seat and eat inside the air conditioning. “Everything is fresh. We use authentic Mexican spices: comino, annatto, canela. It tastes like Mexico,” the employee behind the counter told CL. Mangonadas’ full menu offers up big plates of enchiladas, generous sides of refried beans and rice, plenty of tacos to choose from, large burritos, and brightly colored tropical drinks that can also be taken to-go.

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Nana’s Kitchen and Grill (9702 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) Nana’s Kitchen and Grill is known for its authentic and flavorful Philly Cheesesteaks, and even before 11 a.m., a woman behind the counter was making one fresh. The spot in East Tampa opens at 7 a.m. and has a tiki-lounge feel with a high-top long table in the middle of the shop plus lots of outdoor seating and chairs. The menu of scratch-made comfort food also includes old time burgers (never frozen), seasoned fried fish, and snow crab trays, all served with genuine hospitality.

cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 29

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30 | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | cltampabay.com

Well, well, well

“For us, growth has always been about finding the right communities where Pura Vida can genuinely become part of people’s everyday lives. Tampa has been one of those markets for us for a long time,” said Horev in a statement. “There’s an incredible energy here and a strong sense of community that we believe in. We see the opportunity to build something lasting in Tampa Bay, and this opening is only the beginning of what we hope to establish here.” The Water Street Pura Vida will be open Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

The new waterfront restaurant is open to hotel guests and non-guests and centers around a menu featuring shareable plates like customizable guacs, street tacos, meaty nachos, charred octopus and even heartier entrees such as the Grouper a la Veracruzana or the Lolita’s Carne Platter. Guests can also expect a large offering of wines and beers and of course, tequila and mescal-based cocktails. Lolita’s is open daily from 11 a.m.-midnight. If the name sounds familiar, the Opal Key Resort in Key West also has a Lolita’s that’s essentially the same except the waterfront view is usually blocked by a cruise ship. The new Mexican concept is part of a series of new offerings at the Clearwater Beach luxury resort. The hotel also recently debuted a new ice cream counter called the Float Malt Shop & Creamery, as well as a Beach Market offering smoothies, coffees and quick grab-and-go fare.

New Mexican restaurant Lolita’s Coastal Cocina opens in Clearwater Beach It’s not quite clear if Tampa Bay currently has too many modern Mexican concepts, but nevertheless a new luchador has entered the fight. Lolita’s Coastal Cocina recently opened at Opal Sol on Clearwater Beach, located at 400 Coronado Dr.

Wines of Spain returns to Ybor City, benefitting preservation at 125-year-old Centro Asturiano de Tampa Tampénos get a taste of its Spanish heritage with the Wines of Spain at Centro Asturiano de Tampa in Ybor City. Wines of Spain brings wine lovers together as the Ybor City landmark, located at 1913 N Nebraska Ave., prepares to

Water Street’s new health cafe, and more food news. By Colin Wolf

s Tampa the next Miami? Well, the verdict is still out, but a popular South Florida restaurant chain is about to debut in Tampa’s Water Street neighborhood. Fast-casual well-ness café chain Pura Vida Miami officially opened last Thursday, Sept. 10 at 1038 Water St., in the former Dwell & Company location. Pura Vida, founded by Israeli businessman and restaurateur Omer Horev, offers a MAHAfriendly seed oil-free menu, with items like avocado toast, salads, various eggs, protein plates, smoothies, açaí, coffee and matcha, as well as seasonal fare. According to a press release, the new location will feature Pura Vida’s newest fall menu additions, including “Steak & Eggs, the Breakfast Burrito, Scallion & Feta Omelette, Fennel Pistachio salad, Miami Vice Smoothie and seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cloud.” The new 3,400-square-foot outpost is Pura Vida’s 57th location, and its first in the Tampa Bay location.

celebrate its 125-year anniversary. Attendees will raise a glass from a selection of 50 Spanish and Mediterranean wines, including reds, whites and dessert wines. The evening’s entertainment includes flamenco dancers, live music and a silent auction. More than just wine, the event offers a cocktail bar, Spanish-inspired tapas and a cigar lounge to smoke it all down. Proceeds from Wines of Spain will go towards The Big Lift, a fundraising project that will renovate the historic gymnasium into a new communal space. “Every ticket purchased, and every glass poured, helps preserve this historic landmark while investing in its future, ensuring Centro Asturiano remains a place where our community can gather, celebrate, and connect for generations to come,” said Board Vice-President Daniel Martinez in a press release. Tickets for Wines of Spain at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., are still available and start at $108.55. The 125-year anniversary celebrates the club’s historic origins, once home to Cuban immigrants migrating to Ybor City, and its establishment as a mutual aid center in 1902.— Leif Helland

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Last summer, St. Pete celebrated the opening of a long-awaited Pete’s Bagels drive-thru—and this weekend, it celebrates a 100th anniversary. Pete’s location at 2439 4th St. S is located at a building that was one of St. Petersburg’s first gas station.

PETESGENERAL/FACEBOOK

“...this special building has been part of the community for 100 years, and is now a registered landmark,” Pete’s wrote about the old Standard Oil service station, which stayed in business for the Harbordale neighborhood from 1926-1962. At the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s conference last May, the project got kudos, and this weekend Preserve the ‘Burg Executive Director Manny Leto will give a presentation on the building. Family-friendly activities are on the agenda for the four-hour party along with a minimarket, specials and more. There’s no cover for the centennial celebration happening Sunday, Sept. 20 at Pete’s Drive-Thru in St. Petersburg. Look below to check out more events happening across Tampa Bay this week.

