Creative Loafing Tampa — September 25, 2025 • Best Of The Bay
PUBLISHER James Howard
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa
Editorial
MANAGING EDITOR Selene San Felice
FOOD & DRINK CRITIC Kyla Fields
FILM & TV CRITIC John W. Allman
IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl
CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Jani Burden, Kelly Buttermore, Jon Palmer Claridge, Jourdan Ducat, Samuel Edme, Sebastián González de León y León, Michael Murillo, Annalise Mabe, Justin Peters, Eric Snider, Valerie Smith, Arielle Stevenson, David Warner
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jorge Cordova, Dave Decker, Ryan Kern
FALL INTERNS Alisha Duroiser, Sophia Lowrie, Emily McLaughlin
(apply for spring by emailing clips and a resume to rroa@cltampa.com)
Creative Services
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Spatafora
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paul Pavlovich
POLITICAL CARTOONIST Bob Whitmore
ILLUSTRATORS Dan Perkins, Cory Robinson
Advertising
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Anthony Carbone, Dan Winkler
CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER Jerrica Schwartz
Events and Marketing
MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Leigh Wilson
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Lauren Caplinger
MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Kristin Bowman
Circulation
CIRCULATION MANAGER Ted Modesta
Chava Communications Group
FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Michael Wagner
CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Cassandra Yardeni Wagner
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Graham Jarrett
VP OF OPERATIONS Hollie Mahadeo
DIRECTOR OF AGENCY SERVICES Kelsey Molina
ART DIRECTOR David Loyola
DIGITAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Jaime Monzon chavagroup.com cltampabay.com cldeals.com
EDITORIAL POLICY — Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is a 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.
Creative Loafing Tampa is published by Tampa Events & Media, LLC, 633 N Franklin St., Suite 735. Tampa, Florida, 33602.
The physical edition is available free of charge at locations throughout Tampa Bay and online at cltampabay.com. Copyright 2023, Tampa Events and Media, LLC.
The newspaper is produced and printed on Indigenous land belonging to Tampa Bay’s Tocobaga and Seminole tribes.
Five Pro-Palestine activists were arrested last Thursday, including at least three veterans, outside MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. As part of a protest organized by Florida chapters of Veterans for Peace and Vets Against The Machine, activists sat in the street blocking the entrance to MacDill, home of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Two cars were unable to enter the base. The group called for the military to stop sending weapons and munitions to Israel, claiming MacDill violates several laws, including the Arms Export Control Act, the U.S. War Crimes Act and the Genocide Implementation Prevention Act. Those arrested included Marine Corps veteran Taylor Llamas and Joy Metzler—who recently left the Air Force and joined other veterans in a hunger strike for Gaza. Navy vet Marialana Kinter— also a Democratic challenger for Republican Cory Mills’ District 7 congressional seat—was arrested as well. Read more, and see all the photos via cltampa.com/slideshows.—Selene San Felice
HOME DECOR/GIFTS
do this
Tampa Bay's best things to do from Sept. 25 - October 04
Curtains up
A few of this fall’s best local theater shows happen this week.
• ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ (Through-Oct. 5, freeFall). Broadway songbird Bernadette Peters won a Tony when this show was presented as the “Song” half of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song and Dance. Now we get to see Tampa Bay’s favorite songbird, Julia Rifino (pictured), in the role of an English girl looking for love in all the wrong places in NYC.
• ‘Goddess of the Hunt’ (Through-Oct. 5, Lab Theatre Project). The titular goddess in this new play by Doug DeVita (Fable) is a TV interior-design star whose hunt for clients takes some malevolent turns. But the play’s real villain may be social media. (Full disclosure: I’m in this one.)
• ‘Fat Pig’ (Through-28, Dead Canary at The Studio@620). The second production from a new company that’s as daring as its name, Fat Pig, by the evercontroversial Neil LaBute, challenges our notions of beauty and acceptance in a play about a man and his plus-sized girlfriend.
• ‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’ (Through-Oct. 26, Jaeb Theatre at the Straz). “Perfect for audiences of all blood types,” reads the Straz Center’s description of this fang-in-cheek romp, in which the vampire hunter is a woman and the scariest pursuit may be… real estate?
Get details and find more shows in our Fall Theater Guide at cltampa.com/arts —David Warner
On a roll
Tampa Bay isn’t missing out on the labubu craze. The wide-eyed collectible toy phenomenon known as Labubu has made its way into Armature Works with labubu parties making the rounds at Zukku Sushi, Ling’s Dumplings and Han Hand Roll Bar, all restaurants under Majestic Restaurant Group. Zukku was the first to hold its Labubu event on Sept. 18 and a spokesperson for Majestic told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the restaurant saw a great turnout. Labubus are taking over Ling’s next, with a free Japanese chef outfit for the trendy besties, or for lucky Labubu claw machine winners. Fans can also take pics with a life-sized Labubu mascot and enter for a chance to win two rare Labubus.
Labubu Party: Friday, Sept. 26. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover. Ling’s Dumplings, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. eatlingsdumplings.com—Alisha Durosier
A night at the Zoo
Tampa Bay’s family-friendly Halloween tradition, Creatures of the Night, is back at ZooTampa. The Carousel de los Muertos, Mesozoic Mayhem and Dancing Dead Disco are some of the news scares this year. Spread across 13 nights through Oct. 26, guests can also expect the classic thrills. Aside from the creepy outdoor experiences, live shows, spooky treats and characters that’ll send shivers down their spine, ZooTampa is also bringing back Pirates Paradise, Troll Cave and Vampire Ball this year. Friday’s kickoff is for members-only.
Creatures of the Night: Oct. 3-26. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. $29.95-$34.95. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL. zootampa.org— Alisha Durosier
ROBERT WAY/SHUTTERSTOCK
Anime-zing
Now in its fourth year, Anime St. Pete is the Burg’s one and only anime convention. Throughout its two days, expect plenty of cosplayers, artists and collectible exhibitors. Special guests include anime dub voice actors Bill Rodgers, Michell Knotz, Brent Mukai, Tyson Rinhart, Celeste Perez and Benjamin Stegmair.
Anime St. Pete: Saturday, Sept 27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $20 & up. The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. animestpete. floridacomiccons.com— Samuel Edme
Ghoul’s ghoul
The Mari Jean Hotel has had many lives—literally and figuratively. And it’s kicking off spooky season with a Spirits of St. Petersburg ghost hunt. To celebrate National Ghost Hunting Day, attendees will get a crash course in ghost hunting 101 and learn about supporting local businesses. Curious souls also have the opportunity to book an overnight stay at the Mari Jean Hotel for a discounted rate. Before it was bought and renovated in 2022, the almost 100-year-old building was a retirement home, a psych ward—where there were several stabbings and one instance of arson—and a hotel again, but gay. In a recent ghost hunt, the Spirits of St. Petersburg team encountered four ghosts, ranging from a 38-year-old woman who fell, but didn’t die in the building, to a middle-aged veteran who had a cigarette hanging loosely from his mouth. The Mari Jean Hotel’s energy is transient, lead paranormalist Brandy Stark wrote in The Gabber, and they wish to encounter more ghosts. With the help of National Ghost Hunting Day celebrants, the team also hopes to link their hunts to archival research.
The National Day of Ghost Hunting at the historic Mari Jean hotel: Saturday, Sept. 27. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. $40. Mari Jean Hotel, 2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. spiritsofstpete.com—Alisha Durosier
Steins and good times
Tampa breweries Common Dialect and The Independent are teaming up for an Oktoberfest adventure. In their two-week celebration, “Oktoberquest,” a $25 custom stein and quest card unlock a lineup of activities at both spots — from “Drink Around Germany” beer tastings and Bavarian pretzel plates at The Independent to stein selfies, trivia, and Oktoberfest games at Common Dialect. Attendees also have the chance to win prizes like beer, gift cards, merch and more which will be available for pickup at the Oct. 4 finale.
Oktoberquest: Through Oct. 4. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. $25. Independent Bar & Cafe, 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa. Common Dialect, 5023 N Florida Ave., Tampa. commondialectbeer.com. independentbartampa.com.—Alisha Durosier
Patch + Fall Market at Centro Ybor Free Pumpkins for the first 50 attendees!
October 4 • 10:30-1:30pm @centro_ybor
Moving on
Documents
suggest Creative Pinellas and VSPC will work together on new arts tourism grants.
By Jennifer Ring
On Sept. 4, Pinellas County Commissioners repeatedly cited property taxes in their 5-2 preliminary vote to strip funding from Creative Pinellas, the county’s designated arts agency. The vote left artists and arts leaders stunned—and last week, Creative Pinellas laid off four staffers.
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this month’s vote was why the commissioners spoke of property taxes when the overwhelming majority of people in the room came to talk about art. The reason for this disconnect remains unclear, but a letter from The Florida Department of Government Efficiency suggests one possible explanation.
with email about. It’s not on today’s agenda, and we’re not going to talk about that. I’ve got just a quick wrap-up statement on that.”
In his wrapup statement, Scott reiterated why he pushed to defund Creative Pinellas, citing property taxes as one of the reasons.
“The use of funds by Creative Pinellas has been misaligned with allowable uses of TDT dollars and the priorities for the majority of this county commission,” Scott claimed.
LOCAL NEWS
“The programs are often a duplication of Visit St. Pete Clearwater’s efforts, and the inability to provide results-oriented metrics that equate to heads in beds. And then finally, the need to provide our residents with some tax relief...”
On July 28 Florida DOGE sent Pinellas County Commission Chairman Scott a letter that cited increased annual property tax collections as reason for performing an audit of Pinellas County’s spending on Aug. 7-8. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the legislature have been obsessed with property taxes in the runup to next year’s session.
Although the Florida DOGE letter doesn’t specifically ask about arts and culture programs, it does request a list of all procurements and contracts in excess of $10,000, which would place Creative Pinellas under scrutiny. As previously reported, Creative Pinellas uses about $1.05 million to support and promote the arts in the county. Pinellas’ tourism bed tax—collected when visitors book hotel rooms—provides $861,000.
Last week after a Sept. 11 meeting between the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Pinellas County Commission, Commissioner Scott told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the county is still waiting on the results of its Florida DOGE audit.
Scott shut down discussions of the local arts agency at the meeting’s beginning, saying: “There’s two things at the very end here, during closing comments, that I want to update everybody on. One is our call this morning with the U.S. Army Corp, and the other is Creative Pinellas, which you all have been inundated
Scott claimed to CL that 53% of Tourist Development Tax dollars went to payroll, 9% on grants to artists, and around $200,000 on programs like summer camp that are not directly designed for tourists.
But financial records from Creative Pinellas CEO Margaret Murray tell a different story.
In 2025, the organization received funding from multiple sources beyond the Bed Tax, County General Fund and Transportation Fund including:
• $196,500 from grants
• $120,000 from public art
• $85,000 in contributions and donations
• $60,000 from art sales
• $30,000 from Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete
• $32,000 from the Florida License Plate Fund
• $14,000 from rentals and services
Creative Pinellas also drew $210,000 from reserves.
Because it serves both Pinellas County residents and its visitors, salaries are allocated by percentage, Murray noted. Tourist Development Tax dollars only cover staff work on tourismfacing initiatives. Programs geared toward Pinellas County residents—such as summer camp—are funded through the county’s general fund or other revenue streams. While the county allocated general fund dollars in 2025, no such funding is budgeted for 2026.
“The county has moved on, and we are marching forward as well…”
In a statement to CL, Murray said that after taking over in 2024, she went to work refocusing and reshaping Creative Pinellas’ usage of TDT funds to fit within allowed use. Last February, she even worked with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, and the tourism agency’s President & CEO Brian Lowack, to help with FY26 budget planning.
“Lowack and I both had many conversations about how arts funding should benefit tourists, and as a result, I put our Arts Coast Magazine on hiatus as we worked to develop a magazine specifically curated towards cultural tourism,” Murray added. The Making Waves grant program was also created. “When I presented both of these programs (Making Waves and VACAY) to VSPC, Brian Lowack said that this is exactly what VSPC wanted to see from us. In June, I presented Making Waves to the TDC and everyone seemed very excited about launching it.”
Murray said that the TDC also never gave Creative Pinellas a directive to prove “heads in beds.”
Pinellas County Commissioners, it appears, have no intention of reintroducing Creative Pinellas back into the FY 26 budget. In addition to layoffs, Creative Pinellas has also canceled September and October programming. The organization will also skip last week’s budget meeting.
“The county has moved on, and we are marching forward as well and ask that you do the same,” a Sept. 17 social media post said “We are so grateful for the incredible show of support and advocacy we’ve already experienced over the past few weeks. But now, let’s use our time and our collective power wisely and productively to look ahead and help us build something new.”
“It isn’t a requirement per our agreement. But I closely followed their Visitor Profile reports and saw that Pinewood Park and/or the Florida Botanical Gardens (which we’re a part of ) often ranked in the top 12 visitor attractions,” she said. Did Pinellas County residents ask for decreased property taxes? One person at the Sept. 4 vote did talk about millage rates. What is clear is that more than 50 people urged the county to continue funding Creative Pinellas at the Sept. 4 budget hearing. Hundreds more wrote to Pinellas County Commissioners asking that Creative Pinellas remain the county’s designated arts agency. Those requests—along with the loud cheers and boos coming from the overflow room that night—did not sway the vote to defund.
HANDS OFF: After a preliminary vote to defund, Creative Pinellas officials skipped the official budget meeting.
New documents do suggest that Visit St. Pete-Clearwater might work with Creative Pinellas on new competitive arts tourism grants.
Over the past few weeks, Murray has repeatedly stated her interest in continuing to work with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, and there may be something new brewing on that front.
In a Sept. 12 email from Brian Lowack to Pinellas County Commissioners and Tourist Development Council members, Visit St. PeteClearwater’s President & CEO proposed working in coordination with the St. Pete Arts Alliance, Clearwater Arts Alliance and Creative Pinellas to create a new competitive arts tourism grant program.
in the U.S. and abroad. The letter adds that VSPC is investing $2.68 million into events that it claims will attract 1.65 million attendees.
With the future of Creative Pinellas’ Gallery still uncertain, Pinellas Commissioner Kathleen Peters’ comment at the Sept. 4 budget hearing lingers: “They definitely can’t say we’re taking away arts.”
That’s true—no one can (accurately) say that Pinellas County is taking away the arts.
But here’s what they can say.
LOCAL NEWS
“Working directly with the county’s three local arts agencies will provide unique and qualified expertise to ensure the program capitalizes on the county’s rich arts and cultural offerings, while creating a transparent program that produces measurable results and return on investment,” Lowack wrote.
According to the email, Visit St. PeteClearwater will engage the three arts alliances and begin program development once they have approval from the Board of County Commissioners.
A separate email from Lowack to Chairman Scott, sent on Sept. 3 ahead of the 5-2 defund vote, says that VSPC supports the arts through advertising, marketing and PR campaigns both
They can say that hundreds of people asked Pinellas County Commissioners to continue funding Creative Pinellas, and they declined to do so.
They can say that Pinellas County used to have a designated art agency, but now they don’t.
They can say that Creative Pinellas worked hard to make Pinellas County a beautiful place to live, and the county rewarded them by taking away their funding.
They can say that Creative Pinellas presented Visit St. Pete Clearwater with two different arts granting programs, one of which was already underway, when the county chose to pull their funding.
They can say that four people at Creative Pinellas lost their job this week because of the county’s decision to defund Creative Pinellas.
And they can wonder if it’s all because of a letter FL-DOGE sent to Chairman Scott referencing property taxes.
For over 45 years, our family at Pipos has had the honor of serving Tampa Bay with the authentic Cuban flavors you know and love. From our kitchen to your table, every sandwich, plate, and cafecito has been made with pride, tradition, and a whole lot of heart. We are deeply grateful to our community for your continued support across the decades- it’s because of you that our story continues. Here’s to many more years of cooking Tampa Bay’s favorite Cuban Food, together.
BACK AT IT: Creative Pinellas thanked supporters, and asked them to go forward.
NEAL & SOLEVILLA
is a Personal Injury Law Firm devoted to helping those who have been injured and are not at fault. Our firm represents victims of auto accidents including drunk driving, rideshare, motorcycle, trucking, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. We also handle wrongful death cases and claims involving funeral home malpractice.
As Best Public School Teacher for Best of the Bay 2025 Melissa Merchant of Pepin Academies
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES
Come with me
Hail Mary Social Club opens this winter in Tampa Heights.
By Ray Roa and Kyla Fields
Aspace that’s needed strong arms to get it off the ground seems to finally be getting the shot it needs. Hail Mary Social Club is set to open on Tampa Heights’ Yellow Brick Row this winter, Dor Haim told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. The concept at 1701 N Franklin St. will seat around 200 people, he added, and includes a full kitchen, huge, curved screens, TVs and more.
Chicago-born chef David Reyes—who’s taken home prizes at the last three Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festivals along with last year’s Savor St. Pete—will helm the kitchen after stints as executive chef at Haiku and St. Petersburg Distillery. The TVS firm, which just named longtime Tampa architect Ken Cowart, AIA, as principal, is helping with the design.
Inspired by Tampa’s sport culture that drives hospitality at spots like Hattricks, American Social, and Yard House, Haim said he and his partners—Enrique DeJesus, Al Rogers, Josh Pardue, and Robert Stern—certainly want fans to come to Hail Mary, but also think about staying late as it transitions to a late night social club. Once it’s open, Tampa’s Hail Mary Social Club will open at noon daily, and close at midnight Monday-Thursday, 3 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and 1 a.m. on Sunday.
“This is just the beginning—we have more surprises up our sleeves that will come to light soon, and we can’t wait to share them with the city,” Haim added in the release.
the sounds and style of the 70s, 80s, and 90s”).
A nightclub coming to the corner of Henderson Avenue would be huge as the address used to be home to a sprawling two-story legendary gay bar The Chambers. For now, however, Haim is focused on getting the Hail Mary to the end zone.
“It’s very important to us that each concept builds its own identity,” he added.
New Mexican restaurant Boda, from the same owners as Riveters, opens in Tampa
The newly-opened spot boasts fresh ingre -
menu filled with traditional bites like al pastor and carnitas tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles and caldo de res, a braised beef and vegetable soup.
Appetizers include shrimp ceviche, chips and guacamole, salads and traditional soups, while larger format dishes on Boda’s menu are its loaded rice bowls, chorizo and potato flautas, red and green enchiladas, and chilaquiles—a traditional breakfast dish of tortilla chips tossed in salsa and covered in queso fresco, red onion, avocado and a fried egg.
Tacos with bright pink, beet-colored tortillas come with a variety of protein choices like chorizo, pork belly, al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, shredded chicken and short rib birria.
Boda also offers a range of vegetarian options, including fried plantains topped with crema and queso fresco, corn tamales smothered
three tacos and a side of rice and beans for $15. Restaurateur Andres Farfan, owner of popular American restaurant and bar Riveters that’s located right across the street, is also an operating partner of the newly-opened Mexican restaurant.
For the latest updates on Boda, head to its Facebook profile or follow @bodatampa on Instagram.
Boda is now open from 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
The Rusty Pelican just reopened, but it’s closing for redevelopment in 2027
The Rusty Pelican is back, but with an expiration date. Following months of extensive Helene-related repairs, the Tampa restaurant reopened at 2425 N Rocky Point Dr. on July 17. But after nearly five decades, it will be out by 2027.
dients and traditional preparations.
Outside of the future Hail Mary Social Club, window clings allude to two other concepts opening at the address that was once home to the Hall on Franklin: a taqueria and lounge called Uno Mas, plus Boogie Heights (a social profile for the latter teases “A nostalgic escape into
A new restaurant on a familiar strip of Dale Mabry Highway recently made its debut in Tampa.
Boda, located at 2038 N Dale Mabry Hwy in the former Not Your Average Joe’s Pizza space, has already garnered a reputation for its fresh, straightforward Mexican fare. Boda markets itself as “true and authentic” Mexican cuisine, with a
in a creamy chipotle sauce, vegetable enchiladas and elote.
According to the restaurant’s social media, Boda recently opened a drive-thru on the side of its building where customers can easily pick up online orders. The newly-opened Mexican spot also launched its Taco Tuesday promotion, where guests can snag three tacos for $12 or
Developers are looking to replace the landmark restaurant with a mixed-use project including a 21-story residential building and an 8,000-square-foot restaurant.
Tampa City Council unanimously gave developers, Costis-Lifsey Development LLC and American Land Venture, preliminary approval to rezone the land on Aug. 21, with the final approval set for Thursday.
Developer Stan Lifsey told Tampa City Council during the preliminary vote that his company has a long history in the Rocky Point area. His late grandfather, Julian Lifsey, bought the majority of the land in the 1960s.