From Hive to Bite: A Honey Tasting & Flight of Bites with Café Clementine x Noble Nectar Apiaries Thursday, Sept. 17. 5:30 p.m. $40 & up. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org Night Out Cooking Class - Modern Greek Mezze Thursday, Sept. 17. 6 p.m. $95. Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg. thefoodielabskitchen.com

Pawtoberfest 2026 Saturday, Sept. 19. 12 p.m. No cover. Pinellas Ale Works, St. Petersburg. pawbeer.com Tarpon Springs Wine Walk Saturday, Sept. 19. 4 p.m. $35. Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs. exploretarponsprings.com Cocquito Pop-Up Sunday, Sept. 20. 8 a.m.-noon. No cover. Lara in Ybor, Tampa

Our Lady of Guadalupe Wine Dinner Thursday, Sept. 17. 6:30 p.m. $95 & up. Birch and Vine, St. Petersburg. thebirchwood.com

In Between Days: 5th Anniversary Party w/Esahm Malik Trio Tuesday, Sept. 22. 7 p.m. No cover. In Between Days, St. Petersburg

Taste of Grand Central: Cheers to 100 Years Thursday, Sept. 17. 6 p.m. $100. Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg. coastalcreativetv.com

Appy Hour Cooking Class: Chinese Dumplings Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m. $55. Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg. thefoodielabskitchen.com

Appy Hour Cooking Class - Pasta Fresca Friday, Sept. 18. 4-5:30 p.m. Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg. thefoodielabskitchen. com

Jackson Family Wine Dinner Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m. $165. Caretta on the Gulf at Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach. opalcollection.com

Ballroom & Bubbles - Champagne Guest Party Friday, Sept. 18. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The Real Ballroom Dance Studio, Tampa. therealballroom.com

Pickle Party (Learn to make your own pickles) Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m. $49. Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg. tiptopcanning.co

Emerald City (Oz): High Tea Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. $65. Jekyll, Hyde Park

Cooking Class - Soulful Cooking: Korean Classics Thursday, Sept. 24. 6 p.m. $95. Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg. thefoodielabskitchen.com

Oktoberfest Saturday, Sept. 19. 1 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg. 3dbrewing.com Oktoberfest 2026 Saturday, Sept. 19. 12 a.m. No cover. St. Pete Brewing Company, St. Petersburg

South of the Equator Wine Tasting: Wines of Chile and Argentina Thursday, Sept. 24. 5 p.m. $20 & up. Raymond James Community Room at The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg. thedali.org

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34 | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | cltampabay.com

MOVIES

THEATER

ART

CULTURE

Don’t believe me just wash St. Pete’s a hotspot for theater this month.

n the summer of 1881, 20 Black laundresses in Atlanta did some basic math on their backbreaking labor, realized they were being exploited, and decided they had washed their last shirt for pennies. They formed the Washing Society, set a firm rate of one dollar per 12 pounds of laundry, and walked off the job. Within weeks, roughly 3,000 women—Black and white alike— joined the cause, bringing the entire city to a grinding halt and securing the post-Civil War South’s first successful interracial labor strike. If your brain automatically files “1881 historical drama” under “dry academic obligation,” prepare to be thoroughly corrected. Playwright Kelundra Smith’s celebrated play “The Wash”—making its Florida premiere Oct. 1–11 at The Studio in St. Petersburg— doesn’t feel like a museum piece. In a modern economy defined by soaring rent, stagnant wages, and collective burnout, watching six working women turn a tub of suds into economic leverage feels less like history and more like a group chat conversation from yesterday morning. Set almost entirely around the washing tubs, the play follows six women—brought to life by Andresia Moseley, Jemier Jenkins, Jada Griffin, Marjorie Joseph, Nadine Young, and Holly Marie Weber—who argue, gossip, grieve, and organize. As director Erica Sutherlin notes, real movement-building doesn’t begin with a podium and a bullhorn; it starts in a room built on mutual trust. Crucially, the play is also wildly funny. It skips solemn posturing in favor of a warm, sharp-witted portrait of sisterhood among ordinary workers who discover that their shared labor is the one thing keeping the city running. There is also a significant statement being made behind the scenes. “The Wash” is a full coproduction between St. Petersburg’s The Studio and Tampa’s Powerstories Theatre. Instead of competing for audiences on opposite sides of the bay, the two companies are sharing the stage, the financial risk, and the spotlight. Following their sold-out run of “Cadillac Crew”last season, this partnership between Powerstories’ Executive Artistic Director Clareann Despain and The Studio’s Erica Sutherlin proves what

can happen when regional arts organizations build real bridges across the water. It’s high-stakes history delivered in an intimate setting, proving that the most explosive labor politics in Southern history started over a tub of dirty clothes. Extra seating was recently added due to high demand, but because capacity inside the space remains limited, locking in tickets early is strongly advised. Tickets to see “The Wash” Thursday-Sunday nights Oct. 1-11 at The Studio in St. Petersburg are still available and start at $25. Why you need to care about off-central’s biggest risk yet Let’s be honest: when most Tampa Bay residents think about live theater, they tend to split into two camps. Either you’re dropping half a paycheck at a megaarts center to sit in row ZZ where the actors look like dressed-up LEGO figures, or you’re dodging local theater altogether out of a lingering fear of awkward community hall productions. Enter The Off-Central Players, who are currently staging a quiet revolution—and a deliciously noisy farce—right in the heart of St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. Launching their sixth season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” Off-Central is doing something absurdly ambitious. Managing director Alan Mohney, Jr. openly admits this is the largest production the company has ever mounted. Putting a sprawling, physical, emotional high-wire act inside an intimate 43-seat black box theater is the theatrical equivalent of trying to parallel park a monster truck inside a studio apartment. And that is precisely why you should care. You don’t need a master’s degree in Russian literature to get this show. While Durang’s script throws classic Chekhovian themes— sibling rivalry, existential regret, middle-aged despair—into a comedic blender, it’s designed to hit you right in the gut. As first-time OffCentral actor Eve Grissinger (Nina) points out,

THEATER

THE STUDIO

By Avery Anderson/TB Arts Passport

GODDESS MODE: The cast of Kelundra Smith’s ‘The Wash,’ making its Florida premiere next month in St. Pete. the play walks a precarious tightrope between heartbreak and absurdity. Director Dylan Barlowe deliberately leans into the laughs right from the opening beats to give the audience permission to relax. Once that guard is down, the show ping-pongs seamlessly between sorrow and hilarity, anchored by powerhouse moments like Vanya’s (Michael Gregory) culture-critiquing monologue—a beast of a speech that Gregory masterfully grounds by “making the unfamiliar familiar.” The result is theater that invites you in rather than talks down to you. What makes live theater in St. Pete special isn’t grand scale; it’s proximity. In a 43-seat room, there is nowhere for an actor to hide, and no barrier between you and the story. Cast member Will Rickard (Spike) jokes that the space is so intimate, “I can wipe sweat from my brow and if I’m not careful, the front row might get a 4-D experience.” That extreme proximity transforms the audience from passive spectators into active conspirators in the room’s energy. When cast

member Jill Schroeder (Sonia) talks about how the cast bonded early on through shared laughter, that genuine warmth radiates straight into your seat. As actor Tracey Reynolds (Masha) hopes, you’ll leave the theater still laughing on the drive home—but also reflecting on the idea that it’s never too late to let go of regret and start a new chapter. St. Pete doesn’t need another sanitized touring show. It needs fearless, high-stakes local art happening three feet from your face. Tickets to see “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” showing Thursday-Sunday through Sept. 20 at The Off-Central Players in St. Petersburg are still available and start at $20. These posts first appeared at TB Arts Passport, which is part of the Tampa Bay Journalism Project (TBJP), a Creative Loafing Tampa Bay effort supported by grants and a coalition of donors who make specific contributions via the Alternative Newsweekly Foundation. Support TB Arts Passport by subscribing to its free newsletter or becoming a paying Arts Passport Member.

cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 35

The knockout tournament finds dancers from across the U.S. going one-one-one, across genres, with the crowd deciding the winner, who will go on to represent the U.S. in the world finals happening in Zurich, Switzerland next month. A Tampeño will be on the ones and twos, however, thanks to Tampa-based DJ, educator and Thesis Dance Festival founder Hans Pierre. The weekend also includes a workshop with Jacksonville-raised dancer and choreographerAmari Marshall who is a dance captain and contributing choreographer on Beyoncé’sCowboy Carter World Tour. Tickets for the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final happening at Tampa Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 19 are still available and start at $21. A no-cover, Friday exhibition and bracket reveal happens at The Ritz in Ybor City. Registration is required for Saturday afternoon workshops happening at Hotel Haya in Ybor City.—Ray Roa

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Spoonbill Reading Series (USF MFA) Thursday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. No cover. Corner Club, Tampa Experimental Encaustics Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. $250. Vinik Family Education Center at Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Ashley Rivers: Art as Environmental Restoration (Artist talk) Saturday, Sept. 19. 6 p.m. No cover. Brenda McMahon Gallery, Gulfport. brendamcmahongallery.com Batman Day 2026 Saturday, Sept. 19. 11 a.m. No cover. Emerald City Comics, Pinellas Park. emeraldcitycomics.com Cinema in the Sunshine State (Exhibit opening) Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. $18.95. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org Oktoberfest Kickoff Parade Sunday, Sept. 20. 6 p.m. No cover. Starts at Hillsborough High School, Tampa. independentbartampa.com David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed (Opening Celebration) Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m. $45. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Sacred Pilgrimage: Gaudí and Galban — Art & Architecture Presentation Tuesday, Sept. 22. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. No cover. St. Justin, Martyr Roman Catholic Church, Seminole

En Vivo Privado featuring Adolescentes Thursday, Sept. 24. 9 p.m. $18.55. Hard Rock Cafe, Tampa The Living Museum: A Celebration of Art, Movement & Human Expression Thursday, Sept. 24. 7 p.m. $40. LeBlanc, Ybor City. leblancvenue.net Septima Cocktail Hour with Tampa City Ballet Thursday, Sept. 24. 6:30 p.m. $80. Oxford Exchange, Tampa. oxfordexchange.com

BOOKISH

5th Annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo Saturday, Sept. 19. 12 p.m. No cover. The Portico, Tampa. wowbookandtoy.com Cigar City: The Story of Ybor City and West Tampa Saturday, Sept. 19. 2 p.m. No cover. John F. Germany Public Library, Tampa

Red Bull Dance Your Style

YVONNE GOUGELET / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

Tampa has long had its own style of dance (read: jook), but it won’t have a dancer in the ring this weekend when the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals arrive downtown. Instead, Florida will be represented by the likes of Orlando-based Motiv Crew founder and director Marlee Hightower, Motiv Crew member Fantaye, and Pompano Beach-born Kidd the Monster.

Ekphrastic Workshop with Victoria Dym Saturday, Sept. 19. 1 p.m. $33.85. Jack Kerouac House, St. Petersburg. stpetekerouachouse.com Ligia N. Cushman (Book signing) Saturday, Sept. 19. 12 p.m. No cover with RSVP. The Book Lounge, St. Petersburg. thebooklounge.com Fallow - An Evening with Sarah Anderson Tuesday, Sept. 22. 7 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg Madeline Martin w/Sarah Penner (Book talk) Tuesday, Sept. 22. 6:30 p.m. $6.71 & up. Oxford Exchange, Tampa. oxfordexchange.com Shelf Indulgent Romance Book Club: “One Dark Window” by Rachel Gillig Wednesday, Sept. 23. 6 p.m. No cover. Largo Public Library, Largo Books Behind the Scenes with Diane, Toni, and Jess from Penguin Random House Wednesday, Sept. 24. 6:30 p.m. $10. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg

John Carfi Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 17-19. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $22.50. Snappers Grill, Palm Harbor Kevin Nealon Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 17-19. 7 p.m. Thursday; 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $47.80. McCurdy’s, Sarasota Timmy No Brakes Select times ThursdaySaturday, Sept. 17-19. $31 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa Eric Bailey Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 8:30 p.m. $23.58. Clearwater Comedy Club, Clearwater Jeff Klein Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 8 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $20. Coconuts Comedy Club, St. Pete Beach Sam Jay Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $24.80 and up. Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg

Books & Beyond Book Club Thursday, Sept. 24. 12 p.m. No cover. Tarpon Springs Public Library, Tarpon Springs. tarponlibrary.org

Stephen Henry Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 8:30 p.m. $23.58. Sunshine City Comedy Club, St. Pete Beach

Books & Bibliophiles Book Club: “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret” by Judy Blume Thursday, Sept. 24. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Portkey Books, Safety Harbor. portkeybooks.com

Steve Trevino Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday; 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Saturday. $32 and up. Funny Bone Comedy Club, Ybor City

Fiction Book Club: “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck Thursday, Sept. 24. 6 p.m. No cover. Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg. bookandbottlestpete.com

Free Comedy Show feat. Dan Bakst & Friends Sunday, Sept. 20. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Bigfoot On The River, Tampa