“I feel like we will deliver another class asset to Rocky Point, and add to the vision that my grandfather had back in the 60s and 70s,” Lifsey said at the meeting.
Founded in 1978, Rusty Pelican has been a staple for local events and weddings due to its scenic waterfront location.
A spokesperson for The Rusty Pelican told CL that the restaurant is looking for a new location, assuring locals that the end of their lease is not the end of their story.—Alisha Durosier
SCREEN TIME: A new sports bar restaurant comes to Yellow Brick Road in Tampa.
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
Con on
20 upcoming cons and festivals from antiques to zines.
By Samuel Edme
Tampa Bay has conventions for just about every niche. Whether you’re into trading cards or coffee, there’s a con for that. Here’s what to look forward to through Spring.
YA By the Bay YA may be all the rage now, but there aren’t many literary events specifically for the target demographic. Nonprofit YA By the Bay seeks to mend that with its two-day festival in partnership with Oxford Exchange, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, and the Hillsborough Public School system. Bookloving teens (or fans of any age) can see bestselling authors including R.L. Stine, Tiffany D. Jackson and Amélie Wen Zhao. Thursday-Friday, Sept. 25-26. Tampa Convention Center; 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. No cover. yabythebay.org
Tampa Bay Sports Card Show With over 100 vendors every month, this is the area’s premier card trading show. Whether you’re looking to grade your childhood baseball cards or you’ve gotta catch all the 2D Pokémon, you won’t be short on opportunities. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 26-27. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillion Park, 950 Lake Carillion Dr., St Petersburg. $2, no cover for kids. tampabaysportscardshows.com
Ann Woll and John Cusack. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 3-5. Florida State Fairgrounds; 4800 U.S.-Hwy. 301, Tampa. $40.39 & up, No cover for children 10 & under with paid adult. scaradise.net
Tampa Coffee & Art Festival This caffeine lover’s paradise combines craft coffee brewing and art to showcase the best baristas and roasters the state has to offer. Saturday, Oct. 25. Florida State Fairgrounds; 4800 U.S.-Hwy. 301, Tampa. $17.85 & up. tampabaycoffeeandartfestival.com
St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest Hosted by the nonprofit Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, St. Pete Reads! aims to foster a love for reading in children by highlighting local authors, providing community-building activities and resources for families. Saturday, Nov. 1. The Woodson AfricanAmerican Museum of Florida; 2240 9th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. No cover. culturedbooks.org
LOCAL ARTS
Necronomicon Celebrating 44 years, Necronomicon is Florida’s oldest sci-fi, fantasy and horror convention. This year’s activities include gaming rooms, LARP, an art gallery and 18-and-up afterparties. Seanan McGuire (aka Mira Grant and A. Deborah Baker) and Timothy Zahn will be guests of honor. FridaySunday, Sept. 26-28. Embassy Suites Tampa at University of South Florida; 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa. $25 & up. necrofl.org
Anime St. Pete Now in its fourth year, Anime St. Pete is the Burg’s one and only anime convention. Throughout its two days, expect plenty of cosplayers, artists and collectible exhibitors. Special guests include anime dub voice actors Bill Rodgers, Michele Knotz, Brent Mukai, Tyson Rinehart, Celeste Perez and Benjamin Stegmair. Saturday-Sunday, Sept 27-28. The Coliseum; 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $20 & up. animestpete. floridacomiccons.com
Scaradise Formerly known as Spookala, Tampa’s horror con returns with nostalgic thrills and scares. Featured guests include iconic favorites such as Linda Blair, Christina Ricci, Deborah
Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival Whether you want some fresh ink or just want to see it, Villain Arts’ local fest has you covered (literally) From exhibitors to models and contests, everyone will be out putting their body ink creations on full display—as has been the more than decade-long tradition. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-9. Tampa Convention Center; 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. $20 & up. villainarts.com
BrickUniverse Sarasota LEGO fans can connect in Sarasota this fall. LEGO artists will unleash their creativity and attendees can build their own LEGO masterpieces. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 22-23. Robarts Arena; 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $15.31 & up. brickuniverseusa.com
Sarasota Anime-Fest Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this fest will feature cosplay contests, trivia, lip sync battles and guests yet to be announced. Saturday, Dec. 6. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium; 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $10 & up. sarasotaanimefest.com
Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay Ho, ho, ho! This is the winter-themed companion show to Anime St. Pete, dedicated mainly to the jolliest cosplayers. More programming announcements are coming soon. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14. The Coliseum; 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Cover TBA. holidaycosplaytb.floridacomiccons.com
Central Florida Comic Con Back for its seventh year, Central Florida Comic Con is Lakeland’s “celebration of comics, toys, TV,
film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy!” Stay tuned for more announcements. SaturdaySunday, Jan. 17-18, 2026. RF Funding Center; 701 W Lime St., Lakeland. Cover TBA. centralfloridacomiccon.com
Comic Con: The Cruise Want to enjoy the fun of San Diego Comic Con without planning a trip to the West Coast? Comic Con: The Cruise has you covered. Setting sail in Tampa and passing through Nassau, The Bahamas, the four-night experience, hosted by Felicia Day, will feature other celebrity appearances, comic book artists and geekiness galore, alongside all the amenities one expects from a cruise. Jan. 3.-Feb, 3, 2026. Departs from Tampa. $1300&up. comicconthecruise.com
St. Pete Zine Fest St. Pete Zine Fest returns for a third year of DIY creativity and symposiums. More announcements coming this fall. Feb. 15. SPC-Gibbs Campus; 6605 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. No cover. printstpete.org/spzf
St. Pete Comic Con Celebrating its fifth anniversary, St. Pete Comic Con is back with a robust guest lineup, including Monster High creator Garrett Sander, voice actors Kari Wahlgren, Brian Beacock, Tyson Rinehart, Alan Lee and Sean Chiplock. Feb. 28-March 1. The Coliseum. $15 & up. stpete.floridacomiccons.com
Clearwater Comic Con Hosted by the
Clearwater Public Library, this one-day convention attracts over 1,500 fans of all ages to enjoy the local talent and put their geekdom on display. March 7. Countryside Recreation Center; 640 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater. No Cover. myclearwaterlibrary.com
ACEcon The annual Anime & Comics Enthusiasts Convention is back for its 10th show. Containing activities to interactively engage with its youth-focused audience, such as scavenger hunts, fanfiction, fanart and cosplay contests, this is a perfect way for your teen to spend the weekend. March 7-8. Palm Harbor Library; 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. No Cover. acecon.carrd.co
Tampa International Book Fair Ybor City’s literary festival brings together the Anglophone and Hispanicophone literature community for four days of presentations with a diverse myriad of writers and publishers. March 2026, exact date TBA. Various locations throughout Ybor City. No Cover. tampainternationalbookfair.com
Clearwater Book Fair Over 30 local authors across genres such as non-fiction, poetry, historical fiction, romance and children’s literature. Saturday, March 21. Clearwater Historical Society; 610 S Fort Harrison, Clearwater. No Cover. janmwalton.com
WHAT’LL I WEAR?: TikTok-famous cosplayer The Star Cos, works with several upcoming cons.
Friday, September 26, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
DITCH DAY TAMPA Ep. 1 (Eagles vs Bucs)
@ SaddleBags Ybor 2234 E 7th Ave
Tickets from $12.51 bit.ly/DitchDayTampa
Friday, September 26, 2025 • 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Sound Xchange: Afro Jam @ 1920 Ybor
1920 East 7th Avenue
Tickets start at $21.50 for two tickets bit.ly/SoundXchangeYbor
Friday, September 26, 2025 • starts at 9:00 PM
Pop Punk Emo Night TAMPA by PunkNites
@ The Catacombs
1909 N 15th St Suite A
Tickets - $10 bit.ly/PopPunkYbor
Saturday, September 27, 2025 • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Mic & Manuscripts
@ Ybor City Coffee and Tea Co 1907 North 19th Street
Free to the public bit.ly/MicManuscripts
Saturday, September 27, 2025 • 4:00 PM
Vibes of the Bay @ Crowbar 1812 N 17th St
Save your spot online
https://www.crowbarybor.com/calendar/#/events
Sunday, September 28, 2025 • 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sip and Create: Create, Capture, and Connect Part II @ Leblanc Venue 1517 East 9th Avenue
Tickets - $70.81 bit.ly/SipandCreateYbor
Sunday, September 28, 2025 • 10:00 AM
Coffee Roasting & Cupping 101
@ Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro 934 East Henderson Avenue
Tickets from $65.08 bit.ly/CoffeeYbor
Sunday, October 12, 2025 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ybor Thrive Sessions @ 1802 E 3rd Ave 1802 E 3rd Ave
Tickets - $65 bit.ly/YborThrive
Sunday, October 5, 2025 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Street Photography Class
@ Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E 7th Ave
Tickets - $81.88 bit.ly/StreetPhotographyYbor
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Château Cantenac Brown Masterclass Bordeaux Dinner @ Chateau Cellars Ybor 2009 N. 22nd St.
Tickets - $145.37
bit.ly/BordeauxYbor
Where to Live:
Casa Ybor • casaybor.com
Casa Ybor offers unique retail spaces, office spaces, and apartment homes for rent or lease in both newly constructed and lovingly restored historic buildings throughout the vibrant National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City near Downtown Tampa, Florida.
La Union • bit.ly/LaUnionYbor
Community, connection, and culture come together at La Unión Apartments, where Tampa’s rich history and vibrant future unite. Inspired by the historic social hall once on this site, our Ybor City apartments honor that legacy by fostering bonds among residents, the neighborhood, and the area’s deep-rooted heritage.
Miles at Ybor • milesatybor.com
Step into the pulse of Tampa’s most vibrant neighborhood at Miles at Ybor, where modern luxury apartments in Tampa blend seamlessly with the rich cultural tapestry of historic Ybor City. These aren’t just furnished apartments in Ybor City – they’re your gateway to an elevated urban lifestyle that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
C CL Recommends
THU 25
BrokenCyde w/Dot Dot Curve/From This Day Forward/Bino Bih You don’t have to be ashamed of liking BrokenCyde anymore, Freaxxx. A relic of crunkcore and the MySpace-era, the Albuquerque outfit was ridiculed for its music (despite landing a spot on Warped Tour). Michael “Mikl” Shea is the only founding member of the band who didn’t quit, and he’s on the road with OG Broken man Julian “Phat J” McLellan. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)
C The Florida Orchestra: Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
The 88-year-old Hollywood legend, who grew up in Mississippi (and was alive for a year at the same time as Delta blues legend Robert Johnson) kicks off the night with an in-person introduction, which will precede an evening of pre-recorded folklore to go along with a diverse variety of classic blues material. Joining God and TFO are a handful of musicians who have performed at his Mississippi-based Ground Zero Blues Club. (Duke Energy Center for the Arts at Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg)
FRI 26
Lake Street Dive w/Trousdale Over a year after an 11th hour Gasparilla Music Festival cancellation, the Brooklyn-based, genredefying, quintet will perform the majority of latest, Grammy-nominated album Good Together (which ended up losing to Norah Jones earlier this year.) And if Rachael Price and friends’ theme song to “Somebody Feed Phil” was what turned you onto the Netflix show, don’t forget to put a few extra dollars aside for host Phil Rosenthal’s own tour stop down the street at the Mahaffey Theater later this year. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
C Parrotfish w/Visit Neptune/ Madwoman On its latest single “This Economy,” the boys in Nashvillian-turnedTampeño group remind themselves that the economy is a valid reason to wish that they were as far along in life as others, despite knowing that when push comes to shove, they kinda have it made. Parrotfish’s homecoming gig this weekend (which deep down, we feel won’t be its last dance with Ybor City’s Crowbar, set to close this summer) finds fellow Nashville transplant rock outfit Visit Neptune, and Gainesville five-piece Madwoman playing support. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
A Day To Remember & Yellowcard Tampa Bay millennials can relive their Hot Topic days. Ocala-born A Day To Remember released its most popular song “If It Means
A Lot To You” in 2009. Yellowcard, originally from Jacksonville, peaked with “Ocean Avenue” in 2003 and has since sold four million albums and garnered over one billion streams. In honor of its re-surfacing, A Day To Remember released A Day To Remember’s Big Ole Album Vol. 1 earlier this year. After disbanding in 2017 and rekindling in 2022, Yellowcard followed suit, announced its first album in almost a decade, Better Days to be released on Oct. 10. (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa)—Jani Burden
SAT 27
C Alison Krauss & Union Station w/ Willie Watson For the first time in a decade, Krauss and Union Station are on tour, and the band’s long journey ends in Florida. The band now includes IIIrd Tyme Out’s Russell Moore, who is the most-awarded male vocalist in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Moore, who just celebrated his 61st birthday, joins Krauss, 53, plus longtime Union Station members Ron Block, Barry Bales, and dobro legend Jerry Douglas, who joined in 1998. (The BayCare Sound, Clearwater)
C Destin Conrad w/Mack Keane Expect to see some “Kissing In Public,” or at least hear the single, when Destin Conrad, an alleged Tampa-born songwriter brings a catchy brand of Gen-Z R&B home. The 25-year-old is on the road supporting his first jazz-leaning album, Whimsy (stylized wHIMSY ), which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. He even has a Grammy nomination thanks to work as a songwriter on Kehlani’s Crash , which was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album last February. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
C Vibes of the Bay 2025: 9henom w/Adriana Sparkle/April Showers/ Chaunces/Cozy in the Black/Dwn Ta Earth/E-Turn/Ella Jet/Jordan Patrick/ Justin Depth/more Six years ago, Jefferson High School alum Jordan Patrick told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that for him, artistry trumps everything. “Trendy, gimmick-driven music is temporary,” he said back in 2019. Eschewing social media that rewards content creation over creativity, Patrick’s gambit paid off. Robert Gallardo, Creative Director for A$AP Rocky’s AWGE collective asked for some beats soon after, and during the pandemic the 31-year-old got the call to hole up in Los Angeles and work with the Grammy-nominated rapper. Now Patrick—who has a solo project but also produces for Bay area rappers like Barely Legal, Jay Browne, and Tampa expat Gat$— has credits on Rocky tracks like “Highjack.” Expect special guests when Patrick hits the stage for Vibes of the Bay, a day-long multigenre festival that stages its last outing at Crowbar, which is set to close in less than a year. Read more via cltampa.com/music. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
SUN 28
Timmy Trumpet After spending the dead of summer more or less cooped up with an ankle injury, Australian EDM multitasker Timmy Trumpet—who accomplished opening for Stevie Wonder and playing trumpet in zero gravity in less than a decade—is all healed up, and returns to Tampa Bay for the next installment of the Hard Rock’s packed out, sometimes cake-covered pool party series. (Pool at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa)
THU 02
C Rock The Park Tampa: The Beauvilles w/Triangulata/Scars Are Proof of Survival Shawn Kyle has come to a place where he’s at peace with all sides of a career in music that includes his 22-year-old storied rock band The Beauvilles. In fact, in the two decades since the outfit's inception, Kyle, who books music at Bayboro Brewing Co. and owns St. Pete’s Redwoods Vintage Guitars, has reconnected with drummer and former Beauville’s bandmate Jesse Pullen along with guitarist Ash Dudney whose uncle Jason was a Beauvilles alum. Kyle’s also started kicking around old demos and recordings from the band, and even played a few “revival” shows with whoever’s been in town. “This show will be different,” he told CL, adding that Pullen, keyboardist Jason Dudney, Ash Dudney, and John Barker on bass make up a new Beauville’s quintet. “The world and American culture feels stratified the way it did when the band first
formed, during the Bush Jr. years. The band was originally based on an idea of music communicating more than just three chords, or controlled rock and roll chaos, but an overall feeling that translated to an audience on a level that had some sort of catharsis,” Kyle added. “That means it’s time for another show.” Triangulata, a new piano-led jazz-ish instrumental trio featuring Aaron Blakely, Brandon Carroll and Giorgio Castaldo makes its live debut in the opening slot of this nocover show that doubles as the kickoff for the 16th year of Rock the Park Tampa. (Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa.)
C Molly Tuttle w/Joshua Ray Walker/ Cecilia Castleman Take the journey, because Molly Tuttle is set to finally make her downtown Clearwater debut. The 32-yearold singer-songwriter’s band of three years, Golden Highway parted ways earlier this year, and she’ll be touring with a brand-new, currently nameless, four-piece repertoire. Tuttle’s banger of a new album So Long Little Miss Sunshine —her first without Golden Highway since 2020’s …But I’d Rather Be With You (stylized in all lowercase)—features not only an early Charli XCX cover, but also contributions from her partner Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. Tuttle hasn’t done a gig in the area since her incredibly intimate 2022 set at Ybor City’s late, great Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing, which shuttered the following year. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)
See an extended version of Music Week via cltampa.com/music. Submit your own gig, for free, to CL's event calendar, too.
By Ray Roa & Josh Bradley
DANIEL ALMONTE/ MICORA STUDIOS
Jordan Patrick
More than just a pub — it’s a way of life. Featuring a Michelin-recognized menu, perfect pints, and expertly crafted cocktails. Join us for lunch, brunch, dinner, and everything in between at the last civilized corner of the British Empire.
2.
3.
4. Broiled cheddar dish with beef drippings and chutney
5. Apple dessert with streusel topping
6. North atlantic fish served with leek and tomato
1. Masala dish with tomato, ginger, and coriander
On Sundays, creekstone prime sliced sirloin
Pie with braisened lamb and peas
ART AFTER DARK AT THE MFA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | 5-8 PM
Enjoy discounted admission and exclusive programming, including engaging docent-led tours, thought-provoking lectures, film screenings, and more. Explore the galleries after hours, soak in the distinctive ambiance, and experience art in a fresh, captivating way. It’s the perfect night out for everyone to enjoy!
ART & NATURE SUNSET TOURS WITH THE MFA & TAMPA BAY WATCH DISCOVERY CENTER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | 4-7:30 PM
This unique program invites visitors to embark on a journey that celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the role it plays in sparking human creativity. Begin the afternoon at the MFA with a guided docent tour of the collection galleries, looking closely at artworks from throughout history and across the globe that were inspired by nature. The experience continues at the St. Pete Pier, where you’ll board a sunset cruise with Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s expert marine science educators. Enjoy guided wildlife watching, a visit to a local bird sanctuary, learning about our area’s history, and the beautiful scenery. There will be optional opportunities to get creative, with all supplies provided, and you’re encouraged to express your inspiration from the experience.
CARLISLE FLOYD’S
Compassionate
Timeless stories, emotional performances, colorful costumes, and live music accessible for all. TICKETS START AT JUST $15.
PALLADIUM 253 FIFTH AVE. N ST. PETERSBURG, FL
SEASON ARTISTIC SPONSORS
Belinda Dumont
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Ranney
SEASON PRODUCING SPONSORS
Charlotte & Jim Edmiston
Jo-Ann Hammack
Gayle Bertelstein Family
Symphony. His latest full-length, 2023’s Appaloosa Bones , peaked at No. 81 on the
Isakov wrote that the shows will be mostly solo, with the possibility of a friend or two coming along. “Sorta kitchen table versions of songs,” he added. To honor the memory of his friend, the late American poet Andrea Gibson, the tour will donate $1 from the sale of each ticket to public libraries and literacy organizations in the Bay area.
Tickets to see Gregory Alan Isakov play the Duke Energy Center for the Arts at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Sunday, Jan. 18 are on sale now and start at $55. See Josh Bradley’s weekly roundup of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below.—Ray Roa
Hammer and Nail Fest 2025: Cold Steel (Record release) w/NFOM Saturday, Nov. 8. 4 p.m. $26.69. Crowbar, Ybor City
Tuesday, Nov. 11. 7 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa
Friday, Nov. 14. 7 p.m. $19.74. Crowbar, Ybor City
Dark Star Orchestra Thursday, Dec. 4. 6 p.m. $42 & up.
UPCOMING SHOWS
SEPTEMBER 25
B.o.B Jannus Live
SEPTEMBER 27
DESTIN CONRAD Jannus Live
OCTOBER 3
FREDDIE GIBBS
The Ritz Ybor
OCTOBER 11
MARIANAS TRENCH Jannus Live
OCTOBER 16
PHANTOGRAM Jannus Live
OCTOBER 18
CARTEL The Ritz Ybor
OCTOBER 22
FEA Bayboro Brewing
OCTOBER 24
THRICE Jannus Live
OCTOBER 27 FEAR FACTORY Jannus Live
OCTOBER 28 LAMP Jannus Live
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEST OF THE BAY VOTE AND SUPPORT!
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN
SIDEWALK
SALE
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 10AM- 5PM
PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS:
AERIE LANE HOME
BACKWATER PROVISIONS CO.