COMEDY

Adam Muller Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 17-19. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $23.80. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Wesley Chapel

36 | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | cltampabay.com

Kevin Sullivan Tuesday, Sept. 22. 7 p.m. $33 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa Katie Boyle Wednesday, Sept. 23. 7:30 p.m. $32.31 & up. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa

Gus Tate Thursday, Sept. 24. 7:30 p.m. $25. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa Johnny Pemberton w/Josh Fadem/Matt Fernandez/more Thursday, Sept. 24. 7 p.m. $28 & up. Oscura, Bradenton Shannon Fiedler Thursday, Sept. 24. 7 p.m. $27. Funny Bone Comedy Club, Ybor City Steve Byrne Select times ThursdaySunday, Sept. 24-27. $30. Side Splitters Comedy Club, Tampa

FILM & TV

37th Annual Queer Film Festival: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Shorts Friday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa Motion Picture Paradise: A History of 37th Annual Queer Film Festival: Meeting Marsha Sunday, Sept. 20. 5 p.m. $10. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa 37th Annual Queer Film Festival: Crying Out Loud Bittersweet Shorts (Closing Night) Sunday, Sept. 20. 7:30 p.m. $10. SunRay Cinema, Tampa

LEARN

A (Not So Critical) History Of Art Friday, Sept. 18. 11 a.m. No cover. Clearwater Countryside Library, Clearwater. Remember the Time: Celebrating USF’s Black Alumni Friday, Sept. 18. 6 p.m. No cover. Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. No cover. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater. pinellas.gov Golden Harvest: The Music and

continued on page 37

Out and about: Events happening in Tampa Bay (cont'd) continued from page 36 Traditions of the Greek Spongers of Tarpon Springs with Panayotis League, Ph.D Sunday, Sept. 20. 2 p.m. No cover. Sulphur Springs Museum, Tampa. sulphurspringsmuseum.org Citizen Science: Pinellas Bee City Monday, Sept. 21. 11 a.m. No cover. Tarpon Springs Public Library, Tarpon Springs. tarponlibrary.org Public Library Outreach American Art Tuesday, Sept. 22. 5:30-7 p.m. No cover with registration. Barbara S. Ponce Public Library, Pinellas Park. mfastpete.org Sips & Trips: A New Adventure Series with Brittany Loubier-Vervisch, Carl Vervisch, and Brigita Gahr Tuesday, Sept. 22. 7 p.m. $7.48. New World Brewery, Tampa. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Thursday, Sept. 24. 6 p.m. $15. Ersula’s History Shop, Tampa. ersulashistoryshop.com Remember. Rebuild. Prepare. Hurricane Preparedness Kit Day 2026 Thursday, Sept. 24. 12 p.m. No cover; $45 donation requested. Tampa River Center, Tampa. givebutter.com

MARKETS & RETAIL

Deviant Market Ghouls Night Saturday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m. $10. Deviant Libation, Tampa. deviantlibation.com Plantoberfest Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. No cover. Westchase Town Center, Tampa

NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

St. Petersburg City Council: FY27 Budget Public Hearing No. 2 Thursday, Sept. 17. 6 p.m. No cover. City Hall Council Chambers, 175 5th St. N., St. Petersburg WaveMakers Live: The 2026 Midterm Elections — What’s at Stake? Thursday, Sept. 17. 7:30 p.m. $10. The Commodore, Ybor City. wmnf.org Taryn Sabia for Mayor: Coffee & Conversation Friday, Sept. 18. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover. Buddy Brew (3304 W Bay to Bay Blvd.), Tampa

PRIDE

Poly & Kink-Friendly Hangout Thursday, Sept. 17. 6 p.m. No cover. Deviant Libation, Tampa 37th Annual Queer Film Festival FridaySunday, Sept. 18-20. Various times and prices. Sun-Ray Cinema, Tampa Queerlastic Book Fair Saturday, Sept. 19. Noon-4 p.m. Pay what you can. Fabulous Arts Foundation, Sarasota

Pride & Passion: Go Greek & Roman Saturday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m. $155 & up. Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Queer Show ‘N Tell Monday, Sept. 21. 6:30-8:30 p.m. No cover. Seminole Heights Branch Library, Tampa Lick and Flick: Sapphic Dive-In Movie Night Monthly Mondays. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover. Cocktail St. Pete, St. Petersburg

THEATER

Arsenic and Old Lace Select times and dates Thursday-Sunday through Sept. 20. $32.50. Bradenton Kiwanis Theater at Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton Halfway There Multiple times through Oct.17. $60. Early Bird Dinner Theater, Clearwater. earlybirddinnertheater.com Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Select times and dates FridaySunday through Sept. 20. $31.75 & up. Richey Suncoast Theatre, New Port Richey The Marvelous Wonderettes Select times and dates Friday-Sunday through Sept. 20. $22 & up. Francis Wilson Playhouse, Clearwater A Night With Janis Joplin Select times and dates Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 11. $28. American Stage, St. Petersburg As We Like It Select times and dates Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 4. $28. LAB Theater Project, Ybor City My Year of Saying No (Voices of Women Studio Series) Friday-Sunday, Sept. 18-20. 7 p.m.; 3 p.m. Sunday. $20. Powerstories Theatre, Tampa The Suffragette’s Murder Select times and dates Friday-Sunday, Sept. 18-27. $23; $10 & up for kids and students. St. Petersburg City Theatre, St. Petersburg Mandy Keen: Maggie Saturday, Sept. 19. 8 p.m. $15. The Commodore, Ybor City My Unspeakable Confessions Tuesday, Sept. 22. 6 p.m. $10. Raymond James Community Room at The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg Jane Austen in 89 Minutes Select times and dates Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 24-Oct. 11. $40 & up. Stageworks Theatre, Tampa

ART AFTER DARK SWING DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

THURSDAY, SEPT 17 | 5-8 PM

Stroll the galleries after hours, take in the unique ambiance, and experience art in a fresh new light before stepping onto the dance floor. Perfect for seasoned dancers and beginners alike. No partner required. Complete your night with Café Clementine’s L’Apéro hours, featuring organic wines, local Green Bench beer, and a delicious array of sweet and savory delights.

ART AFTER DARK WITH CLASSICAL REVOLUTION

THURSDAY, SEPT 24 | 5-8 PM Why choose between a concert and a night at the museum when you can have both? Classical Revolution St. Pete brings top-tier live music straight into the conservatory in an evening of music and art. Enjoy a drink from Café Clementine, soak in the performance, and then wander the galleries after hours to explore the art at your own pace.

ART & NATURE SUNSET TOURS WITH THE MFA & TAMPA BAY WATCH DISCOVERY CENTER

SUNDAY, SEPT 27 | 3:30-7:30 PM Embark on a journey of natural wonder through this unique collaboration between the MFA and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Explore how artists have drawn inspiration from the natural world, then set off on a boating adventure filled with scientific and artistic discovery. VISIT MFASTPETE.ORG/EVENTS-CALENDAR FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO.

Night of Poe Select times ThursdaySaturday, Sept. 24-26. $57.75 & up. Richey Suncoast Theatre, New Port Richey Theatre eXceptional: Disney’s The Little Mermaid Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 24-27. 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. Sunday. $32. Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo

cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 37

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS

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THU SEPTEMBER 17–THU SEPTEMBER 24

C CL Recommends

FRI 18

C Eunmi Ko w/Tyler Kline/Joseph Klein Operating outside of the box has long been a calling card for Eunmi Ko, and the Tampabased composer is really leaning in for the world premiere of new work by composers Tyler Kline and Joseph Klein. Based in Tampa since 2014, Ko, who drives the Contemporary Art Music Project (CAMP), regularly contributed to the avant-garde music scene. “I was genuinely sad to see the decline in collaborations between St. Pete’s arts spaces and musicians, so I’m particularly excited to return with a program that is fun, whimsical, a little weird, and—yes—still sophisticated!,” she wrote in an email to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “Along with the music, I’ll be reading my own story, which does not have a title yet, as well as Young Sycamore by William Carlos Williams and an excerpt from Blind Man by Elias Canetti.” 7 p.m. No cover. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg

SAT 19

C Ajeva album release Escape and adventure are the themes on each side of Sidequests, the new double-LP from St. Petersburg experimental rock and jam band Ajeva. Opening with carefree indie-rock, the record—produced, mixed and mastered by the band’s own drummer Tucker Sody— turns into a dramatic prog-rock jam on the backside with huge contributions from bassist Taylor Gilchrist. In midst of a short Southeastern headlining tour, with a few dates opening for Andy Frasco mixed in, Ajeva plays a two-set homecoming album release show where they’ll do the album in full and also do the band’s elusive rave set. 9 p.m. $24.80. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg C Turnstile w/Hatebreed/Cold World Pinellas Park is finally getting a major dose of T.L.C. Grammy-winning hardcore band Turnstile brings another leg of its “Never Enough” tour, which includes two dates in Florida. The band, which earned Grammys for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance last February has plans to play England Brothers Bandshell which the municipality says can host up to 5,000 attendees. 5 p.m. $85.53. England Brothers Park, Pinellas Park Whale Feral w/Sooza Brass Band With Dead & Co. perhaps looking at, well, its deathbed, there are plenty of bands carrying the mantle. Whale Feral is one such outfit, always ready to channel whatever the world offers into new work, often marked by ripping guitar solos and creative melody. Its latest, “Burnin’ Young,” is a single recorded at Tampa’s Morrisound alongside

Gainesville brass collective Sooza Brass Band which also plays this backyard gig. 7:30 p.m. $19. Shuffle, Tampa

SUN 20

WMNF Dolly Parton Tribute: StockHouzZen w/Marty Fouts & Bonnie Kessler/Gracie Topp/Morgan Blake The fine folks at WMNF are masters at the tribute show. This one promises classic songs and deep cuts from one of music’s all-time greats who finally went to rest late last month. 6 p.m. $20. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa

TUE 22

C Anamanaguchi w/Covet/Drook Parking lot concerts are becoming more regular on the loading dock of this brewery that’s not in Ybor City. This one is headlined by a New York chiptune legend that used a 2025 album, Anyway, to try on a new indie-rock sound (no shred of emo though, despite the record featuring the American Football house on the cover). California math-rock favorite Covet opens the show along with Virginia trio Drook still touring behind a charming 2024 album of electrohyperpop, The Pure Joy of Jumping. 7 p.m. $34.55. Coppertail Brewing, Tampa

WED 23

C Death Lens w/Pat & the Pissers/ Skinman A decade after its debut LP, Fuck This, California hardcore band Death Lens is still not pulling punches, choosing to ask What’s Left Now? on a new LP played by an updated lineup that saw two members leave and a new one join. More exciting on this bill is a middle set from Pat & The Pissers, an absolutely bonkers Indianapolis rock outfit still on the road supporting a 2025 LP, How It’s Done, that’s the perfect vehicle for an energetic, in-your-face, live show developed in basements across the Midwest (the show was good enough to get the attention of Jack White, who tapped the Pissers to open for him last summer). Small town punk outfit Skinman opens. 7 p.m. $27.51. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa TLC w/Salt N Pepa/En Vogue It’s time to hang on the passenger’s side of your best friend’s ride—especially if ‘90s R&B girl groups are on rotation in your playlist. Included in the setlists are classics from the groups’ debut and best-selling albums, from TLC’s “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls” to Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop” and “Push it” and En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind,” according to a press release. Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and her TLC bandmate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas remain a duo, 24 years after the 2002 death of 30-year-old Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who was touted not just as the group’s rapper but as its creative force in

GLOBAL ROCK UNDERGROUND

By Ray Roa

Pat & the Pissers

songwriting and visuals. 7:30 p.m. $57 & up. Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa—Jasmin Parrado Young Thug w/Tezzus, Diamond/1300saint/Lyrus/Yume/Biggs/ Unky Young Thug used to get shit for warbling his way through hip-hop, but fingerprints of his signature delivery are now all over the genre. After taking a five-year break from the road, and an appearance at Coachella last April, the 35-year-old Atlanta rapper is back to show off his Young Stoner Life record label. 8 p.m. $52.40. Yuengling Center, Tampa

THU 24

Also playing The Browning w/Deadlands/Extortionist/ Blind Equation Friday, Sept. 18. 6 p.m.

$32.51. Orpheum, Tampa Elevation Rhythm Friday-Saturday, Sept.