BAILEY'S NATURALS HERBAL APOTHECARY
THE BICYCLE BOUTIQUE
BYRD'S NEST BY THE STUFFED MUSHROOM
DAZZLED BOUTIQUE
HOUSE OF PETALS FLOWER COMPANY
ITITA BOUTIQUE
KENT & HUDSON
MADDYLU'S
NEIGHBORHOOD BARK & BOUTIQUE
THE PATENT BOW BOUTIQUE
PORTKEY BOOKS
ROCKING DELICIOUS
SAFETY HARBOR ART AND MUSIC CENTER
SAFETY HARBOR GALLERIA
SAFETY HARBOR GIFTS AND JEWELRY
SEERSUCKER SASSY BOUTIQUE
SPICE OF THE HARBOR
WHITEWOOD ON MAIN
YIN SOUL CO.
Well, that sucked. Last year, as we closed the door on Best of the Bay, Hurricane Helene was barreling towards our neck of the woods. Milton followed shortly, delivering the second half of a one-two punch that left so many of us black-and-blue, Shop-Vacs and chainsaws in hand, digging ourselves and our neighbors out of the mess.
Many of us are still dusting off. Others left Florida altogether. But there’s not a single person who’ll forget the heartache. Which is why we feel so lucky to be back here again, with another big celebration of the very best Tampa Bay has to offer.
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay readers, contributors, and staffers somehow found time, and the scratch, to get out and try to live their lives in the aftermath of the storms. And what you’re holding in your hand—more than 500 categories from the readers ballot, and nearly 150 critics picks— represents highlights from one of the Bay area’s hardest years on record.
At a time when being online can be insufferable, and taking care of business in the real world gets overwhelming, these winners give us a chance
to log off, take a breath, and check out that cool thing our neighbors are up to. Because that’s where hope is, out in the real world.
But first, a little housekeeping. In 2025, the print version of the readers' winners and finalists reflects the categories that more than seven million people who visited the ballot saw online. Some of the readers picks have more than two finalists listed, which means there was a tie for third place. Critics picks are still organized in the same four categories: Arts & Entertainment, Food & Drink, Goods & Services, People Places & Politics.
Just like the Bay area over the last year, CL has really relied on the kindness of its friends and supporters since we last gathered. That’s not going to change in the months to come, but for now, we’re relieved to be back here with you, free of that algorithm, living meaningful, sometimes messy lives all the while talking about the joy we found over the last 365 days.
We’re so grateful you’re here, and we hope to be back with you in 2026. For now, hold fast, hold each other near, and make it to the next day.
—Ray Roa
Best Americana-rama
Lauris Vidal
Is there a more joyous Florida singer-songwriter than Lauris Vidal? Probably not—at least not over the last year. There’s certainly not a singular personality who could have pulled off what the adopted son of Tampa did last October for the release of Horribly Good Times , his first batch of new recorded music in 14 years. The Za-Boo-Zays Florida folk supergroup—Hannah Harber, Olivia Wynn and Kaleigh Baker—blew the doors off Ybor City’s Crowbar in the opening slot, and then Vidal—flanked by Bay area heroes of Americana Have Gun, Will Travel and even a second line— sent everyone to a twangy, funky nirvana that underscored why there’s nothing better than being down in a hole with folks who love live music as much as you do. Not a bad way for Crowbar to kick off a long goodbye as it works towards its 20th—and final—anniversary in Ybor City. Vidal's album is available on vinyl only until it sells out, by the way. laurisvidal.com
—Ray Roa
Best Arts Appointment
Helen French at St. Pete Arts Alliance
Who woulda thunk? A working professional artist at the head of an arts alliance! For its new executive director, the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance couldn’t have made a better choice than Helen French. An exquisite dancer, she had already proven her leadership bona fides as co-founder of the annual Beacon dance series at Palladium Theater and as the Alliance board chair. Now she brings her artistic vision, her experience in the nonprofit trenches, and her glowing charisma to the heart of St. Pete’s busy but oft-beleaguered arts scene. Brava! stpeteartsalliance.org—David Warner
Best Artistic Twinning Keesha and Miesha Brundridge
Keesha and Miesha Brundridge are twin poets, fashion designers, and community-builders from St. Pete. Keesha is also a Dream Defender, and Miesha is a teacher. Recently, the duo hosted a poetry and fashion night with Sierra Clark about love and death in St. Pete, as an act of remembrance for the people who have passed away before their time in South St. Pete. Both twins are amazing poets with powerful lines and messages to share with their community, as well as knowledge and a fashionista vision. @house_of_ poetrystpete on Instagram—S.G. de León y León
Best Bonfire
Eef Barzelay at Jerry Span’s House
I took a leak in Jerry Span’s backyard last January—but only because there were signs and hand-drawn toilets that told me to. The lifelong Tampa Bay area music scene supporter hosted Clem Snide’s Eef Barzelay for a house show under the stars, complete with a bonfire and canoe full of ice and beer. Snide—who’s played Ybor City listening rooms and Clearwater’s intimate Capitol Theatre on recent stops—was more charming and hilarious than ever, too, firing off quips about 23andMe and sperm donation while also performing gut-wrenching songs about not letting hurricanes hold you back (“Find Love”). He even hung around the kitchen after the show, which featured Joy Pearson and Adam Randall opening. “I feel too comfortable here,” the 55-yearold said at one point. Indeed, and I hope Span finds bandwidth to keep staging similar gigs. @jerryspan on Facebook—Ray Roa
Best Cabaret Curator
Michael Raabe, freeFall Theatre
freeFall’s resident musical sorcerer, Michael Raabe, once again proves why he’s the Bay area’s indispensable maestro. For a one-night-only cabaret, he stitched together a shimmering bouquet of Sondheim gems, coaxing “Road Show”’s marvelously talented cast and director, Eric Davis, into sly, heartfelt turns that revealed new personal colors in each song. At the piano, Raabe was equal parts ringmaster and confidant, creating an atmosphere both playful and piercingly intimate. Guest artist, Broadway luminary but freeFall regular, Annie Morrison, was one of the evening’s jewels—her exquisitely wrought Passion medley soared with aching beauty, under Raabe’s masterfully sensitive support. Pure magic, deftly conjured. michaelraabe.
com—Jon Palmer Claridge
Best Chameleon Troy Brooks
He’s on every stages, but never the same guy twice. At Jobsite alone, he’s been equally convincing in wildly differing roles in “The Pillowman” (childlike murder suspect), “Macbeth” (stern aide to the king) and “Puffs” (an exuberantly nerdy math whiz). At Off-Central, he’s been a calming counselor at a sexual abuse crisis center in “Something Clean” and an over-the-top Shakespearean artiste in “Scrooge Macbeth.” At American Stage, he’s shown off his musical chops in the musical “Ring of Fire” (he sang and played bass and percussion) and in the ensemble of “Ragtime.” The Gibbs grad his alma mater proud. Look for him in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s “Purlie.” @yellinoftroy on Instagram—David Warner
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Lauris Vidal
Eef Barzelay
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 CRITICS PICKS: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Comedy Club Side Splitters
The Bay area has plenty of venues serving comedy fans, but Side Splitters continues to stand out by sticking with their formula across two locations in Tampa and Wesley Chapel: A diverse calendar of nationally-touring acts, frequent use of local talent at various positions, and regular open mics to keep the scene growing. Throw in a number of benefit shows each year and you have a solid anchor for Tampa Bay’s growing comedy community. sidesplitterscomedy.com—Michael Murillo
Best Comedy Open Mic
Side Splitters at The Grove
Of all the comedy open mics, only one lets you see dinosaurs, superheroes, and uneven comedy all in the same building. Side Splitters’ Wesley Chapel location is in a movie theater, which lets patrons catch a flick and see a comedy show in the same night. The open mic here is sometimes held on its
BEST COMEDIAN JOHNNY B
own evening, and other times after a main show. But they get a real audience and a good number of performers as well. Does that make the comedy better? Not really: Open mics are always a hit-and-miss affair. But the combination makes for a solid open mic option for aspiring funny people and those who want to support them. sidesplitterscomedy.com
Michael Murillo
Best Concert To Go Viral Dropkick Murphys at The BayCare Sound
Only in Clearwater will you find MAGA guys at a Dropkick Murphys gig. The Boston-based, Guthrieloving Celtic punk band—which would have undoubtedly been accused of being a communist group 80 years ago—was playing a show at downtown Clearwater’s BayCare Sound when lead singer Ken Casey noticed some Trump fanboys down front. After poking fun at them for being at such a liberal show, he initiated a proposi tion: Someone had to check the tag of the guy’s MAGA shirt, and if it was
made anywhere but the U.S., he had to take off his shirt and throw on a complimentary band tee, courtesy of Casey. “We don’t go around fucking bragging about it, but Dropkick Murphys always sells proudly made in America merchandise only,” Casey said, before learning that the Trump shirt was made in Nicaragua. The video of the exchange was posted on the Murphys’ social media pages, and was picked up by The Independent and Newsweek in the days to follow. And credit is due, because the MAGA guy at least did change his shirt.—Josh Bradley
Best Curatorial Eyes
Katherine Pill & Stanton Thomas, Museum of Fine Arts
From last year’s gut-punch of a collaboration between Lonnie Holley and Lizzie Bougatsos, to this spring’s dazzling kimono show, to the recentlyclosed retrospective of the wonderfully eclectic oeuvre of Nina Yankowitz, MFA’s curatorial team keeps finding new and unexpected ways to draw us to the grande dame of St. Pete museums, this year
Before this year, Johnny B (legally Bell) had already accomplished a lot as a comedian. He’s been a headliner for several years, a podcaster, and radio host on 102.5 -FM The Bone. And he had already won Best of the Bay awards for Best Comedian. Now he’s done all of that again, but in different and better ways. Johnny B has been closing shows in the Bay area for around two decades. He’s known for a clever mix of aggressive opinions and self-deprecation. In other words, he’s a harsh critic of everybody, especially himself. Nothing new there. But this past year he’s kicked things up a notch as a clear go-to performer in the independent comedy scene. Everybody who books shows knows his name, and he’s on their wishlists when putting together local talent. Bell is quick to take part in benefit shows, including individual shows to help friends and an annual benefit comedy show to fight epilepsy. He’s a coveted judge in comedy competitions, which guarantees the participants will get healthy doses of good advice and savage mockery. And when he’s not doing his own thing, Bell draws crowds in traditional comedy clubs throughout Florida. He’s established himself as a premier talent in the area. He’s also been a staple on The Bone for several years, where he hosted a late-night show most weekdays. But in 2025 he got called up to a more-prominent spot: Hosting the hour directly following the flagship Mike Calta show on weekday mornings.
Calta’s After Show is a high-pressure timeslot. The station depends on the talent following the popular morning show to keep listeners tuned in. Johnny B has done that, with strong ratings and an ability to keep the conversation going while expanding his own name recognition. He’s not just a guy with a show; he’s an experienced radio voice who keeps up the momentum (and the ratings) once Calta and crew signs off for the day. Despite those commitments, Johnny B has found time to launch a new podcast with fellow comedians Matt Fernandez and John J. Murray (both previous Best of the Bay winners themselves) called 3 Ugly Mugs. The project is fast approaching 50 episodes and building a following with sharp sports-themed comedy and conversation. As a passionate Tampa Bay sports fan, Johnny B brings both local knowledge (he’s one of the few natives left in an overcrowded Tampa), sports know-how, and his signature wit to the discussion. Like most of his projects, the show is better for it.
Finally, the comedy scene here (like all comedy scenes) can be competitive, with elements of envy and resentment popping up here and there. While Johnny B doesn’t put on kid gloves and won’t shy away from a battle of insults (which he’s almost certainly going to win), he’s also very supportive of newer comedians with good work ethic. Many people get stage time thanks to him, and if you’re worthy of some extra attention he’ll probably find out about you and offer a couple of spots. When he’s headlining a show, he often handselects his openers, giving them important opportunities and giving the audience a solid show from beginning to end.
In the past, Johnny B has won Best of the Bay recognition for Best Comedian on both the critics’ and readers’ sides. It’s not our intention to give the same people the same awards over and over. But when a local figure keeps leveling up while staying in the area and supporting comedy and fellow comedians, it’s not something to ignore. When someone deserves recognition, they should get it. Johnny B deserves that recognition in 2025. johnnybcomedy.com—Michael Murillo
celebrating 60 years on the city’s waterfront. Current shows in observation of this milestone include an exhibition of artworks given to the museum during its early years and a look at women as decorative arts entrepreneurs and connoisseurs in the first half of the 20th century. mfastpete.org—David Warner
Best Electronic Music Label Bringing More Than Beats Image Research Records
Justin Myers (Justin Depth / Alien House) and Hunter P. Thompson (Akasha System / DJ Panthr) are keeping the DIY electronic music scene alive and well in Tampa. The Bay Area electronic scene goes back almost four decades, born from shows played at storage units and under bridges with generator hookups, led by folks like Todd Lynne of Haves&Thirds and Cephia’s Treat who still play major roles in not only purveying experimental sounds, but inspiring the next generation of electronic artists. Enter: Image Research Records. To say it’s just a label would be doing an injustice to the broader impact the imprint
continued on page 76
Johnny B
COURTESY
Bea Flaig
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 CRITICS PICKS: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
has bringing people together. “It’s a community of likeminded, forward-thinking individuals,” Myers told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, “who are putting their flavor and their spin on the electronic music genre and their work.” While Image Research has already put out eight releases this year with two more on the way, it’s also heavily focused on live events, like the Mind Quest DJ event series and their recent Image Research Listeners Club event at Smallbar featuring a USB release containing the current catalog to date plus 16 hours of mixes from electronic musicians, producers and DJs from around the globe. @ image.research.records on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Best Gay, Debaucherous Party
Dyke Nite St. Pete
The sheer amount of queer folks—including those that don’t live near or around Tampa Bay—that attend Dyke Nite’s year-round parties should be a clear indcation of its popularity. Dyke Night organizers Lee, Rowan and Ty consistently sell out venues like Ybor City’s Crowbar and St. Pete restaurant Good Intentions for their unapologetically debaucherous and scantily-clad parties, created “by dykes, for dykes (and the people that love them).” While recent statistics from The Trevor Project state that nearly 70% of Florida’s LGBTQ+ youth want to leave the state due to its political atmosphere, the overwhelming feelings of elation, community and togetherness that are experienced at Dyke Nite remind us all resistance and joy go hand in hand. There’s a lot of worrisome and lonely feelings that exist in the world, but never on the Dyke Nite dancefloor. @dykenitestpete on Instagram –Kyla Fields
Best Going Out With a Bang TFO Timpanist John Bannon
Mahler’s "Symphony No. 3" is a magnificent work, deriving considerable power from its use of two sets of timpani, or kettledrums. This past May, when The Florida Orchestra played the piece as the final installment in the season’s Masterworks series, the timpanis not only brought the symphony to its climax, they also put a resounding cap on a remarkable career: Longtime principal timpanist John Bannon was retiring from the orchestra after nearly 40 years.
A sweet coda to that career: He was joined on stage for his final performance by his son, Kelsey, also a professional timpanist, who manned the other set of drums. floridaorchestra.org—David Warner
Best House-Call Curator
Katherine Gibson of Arthouse3
So maybe you’ve got a bunch of art at home, or even just a room to rearrange, but you have no idea where to start. Well, you start by calling Kathy Gibson at Arthouse 3. A former gallery director, she has the expertise to survey what you’ve got, collaborate on where and how to display it, and do it all with charm and diplomacy. She also works with corporate clients to build their art collections or even just to beautify their lobbies, and since she knows everybody in the Tampa Bay art scene, she’s a great conduit between local artists and collectors. And she’s also a busy freelance curator; she curated Creative Pinellas’s recent “Made in the Shade” show at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and this month at Tempus Projects (in collaboration with Jose Gelats) she brought together a decades-spanning array of works by the Tampa-based artist George Anderton. arthouse3.com—David Warner
Best Late Birthday Party
Sessanta 2.0 at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Eccentric is definitely an accurate term to describe Maynard James Keenan, and he wanted nothing less for his tour celebrating his 60th birthday (or at this point, his 61st). Two months before heading overseas to play at Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert with Tool, Keenan rounded up two of his side projects, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle, as well as friends in Primus, for the second-ever Sessanta (Italian for “sixty”) tour. All three bands took turns playing a handful of mini sets, and at the end of the night, everyone got together at the same time for a rousing finale of “Grand Canyon.” Les Claypool, rocking a disco ball helmet for the occasion, even cracked out his violin bow and NS Design upright bass so Keenan could wrap up this outlandish late birthday party—his first appearance in Tampa Bay since a 2023 Puscifer gig in downtown St. Pete.—Josh Bradley
this summer. Add inspired direction by Raymond O. Caldwell (the ghost of Hamlet’s father emerging from the fridge!) and flawless performances by a dynamic cast, and you had one of the most indelible entertainments American Stage has given us in years. Let’s hope there’s seconds. americanstage.org—Selene San Felice & David Warner
Best Local Star on the Road
Ann Morrison as Kimberly Akimbo
Our own Sarasota jewel, Ann Morrison, has taken her incandescent talent on the road, embodying the heartbreaking wit of “Kimberly Akimbo”—Tony’s 2023 Best Musical—on its national tour through May 2026. Tampa Bay audiences know her from the Asolo and freeFall stages, where she’s long been a luminous presence, but now the rest of the country gets what we’ve cherished for years. Morrison balances comic bite with poignant vulnerability, reminding us that star turns don’t have to come directly from New York—although Annie has a history of Broadway credits (most notably creating Mary in 1981’s “Merrily We Roll Along”). Lucky for us, she’s regularly blooming right here, most recently as Herod in Asolo’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Catch her at the Straz this November in the middle of the national tour.—Jon Palmer Claridge
Best ‘Make Us Hear a Classic Anew’ Performance Matthew McGee’s ‘Some People’ from ‘Gypsy,’ freeFall Theatre
Few performers can take a Broadway warhorse and make it sound brand new, but Matthew McGee does just that with “Some People” from Gypsy. Where Merman belted, Lansbury crackled, and McDonald soared, McGee refracts the anthem through his own prism—funny, furious, and defiantly alive. He strips away decades of diva baggage and lets us hear the song as freshly as if Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim had written it yesterday. It’s a thrilling reminder that the Bay Area’s most beloved chameleon doesn’t just perform—he reinvents. freefalltheatre.com—Jon Palmer Claridge
Best Music Director
Juan Rodriguez
Wow, the music in that Tampa Rep/American Stage/ Stageworks/Beach Theatre/Studio@620/Eight O’Clock/ USF show was terrific! The band! The singing! So tight, so dynamic! Who was the music director? These days, if you come away from a show at any of the theaters mentioned, the music director is likely to have been the multitalented Juan Rodriguez. A longtime music educator, vocal coach, singer and pianist, he brings deep knowledge, a keen ear, and a firm but amiable attitude to the ensembles he works with, and the results are impeccable. musicwithjuan.com
David Warner
Best Musician Who’s Doing All He Can to Keep Jazz Alive in Tampa Bay
Best Little Show With Big Feelings ‘Fat Ham,’ American Stage
There’s a reason James Ijames’ screenplay won a Pulitzer before it even hit stages. The queer, Black, southern twist on “Hamlet” could have used straight-up parody to critique toxic masculinity and the American family. Instead, the play is full of tender, completely original moments that made many St. Pete viewers feel lucky to have a seat at the intimate table of American Stage’s production
David Manson
Jazz has always been a tough sell in Tampa Bay, but that has never deterred David Manson from presenting a constant stream of performances through his EMIT and Composers Forum concert series. According to his bio, these two avenues have presented more than 500 concerts of adventurous music and put over $250,000 into the hands of local musicians. Additionally Manson directs the annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival. He leads
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Dyke Night
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BEST RISING STAR BEN SUTHERLAND
You might say this rising star has already risen, since local audiences have seen him on stage a lot. But here’s the thing: Though he has booked multiple shows at area professional companies, he’s not even out of college yet.
Now entering his senior year as a musical theater BFA candidate at the University of Tampa, Ben Sutherland, 21, is hard to miss on stage—he’s very tall (six-feet, four-inches) and lanky—but he’s so talented that he can transform himself from one role to the next. And boy, can he sing!
In Tampa Rep’s 2024 production of “Next to Normal,” he gave a searing performance as the imaginary son who invades his mother’s consciousness, capturing the character’s “dashing, playful but complicated presence,” said Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Jon Palmer Claridge. Then this year, with the same company in “The Bridges of Madison County,” he showed he could blend with an ensemble.
And as he proved in Stageworks’ “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” in 2023 and Jobsite’s “Puffs” this summer, he is that rare creature, a ridiculously handsome man who isn’t afraid of looking ridiculous. Not many actors could so joyously embody roles as disparate as the tatted-up trailer trash Duke and the star student/athlete of Hufflepuff House, Cedric Diggory, for whom he found the perfect balance of suave and self-involved. (His nose-guarded Voldemort-ish villain was also a hoot.)