18-19. 7 p.m. Sold out. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg Eyehategod w/Whores/No-Mas/Intoxicated/ Wasted Life/Bad Future Friday, Sept. 18. 5:30

p.m. $29.99. Brass Mug, Tampa The Family Funk Friday, Sept. 18. 8 p.m. No

cover. Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin The Florida Orchestra: Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl in concert Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19. 7:30

p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. $31.50 and up. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg

C Wu-Tang Clan w/Bone Thugs-NHarmony Last year, legendary hip-hop crew Wu-Tang Clan embarked on what they claimed would be its final farewell tour. But as they say “cash rules everything around me,” so it appears Staten Island’s finest will bring da’ ruckus one more time. Wu-Tang was in Tampa last summer alongside Run The Jewels, and just like last time this year’s stop promises all surviving members including RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son Young Dirty Bastard. The new tour could be viewed as a victory lap of sorts, after all the Wu-Tang Clan was nominated for induction into this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class. 7:30 p.m. $42 & up. Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa—Colin Wolf

Gloomchild w/Wülfgang Amadeus/ Decembr/The Polymer Motive Friday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. $14.47. Deviant Libation, Tampa Madison Hughes w/Josh Gibbs Friday, Sept.

18. 7 p.m. $17.49. New World Music Hall, Tampa Marlon Boone Fridays. 5 p.m. No cover.

Chewy’s Lounge, Seminole Heights Mirage (Oasis tribute) Friday, Sept. 18. 7:30

p.m. $20 & up. Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa Mwiza Friday, Sept. 18. 6 p.m. No cover.

Water Street, Tampa Rock For Equality: Cozy In The Black w/ Dove Bomb/Except You/Mace Friday, Sept.

18. 7:30 p.m. $15. Oscura, Bradenton

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cltampabay.com | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | 39

DOG-THEMED / DOG-FRIENDLY BREWERY

35+ TAPS / EVENT SPACE

#1 MOST DOG FRIENDLY BREWERY IN THE US

USF Symphony Orchestra Friday, Sept. 18.

7:30 p.m. No cover. Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall, Tampa Your Last Breath w/Luciidea/Million/In Remembrance Friday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. $12.16.

The Noise Box, Brandon Zac Brown Band w/Brothers Osborne

Friday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. $60 & up. Benchmark International Arena, Tampa DJ Three w/Brian Busto Saturday, Sept.

19. 9 p.m. $24.80 & up. The Nest at St. Pete Brewing Co., St. Petersburg

IMA LEUPP

PINELLAS ALE WORKS

continued from page 39

Eddie Kusar Saturday, Sept. 19. 6:30 p.m. No

cover. Pistil House, St. Petersburg Grant Peeples w/Sara Stovall Saturday, Sept.

19. 12 p.m. $50. Seminole Heights (Address provided upon purchase) In Gloom w/Dealey Plaza/Gas/Imposter/ Hollow God/Knifelighter Saturday, Sept. 19.

6:30 p.m. $15. Oscura, Bradenton Jay Miah Saturdays. 5 p.m. No cover.

Chewy’s Lounge, Seminole Heights John Fogerty w/Steve Winwood Saturday,

Jeremy Carter Sundays. 10 a.m. No cover.

John Sabal (Piano concert) Saturday, Sept.

Russell Dickerson (acoustic) Sunday, Sept.

19. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

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Fenway Hotel, Dunedin

Kristopher James Band Saturday, Sept. 19. 8

20. 11 a.m. $37.05 & up. Hard Rock Event Center Pool at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa

p.m. No cover. Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin

Side Trakd (Funky brunch) Every third

Mike Kinnebrew Saturday, Sept. 19. 7

Sunday through Dec. 20. 12 p.m. No cover. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg

p.m. $33.85. Music4Life Living Arts Center, Clearwater Paul Gavin Sextet (John Coltrane tribute) Saturday, Sept. 19. 7:30 p.m. $27 & up.

Sports w/Remo Drive/Computer/Dear Cincinnati Sunday, Sept. 20. 7 p.m. $27.51.

Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa

USF Wind Ensemble Sunday, Sept. 20. 2 p.m.

Punk Rock Pizza Party: DJ One Time w/Mike Defendant & Katrina Jo/Over Wait Mammal/ Warm Like Winter/Back and Forth/Earthgirl/ No Context/Abortion Twins/Victims of Circumstanc e Saturday, Sept. 19. 5 p.m.

No cover. Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall, Tampa

$20.97. Orpheum, Tampa Ryan Castro w/Hamilton Saturday, Sept.

Vader w/Jungle Rot/Fleshcrawl/Trash Panda

Sunday, Sept. 20. 6 p.m. $35.06. Orpheum, Tampa USF Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble

19. 8:30 p.m. $72.15 & up. Yuengling Center, Tampa

Tuesday, Sept. 22. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall, Tampa

Scott Murley Jazz Trio Saturday, Sept. 19. 8

W.A.S.P w/KK’s Priest Tuesday, Sept. 22. 8

p.m. No cover. The Independent, Tampa

p.m. $57.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

The Sounds of Soul: Motown and Beyond

French Police w/Social Order Wednesday,

Saturday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m. $30 & up. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Tarpon Springs Starjunk 95 w/Boy 2000 Saturday, Sept. 19.

10 p.m. $31.67 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

Sept. 23. 7 p.m. $35.06. Orpheum, Tampa Michael Franti Trio w/Wheeland Brothers

Wednesday, Sept. 23. 7 p.m. $52.85 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Tanner Boyle Saturday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. No

AJ Hall Thursday, Sept. 24. 8 p.m. $12.51. Hotel Haya, Ybor City

cover. Seven C Music, St. Petersburg

Classical Revolution (Art After Dark)

Todd Sargent Saturday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m. Call

or message venue for tickets. Kani Ka Pila Room inside NoiseMakers, St. Petersburg

Thursday, Sept. 24. 5 p.m. No cover for members; $16 for everyone else. Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

Trayze Saturday, Sept. 19. 9 p.m. $150 & up.

Dopethrone w/Fister/Crud Thursday, Sept.