A native of Taunton, Massachusetts, he moved down to Florida with his parents right before entering Newsome High School in Lithia. He didn’t do shows in high school, where choir was his main interest, but he did get extensive community-theater experience at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts in Brandon. He says he got to play “a lot of my dream roles at a young age” there—like the villainous leads in Sweeney Todd and Jekyll and Hyde.
Puffs wasn’t his first turn as the Dark Lord, either: He played Voldemort in “A Very Potter Musical” at UT. (A big Potter fan, he spoke with me on the phone during his third visit to Epic Universe, home of HP’s Wizarding World.)
A guitarist as well as a singer/actor, he lists some more specialized skills on his resume, including… “Can shake eyes very fast.”
This not being a skill I was familiar with, I asked him to explain. “It’s this thing, it looks like my eyes are vibrating,” he replied. “Hugh Jackman can do this, too, funnily enough.” His idols (other than Jackman) include Jim Carrey (“he goes against the grain”) and fellow former “theater kids” Josh Groban and David Corenswet (the current Superman). Sutherland hopes to move to NYC next fall, so it may not be long before he follows in his idols’ footsteps. Before that, though, he’s got another local gig coming up: He’ll be playing Ash Williams, the chainsaw-wielding hero of Stageworks’ “Evil Dead: The Musical” opening Oct. 24. He’s looking forward to the role, which will take advantage of his flair for physical comedy as well as his baritone/tenor vocal range. But, he warns, there will be blood. And some of it may splash onto the first few rows. He’ll have to give a heads-up to his parents: “They like to sit in the front row.” @benjams436 on Instagram—David Warner
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two ensembles: the samba outfit O Som do Jazz, which features his wife Andrea Moraes Manson on vocals; and the 18-piece big band Helios Jazz Orchestra, which plays regular concerts that showcase top-notch vocalists such Fred Johnson, Alexis Cole, Scotty Wright and Belinda Womack. Manson is a professor of music and music technology at St. Petersburg college so he has a major influence on young jazzers coming up. He plays a mean trombone and is a prolific composer. His ceaseless energy, his savvy, his organizational skills, his commitment to the local jazz scene, his playing, arranging and conducting—all of it adds up to him being an absolutely vital figure. The Bay area jazz landscape would be far poorer without David Manson. Oh, and he’s a really good dude. emitseries.org—Eric Snider
Best Mural Immersion
‘Outside In’ at The Dali
Thanks to the Shine Festival, St. Pete’s cityscape is alive with art—wall after wall exploding with
color and drama. But unless you’ve taken one of the guided mural tours offered by the St. Pete Arts Alliance, you may never have been able to stop and really look at them. So it was the brilliant notion of the Dalí’s Allison McCarthy to commission works by both local and international artists for an exhibition of massive murals to be viewed indoors rather than out. Each in some way connected to Dali, these works provided a startlingly immersive experience for museumgoers, not to mention some terrific photo ops. The exhibition was McCarthy’s final show as associate curator at the Dali; this summer she was named curatorial director of The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, where she’s destined to dazzle some more. thedali.org David Warner
Best New Resource for Arts Coverage
Tampa Bay Arts Passport
In-depth arts reporting that follows the money and asks hard questions—remember that? Tampa Bay
Arts Passport does. Founded this spring by Avery Anderson, the Passport is a free newsletter platform with arts discounts and other benefits available to paid subscribers ($10—a bargain considering how much other papers are charging). Anderson, the former marketing director for American Stage, is an excellent writer with broad interests. Over the last few months, they’ve written about theater subscriptions, the Tampa Arts Alliance, dancer/ choreographer Alex Jones, rock band Kitty Kitty Meow Meow, and multidisciplinary artist Ashley Rivers, whose work he described in characteristically vivid terms: “Towering and tactile, cracked and vibrant, Ashley Rivers’ ‘Bird of Paradise’ doesn’t just stand—it summons.” And the site recently launched a lawn sign campaign to show support in the wake of Pinellas Commissioners' move to defund Creative Pinellas. Arts aficionados should follow Anderson’s summons and sign up for their Passport. tbartspassport.com —David Warner
Best Onstage Firing Squad My Chemical Romance at Raymond James Stadium
The emo icons’ historic return to Tampa Bay was 15 years in the making, and fans got their money’s worth after fighting another Eras Tour-style TicketMaster war. During the first half of the “Long Live The Black Parade” tour, frontman Gerard Way announces a plan to execute some prisoners (the ultra-theatrical concert’s setting is in a dystopian dictatorship. Familiar?). The crowd then votes on if the execution should go forward with signs given out before the show, typically saying “yea” or “nay” on them. But at RayJay earlier this month, the election turned out to be rigged, with every sign saying “yea.” Rhythm guitarist Frank Iero attempted to protest with a sign saying “Nope!,” to no avail, and the prisoners were shot, which opened the ever-devastating “I Don’t Love You.” —Josh Bradley
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Ben Sutherland
JAMES ZAMBON PRODUCTION
We are deeply honored to be among the many individuals and organizations in the running for a Best of the Bay Award. Just being considered is a testament to the incredible artists, community, supporters, and volunteers who make our festival and organization possible.
Thank You for believing in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift. We couldn’t do this without you! Join us for the 56th Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts • February 28 – March 1, 2026 Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park • Tampa • Free Admission • 250+ Artists • Live Entertainment!
HAVE A BLOOMINGFUL DAY.
The Roaming Petal – Where Flowers Meet Wellness Creative flower workshops, floral meditations & seasonal flower events designed to help you slow down, reconnect with nature, and create something beautiful.
Now open in our brand-new shop! Join us for fall and holiday workshops filled with seasonal arrangements, wreaths, floral crafts and more — perfect for gifts, décor, or simply time for yourself.
We’re mobile too! Let us bring the flower magic to you—perfect for parties, team events, retreats, and gatherings at home or work.
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Best Opera Dynamic Duo
Director Melissa Misner & soprano Avery Boettcher, Opera Tampa
Who says bel canto can’t be fizzy fun? In Opera Tampa’s “Don Pasquale,” whisked off to Ybor City’s roaring ’20s with a splash of Art Deco pizzazz, director Melissa Misner and soprano Avery Boettcher as Norina dialed up the comedy without losing the heart. Misner’s staging sparkled with jazzy wit and visual mischief, while Boettcher’s gleaming voice bubbled with sass, charm, and just the right hint of naughtiness. Together, they nailed that elusive mistress—dramatic style—so often lost when music drives the performance. While the supporting cast was also strong, the synergy between this director-performer duo turned a classic into a cocktail—effervescent, stylish, and utterly giddy. Now that’s how to make opera feel like a party! operatampa.com—Jon Palmer Claridge
the ugly truths about the buildings that surround us. He’s good at explaining how people move through space, and his work goes beyond exploring architectural styles by diving into how architects have influenced cultural decisions, legislation, and policy. jmccants.com—Ray Roa
Best run the tape ‘Razed’
plans to take the show to Broadway, and while we haven’t heard anything yet, reps at Straz Center— where Uslan’s story made its world premiere last October—say that it was the first time the performing arts complex has held a world premiere since 2011’s “Wonderland,” which did spend a month in front of New York audiences.—Josh Bradley
Best Trashy Holiday Show
‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’
details that were fun to spot before the action started. Overall, you could sense that director Karla Hartley’s comic chops were the fuel that fed the show throughout. stageworkstheatre.org—David Warner
Best Triumphant Return
‘When
The Righteous
Triumph’ Entrance queues always have an exciting energy, but there wasn’t one line more fulfilling to experience than the one full of high school students filing into Jaeb Theatre for a morning performance of “When The Righteous Triumph” on March 13. The play by former Creative Loafing Tampa Bay theater critic Mark E. Leib goes back to 2023, but enjoyed a revival this year as activists and historians commemorated the 65th anniversary of Tampa’s Woolworth sit-in when about 50 Black students from Blake and Middleton high schools in Tampa dared to sit at a segregated lunch counter and order food. Students at the morning performance were warned about strong language in the script, and watching them gasp, then grow desensitized, was a complex emotional experience, just like the show itself. The revival continued from page
Best Over-the Top Concert Extravaganza
Katy Perry at Benchmark International Arena
An all-male dance troupe that doubled as acrobats. A figure-eight stage that reached far onto the arena floor. Bass that rattled your ribs. A muddled narrative that played out on a massive video screen. A 40-year-old pop star who’s more gymnast/aerialist than dancer. And yet somehow it all came together to provide two hours of eye-and-ear-popping entertainment. Watching Katy Perry fly around the rafters on a winged creature while singing “Roar” was nothing short of thrilling. Perry has her share of trolls, but don’t tell that to the 14,000 fans in attendance, who screamed their full-throated approval. And the woman can sing—let’s not forget that.—Eric Snider
Best Partners In Love, Life and Samba
Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade
The couple lives in St. Petersburg but travels the world playing an upbeat brand of jazz samba, with Soledade on vocals and Najar on acoustic guitar. Soledade, who grew up in Rio de Janeiro, sings with the breezy, intimate quality of such bossa nova legends as Astrud Gilberto and Gal Costa. Najar, born and raised in St. Pete, plays acoustic fingerstyle with a liquid mastery. He’s as comfortable with contemporary jazz and Django-inspired Euro-swing as he is with Brazilian music. Yes, the couple may be out on the road a lot, but they regularly book shows in their hometown. Go see ‘em. @natenajar on Instagram and danielasoledade.com—Eric Snider
Best Placemaking
“Razed” is a rollercoaster. The documentary produced by Roundhouse Creative along with community members like Gwendolyn Reese of the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg brings to life the story of the Gas Plant District. It showcases the highs of living in what was once one of the most dynamic Black neighborhoods in the Southeast and the lows of watching the world outside of it trot out ugly tropes and stereotypes as it tears a community down to build a baseball stadium that didn’t even exist yet. Essential watching for anyone who wants to call the Bay area home, “Razed” confirms everything cynics thought they knew about human nature and mankind’s ability to treat someone else like shit, while also inviting even the most jaded among us to recognize and accept joy when it’s right there in front of you. Filmmakers recently told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that they’re going national with the documentary as it works on “a new cut of the film that focuses on similar stories throughout the nation, where sports stadiums have displaced communities of color.” gasplantfilm.
com—Ray Roa
Best
Singer of
the Great American Songbook Scotty Wright
The cat swings. And that’s at least part of what it takes when you’re singing standards like “Old Devil Moon,” “I Hear a Rhapsody,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and other classics. Listening to this veteran jazz singer’s rich baritone is like drinking fine cognac. Wright phrases with an abundance of swagger, but never at the expense of the song, never contorting the melody too far. Scotty Wright is a serious talent. Scotty Wright is a pro. scottywright.com—Eric Snider
Best ‘Take That, Meryl Streep!’
Emilia Sargent in ‘The Bridges of Madison County’
I somehow missed the first of Stageworks’ “Trailer Park” musicals, but I’m glad I caught this edition set during the Christmas holidays at Alligator Acres (not to be confused with Alligator Alcatraz). Susan Haldeman led the way with her clarion voice and comic timing, Julia Rifino was perfectly clueless and strong-voiced, Heather Krueger knowingly raunchy and vocally strong (and her choreography and costumes were a spot-on mix of precision and outrageousness). And Ashley Whiting was a real find, equally effective as the resident Scrooge and the lost innocent, and what a voice! The set was spectacular—spectacularly tacky, that is, with tons of comic
Must-Read
‘Architecture of Segregation: The Hierarchy of Spaces and Places’ by Jerel McCants
Early this month, the foundation that owns Tampa’s historic and crumbling Jackson House announced that it finally selected a firm to lead the historic segregation-era boarding house’s criminally-delayed restoration. Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. will handle the job, and there might not be a better person to do it. Inspired in part by his father, a veteran who grew up in Alabama when it was the hotbed of civil rights, McCants—a well-traveled, space-planning-obsessed architect himself—is unafraid to tell
OK, I’ve never seen the movie version with La Streep gettin’ all moony in Madison. But I can’t imagine she could have embodied Francesca, the lonely Iowa farmer’s wife who falls in love with a dashing photojournalist, better than Emilia Sargent. She subtly conveyed all of Francesca’s dimensions— the weariness, the passion, the heartbreak—in Tampa Rep’s excellent production. And unlike the movie, this was Jason Robert Brown’s musical adaptation of the popular novel, so Francesca also had to sing her heart out—which Sargent did, beautifully. tamprep.org David Warner
Best Theatrical World Premiere
‘The
Boy Who Loved Batman’ at Straz Center
If it weren’t for the imagination of Michael Uslan, we probably wouldn’t have as many badass “Batman” films as we do. This stage show featuring Dan Fogler (“The Walking Dead,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them”) in the titular role tells the story of Uslan, who grew up as a comic book nerd cringing over the original Adam West series and vowed to make Bruce Wayne the same hero he was in the comics, on the silver screen. Its crew has announced
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Daniela Soledade (L) & Nate Najar
COURTESY
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BEST REVIVAL BEACH THEATRE IN ST. PETE BEACH
When I spoke with Hannah Hockman last month, it was just about a year since the August day when she and her family officially began renovating The Beach Theatre—right in the midst of Hurricane Debby and its aftermath.
“We’re not the best at timing,” quipped Hockman. Maybe not when it comes to hurricanes— Milton and Helene were still to come.
But judging by the crowds that have poured into the 85-year-old movie house since its grand reopening in July, their timing has been just right. St. Pete Beach had endured years of ownership changes and sad neglect at the Corey Avenue landmark, so the news that the Hockmans were coming to the rescue sparked hope from the get-go, when Hannah’s parents, Ronald and Sissy, purchased the theater for $1 million in early 2024.
Now, moviegoers who remember the Beach’s earlier, scruffier incarnations are marveling at the spacious lobby, comfortable seating, and Art Decoesque design details. Audiences are responding enthusiastically to the programming, which has emphasized films with local appeal like “The Green Flash,” a doc about an infamous young marijuana smuggler from St. Pete Beach, and “Summer Rental,” the 1985 John Candy comedy shot in several area locations, including the formerly cramped entryway of the Beach Theatre itself.
A large part of the Beach Theatre’s early success can be attributed to the savvy marketing sense and sheer ebullience of Hannah Hockman herself, who’s the venue’s director. In one of the many vlogs she shot during the renovation process (this one entitled “Life’s a beach & so is our floor”) she dons heart-shaped sunglasses and breezily observes, “It’s slightly terrifying, but it’ll all work out.”
“I started my first LLC when I was 16,” Hockman added, stressing that the BeachTheatre project is very much a family affair. Her parents have fond memories of movie dates there, and “Dad had looked into supporting it many years ago… This is also not our first project together. We have office complexes, real estate—all three of us have been entrepreneurs my whole life.”
Hannah’s first love, though, is theater.
“When I was a kid I would sketch out what my theater would look like,” and her mom encouraged her dreams with trips to the Straz and Broadway shows. At Eckerd College, where she majored in theater with a double minor in marketing and music, she directed a production of “Heathers” that was the first student-run musical at the school in 10 years. After Eckerd, she snagged an apprenticeship at American Stage, where she became friends with company manager Alexandria Hawkes and her husband, videographer Travis Hawkes. The couple’s production company, Lunar Speedboat Productions, made the excellent documentary “A New Wave: Revival of the Beach Theatre” that premiered during the theater’s opening week.
Which it certainly did. “If there’s a driving force in this whole building, it’s her,” Ron Hockman told the Tampa Bay Times in July. Her age—26—is a frequent talking point in press coverage, but she says that “anyone who knows me is not surprised” that she’s spearheading a business venture.
It’s important to Hannah that live performances as well as movie screenings be included in Beach programming. The Dunedin-based Celtic Conundrum played the theater’s newly restored stage in August, and Hannah has organized the Beach Theatre Play Festival (Sept 19-21), a weekend of new works by local playwrights Bill Leavengood, Jenna Jane and Alaina Rahaim Miller.
You can expect to see Hannah herself at the Beach at most screenings and performances. Coming from a theater tradition, she believes in the efficacy of a good pre-show curtain speech. On that opening weekend, she introduced herself to audiences while wearing a ruffly frock that had its own back story.
“That dress was actually given to me as a birthday present from my mom when I turned 25. It was a dream brand I’d never owned—Selkie. An hour after she gave it to me, we got the call [that the family’s offer for Beach had been accepted]. I said, “That’s the dress I have to wear opening night. So we’d better get this theater built so I can wear this dress.” They built it, she wore it. We wager there are plenty more success stories to come. thebeachtheatre.org—David Warner
The Hockmans
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even earned a nod from the New York Times which noted that the work “Tries to ‘Ride a Fine Line’ in Florida.” Bravo to the cast, Stageworks’ Producing Artistic Director, Karla Hartley, and Congressman Jim Davis who raised funds for a redux (and a forthcoming documentary about it) that is unafraid to present this critical look back at Tampa’s role in the civil rights movement. Look for more when WEDU releases a documentary about the play's revival, and don't be surprised if the work gets more national attention in the year to come. Slim chance it'll be on stage locally again though.—Ray Roa
Best Underdogs
The Cast of ‘Puffs’
I am not, I confess, a Potterphile. But I truly loved the crazy kids of “Puffs,” the “overlooked and underestimated” kids at a magicians’ school mainly known for that Harry guy. Under the direction of David Jenkins, Jobsite’s ensemble was amazingly well-synchronized and versatile, with star turns by Katherine Yacko and Spencer Myers as variously ominous faculty members, Noa Friedman and Colleen Cherry as high-energy classmates, Ben Sutherland as the big man on campus, Troy Brooks as the lovable math nerd (see profiles of both Ben andTroy), and Matthew McGree as nar rator, wry as ever. Even Harry-not Harry (Caroline Huerta) was a delight. jobsitethe—David Warner
Best Use of AI freeFall’s ‘House of Future Memory’
AI is scary enough. Add audience participation and improv? Terrifying! But the brainiacs at freeFall, led by Artistic Director Eric Davis, tossed these ingredients together to come up with a new kind of story-telling adventure, with audience prompts to ChatGPT determining plotlines, titles, settings and even songs. An astonishingly adept cast of six (Larry Alexander, J. Elijah Cho, Sara DelBeato, Joey Panek, Julia Rifino and Hillary Scales) performed a short play every night that was not only new to us, it was new to them, too. freefalltheatre.com—David Warner
Best Weird Comedy Show Hot Mess
"Eat hot wings” comedy isn't new. But adapting it for stand-up has produced some unique and entertaining results. Dick Ruse and Jander Gray (previous BOTB winners) have put together a show featuring comedians doing a short set, eating wings you definitely shouldn’t eat, and then doing a second set in intense pain. After a few rounds of torture, which includes being mocked and roasted by a panel of other comedians, they crown a winner who gets to live another day. @TheHotMessShow on Facebook—Michael Murillo
Best Up-and-Coming Comedian
Vien Phommachanh
Don’t worry about getting his name right. You can call him Comic Doc, since he’s a real otolaryngologist in Sarasota (treating ear, nose, and throat patients). On stage, he shares funny stories about his career and his Laotian heritage with plenty of wit and selfdeprecation. In a few short years (probably less time than medical school) he’s performed internationally, headlined comedy clubs around the country, and released a Dry Bar special with clips garnering several million views on various platforms. At least you don’t need authorization from your HMO to see him tell jokes. comicdoc.com—Michael Murillo
Best Wheels (Still) Go Round And Round NOMAD Arts Bus
For its work that brings art opportunities to underserved groups, NOMADstudio was just one of three recipients in Florida (out of 4,000) to receive the coveted $100,000 ArtsHERE grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. But, mid-2025, following federal guidelines, this promised funding was taken back creating a growing shortfall for the nonprofit.
“This is important work, and it’s being threatened by these shifts in funding,” said founder and executive director Carrie Boucher. Interested in helping out? Find out about more ways to volunteer and support by visiting nomadstudio.org/how-to-help. @nomadstudio_org on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
NOMAD Art Bus
LOCATIONS IN: NEW TAMPA, ORLANDO, RIVERVIEW, SOUTH TAMPA, TARPON SPRINGS & YBOR CITY
Best 15-Minute Bagels And Our Favorite Coffee Dirtbags
The Lab Coffee
There are several perfectly cromulent coffee places near where we live. Screw those places! Every morning we make the 20-minute drive to The Lab Coffee in Seminole Heights, in part because we hate our day jobs and will do anything to avoid having to do them. But, just as relevant is the fact that, for our money, The Lab has the best coffee and hardest-core baristas in town. “What are you two up to today?” they always ask us when we pop in around 1 p.m. for our “morning coffee.” We never seem to have a convincing answer: “Oh, not much, just working…we guess?” For great coffee, employees who are cooler than you, really good empanadas, and an excuse to drive around all day, look no further than our beloved Lab. thelabcoffee.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best 25-Minute Peri Peri Chicken And A Delicious Can Of C&C Cola
The Fryer House
“The Peri Peri chicken takes 25 minutes,” the guy behind the counter at the Fryer House warned us when we walked in there one recent Wednesday afternoon. Challenge accepted! Was it smart to order the only grilled item at a restaurant called the “Fryer House”? Probably not, but the meal came with a free can of “C&C Cola”—corporate tagline: “Refreshing Is An Understatement”—so we sat down and waited. The chicken was better than the cola, but, you know what, each of them was pretty refreshing in its own way! Anyway, the food here is good and the people are nice, but, if you go, you might be better off getting something that’s, you know, fried. thefryerhouse.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Actually Useful, Local Facebook Group
Tampa Bay Asian Foodies
This popular Facebook group begs the question “Where is all of the great Asian food in Tampa Bay?”—and its nearly 16,000 members try to answer it on a daily basis. From spreading news about food festivals, night markets and local Asian grocery stores to recommending favorite restaurants and sharing family recipes, its members are actively looking for the best East, South and Southeast Asian eats in the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. The vibes are always good, the comment section is rarely argumentative and its conversations are solely about tasty food and where to find it.—Kyla Fields
Best All-Purpose Impossible-To-Spell Restaurant Tchotchke
The thought that anything could replace the longbeloved Munch’s in the hearts of St. Pete diners seemed sacrilege at first, especially when the restaurant that took over the space on 6th Street S had such a consonant-clogged name. But Tchotchke (loosely translatable as a little something you can’t resist) proved to be, as its signage announced, “tough to spell” but “easy to love.” Deliciously fresh and ample breakfast and lunch dishes drew enough fans that owner Matthew Firosz opened The Green Room bar in the adjacent storefront, open at night for menu items like the Dinner Burger plus a bourbon selection with more than 50 labels, among other enticements. tchotchkecafe.com—David Warner
Best Artisan Bread Made From White or Semolina (But Not Sourdough) Flour La Casa Del Pane
Translated from Italian, the name of this bakery/cafe on St. Pete Beach means House of Bread. That’s appropriate, because the loaves on offer along the back wall are crusty, chewy and flavorful. No sourdough, though. A sign on the shelf says so. Whether the casa’s bread is made from white or semolina flour depends on the day. Picking out a couple of loaves from a generous array, toting them home, unwrapping them, warming them, tearing off pieces or slicing them, buttering them and eating them—well, that’s the kind of bread experience you can’t get from a supermarket. @lacasadel pane__ on Instagram—Eric Snider
As for what she is listening to now? “Olivia Dean’s ‘Echo’ and ‘As If’ by Blaque,” Konofaos said, noting the 30th anniversary of “Clueless.” @alevri.co on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Best Cooking Competition for a Cause Feeding Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef
Nonprofit Feeding Tampa Bay hosted the 10th rendition of its cooking competition Epic Chef this past summer, awarding its largest grand prize yet. Chef Marvilou Mapa took home a whopping $10,000 as the winner of 2025’s event, in a historic finale that pitted two female chefs against each other. And while the annual party was filled with fine dining cuisine, cameras and clinking glasses of wine, Feeding Tampa Bay president and CEO Thomas Mantz never missed an opportunity to tell the crowd the true ethos of the nonprofit and its annual cooking competition. Throughout the event, he continuously stressed the importance of everyone in Tampa Bay having the right to healthy food, nutrition and sustenance, regardless of class or socio-economic background. feedingtampabay.org—Kyla Fields
Best Confectioner Channeling Muses
Alévri & Co.
Dawn Konofaos of Alévri & Co. doesn’t just make cake. She makes edible art, following her muses, letting songs, poetry, and art guide her creative process in the kitchen. Some of her most recent inspired flavors include Crazy Pink, a fluffy strawberry rose yogurt cake filled with lychee custard, iced with hibiscus Italian meringue buttercream inspired by Janelle Monáe’s song “Pink”. Another piece she recently sculpted she calls The Serpent, inspired by the works of ceramic artist Lalese Stamps and the song “Cobra” by Megan Thee Stallion. “Creating cake flavors from songs and memories has been a way of getting back to myself that I didn’t know I needed,” Konofaos said.
Best Coffee Meets Creativity & Culture Daycation Coffee
There’s no shortage of specialty coffee in The ‘Burg, but what Daycation Coffee owner Rachel Zhang has brought to the table has been an absolute palate cleanser to the local coffee scene. Originally from Chongqing, China, Zhang has owned and operated the intimate cafe for almost a year now, boasting a menu of both seasonal and signature drinks. A wonderful array of housemade syrups in unique flavors like jasmine and osmanthus give Daycation’s matcha and espresso-based lattes a unique and personal edge found nowhere else in St. Pete. And yes, you can get a straight-up cortado or cappuccino at Daycation, or you can indulge in an “Ode to my 90s”—a double espresso drink with a black sesame cream top and dehydrated dates—or a “Yuzu Craze” with cold brew, yuzu juice, rock candy syrup and candied citrus peel. And as many an Asian and Asian-American has uttered, we love Daycation Coffee because it’s “not too sweet.” @daycationcoffee—Kyla Fields
Best Crispy Asian Duck Pin Wok & Bowl
Located in a small storefront on the 400 block of Central Avenue, this Asian-fusion restaurant has a
basic interior, largely free of kitschy signifiers, not a single Lucky Waving Cat in sight. Pin Wok & Bowl is not a hotspot for the younger set, so it’s usually calm. The menu has plenty of top-notch dishes to choose from, but the crispy Asian duck is a standout. The sliced bird has rugged skin that gives way to sumptuous meat, perfectly cooked. The accompanying vegetables maintain just the right measure of crispness. Nothing limp. The dish comes with a choice of chili, Panang curry or Thai basil sauces (the latter is outstanding). pinwokandbowl.com—Eric Snider
Best Drunk Food At 1 P.M. In The Afternoon Mema’s Alaskan Tacos
It felt as though all of Tampa erupted with jubilation at news of the reopening of Mema’s, an Ybor City late night staple that closed 13 years ago and, prior to that, probably single-handedly saved hundreds of visitors to Seventh Avenue from acute alcohol poisoning. What is an Alaskan taco, you ask? Our friend Ray Roa of Creative Loafing described them best: “Mema’s Alaskan Tacos are prepared in accordance with a recipe from [owner Sean] Godin’s grandma who cooked the fillings in the shell, resulting in a crispy taco topped with shreds of cold iceberg lettuce and sharp cheddar cheese all served in a sorelymissed translucent wax paper wrapping.” In other words: The perfect drunk food. Lucky for you, you don’t have to be drunk to enjoy Mema’s! Its unique take on tacos makes for a delicious and affordable lunch stop on the hot walk down. (Also, Justin always mistakenly calls this place is called “Mema’s Election Tacos.”) memasalaskantacos.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Empty Dive Bar Where It’s Christmas Every Day Joy Bar
“A Christmas-themed bar in a city that hasn’t seen a snowflake since 1977? Let’s give it a try,” we said this spring as we headed over to Joy Bar. Modeled after Lala’s Little Nugget in Austin, Texas—the original year-round Christmas bar—Joy Bar gets the Lala’s experience all wrong in an endearing sort of way. Incredibly bright, oddly silent, shabbily decorated, and attached to an ancient liquor store, Joy Bar accurately captures the ways in which Tampa’s divorced, homeless dads might choose to spend their holidays. On the other hand, two Miller High Lifes there only cost us $6, which counts as a minor Christmas miracle. @joydivebar on Instagram—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
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Mema’s Alaskan Tacos RAY ROA
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Best Fantastic Voyage
Mise en Place
Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz do not fuck around. Their pioneering, nearly 40-year, journey in the Bay area food scene has earned Mise en Place a loyal following that sets the dining room abuzz nightly, and it’ll be no surprise to see regulars follow the duo to its new home in Ybor City’s Casa Gomez building where Mise starts a new chapter in a fresh corner of the world. “It is a really unique perspective on Tampa, because you are looking at history,” Ferenc recently told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay about her new view of Jose Martí Park, the waterfront, and downtown Tampa. “You can’t help but imagine what Ybor was like when it was so bustling, and it was, it was the center of commerce and life for Tampa.You kind of feel the energy there.” No doubt that Mise en Place will bring another layer of vivacity as it enters the next phase of its fantastic voyage. miseonline.com—Ray Roa
Best Family-Owned Italian Market in Pinellas Park
DeCosmo Italian Market
Start with a well-stocked, full-service Italian-American deli, market, and cafe located in Pinellas Park’s rich culinary scene. Add some key ex-pats from one of the area’s most beloved Italian markets and a hidden gem kind of feeling. In 2022, brothers Vincent, Paul, and Steven DeCosmo opened DeCosmo Italian Market in Pinellas Park. The family-owned business is a welcomed addition, and one that is still so wonderfully word-of-mouth that you feel you’ve stumbled on a secret. A micro-bakery, winery, and sit-down cafe that exudes more Italy than Pinellas Park. Which is what makes it so special, and DeCosmo’s is a truly welcomed addition to the scene. decosmoitalianmarket.com—Arielle Stevenson
Best Farewell
Black Radish Bodega
After five years in V.M.Ybor, vegan bodega Black Radish closed its doors late last month. And while many of its local customers and neighbors are quite sad about it, co-owner Tina Sanchez isn’t. The business and its building are for sale (as a joint package), and her and fellow owners Bryon Lippincott and Mikey Schmidt are “hopeful that somebody wants to continue the project.” Since opening in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, Black Radish has proven to be a staple in Tampa’s plantbased community by dishing out tasty food, collecting donations for Food Not Bombs, fundraising for its community and being outspoken against social injustices on social media. Black Radish may be known for its killer vegan Cuban sandwich and vegan biscuits, but it also created a lasting reputation for simply caring for all animals, the greater Tampa Bay community and marginalized folks around the globe. @blackradishbodega on Instagram–Kyla Fields
Best Fill-Up
Coffee Uniting People
The best coffee shops feel like little communities. Others take it a step further and remind you of the humanity that makes your neck of the woods worth living in. With four locations across the Bay area, Coffee Uniting People (aka CUP) is a nonprofit concept built around access and opportunity—featuring a staff of people with and without disabilities working together. At the downtown location inside the Embarc Collective, employees customize every paper cup before the shop even opens. In a world that seeks to divide us every time we open a social media app, CUP shops are special places that not only reminds us of our shared struggle, but invite us to celebrate the little things that make life worth living. coffeeunitingpeople.org—Ray Roa
Best Fine As Hell
Mighty Fine at Late Start Brewing
The best coffee shops feel like little communities. Others take it a step further and remind
BEST FARM ALONG THE INTERSTATE GREENS N THINGS URBAN FARM
Just beyond Interstate 275 and 22nd Avenue N in St. Petersburg, not far from the hum of nonstop traffic, sits Greens N Things Urban Farm. It’s just one of several farms that local farmer Eric Law developed on unused plots of land.
A little over five years ago, Law saw an opportunity to turn his front lawn into a farm. He’d had success with raised beds gardening and had done some volunteer work at local farms. His idea worked, so kept looking for pieces of land he could grow on, even if a few miles apart. Today, he’s got roughly 9,000 square feet of farms spaced out across the city. That number is likely to grow. It’s an innovative approach for a county that seems to value green spaces less and less these days. Law’s farm is a thing of beauty in a time thick with “agritourism.”
For him, it’s really about getting good food to his community. He’s about empowering folks too, and offers advice along with affordable seedlings for herb and vegetable gardens. Plus, one of the best selections of local fruit trees around. All of it paired with a knowledge of this place that is a rare entity. He’s building sustainable food systems in a city that values paved land over planted.
Think mustard greens grown under a massive live oak on a plot of land hugging the railroad tracks. Bananas and fruit trees produce dozens of mangos, guavas, fruits you’ve never tried. Avocados you can eat whole. After the sticker shock of the grocery store, Law’s farm is like an eden. He grows pro duce in the dirt, cultivating the land against all the odds, feeding families through sales of CSA memberships and folks coming to the farm or markets to purchase produce directly.
Greens N Things Urban Farm
This is truly as local as it gets. Come to the farm, hand farmer Eric some money (or sign up for the CSA), walk away with produce that was in the ground probably just that morning. Then, go brag to your friends that you know your farmer by first name and bring them along next time. In terms of consistent bang-for-your-buck, the CSA is hard to beat. Full and half shares are typically purchased at the end of farm season, for the upcoming year. An investment in the farmer that comes with a return of produce. And because of how local this produce is, the food lasts longer (if you can stop yourself from eating it all). And it comes with a shift in a way of living when it comes to food planning, storage, and what to do with waste. Also, at this point it’s cheaper than any grocery store.
Farming is brutal work at any level. But watching Law and his farm come back season after season, through hurricanes, frost, drought, pandemics and extreme heat is something to behold. He and the land are scrappy, resilient, and indomitable. The fact that it’s all to keep a community fed and fed well makes it mean so much more. Plus, at a time where larger food systems are collapsing for so many reasons, Law is actually doing something about it. And you can be a part of it too. greensnthingsurbanfarm.com
you of the humanity that makes your neck of the woods worth living in. With four locations across the Bay area, Coffee Uniting People (aka CUP) is a nonprofit concept built around access and opportunity—featuring a staff of people with and without disabilities working together. At the downtown location inside the Embarc Collective, employees customize every paper cup before the shop even opens. In a world that seeks to divide us every time we open a social media app, CUP shops are special places that not only reminds us of our shared struggle, but invite us to celebrate the little things that make life worth living. mightyfine.org—Ray Roa
Best Food Critic on Instagram
Call Anthony
With over 40,000 followers on Instagram, Tampa native Anthony Gilbert is a self-proclaimed food critic known for delivering honest culinary opinions while still entertaining his vast audience. Man, without Gilbert, man, Tampeños would never know if the banana pudding at their local gas station was actually “fresh”, if the newest viral food was worth the
hype or which corner store boasts the best boiled peanuts. Gilbert usually highlights small-scale, Black and brown-owned businesses in East Tampa that often fly under the radar of professional food journalists in town. While some of his new content consists of reviews that are contracted from local restaurants (and marked as such) or not about food at all, he’s still pointing his followers in the direction of small businesses, restaurants and gas stations throughout Tampa—and that’s a lasting part of the CallAnthony legacy. @CallAnthony_ on Instagram—Kyla Fields
Best Food-Truck Ceviche Served By the World’s Nicest People Chilpayas
As two people who are prone to digestive trauma, it took us a while to work up the nerve to try the fishcentric menu at Chilpayas, a tiny South Tampa food truck specializing in Veracruz-style seafood. (Let’s just say there’s a lot that can go wrong with fish prepared in a sweltering truck in the hot Tampa summer.) But, boy, are we glad that we gave this place a shot. Over the past year, we’ve become regulars here, sweating it out at a picnic table on scorching
—Arielle Stevenson
hot weekday afternoons while avoiding our day jobs and enjoying some of the best and most unique seafood Tampa has to offer. If two people bonded by IBS can brave the ceviche here, you can, too—and, frankly, you should. Get an order of the shrimp tacos while you’re at it; any style will do, but we like them al mojo. Wash it all down with a Mexican Coke and you’ll be set until the afterparty. chilpayas.com
Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Fusion Cuban Sandwich Cuban Street Tacos at Shaker
and Peel
Pineapple Hospitality Group is notorious for rolling out monthly specials at all of its restaurants. Oldsmar’s Shaker and Peel, which opened six years ago this month, keeps its own blackboard specials fusion burrito and taco-related, and cooked more than ever during the holidays with a Cuban sandwich taco. While they’ve been in the Pineapple vault since its month-long run, a plate cost $12 and came with three tacos encasing roasted pork, soppressata ham,
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Golfera Spicy Italian Salami
Horseradish Mustard
Mimolette France
Quince Paste
Apricots
Baguette
Berbician Kangaroo Salami
Date Almonde Cake
Midnight Moon
Mixed Olives
Cornichons
34o Degree Crisps
Acorn Fed Fermin Iberico Ham
Levoni Fennel Salami - Italy
Piedras de Coco
Dalmatia Fig Spread
Drunken Goat Cheese
Midnight Moon
Cambozda Black
Marcona Almonds
Bucheron Brûlée
Cornichons
Smoking Goose Toscano Salami
Duck Foie Mousse
Berbician Ostrich Salami
Brie Couronne
Honeycomb
Golfera Truffle Mortadella
Primo Sale Walnut
Prosciutto Di Parma - 24 MONTH -
Mitica Fig and Almond Roll
Italian Orange Blossom Honey
Pistachio Pecorino
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Swiss cheese fondue, dill pickles, and Cuban mustard aioli, on a pressed flour tortilla. Yep, quesadilla style. We’d tell Ybor City to eat its heart out, but while the specials do rotate every few years or so, it’ll probably be a hot minute before we see the Cuban taco again. shakerandpeel.com—Josh Bradley
Best Goth Chicharrones
Squid Ink Crisps Served with Hamachi Collar, Il Ritorno
Earning a coveted Michelin recommendation earlier this year, Il Ritorno remains one of the area’s most impeccable restaurants. Hamachi collar isn’t always on the menu, but when it is, order it. The rich fatty collar, located just behind the yellowtail’s head and gills, was once considered an “off-cut,” in western kitchens and often used for stock. Il Ritorno’s award-winning Chef David Benstock knows better. The insanely tender hamachi collar was served with squink ink crisps, a kind of pork rind…a little gothy chicharrone-like chip. There was some ethereal crème fraiche adornment on the side. To enjoy: layer squid ink crisp with a scoop of effortless hamachi, top with créme fraiche, devour, repeat. All in all, one of the most satisfying and messy fine dining experiences of my life thus far. This isn’t the first time Benstock and his crew have gotten creative with squid ink, including if I recall correctly, a squid ink hot dog bun at one point and another that’s become a signature dish, squid ink pasta. Cheers to Chef Benstock and his kitchen who not only continue delivering beautiful and well-made plates year after year, but also push what’s possible in a town that’s not always the most open-minded about what’s on its plate. We are all the better for it. ilritornodowntown.com
—Arielle Stevenson
Best Hidden-Away French Cafe
Alsace Bistro
It’s not easy to find, partly because the last place you expect to find a cozy escape to France is at the far end of a strip mall in Tierra Verde. Oh, but what an escape it is, not least because its co-owner/chefs, David Weiss and Jean-Sebastien Kappler are French themselves and well-versed in the Franco-German cuisine of the Alsace region.Think duck à l’orange, boeuf bourguignon, crocks of piping hot French onion soup, heaps of red cabbage and crepes of all kinds — all hearty servings, and none at prices that’ll break the bank. And the atmosphere, especially on a rainy night, is so intimate and homey, with red-and-white-checked tablecloths on tables close but not too close to each other, that you might be able to imagine you actually have landed in France (minus the airfare). alsacefrenchbistro.com—David Warner
Best Hiroshima Chop-Chop Style Okonomiyaki, Whatever That Is Chanko
Ha ha, don’t be silly, of course we know what Hiroshima chop-chop style okonomiyaki is. Sure do! We eat it all the time, and we can definitely tell you what’s in it! Let’s see, it’s got, uh, cabbage, for one thing. And noodles, of course. Um, there’s a crepe in there somewhere, too. And, uh, an egg? Two eggs? And fish… flakes? (long pause) OK, fine, we have no idea what Hiroshima chopchop style okonomiyaki actually is, we just know that it’s delicious, and that no restaurant in Tampa does it better than the effortlessly cool, reliably delicious Chanko. Actually, we’re pretty sure that no other place in Tampa does it, period, perhaps because they don’t really know what it is, either. Their loss! chanko-ichiban.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Jamaican Restaurant
That Can Make
a
Geezer Feel Right at Home Island Flavors & Tings
A white, male Baby Boomer walked into a small restaurant in a rundown strip center on a worn-out stretch of 49th Street in Gulfport that’s owned by a Black woman, run by Black women and caters to a mostly Black clientele. He instantly felt welcome.