M.Bird, Tampa

24. 7 p.m. $28.69. Orpheum, Tampa

Wyatt Norton Saturday, Sept. 19. 7 p.m. No

The Haunt Thursday, Sept. 24. 7 p.m. $33.53.

cover. Gulfport Brewery, Gulfport

New World Music Hall, Tampa

Benise Sunday, Sept. 20. 3 p.m. $55 & up.

Mik Porter Thursday, Sept. 24. 9 p.m. $300 &

New Tampa Performing Arts Center, Tampa

up. M.Bird, Tampa

James Suggs & Mark Moultrup Sundays. 3

Sounds on Vinyl w/DJ Jay Marley Thursday,

p.m. No cover. Hawthorne Bottle Shop, St. Petersburg

Sept. 24. 8 p.m. No cover with reservation. Punch Room at Tampa Edition, Tampa

Jazz Vinyl and Coffee Session Sunday, Sept.

Wesley Hemmar Thursdays. 5 p.m. No cover.

20. 11 a.m. No cover. Suite E Studios, St. Petersburg

40 | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | cltampabay.com

The Haunt

Sept. 19. 7 p.m. $67 & up. The BayCare Sound, Clearwater

Chewy’s Lounge, Seminole Heights See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/music.

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In a Sept. 14 statement shared with Rolling Stone, the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, told the publication that they “have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.”

LIV HEMA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is among a handful of venues that will not feature Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s current “Loop Tour,” after the “Thrift Shop” artist made a series of statements at recent shows in support of Palestinians and called for a “free Palestine.”

The Seattle-based rapper, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, was supposed to appear at 10 more venues, including the tour’s final stop on Nov. 7 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Bobby Silvest, Tampa Sports Authority Vice President of Marketing and Communications, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay in an email that Macklemore is no longer on the roster for the upcoming show. “We can confirm Macklemore will not be performing at the upcoming show. Apart from this lineup change, the concert will go forward as planned,” said Silvest. The TSA would not respond to questions as to why exactly Macklemore was barred from performing, but the statement comes just a few months after the publicly-funded stadium faced immense outcry and pressure from Florida politicians and the Jewish community, to cancel shows by “former” Nazi and Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West, also known as “Ye.” A public records request from CL showed that negotiations between West’s camp and the TSA resulted in atypical language being added to the controversial rapper’s contract, essentially making the shows almost impossible to cancel. The non-boilerplate language was requested by West’s team, and included a clause that stated the TSA can’t cancel the two shows “based upon artist identity, prior or past public statements, public perception, political viewpoints, or the anticipated or actual content of the performance…” At the time, the TSA did not cite this clause as the reason for allowing the shows to proceed, and instead told multiple outlets it was bound by the Constitution to allow free speech at a publicly funded stadium. “We recognize the concerns and viewpoints being expressed about the upcoming events at Raymond James Stadium,” said the Tampa Sports Authority in a statement to various press outlets. “As a public agency,

42 | SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 | cltampabay.com

we follow the principles of free speech in operating our venue, although we do not condone remarks or actions from any artists that are offensive and divisive.” Macklemore has since released a statement, saying he was removed from the tour after billionaire New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft led a pressure campaign against Sheeran. “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium,” said Macklemore on his social media. “Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.” The TSA did not respond to questions from CL asking if the organization was contacted by Kraft or anyone affiliated with Gillette Stadium. Earlier this month, the Grammy-winning artist was performing two shows at MetLife Stadium where he performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” and showed concertgoers images of the total devastation of Gaza. “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine,’” said Macklemore to the audience. “I said, ‘Free Palestine!’ I want those words to be loud and clear, so that people all the way in Gaza to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten about them.” Come back next week for Josh Bradley’s weekly roundup of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay.—Colin Wolf

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Stay with us By Dan Savage

ear Readers: I’m on a vacation (and bed rest) this week. Please enjoy this selection of letters from three previously published columns.—Dan

Borrowing Gen Z’s love for labelling everything, I’m a 46-year-old homoromantic asexual Canadian faggot. For me that means I’d like to love and be loved by another man but I’d hate having sex with him. To add a vexing complication, I also need some sort of power imbalance. Ideally, I would fall somewhere between being a man’s sub and being his slave. I’ve been searching for this since I came out in my early-20s. I’ve tried everything. Online, bars, hobby groups, friends, hookups. Vanilla relationships, single Masters, dominant couples, sex workers. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on both men and therapy, but here I am busted, miserable, and alone. The point is that no one—and I mean absolutely no one— wants what I want. My dream dude doesn’t exist. It’s easy to tell someone to move on, that there are other fish in the sea, etc., but sometimes your sea is a puddle and you really are the only guppy. I’m considering ending my life before the end of the year. I can’t shake the deep sadness and disappointment and misery that I feel, Dan, and this isn’t even touching on my current unemployment or newly-chronic health issues. What would you do if you were in my shoes? How does one switch off the built-in romantic drive?—Sought A Dom Accepting Sad Singlehood I’m sorry you haven’t found your ideal man, SADASS, or the right dominant couple or a vanilla guy you could love or a dominant sex worker you could see on the side. Not everyone finds their ideal mate/position/situation, despite our best efforts, which is why it’s important we build lives for ourselves that are rich and rewarding while we look for our dream dude(s). Because then even if we’re unhappily single—or we find ourselves unhappily single again—we would still have meaning and pleasure in our lives. And that makes it easier for us to live in hope that, should all the planets align, it could still happen for us or happen for us again. (Please note: I’m qualifying “single” with “unhappy” here not because all single people are unhappy—which is absolutely untrue—but because this single person, SADASS, is unhappy.) I have to assume it has happened for you once or twice, SADASS. While none of your relationships with any of the vanilla guys, single Masters, dominant couples, or sex workers you’ve met along the way turned into long-term connections, there had to have been some good times and real—if not lasting—connections over the years. Instead of seeing those relationships as a string of failures because they ended, SADASS, you could choose to see them as a series of successful short-term relationships. And while you may regret that

none lasted for years or decades, there’s nothing about being partnered that immunizes a person against loss, regret, or future singleness. If you were still with one of those vanilla guys, you might always regret not meeting a Master; if you were with a Master or a dominant couple, you might regret—from time to time—not having a more egalitarian relationship. Although you say you’re not interested in having sex, SADASS, your interests are erotically charged. If your erotic-if-not-sexual fantasies are causing you distress—if you want to switch off your built-in romantic/erotic drive— anti-depressants often lower and sometimes tank a person’s libido. For most people that’s an unwelcome side effect, but you may find it a blessing, SADASS, at least for now, SADASS, while you’re dealing with your health and employment issues. It’s an extreme move but it’s far less extreme than the one you’ve been contemplating, so it might be worth discussing with a sex-positive, kink-positive, reality-aware therapist. And you do sound legitimately depressed, so. Finally, please don’t end your life. The world is a far more interesting place with you in it. And while finding a romantic partner is never the solution to our problems—it’s always the start of a whole different set of problems—I’ve heard from countless people over the years who found something close to what they were looking for in their fifties, sixties, and even seventies. But it can’t happen for you if you aren’t here for it. Crisis Services Canada maintains a 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline: 833-456-4566. In the United States please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. Originally published Oct. 20, 2020.