The colorful interior oozed positive vibes. The servers on the cafeteria line were friendly and helpful; a couple of Black women customers introduced themselves and started a conversation. The food—brown stew chicken and a quarter jerk chicken, with rice and peas—was fantastic. After the meal, the white male Baby Boomer got into a lively conversation with a Black male customer named Don. It’s experiences like this that give one hope in divisive times. Island Flavors & Tings does mostly takeout, but if you can, hang around and eat in, regardless of your pigmentation.islandflavorsandtings.com—Eric Snider
Best Late Night All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Nine Spices Hot Pot, Clearwater
The hot pot and Korean barbecue at both locations of this Pinellas establishment are tasty as hell (as well as the conveyor belt with vegetables, crab, and little cakes), but last year, Nine Spices introduced an all-you-can-eat sushi menu. That experience is $28.99 (or a $5 add-on if you’re more in a hot pot or barbecue mood) and whether you want to start with the in-house “Nine Spices” roll—with mixed seafood, cream cheese, asparagus, roe, scallions, eel sauce, and spicy mayo—or finish triumphantly with the best volcano roll in Tampa Bay, you won’t even be waiting that long for plates to come out. The res -
Best Local Food Event, Large-Scale Division
Tampa Bay Food Fight
This year’s edition, held in mid-February at what was then-called Amalie Arena, featured sample dishes from 40 local restaurants; 15 craft cocktails, plus beer and wine; a chef team battle betweenTampa and St. Pete that was judged by celebrity chefs; a guest appearance by WWE legend Titus O’Neil; a cooking skills competition; live and silent auctions; as well as other festivities. For the price of (not-exactly-cheap) admission, you could meander from one table to the next, eat and drink all you wanted.The restaurants—many different types, not just fine-dining—put a lot of effort into giving their tasty offerings some visual flair. Proceeds from Tampa Bay Food Fight benefit Metropolitan Ministries Job Training Programs. Next year marks the ninth annualTBFF, don’t miss it. tampabayfoodfight.org—Eric Snider
Best Long Time Coming Lara
Take a bite of the toast with chicken liver pate and guava gelee and you’ll know that Chef Suzanne Lara is boldly going places others will not. Her restaurant, bar and apothecary opened
taurant is also open until 1 a.m. every night, so you don’t have to worry about rush hour traffic causing you to arrive at your afterwork dinner at closing time. ninespicesclearwater.com—Josh Bradley
Best Life-Giving Sustenance On The Sweaty Walk From HCC To The Commodore Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro
Summer sucks. It’s hot and humid and for 15 minutes each day the skies open up with apocalyptic rainstorms. If you ever have to take the long walk from central Ybor to The Commodore, and wonder whether or not you’ll melt before you get there, don’t risk melting. Take a break and stop for a visit Retro House. The entrees are meticulously prepared, the wings are phenomenal, the coffee is fresh-roasted, and the mango calamansi tart is good enough to inspire a namesake beer from our friends at Common Dialect in Seminole Heights. retrohousetampa.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
you to expand your understanding of grocery. Sure, it’ll always have staples: potatoes, onions, cheap frozen pitas, and the best feta-by-weight in St. Petersburg. But when man makes a list, City Produce laughs. Ditch the regimented shopping experience and let your culinary senses guide you. Find a type of squash you’ve never used. Buy prawns from a giant styrofoam bucket. Get a dusty can of stuffed peppers. Abandon all forethought and make that impulse buy your main course. City Produce Fruit Market on Facebook—Valerie Smith
Best Meanest Hostess In All The Land Walt’z Fish Shak
The reviews of Walt’z Fish Shak—a ramshackle Key West-style joint right on John’s Pass in Madeira Beach—all broadly agree on two main points. First, the fresh-caught fish there, cooked by Walt himself, is reliably excellent. Second, the hostess there— Walt’s wife, Sue—may well be history’s greatest monster. “She is the rudest person I have ever encountered,” one recent reviewer concluded. “She rolled her eyes at me when I asked if they were open and then accused me of backing into her tree in the parking lot (I did not hit a tree),” said another. And yet, weirdly enough, when we went there last year, Sue could not have been nicer to us. The fish was great, but we sort of felt cheated out of the full Walt’z experience. Pro tip: If you go, start your visit by asking if you can use the restroom without purchasing anything. That’ll get Sue’s dander up for sure. waltzfishshak.com
—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Need-Not-A-Want Garlic Knots
Nona Slice House
That feeling of fatness you get when you’re the only one who eats the garlic knots your friends agree to share with you doesn’t exist at the Safety Harborbased Detroit-style pizza joint. Nona’s well-risen, house-tied knots are tossed in olive oil and garlic, baked off, and topped with romano cheese and fresh basil. They’re filling as hell, too, which is why a half portion, which runs you $4.50 (so a little more than a dollar per knot) will probably hold you over while you await the arrival of your thick, square pie. Even an individual on a strict keto diet won’t be able to resist the doughy goodness of a Nona knot dipped in marinara sauce. thenonaslicehouse.com—Josh Bradley
Best New Rooftop Bar
Sparrow
last February, after her 20-year journey through the Tampa food scene where she washed dishes at the long-shuttered Viva La Frida, helped open the recently-shuttered Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, and also changed the dining scene in “NoHo” with Cass Street Deli. Chef Lara—whose last stops before her new Ybor City restaurant were Rooster & the Till and Corner Club Cafe—brings all that experience and memory (the drug eggs are an homage to a snack a fellow cook used to bring for post-shift cleaning) to her new spot, which has added yet another layer to the already intriguing 1900 block of 7th Avenue. “We’ll see what Ybor will let me get away with, but hopefully I can have some fun and maybe inspire some other chefs to have some fun too,” Lara told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay in the runup to the opening. Welcome home, chef. tampalara.com—Ray Roa
Best Market Where You Can Abandon Your Grocery List City Produce
You ask a lot of your grocery store. If Publix doesn’t have your brand of peanut butter in stock, they risk losing your business to Walmart. City Produce asks
Perched atop the new Moxy Hotel above St. Pete’s glittering skyline, the Sparrow Rooftop offers more than a view—it’s a liftoff. Here, golden-hour light spills across plush turquoise couches, a marble-topped bar, brass accents, and terrazzo floors, reflecting a clean, retro vibe. Meanwhile cocktails arrive like tiny revelations, equal parts art and alchemy. There’s a cinematic quality to sipping a smoky mezcal Negroni as St. Pete’s growing skyline blushes pink. The Sparrow isn’t about flash; it’s about atmosphere: urbane yet unpretentious, where locals and dreamers alike hover in the communal glow. It’s a new rooftop respite that turns any evening into a quietly transcendent flight. sparrowrooftop.com—Jon Palmer Claridge
Best Pastrami Sandwich for People
Watching 5 Bucks Drinkery
Get a front-row ticket to witness the energetic and diverse urban life of downtown St. Petersburg. This sandwich ($13.99, with fries) pairs great with a beer. Order from the kind staff working the downtown Five Bucks Drinkery location, and revel in what’s packed between two rye bread slices: thinly sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard (ask for hot sauce, to add spice). On multiple visits to the location, I’ve enjoyed the consistency of the sandwich, continued on page 99
Tampa Bay Food Fight
DAVE
DECKER
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always coupled with people watching during a weekend. From locals to visitors, there are folks dressing fashionably, raconteurs ready to relax, buds with matching outfits, workers in uniforms, the spot has it all. And many bachelor and bachelorette parties, too. fivebucksdrinkery.com—S.G. de León y León
Best Pastries with a View
Cafe Clementine
With a rotating, seasonal menu of picture-perfect baked goods—and a solid beverage and lunch program to match—this St. Pete bakery delivers a near-perfect cafe experience each and every time. Its pastry, beverage, and lunch menus change with the seasons, with a summer rendition featuring items like a corn custard cruffins, watermelon and heirloom tomato gazpacho, a grilled peach and burrata salad, espresso-glazed croissants, guava and cheese crumb cake, loaded bread puddings, and much, much more. Cafe Clementine is definitely one of the more popular coffee shops and bakeries in The ‘Burg, and sometimes, the hype is well-deserved. cafeclementinestpete.square.site –Kyla Fields
Best Pillowy Pancakes Ohana Cafe
The cozy, Hawaiian mom-and-pop, which recently moved business from Dunedin to a much more compact location in Palm Harbor, serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Sunday, and takes pride in having a menu diverse enough for you to bring your vegetarian and gluten-free friends. If the vegan-slash-GF “Lucy” pancakes aren’t your bag, the standard pancakes you can order are among the fluffiest in the area, and you can even smother them in housemade macadamia nut sauce while also chowing down on your choice of turkey or pork bacon, and an organic egg. That’s not to say you can’t also order a burger at 8:30 a.m., though. theohanacafe.com—Josh Bradley
Best Place For Tits, Republicans, and Legitimately Excellent Fried Shrimp
The Original Hooters
Life, as they say, can take you to some pretty unexpected places. In late 2024, life, and an overdeveloped sense of irony, took us to the original Hooters in Clearwater. There are many Hooters’ (Hooterses?) in this great land of ours, and most of them are terrible in more ways than one. But we were shocked to discover that the original Hooters on Gulf to Bay Boulevard—one of the few locations worldwide that’s still managed by the chain’s founders—was actually pretty good! Sure, the servers’ uniforms were exploitative, and sure, literally every other customer in the place was giving off MAGA vibes. But if you can overlook those factors—a big if—it turns out that the original Hooters makes some damn good fried shrimp that are well worth the trip over the causeway. Pro tip: Get two orders; unlike other, um, elements here, the shrimp are on the smaller side. originalhooters.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Place To Eat Even If You Can’t Afford To Shop There Bazille At Nordstrom
Whether or not the price tags at Nordstrom give you agita, you risk no indigestion joining the ladies who lunch at Bazille. And not just ladies: families, co-workers, and diners of all sorts know that Bazille is a find. You really can’t miss with anything on the menu: the pastas, the burgers, and above all the Wild Salmon Niçoise Salad—a big slab of herb-roasted salmon over greens, beans, eggs, tomatoes and more—can’t be beat. Generous servings at reasonable prices make this a good choice for a big lunch (have a snack for dinner!), but do not miss the strawberry shortcake. Served on a giant, housemade shortbread biscuit under clouds of whipped cream, it’s splurge-worthy (though questionable if you plan to try on trousers afterwards). shopinternationalplaza.com—David Warner
Best Place To Get High-Octane Porters And Excellent Sandwiches In A Genderfluid Environment
Deviant Libation / This Little
Pig Food Truck
Picture your typical brewpub. Are you picturing a cavernous warehouse setting with giant Jenga, little kids running around everywhere, and, like, 15 very mid beers on tap? Lucky for you, Deviant Libation isn’t most breweries. Founder Tim Ogden, formerly of Cigar City and Tampa Bay Brewing Co., crafts impeccable beers while convening a cozy, welcoming, and chill environment that has become a mecca for the region’s hardcore scene and a curated haven for misfits of all sorts. It’s also a distillery—try the Princess Peach cocktail, made with house whiskey and secret ingredients. Tim’s partner in crime, chef John Thompson, bangs out killer burgers, sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes from his food truck that permanently resides in Deviant’s courtyard. deviantlibation.com / followtheflyingpig.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Place to Store Undergarments for Safe Keeping During a Hurricane Mahuffer’s
Indian Shores storied dive reopened in July, months of closure due to extensive damage from last year’s hurricanes.One burning question from fans was how the
elevated without pretense. Think oysters that taste like a sea breeze followed by a biscuit so tender it practically sighs. The room hums with the pleasure of people remembering how to linger, laugh, and taste again. At The Helm, brunch isn’t recovery—it’s resurrection, with a mimosa that practically demands a second round. helmtampabay.com—Jon Palmer Claridge
Best Pretzel Rolls Reign Supreme Sandwich
Montreal Corned Beef Sandwich at Dunedin Smokehouse
If your inner West coast (or in this case, your inner Canadian) is showing and you’re not in the mood for barbecue, downtown Dunedin’s 14-year-old smokehouse, encased where the old Angry Pirate Galley and Rum Shack once sat, will meet your needs. On their sandwich menu in between pulled pork, burgers and beyond is this sammy with corned beef, apple slaw, and stone ground mustard, which would absolutely thrive in a Jewish deli. It’s $17.50, but if you order with a side of their housemade fries or the major upcharge that is brisket poutine? Forget it. thedunedinsmokehouse.com—Josh Bradley
Best Quaint French Restaurant in a House
146 By Parts of Paris
Formerly known as just Parts of Paris, this cozy eatery occupies a restored 1930s bungalow. Better still,
naughty nautical decor fared, and the answer is, surprisingly well. The interior looks relatively unscathed, though some furniture has been replaced and the years of, shall we say “charm,” got a bit of a cleaning. The bras and signed dollar bills remain, as does the kama sutra themed astrology decor just off the inside bar. Mahuffer’s hosted live music on the Fourth of July, with Peter Hill, AKA Dick Mountain, reprising his role as the house act. Hill notoriously stayed at the bar during hurricane Helene and live posted on his Facebook throughout to keep worried fans near and far updated on the state of the bar and, of course, the cat. @Mahuffers on Facebook—Jourdan Ducat
Best Post-COVID Beach Brunch
The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare
In the hushed aftermath of COVID’s long pause, The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare arrived like a clarion call to brunch. Sunlight streams across plates of justcaught fish reimagined with citrus and herbs, alongside brioche that feels positively Parisian. There’s a breezy confidence here, a reminder that Gulf dining can be
it’s situated on a neighborhood street made of brick just north of Safety Harbor’s Main Street. The low wooden ceiling is a constant reminder that you’re in a house. If you get there early—say five-ish—you can enjoy a quiet, intimate French meal with (recorded) jazz playing in the background at low volume. After 6:30 p.m., the place tends to get a little more lively. The menu is decidedly French, with offerings like brûlée de crabe, fricassee de poulet, and escargot. Don’t skip the onion soup gratinee. 146 boasts an extensive craft cocktail menu and several good wines by the bottle and the glass. A few interesting beers, too. partsofparis.com—Eric Snider
Best Reason to Listen to Local Influencers
Offset Sandwich Exchange
Sure, there’s an excess of local “foodie influencers” that love to tell the internet about the best “hidden gems” or other culinary superlatives in town. But one thing that the St. Pete girlies got right is the virality of Offset Sandwich Exchange’s chicken caesar salad
wrap—because it’s actually that damn good. Husband and wife duo Amy DePalma-Harrell and John Harrell run the small food trailer permanently parked outside of Green Bench Brewing, known for its rotating menu of smashburgers, cheese curds, loaded hot dogs and sandwiches. But one item in particular—its chicken caesar salad wrap with housemade dressing, freshlygrated parmesan and lemon zest—has got the local influencers in a tizzy, causing the food truck to consistently sell out each day of service. Over the summer, the duo actually had to change the way it runs the food truck, selling the popular wrap during the first few hours of service and transitioning to the rest of the menu for the remainder of the day. offsetsandwichexchange.com—Kyla Fields
Best Reason To Skip The Beach Cheeky’s
A meal with Nate Siegel is an easy Top 10 Bay area dining experience. Soft-spoken but intensely passionate, the 40-year-old Plant High School alum has been involved with hospitality for nearly half his life—and has a lot of ideas about the industry. After cutting his teeth in New York after college, then making his way through local staples like Mise en Place, Siegel co-founded the popular Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions concepts in “NoHo.” Now he’s struck out on his own for Cheeky’s, a brazen take on the beach bar and restaurant that skips the sand altogether. Three miles from the St. Pete Pier, five miles from Gulfport’s Williams Pier, and six miles from that Publix on Treasure Island—the fish and raw bar is in the concrete jungle, but you wouldn’t know it from the menu or ambience. Modeled after restaurants he remembers from summers in Montauk, New York, the interior has the ‘84 Houston Oilers colorway all lit up by open windows that let the summer breeze through (Cheeky’s didn’t have air-conditioning until two months ago, and will cut the A/C when the temps dip again). Siegel and his team have also curated a menu made for the crew that loves settle in to get drunk on oysters (good, better, best options rotate, and come from Florida and the Eastern seaboard), maybe drunk in general (prepare your brain for the frozen offerings), or a combination of both (oyster shooters come with a choice of beer, tequila, or vodka). Its fried oyster burger is already a Best of the Bay winner, but the whole spread of apps (guava jelly with hush puppies, yes please), handhelds, crudo, and even fun hot sauces, beg for repeat visits so you can soak up every detail. The best part? You won’t have to vacuum your car when you get home. cheekys.net—Ray Roa
Best Red Snapper to Go Thoroughly Mad For Madfish
A generous filet sits atop a bed of risotto and broccolini, bathing in a pool of French beurre blanc sauce. Thoroughly enticing. The pan-roasted red snapper has a delicate crust that gives way to moist flesh. Thoroughly delicious. The accompaniments, especially the risotto, are thoroughly terrific. The velvety sauce, with a hint of lemon, pushes this elegant dish into next-level status. Madfish, on St. Pete Beach, a former diner, is a small, narrow space with nautical design elements. Thoroughly comfy. madfishonline. com—Eric Snider
Best See Yuh Later
King State’s last days
Late last fall, with a big, beautiful peltophorum tree hugging the Western end of its cafe and parking lot, the team at Tampa Heights’ King State did what it does best: Pour coffee and round up the neighborhood. Its homies came out in full force, too, with Una Mas (then-helmed by KS alum Paola Chamorro Ward and Curt Hensley) making burritos on the patio while locals worked on laptops and said goodbye to the five-year community staple. King State employees will spin off, and founders Nate Young and Tim McTaguey may very well try something new, but it’ll be hard to replicate the Kang.—Ray Roa
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Deviant Libation
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reasonably priced), making the whole experience a night to remember. calidastpete.com—David Warner
Best Sigh of Relief
The Re-Opening of Paradise Grille
A go-to spot for drinks and cheeseburgers and the iconic sunset bell, the Paradise Grille is more than just a snack bar—it’s a Pass-a-Grille Beach institution. But like so many other establishments along the Gulf, it suffered severe damage from last year’s hurricanes, sand and water destroying all of the equipment—a close to million-dollar loss, Director of Operations Mike DeMaio told WTVT. So when the restaurant finally reopened in January after four months of renovations, its many fans breathed a collective sign of relief: If Paradise was back, it was a sign that the Gulf beaches were coming back, too. paradisegrille.com—David Warner
Best Sliders in a Nightclub
Tryst
This place on Beach Drive in St. Petersburg is known more as a nightclub than a restaurant, but don’t let that deter you from dropping in for some sliders. Go early, when the music is low, and you can chat and better enjoy the food. These mini-burgers, which aren’t all that mini, come in pulled pork, fried chicken and classic hamburger. Get the trio, one of all three, as a starter or a meal. Most adventurous is the fried chicken—crispy then tender and moist, doused with a maple Buffalo sauce and joined by coleslaw. dinetryst.com—Eric Snider
Best Small Wonder
Calida Kitchen & Wine
Plan way ahead to get a reservation at this gem. That’s not because it’s terribly exclusive—in fact, it’s one of the warmest and most welcoming spots you could wish for—but because it’s So. Tiny. Owners Dayna Bennett and Ian Florence took inspiration for the 25-seat Crescent Heights spot from intimate boîtes they remembered from Europe, and their culinary cues from both global travel and roots in California and Florida (hence the portmanteau name). Try to get the coveted table back by the kitchen window so you can watch Florence work his magic on everything from Chow Noodles to market-fresh fish, wielding a small blowtorch like a boss. The charming Bennett and her team of well-informed servers know their wines and can chat companionably about menu favorites (all
Best St. Pete Beach Surprise Buoy’s Waterfront Bar And Grill
Though hurricanes may have shut down St. Pete Beach institutions Woody’s and PJ’s, Buoy’s (formerly known as The Sloppy Pelican) is a great alternative on the waterfront. It’s on the same inlet that swamped Woody’s, but its dining room is one floor up, so you get the view sans the possibility of deluge. And the food is really good, unexpectedly so. One recent Sunday after a Beach Theatre matinee, we enjoyed a halibut special with fish caught that morning and seared perfectly, laid on a sweet potato puree and topped with a watermelon-andfennel garnish. This was patently not the same-old, same-old beach eats. Buoy’s scratch-made cuisine, friendly service and reasonable prices make it worthy of a visit on Sunday or any other day of the week. buoyswaterfrontbar.com—David Warner
Best Steak Flatbread
Bacchus Wine Bar
An inspired combination of ingredients that’s perfect for two. The unleavened bread—which makes it flatbread instead of pizza—is firm but not crispy. The sun-dried tomatoes and chimichurri add tangy bite. The mozzarella cheese is ideally proportioned, and the arugula kicks in a bit of crunch. But none of that matters if the steak is so-so. Not so at Bacchus, which serves hearty pieces of filet, cooked medium, richly flavorful with a texture like buttah. bacchusstpete.com—Eric Snider
Best Styrofoam Cup Filled With Far Too Much Soft Serve
Bo’s Ice Cream
From the outside, Bo’s looks like the sort of place you might beg your parents to stop at from the backseat on a family road trip—i.e., it’s a building literally shaped like an ice cream cone. But we’re not children, we don’t much care for soft serve, and we’d heard rumors that some of Bo’s most loyal patrons were rats—and so we stayed away for years. (A quick Google search confirms that the rat thing was from 2015. As proprietors of a theater that occasionally hosts more dead roaches than audience members, carry on, Bo’s.) In the end, though, we’ll try anything once, so we stopped at Bo’s one afternoon for
a kid’s size Blizzard/Flurry-equivalent. The children of Tampa must have insatiable appetites, because what was served to us was a volume of ice cream and candy that was nothing short of astonishing. We ate half of it before meekly declaring “I’m done.” Your ice cream mileage may vary. @bosicecream on Instagram—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Taco Bell In Tampa (And We’ve Tried At Least Three Of
Them)
Taco Bell At Britton Plaza
First, we tried the Taco Bell on Hillsborough Avenue, where the food was always cold and they kept giving us big Sprites that we hadn’t ordered. Then, we tried the Taco Bell up in Carrollwood, where they put meat in Kelly’s bean-and-cheese burrito.Then, we contemplated no longer going to Taco Bell at all, but soon dismissed that option as a “total non-starter.” Then, we moved to South Tampa and discovered Taco Bell redemption in the chain restaurant’s Britton Plaza outpost. “It’s good tonight,” we often exclaim through bites of definitionally disgusting food as we eat in our car at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday. If you’re there past midnight on a weeknight, tell our friend at the drive-through that you know the pair that always declines sauce packets. She’ll tell you that “it’ll snow in Tampa before they want sauce!!” Then, she’ll say it every goddamn time you go there, until you stop going—if only temporarily, of course.
Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Tiny Room Pizza
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
If you love the homely crampedness of Safety Harbor’s Gigglewaters but are in the mood for Italian food, this 18-year-old family restaurant is five minutes away from downtown Clearwater and the causeway. All of its thin-crust pies—including the utterly unmatched margarita pizza, with the freshest oregano a pizza has ever been topped with—are baked in a coal oven, and even the most extravagant pies on the menu won’t break the bank. And if you clear your plate like the big kid you are, some free gelato samples will come to the table before you check out. cristinoscoaloven.com—Josh Bradley
Best Twist On Surf ‘N Turf The Fried Oyster Burger At Cheeky’s
I am a freak for fried oysters, I love a good burger, and I also have fond memories of roadside seafood spots on Cape Cod. Never had I thought that all three could collide, in the Grand Central District no less, but that’s what Cheeky’s is serving up. The saline crunch of the oyster, the juicy meatiness of the smashburger, the breezy vibe— the fried oyster burger is a downright holy trinity. Cheeky’s is the brainchild of Nate Siegel, co-owner of the excellent Willa’s in Tampa, and his nod to New England makes me happy and nostalgic all at once. The drinks are stellar, too (try the Paloma). cheekys.net—David Warner
Best Use of the Word
‘Foodies’
St. Petersburg Foodies
This blog is a comprehensive guide of The Burg’s best bites, featuring everything from long-form restaurant reviews and “Best of” lists to interviews, news articles, recipes and happy hour roundups. And you’ll never, ever find a chain eatery or nationwide franchise on this hyperlocal blog. Co-founders Kevin Godbee and Lori Brown—both local entrepreneurs and businessfolk— started this project as a mere Facebook group about a decade ago, and quickly started publishing reviews and local recommendations on their own website. In a world of fast-moving Tik Tok videos and social media reviews, it’s always refreshing to read a longform, detailed restaurant review written by an actual resident of the city. And with over 30,000 local foodies in its Facebook group and a blog that’s constantly being updated with the city’s hottest new eats, St. Petersburg Foodies and company has its work cut out for it. Now, we’re just waiting for a Tampa counterpart to enter the chat. stpetersburgfoodies.com–Kyla Fields
(Still) The Best Vegan Food, Natural Wine, And Nicest Bar Bathrooms In Town La Sétima Club
La Sétima is mere steps away from our very successful comedy theater, The Commodore—no need to fact-check this—and, like The Commodore, it’s a real hidden gem. It has a great vegan kitchen that serves food late (try the boudin egg rolls), a funky naturalwine list, Coors Banquet in those little stubby bottles, and the most beautiful bar bathrooms this side of the Hillsborough River. Plus, we’ve spent the last two years coming here after Commodore shows every single weekend, so the bartenders definitely have the highest tolerance for bits—and improvisers— of pretty much anywhere in Tampa. lasetimaclub. com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best We’re So Pho-kien Back Pho Kien Giang
Best Two-For-One Halal Delivery Sometimes
Naz’s
Halal Food
“They give you two for one halal plates,” our friend Kyle told us with great excitement when Naz’s came up in conversation. “Literally, there’s no way not to get two-for-one halal from this place.” And yet, whenever we order from Naz’s, the deal is mysteriously gone. “I don’t know what you’re doing wrong, guys,” Kyle said when we complained to him. Neither do we! Mysterious disappearing two-for-one deals aside, Naz’s offers solid halal and they deliver late. If you find yourself craving chicken and rice late after shows one night, you could do much worse than to give Naz’s a try. And if you manage to land their elusive two-for-one deal, save a plate for us. nazshalal. com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
It’s no culinary secret that Pinellas Park is home to some of the best Vietnamese food in the Sunshine State, but one restaurant in particular is consistently packed out, even on weeknights. For the last decade or so, Pho Kien Giang has served its many customers out of an unassuming plaza on 49th Street N, but recently moved to a newer restaurant space a couple blocks away. It was closed for a few weeks while its new location got up and running, and on its first day back open, a line formed outside of its doors and remained there throughout the dinner rush. This no-frills, Vietnamese spot proves that you don’t need a social media presence or fancy food to retain a loyal customer base, just an amazing pho broth and friendly service. @ PhoKienGiangVietnameseRestaurant on Facebook–Kyla Fields
Best Wood-Fired Pizza Pop-Up Cipolla Rossa Pizzeria
Wood-fired pizza might be one of the greatest foods ever created. But making it in the hot hell that is Florida requires a certain kind of fortitude, and perhaps a slightly unhealthy obsession with making good ‘za. Cipolla Rossa Pizzeria owner Josh Anson has both. And he’s not just doing really good artisanal wood-fired pizza, he’s also doing it on wheels. That’s right, a mobile Italian wood-fired pizzeria. And it’s from-scratch sourdough pizza dough. Fermented like the good lord intended. Despite the sometimes brutal logistics of making wood-fired pizza in the tropics, Anson, a Culinary Institute of America grad and Pizzaiolo, has brought his serious pizza prowess to the highways and byways of Pinellas County. Nothing can quite mimic what wood-fired pizza tastes like, and Anson is some of the best around. cipollarossapizza.com—Arielle Stevenson
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146 By Parts of Paris
Best 24-Hour Emergency Room
Orlando Health ER, Crossroads
Not all ERs are like the one on The Pitt. Opened in West St. Pete’s Crossroads area in 2023, Orlando Health’s free-standing emergency room is a shiny, bright, nicely decorated 14,000-sq-ft space on the ground floor of a building that also houses medical offices. During recent visits—maybe it was the time of day?—the atmosphere was downright serene. And the care couldn’t have been better. bayfronthealth.com—David Warner
Best Curator Of Man-Repelling Outfits
Danielle Ferrari, Valhalla Resale
Danielle Ferrari of Valhalla Resale is on the dating scene again, and this time, she’s trying something new. “When my ex and I were together,” Ferrari said, “I realized that my favorite outfits were actually the ones he hated.” Now, Ferrari is using her personal styling of clothes to fully embrace who she is—especially on dates. “Cute and sexy—those are easy. My favorite outfits are the ones that show I’m bold, different, and creative,” she added. It’s like a litmus test for the people she’s going on dates with now. For the guys who are repelled or confused, she knows right away it’s not going to work. And as owner of Valhalla, the resale shop that allows members to rent endless styles and change looks “as much or as often as you want,” Ferrari continues to curate her own unique looks while encouraging others to find theirs. valhallaresale.com—Annalise Mabe
Best Doc to See if You’ve Got Nerve Pain
Dr. Brian Mavretich
Many of us, when we reach a certain age, add a pain specialist to our (ever-expanding) list of doctors. If
and when you do—and let’s hope you don’t—consider Dr. Mavretich, or as his staff calls him, Dr. Brian. He’s a superb diagnostician who then develops an evidence-based treatment plan. He has an easy-going, friendly demeanor and never seems to be in a hurry when you’re in the room. As someone with sciatic pain from wear-and-tear on my spine, I can only speak to Dr. Brian’s nerve blocks. Let’s just say he’s a wizard with a needle. He’ll give you a home-exercise plan, too. He’s on staff at Florida Medical Pain Management in St. Petersburg. fmpm.com—Eric Snider
Best Drywall Screws At Unbeatable Prices Bay To Bay Ace Hardware
How do we know that we actually live in Tampa now? For one thing, we have a favorite hardware store—and it’s this lovely, laid-back place with a store cat, a surprisingly good sauce section, hoses priced to move, and a whole room full of loose screws. Whereas going to Lowe’s or Home Depot tends to induce panic attacks in both of us, we’ll invent reasons to stop by Ace Bay to Bay Hardware, chat with their friendly staff, and see if that can of antique walnut polycrylic stain we need is back in stock yet. Friends, it never is. baytobayace.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
This St. Pete spot about 10 minutes away from Largo Mall sells a plethora of loose action figures from across all fandoms (including some of the original Star Wars toys your parents probably had, or dreamed of having, as a kid). If you’re not a toy person, there are also hundreds of comic books for sale, as well as a small wall of VHS tapes and DVDs, Legos, and even a section for GameBoy Advance cartridges. Basically, if there’s one thing Retro Rat knows, it’s that you don’t have to adult every waking hour of your existence. @retrorattoys on Instagram—Josh Bradley
Best Hairstylist For Introverts Or People Who Are Burned Out
Melanie Shadday, Color Hair Collective
Best LGBTQ-Owned Tattoo Spot
Polar Tattoo Studio
Best Entertainment Nostalgia Rush
Retro Rat, St. Petersburg
With all due respect to toy collectors, action figures don’t have to be sealed for you to enjoy them.
Melanie Shadday, owner of Color Collective Hair Studio in South Tampa, didn’t invent silent appointments, but adopted them after noticing the trend offered by a few progressive hairstylists. “In a world where we’re constantly connected and processing nonstop information, it’s no surprise that many of us feel mentally drained. And I want my services to be the opposite of draining!” Shadday said. When she’s sitting in the chair herself, she’s always appreciated the option of a silent service, so now, she offers her guests just that—an opportunity to relax while receiving their service without any pressure to chat or yap. As a mom, she knows how it feels to be overstimulated, and just how meaningful a little bit of peace and tranquility can be. @colorbymelanie on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
With gay rights on the line more than ever, there is no time more important than now to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses. And there’s more to this hidden gem on Tampa’s 40th Street than just being a gay-owned business. Polar, opened by Jared Montgomery in 2021, has a small but incredibly mighty team, with at least one artist able to specialize in whatever design you’re dreaming of. Obviously, you should take your artist’s advice about potential changes into consideration, but the artists at Polar will reprint and replace your stencil as many times as you need without making you feel annoying. The studio (dressed with a handful of gay icons) is incredibly spacious with a warm, welcoming environment, whether it’s your first tat, or your 100th. Oh, and don’t forget your free pack of fruit snacks when you’re done getting inked. polartattoo.com—Josh Bradley
Best Place To Bug Out USF Entomology Society
There’s a class of people who love to crack open logs to find beetles, millipedes, and roaches. The college-aged ones are members of the University of South Florida Entomology Society. Founded in 2022, the club meets every other Monday on the third floor of the Marshall Center. Its first meeting this semester found president Taylor Rand leading a heavy presentation on the evolution of bugs that was informational and emotional at the same time (how many mass extinctions can bugs go through, man??). Surprisingly, the society is open to budding entomologists, and casual bug-lovers, too— just ask my five-year-old who was offered roaches to take home on his very first day with the group. @usf. entomologysociety on Instagram—Ray Roa continued on page 109 Heights Drive-Thru
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CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 CRITICS PICKS: GOODS & SERVICES
Best Place To Get A Chair, A Plaid Shirt, And/Or A Book About Lumberjacks
The Far Forest
Close your eyes, and imagine you’re in Brooklyn. “Ooh, look at me, I’m in Brooklyn, a magical land where grown men wear propeller beanies, every goddamn menu item is ‘elevated,’ and vintage stores sell old lawn chairs for $285 apiece.” Now keep those eyes closed, and imagine a version of Brooklyn that’s neither insufferable nor prohibitively expensive.The place that you’re imagining probably looks a lot like The Far Forest, an authentically hip vintage store/bookstore/music venue on Florida Avenue in Seminole Heights. This endearingly ragged shop has everything you didn’t know you needed—vintage dresses, mid-century furniture, vinyl records, and an excellent selection of books—all at prices that’ll make you think you’ve been transported back to the Bedford L stop circa 2003. thefarforest.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Place For An Underpriced Merchandising Fridge, And Stories To Last You All Year Long Knockin’ Boots Saloon
No state has better dive bars than Florida— Wisconsin admittedly comes close—and no bar we’ve visited here over the past 12 months is diveier than the Knockin’ Boots Saloon in Largo, a broken-down-looking smoking bar that’s open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every day. We bought a used merchandising fridge from the owner last September, and stuck around to share a couple beers with the jovial day-drinkers who helped us get the fridge into the U-Haul. You couldn’t hope to meet a nicer group of lowlifes—and isn’t that the lure of the dive bar experience, after all? knocknbootssaloon.com
Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Place To Work Where They’re Never Yelling Out Someone’s Coffee Order Hive
Look, don’t get us wrong, the lobby of the Hotel Haya is a great place to post up and answer emails—but sometimes you need a workspace that isn’t chock full of loud dentists networking at the annual endodontics convention. Enter Hive: a sleek, brand-new co-working spot and community space founded by our friend Stephanie Harrison Bailey. You can feel the casual buzz of productivity as soon as you walk through the doors, and the kind, creative people there are almost enough to make you enjoy the fact that you’ve still got a day job. Almost. yborhive. com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Resource for the Big D Lori Chong, BayCare Diabetes Services
If you discover that you have joined the ranks of the 35-plus million Americans with Type 2 diabetes, you may at first think, “Goody! Now I can go on Ozempic and my insurance will cover it! Weight loss, here I come!” But if your doctor suggests you start by adjusting your diet and exercise habits before depending on a drug, you’ll have questions, such as: “What can I eat? How many grams of sugar is too many? What the heck is my A1C?” For answers, you will find no better resource than Baycare Diabetes Services’ Lori Chong. Patient, thorough, and caring, she’ll give you plenty of info to clear up any confusion about diets, carbs, and glucose. She also asks great questions so that her advice is tailored to your needs. baycare.org—David Warner
Best Retail For Masochists
Revolve St. Pete
You need thick skin to shop at any trendy secondhand resale store. Sizes are a joke and the selling
experience has become a meme for a reason. But at Revolve, whether you’re buying or selling, you’re a fucking asshole for daring to walk in. That’s according to the attitude of most employees. They greet you with a blank look and half-hearted hello that says, “Really? Coming in four hours before closing?” And they’re always pulling off some edgy, trendy outfit you couldn’t even think about. If you’re selling, your shit better fit into one of their standard laundry baskets and don’t even think about trying to make them sort through more. But damn, they’ve got gems. I know if I’m going to Revolve, I’m going to walk in wishing I hadn’t been born and walk out with at least one of my new favorite pieces of clothing. @revolvestpete on Instagram—Selene San Felice
BEST CORPSE REVIVER TRENT ALYSE OF KITTY BOMB CURIOS
Trent Alyse was often told to find a “real job”—plenty of which she had before stepping fully into herself as an artist creating jewelry and sculptures from what animals have left behind: their skulls, their teeth, their bodies.
Sense Of Classist Ennui
Best Shop For Marmite, Maltesers, And A Suffocating
London Pride British Shop (Tampa)
Have you ever listened to the Brit-pop band Pulp? You know how many of their songs contain this bleak undercurrent of aggressive working-class despair? This might be a weird thing to say, but stepping inside London Pride British Shop is like stepping inside a Pulp song. The lights are too bright, the clerk is dour, and the Thatcherite rage builds with every bar of Dairy Milk you see. Pick up a packet or two of imported crisps, and then head up to Ybor City to “dance, and drink, and screw, because there’s nothing else to do.” londonpride.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best The More Things Change Heights Drive-Thru
Tampa is changing faster than you can say “gentrification,” and news that the old Florida Drive-In had new owners could’ve spelled disaster for folks that’ve grown tired of watching familiar buildings demolished to make room for condos and townhomes that look like thumb drives. Turns out change can mean more of the same sometimes. Realtor Frank Albert—more handsome than the guy on the bus benches, actually—and his business partner Chris Brown acquired a 10-year lease to take over the convenience store run by the previous tenant who was there for almost 40 years. Heights Drive-Thru still sells the junk you love (think Doritos, Arizona iced tea, Swisher Sweets), but now it all lives alongside a plethora of local products from the usual suspects (all the craft beer and seltzer) to hypebeast snacks (fried chicken-lookin’ ice cream, Rotten gummies), milk from around here (Dakin Dairy from Myakka City), and neighborhood favorites like Spaddy’s coffee, Sea Maids ice cream, or King of the Coop boiled peanuts. There are even Juuls, but the best part might be how Albert & co. have also expanded the selection to pretty much make Heights Drive-Thru an almost-one-stop-shop for people who need to pick up hair ties, batteries, motor oil, medicine, dry goods, hygiene products, or any other essential. heightsdrivethru.company.site—Ray Roa
Best Unique Ybor Gifts And A Riveting Free Movie
Ybor City Visitor Center
Ybor City is more than loud clubs, sidewalk pukers, and unpopular improv festivals. As anyone who steps into the visitor center soon learns, Ybor City has a rich history of art, political organizing, the creation of literal billions of cigars, and so much more. If you missed our friend Joe King Carter’s walking tour, either because you overslept or just didn’t feel like being outside, stop in here and either catch him regaling visitors with true tales of Ybor’s rich history, or watch the legitimately well-made and extremely interesting mini-documentary. Pick up a cigar box to remember your trip by while you’re at it. ybor.org/ vic—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
“In college I was hanging around on some train tracks and found a raccoon jawbone and thought it looked cool. I tied it to a leather cord and wore it as a necklace for a long time. After that I started to notice dead things more,” Alyse told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
At Florida State University, Alyse studied sculpture where she and her classmates were required to experiment with various materials, crafting armatures out of wire, using cardboard to build mockups, learning the basics of wood joints and power tools. This all came in handy as those skills she learned in sculpture translate to what she does now at Kitty Bomb Curios.
And, Alyse doesn’t just make any old jewelry. She hand crafts rattlesnake reliquaries, captures crystalline wasps in amber pendants, decorates deer jawbones, preserves cicada wings, collects and frames spider webs, adorns coyote skulls, and dyes and embellishes antique antelopes, among things, like taking on custom requests and starting her own oddities magazine, Oddmag (stylized in all-caps).
What started out as an interest in the discarded has become a full-blown passion and career for Alyse.
“At FSU, I studied sculpture, and for a while in my work I used broken pieces of mirror, sequins, pretty garbage that I would find in the gutters around all the party houses,” Alyse said. “Once I got into collecting bones, it struck me that as humans, we leave behind all this garbage to tell about who we are, but with animals, they really only leave behind their bones to tell their stories.”
And this, Alyse said, is what she really fell in love with—”taking something discarded and dirty, like broken glass or bones, and making it beautiful like it used to be…imagining the story behind them.”
It wasn’t all easy to figure out, though. The bone processing (cleaning and removal of soft tissue and other organic remains) for Alyse was trial and error. Friends sometimes left her dead animals they found, and she learned over time that bacteria is actually the best bone-cleaning helper.
“Given the right conditions, it thrives and will eat flesh away quickly,” Alyse said, noting the graphic details. “Then you can just use a little soap and water to clean them, and peroxide to whiten them.”
She also found that while creating jewelry from bones or sculptures from taxidermy, the process was never going to be exactly the same.
“Even 20 mouse skulls are each going to have their own nuances—the teeth from one usually won’t fit into the jawbone from another,” Alyse said. “They have their own contours and needs. One deer might look fabulous dyed pink while the next one has a little twinkle in its eye that says it would look more playful in teal.”
While she started making jewelry with the basics (a couple pairs of pliers and a hand drill), her skill set and tool usage has expanded as she’s grown through her art and her practice. Little by little, she said, she was able to learn how to use a dremel tool and more sophisticated materials along the way.
And still, she is surprised that she’s able to do this work full time.
“As a kid, I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but everyone tells you to pick a ‘real job’. I’ve learned to trust myself and follow my instincts,” Alyse said. “Making art isn’t about following trends or appeasing an algorithm. It’s hard, but you can tell when something is unoriginal, and that comes through in more ways than just visually.”