practitioner and educator, as well as a professional artist and tattooer. Gorbey ties up a lot of women, as you can see on his Instagram account (@daskinbaku), and he doesn’t think you’re going to find someone on a “bondage singles” site, either. “I would recommend this person step away from the dating sites and step into some educational group meet-ups or ‘munches,’” said Gorbey. “TIED or any new person should focus on groups that match their own desires/interests, and connections will develop organically with time and effort—with a lot of fucking time and effort!” Kink social and education groups organize online but meet up offline—face-to-face, IRL, in meatspace—at munches (educational talks, no actual play) and play parties (actual play, hence the name). To find the kink organization(s) in your area, TIED, Gorbey suggests that you create a profile on FetLife, the biggest social network for kinky people, and start connecting with other like-minded kinksters at munches. “Going to munches will not only give TIED a chance to meet people,” said Gorbey, “they’ll give him a ‘guide’ for how to act—most groups generally go over house safe words/etiquette/rules and consent/risk awareness at the beginning of a munch—and they’ll also give what I call a ‘visual vocabulary’ of what a real-life scene looks like. Porn and fetish fantasy often distort our perceptions of what is plausible or even possible for real people in a real-life scenario. Just watching others play helped me identify the things I found attractive as both a top and a bottom.” There are lots of men and women out there who are interested in bondage, TIED, and the organized kink scene is the best place for someone like you to find both mentors and play partners. You’ll be able to interact with kinky women at munches and parties, women who will be a lot likelier to let you tie them up after you’ve demonstrated you’re safe and sane yourself. “There are hours of intimacy before and after the moment captured for an Instagram photo,” said Gorbey. “These relationships require trust, vulnerability, and communication. These acts require a lot of hard work and commitment, and they expose a person to risk. That’s why the only responsible answer to TIED’s question is to seek education first and play partners second.” Follow @daskinbaku on Instagram. Originally published Nov. 13, 2018.

SAVAGE LOVE

I’ve always wanted to tie girls up, but I can never convince a woman to let me. Lately, I’ve been exploring “bondage singles” sites online, but I’m totally new to this. How do I know which ones I can trust? There are hundreds of profiles, but it’s hard for me to believe I can really just answer an ad, meet a girl in a hotel room, and tie her up. It can’t be that simple, can it?—The Internet’s Enticing Dames It can’t be and it isn’t, TIED, because no woman in her right mind is going to let some man she’s never met before tie her up in a hotel room. That’s not to say it couldn’t happen or hasn’t ever happened, but women stupid enough to take that risk are rare—and it should go without saying that any singles website promising to provide lonely guys with an endless stream of stupid women is a scam. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Justin Gorbey is a bondage

I’m a 40something gay male professor at a small college. I try hard not to get attracted to students, and usually succeed. But it’s tough to resist temptation when you’re surrounded by hot, smart, fun, horny young guys in a rural area with not many other options. Over the past several years, I’ve ended up having sex with several students. None of them were students I was currently teaching or likely to teach, and two had graduated. I’m not actually violating college policy, which only bans faculty

from getting involved with students they’re currently teaching. I haven’t ever done anything on campus or made the first move—and when one of them starts trying to hit on me, I’ve usually mustered the willpower to ignore him. On rare occasions when I’ve ended up letting my cock do the thinking, I’ve treated my younger partners with kindness and respect and observed your campsite rule. All of these younger guys solemnly swore to keep our extracurricular activities secret, but still, word might leak out, and I don’t want to become known on campus as one of “those” professors. Most important, I don’t want my queer male students—many of whom look to me for mentorship—to think I’m grooming them for sex after I’m no longer teaching them, and I don’t want my female and straight male students to feel like second-class citizens. On the other hand, I’m a sex-positive person who believes that happy, consensual banging has its own intrinsic value. I tend to be attracted to younger guys, and I think part of the attraction is that they’re less jaded about sex and more excited. Fucking them feels less transactional than the typical hi-bang-jizz-wipe-bye Grindr hookup that seems to be the norm with gay guys in their 30s and older. I’m struggling with how I should feel about these off-campus romps. We’re all adults, and we’re not breaking any rules. Obviously, the behavior is professionally risky for me, probably foolhardy. But is it immoral? Above all, what should I do when future opportunities present themselves?—Professor Horn-Dog Can we please not describe one adult subtly and perhaps unintentionally telegraphing their attraction to another adult as “grooming”? That term refers to adult sexual predators insinuating themselves into the lives of minors, slowly gaining their trust and the trust of their family members, so they can abuse those minors sexually. It means something very specific, PHD, and we shouldn’t confuse or cheapen its meaning by applying it to your behavior—which, while not criminal nor immoral, is incredibly stupid. Yes, these relationships are permissible, in the sense that the school where you teach permits them. They aren’t against the rules, those young men were all consenting adults, and you’re doing your best (you claim) to honor the campsite rule (leave them in better shape than you found them). But this is an advice column, PHD, and you’re not asking me what’s permissible, but what’s advisable. And what you’re doing is crazy inadvisable for all the reasons you cite: the risk of promising and hot gay male students misinterpreting your interest in them as sexual, your straight students feeling like they may not be getting the full benefit of your attention, and your mediocre and not hot gay male students— sorry, your mediocre and not conventionally attractive gay male students—interpreting their failing grades as sexual rejection. Originally published Nov.19, 2019. Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love!

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