Since she opened her Etsy shop in 2015, Alyse has learned a ton and met many interesting people.
“It’s been really cool to not only meet other people interested in the things that so many people find ‘weird,’” Alyse added. “So many times at shows I have heard things like ‘I hate taxidermy but this is really beautiful.’ It makes me feel like I am bridging that gap, helping to open people’s minds a little bit to things they may have been a little prejudiced about before.” @kittybombcurios on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Trent Alyse
Best Bitter and Sweet Truths Creekshed (USF)
There are always words, but not everyone has the gift to find them. When it comes to celebrating Tampa Bay’s watershed, Thomas Hallock assembled a proverbial cast of Avengers to do the job. Leader of the 2025 Creekshed project, the USF professor and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay columnist tapped the best writers in Florida to explore the human and natural stories that drain into the Gulf of Mexico (you read that right). From Rita Youngman’s gut-wrenching songs about the atrocities suffered by the state’s Indigenous population, to Gary Mormino’s reflections of vanishing Florida, Gloria Muñoz’s search for wonder, Tyler Gillespie’s DEI (“deep earth inclination”), and Amanda Hagood’s jubilant reminder that “This place rules,” the Earth Day launch of the project was a beautiful reminder of the bitter and sweet truths that are always bubbling underneath the feet of every Floridian whether native or newb. digitalcommons.usf.edu/creekshed_collection—Ray Roa
Best Celebrity Stalker
Jason Latimer, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Jason Latimer’s LinkedIn describes his job as, “Active Listener, Constantly Communicating.” That couldn’t be more accurate because this guy has his ear to the ground. If you’re famous and in Pinellas County (or even big-upping the neighborhood), Latimer is probably in your rearview mirror. Jack Harlow, Rick Ross, Bella Kidman Cruise, Katie Ledecky, Caitlin Clark, Billy Idol, Bam Margera and Brie Larson are just some of the names Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s hyperresponsive director of public relations has dropped in our inbox over the last year. The exchanges are gold for any pop culture freak, and we’re grateful to be in the loop.—Ray Roa
Best Collector Of Vanity License Plates
Andrés Ramírez
By day, Andrés Ramírez takes aerial photos from a high-flying plane in the sky. And also collects pictures of vanity license plates. “I grew up kind of loving-slash-hating the vanity plate thing, so I’d take pictures of them whenever I saw them and I amassed like 300-400 of them and would post them on Instagram. Then people started sending them to me.” Now he has a collection of about 1,200 and eventually wants to have an exhibition. “I love the fuzzy quality, the grainy look, and how all these personali ties come through geographically.”
Friends of his send him tons from coast to coast, from California to Colorado, New York, and Florida, of course. “Sometimes they’re cheeky and fun, other times they can be aggressive depending on the political leaning of the state,”
Ramírez added. America, it turns out, is one of the only countries where people can actually specialize their plates.
the pontoon boat he ran into in 2019. And his three convictions for driving while impaired. But hey, he rescued Jannus, didn’t he?—David Warner
Best Designer of Dreams
Storyn Studio’s Everald Colas
“We just have free reign over whatever we want to put on ours here,” he said. @andreselgigante on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Best ‘Couldn’t Happen
to a Nicer
Guy’
The Arrest of Jeff Knight
So yes, it’s alleged that he ran his boat into the Clearwater Ferry, killing a father of two young daughters and injuring several others, and that he then fled the scene claiming that his boat was taking water. But it’s not as if the owner of Jannus Landing had ever run into trouble before. Except for the sexual harassment accusations reported in the Tampa Bay Times. And the coked-up guy that fell off Knight’s yacht in 2012 and drowned in the Vinoy Marina. And
When the deal fell through to replace the Trop with a retail/residential complex anchored by a new stadium, it dealt a blow to those who saw the proposed redevelopment as a chance to make up for the destruction of the Gas Plant District— and to provide a brand new home for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. Plans for the property and the museum remain in flux, but Everald Colas of St. Pete’s Storyn Studio for Architecture has achieved international recognition for his museum design: It was recently named a winner in the Cultural Identity category at the 2025 World Architectural Festival, the only project from the U.S. to receive recognition in that category. In fact, he’s won multiple awards (including this one) for the museum that might have been. Or perhaps it still could be? storynstudio.com—David Warner
Best Drive-In Birdwatching Spot
Lake Maggiore Park
Do you love the wildlife you see on long hikes, but hate long hikes? At Lake Maggiore Park in south St. Petersburg, you don’t need to go more than 100 feet from your car to see wood storks, little blue herons, American coots, and the beautiful roseate spoonbill. Rumor has it a hybrid mallard/mottled duck waddles among the cattails. The gator and gallinule hotspot shares a lake with its handsomer brother, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, but Lake Maggiore Park
is more convenient, and it’s free. You can’t sit on the benches—they’re covered in a thick layer of anhinga excrement—but bring some binoculars and it’s worth standing for. stpeteparksrec.org—Valerie Smith
Best Dyke Digest
The Sapphic Sun
Independently-written and published media, especially in a physical form, is pretty hard to come by, let alone a publication that focuses on the sapphic experience in Florida. But The Sapphic Sun does just that—in addition to its mission of “establishing a tangible archive of queer history in Florida and the South, both past and present.” From articles about local activism and queer events to recipes, “Ask a Dyke” advice columns and horoscopes, this monthly newspaper is a comprehensive expression of sapphic life in Tampa Bay and beyond. The Sapphic Sun is only about a year into its publication, but its small editorial team, helmed by founder Kelly Dunsmore, has already produced a wide array of content— always finding a balance between celebrating queer joy and tackling the serious issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community at large. Early this month, the pub even got a shoutout from the writers at “Late Night with Seth Meyers” who pitched alternative names for the Sun, including “The Dildo Daily,” “The Lesbian Ledger,” “The Gold Star Gazette,” “The Butch Beacon,” “The Hers & Hers Herald” and “The Vageterian Voice.” sapphicsunfl.com –Kyla Fields
Best-Kept Parking Secret
The Handi-Clap
Four hours’ parking, no charge, at any public metered space—that’s the perk available to drivers in Tampa Bay with handicap placards on their vehicles. That’s any space, not just those reserved for drivers with handicaps. It’s a benefit worthy of what some call continued on page 116
Pastor Andy Oliver
JORGE CORDOVA
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 CRITICS PICKS: PEOPLE, PLACES & POLITICS
the handi-clap, though not exactly a consolation for whatever condition led to the placard in the first place.—David Warner
Best Legitimately Cool Independent Movie Theater In A Dead Mall Sun-Ray Cinema
You would be excused for thinking that the old University Mall on Fowler Ave had at some point recently burned down; after all, it certainly looks like a burnt-out husk of an outdated shopping mall. Well, the joke’s on you, because there are at least three businesses still up and running in the mall: an unprepossessing food court, a Lids—gotta love a Lids—and the excellent Sun-Ray Cinema, run by recent Jacksonville transplants Tim Massett and Shana David-Massett. With programming that mixes indie films with the latest releases, cheap refills on popcorn, $5 tickets on some nights, frequent special events—punk icon Richard Hell introduced “Joker: Folie à Deux” earlier this year—and, most impressively, a full liquor license in a city where those are harder to get than plywood during a hurricane, Sun-Ray has quickly become one of our very favorite places in Tampa. Second only to Lids, of course. Gotta love a Lids. sunraycinema.com—Kelly Buttermore & Justin Peters
Best Match My Freak Denis Phillips
WFTS’ suspenders-wearing weatherman is a recent staple (and perennial winner) at Best of the Bay parties, but he was forced to skip the festivities in 2024 as Hurricane Helene formed in the Caribbean and careened towards the Big Bend region of Florida. As TikTokers clout-chased by scaring viewers into thinking the worst about the storm’s potential effects on Tampa Bay, Phillips did what he always does: throw out science and lean on his 40 years of storm watching to help us make decisions about how to get through. And his most important rule—No. 7, don’t freak out unless I’m freaking out—held true as Phillips calmly remained calm but reminded us to stay vigilant. Here’s to hoping DP can get freaky with us in 2025. @denisphillipsweatherman on Facebook—Ray Roa
Best On Top of the News
Chris Young, WMNF
BEST CAREER PIVOT BETH REYNOLDS
An award-winning photographer and longtime arts educator, Beth Reynolds made what seemed like a big career leap in 2022: She became a park ranger.
Seems like she made a good decision: This year she was named Interpreter of the Year for Florida State Parks.
It’s no surprise she is doing so well in her new gig. Her post at Honeymoon Island draws on all of her skills as teacher, photographer and nature enthusiast. And as it happens, it’s a job she’d always dreamed of.
“As much as I’ve loved my career in the arts,” she told me in a recent interview, “I always had a plan in the back of my mind to retire at some point and go and try and be a park ranger somewhere.”
She’d been finding fulfillment as a volunteer at state parks and conservation groups, so it seemed like it would be a logical next step—eventually.
Then, after moving on from a long and successful career at the Morean Arts Center, she decided to take advantage of an opportunity at another museum—only to have that job cut brutally short after only 30 days.
“That experience opened a door for me,” she remembers. “Honest to goodness, after searching two or three weeks, the job at Honeymoon turned up. It was education and community outreach and volunteers, all of which I had been doing at the Morean for years. And I thought, ‘This is the time.’”
Now 59, she’s a long way from retirement. “I hope to be with the park system another eight or nine years and really leave some good legacy programming.”
As a Park Services Specialist, Beth leads tours of Honeymoon when the weather’s not too hot. On other days, she does “roving interpretation,” when she might roam the beach to pick up trash and answer visitors’ questions. Her leadership in post-hurricane cleanup efforts won her another accolade this year: The City of Dunedin named her its Environmental Hero of the Year. The chance to be with nature whatever the weather is a major perk.
“Clouds have just become my muse. Just being on the beach, seeing the storms come in… Everybody’s running, trying to get their stuff in the car, and I’m like walking out onto the beach photographing.” (She takes about 80% of her shots with an iPhone 16 Pro.)
And she’s clearly in love with Honeymoon’s critters. I ask her to name a few favorites.
News is the ultimate daily grind where reporters have to almost always adapt to whatever the world around them brings at any given moment. For nearly three years now, WMNF Tampa’s Chris Young has been on top of it both figuratively and literally. The towering University of Tampa grad is always the tallest guy in any room, and it’s a relief when you see him sticking his microphone in somebody’s face because you know you’ll hear his voice—and the unabashed, unbiased, truth—on 88.5-FM later that afternoon. Young spent a couple years as music director for Spartan Radio, too, and it would be cool to see him make a lifelong career at the Bay area’s best little community radio station. wmnf.org—Ray Roa
Best Party Favor Planned Parenthood ‘Care No Matter What’
On Florida’s legislative timeline, Planned Parenthood’s “Care No Matter What” dinner last April feels like a lifetime ago. The state has been unrelenting in its attack on a woman’s right to
continued on page 119
Skimmers: “I think they’re just very dramatic birds—when they place their beak in the water to skim for food, their wings go perfectly parallel to the water. And they are great parents.”
The gopher tortoise: “They’re underappreciated. Over 300 species share their habitats, so if we lose gopher tortoises our ecosystems will begin to collapse.”
The Atlantic pygmy octopus: “I had no idea that little thing even existed. It is the sweetest little octopus.”
Of course, there are some creatures at Honeymoon that don’t automatically suggest sweetness. Rattlesnakes, for instance. When Beth gets a call that a park visitor has spotted a rattlesnake, she uses it as an opportunity to educate.
“I will stand there and babysit it and explain that it’s just trying to solar-load itself and enjoy the sunshine just like you are. It has no desire to bite you.”
The park ranger also monitors a menagerie at her home in Lakewood Terrace: “It’s kind of like The Land of Misfit Toys.” Her pets include three rescue dogs ranging in age from four to 13 years old, all a bullypit mix; a five-year-old African spur-footed tortoise that could live
to be 100; and Boo Boo Kitty, a 20-year-old street cat that’s missing all its teeth and part of an ear.
“I’m allergic to cats,” Beth acknowledged. “I invest in a lot of Flonase.”
Though these are tough times for rangers at our national parks, thanks to massive DOGE-driven layoffs, Beth sees no threats on the horizon for Florida’s 175 state parks, adding, “The wonderful residents of Florida have shown they love their state parks.”
And when she’s out and about and wearing her uniform with its telltale park-ranger patch, she frequently is stopped by park fans who say, “Wow, that must be a great job.”
For Beth Reynolds, it definitely is.—David Warner
Beth Reynolds
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 CRITICS PICKS: PEOPLE, PLACES & POLITICS
choose, but the reproductive health nonprofit and its supporters did not blink an eye at the fundraiser where they threw money at the cause. One attendee got extra rowdy (yelling “Fuck Trump” as Planned Parenthood leadership discusses Title IX funding, but everyone who went to the bathroom got to walk away with a party favor—a box of Julie emergency contraceptive—to remind them that there will always be people out there who have your back no matter what. plannedparenthood.org—Ray Roa
Best Rainbros Building Community in St. Pete
Best Friends, Kalz and Dominic
Whenever you run into Kalz Daniel and Dominic C. Howarth in St. Pete, you can count on them building community through literature and art, or reading books. Kalz is a data scientist, and Dominic is a book director at Downtown St. Pete’s Book + Bottle. Dominic and Kalz are also founding members of the Reading Rainbros, a book club where the “Rainbros” explore excellent titles like “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends,” by Marisa G. Franco, or “The Will to Change” by Bell Hooks. Beyond the shared love they have for literature, Dominic and Kalz teach a lindy hop dance class at Green Bench Brewing Co. once a month (except during Summer when it’s too hot). And when they’re not in St. Pete, the ‘bros are likely traveling to dance competitions across the region. @reading_rainbros_stpete on Instagram—S.G. de León y León
Best Recipe For Diarrhea And Disaster
Raw Milk
MAHA isn’t just the acronym for RFK Jr.’s idiotic movement coopted by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. It’s also the sound you make before vomiting up the literal bullshit he coopts. In August, Ladapo’s health department announced 21 cases of Campylobacter and E. coli infections tied to raw milk consumption in central and northeast Florida. And Ladapo still wouldn’t take a firm stance against RFK and MAHA freaks to reiterate the facts: without pasteurization, raw milk can contain the bacteria that got Floridians sick, along with Listeria and Salmonella. Instead, Ladapo doubled down on eliminating vaccine mandates, so kids can collect measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough like Pokémon.—Selene San Felice
Best Scandal Sayer Ron Weaver
crane being employed in construction of St. Pete’s tallest condo tower, no less. It would be too on-thenose to view these incidents as metaphors—for a struggling baseball team, say, or the death of newspapers, or even the tower takeover of downtown St. Pete — but then again…—David Warner
Best Thou Shalt FAFO
Pastor Andy Oliver
God has delivered an 11th commandment through St. Pete pastor Andy Oliver: “Thou shall not fuck around or thou shall find out.” Allendale United Methodist Church’s leader isn’t the only pastor slash activist in town, but he may be the loudest and most willing to take risks for what he believes in. This year, that included getting arrested with another pastor for peacefully protesting before FDOT covered up St. Pete’s “Black History Matters” mural, billing the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department $10,000 for staging police at his church and rallying activists to try and persuade Tampa and St. Pete’s police chiefs to cancel their agreements with ICE. So if you drive past Allendale and see its always provocative sign or “Abolish ICE” projection, know that Oliver is a man of his word as much as he’s a man of God. @heyandyoliver on Instagram—Selene San Felice
Best Tortured Lit Class Focused Solely On Taylor Swift
Emily Griffiths Jones, Jessica Cook and Michelle Taylor
Nearly 100 students enrolled in USF’s first-ever literature course focused solely on lyricist Taylor Swift, diving deep into her 11 albums, contextualizing her among the greats—Sappho, Sylvia Plath, and more. First held in the chemistry building, the class needed more space after enrollment surpassed what the English Department could usually accommodate. “The course filled very quickly,” said Emily Griffiths Jones, Associate Professor, and one of the three professors co-teaching LIT 3301: Cultural Studies & Pop Art: Taylor Swift’s Eras. One student even made a TikTok of what to expect that went viral. And it’s not just a blank space. “We’re doing that work of putting Swift within a literary context,” Cook says. “We want to take her seriously as an artist and a writer, looking at her closely with specific themes.” The Byronic Hero, The Gothic Romance, the concept of Renaissance self-fashioning to name a few. @joinusfenglish on Instagram—Annalise Mabe
Best Urban Farm Teaching About Agriculture And Cooking Meacham Urban Farm
BEST TRANSFORMER-THEMED STREET MEDIC TEAM KAON CITY MEDICS
The Trump and DeSantis administrations continue to criminalize drug use, sex work, trans healthcare and homeless people. While moneyed nonprofits can lobby for governmental change, Clearwater-based harm reduction group Kaon City Medics group is taking direct action.
The Transformers-themed team—complete with codenames from the series, like Octane and Skyfire—can be spotted on the streets of Pinellas county, caring for residents who don’t have permanent housing and might otherwise not receive medical attention. Homeless individuals often feel that doctors are biased against them and treat them worse than other patients. Because of this, they may avoid treatment even for severe medical issues. KCM steps in to bring treatment directly to people who have learned to avoid professional medical care.
KCM wants to remove barriers to healthy living for everyone who feels abandoned by the government. This includes sex workers, for whom they provide safe sex kits and self-defense items. It also includes trans people, who are given supplies to administer hormones safely, rather than having to inject with the wrong kind of needle or improperly dispose of sharps. Drug users can get safe snorting, safe injecting and safe smoking kits as well as drug test strips to avoid injury from contaminated supply or unsafe delivery methods.
KCM sets up tables at local events to distribute these supplies and more. Whether it’s a concert, a market, a Pride event or even a Dyke Nite, KCM shows up whenever asked and provides free supplies and educational pamphlets.
In addition to providing supplies locally, KCM brings aid wherever it’s needed. Last year, following hurricanes Helene and Milton, the crew took a truck full of generators, fuel, water and even cash aid from Tampa to rural Appalachia, where residents didn’t have access to the same storm preparedness resources as our coastal community.
If you want the tea on Tampa, find Ronald Weaver, a lawyer who worked in Tampa for 50 years. More than that, the Weave is a popular figure for his academic vigor, charismatic personality, and deep knowledge of the city—including municipal scandals. Over the summer, the 75-year-old brought his presentation on the city’s biggest transgressions to Cafe con Tampa, where early risers were treated to tales of pollution (both figurative and literal), judge drama, bolita killings, transportation, shady police chiefs and more. Afterwards, he spent another hour at the Portico Cafe answering questions and buying cafés con leches for anyone who wanted more. @ronald.weaver.399 on Facebook—Ray Roa
Best Storm Damage As Metaphor
The Trop Roof & the Crane Crash
Talk about an ill wind. Hurricane Milton tore the roof off of Tropicana Field and sent a construction crane crashing into the offices of the Tampa Bay Times—a
Nicole Kubilins and the team at Meacham Urban Farm stay busy. They grow food in their own soil, serve as a major hub for local organic food in Tampa, and work to educate the community, teaching all things agriculture and cooking. “Our community engagement starts in our immediate neighborhood, hosting a group of 20 or so kids from the apartments here for a farm and food party once a month during the season,” Kubilins said. They collab with another neighbor, Coco Linton, who offers cooking demonstrations and brings in other local chefs for all to pick their brains. “We’re constantly striving to be better, and to do what we can to provide the community with high quality food and valuable experiences,” Kubilins added. Keep an eye out for Meacham’s 3rd Annual Harvest Fest on Nov. 2 where folks can enjoy live music, local food, homesteading classes on beekeeping, backyard chickens and more. meachamfarm.com—Annalise Mabe
KCM’s team of medics is trained to respond to crisis situations needing first aid. They show up with their medical kits in hand to protests and other large gatherings where attendees could encounter threats like shootings, police encounters or even excessive heat.
When they’re not tabling, mailing out health kits or treating injuries on the street, KCM hosts events to empower and educate the community. Past events include first aid training, self defense classes and rundowns on reproductive rights among a confusing landscape. Most recently, the group held a “power tool petting zoo” where community members could try out different power tools under expert supervision, removing barriers to DIY home repair.
KCM is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning they aren’t dependent on government approval to carry out their mission. They also don’t rely on government funding or grants; just direct donations from community members. Large-scale charities are often funded by wealthy philanthropists who impose restrictions on how their money is spent based on their own personal philosophies. Since most of the people KCM serves are left behind by larger organizations and government, they took on a different model that would allow them greater flexibility. By relying on small individual donations, KCM ensures their only obligation is to their community.
@kaoncitymedix on Instagram—Valerie Smith
Kaon City Medics
Thank You!
I am deeply honored to be nominated as Creative Loafing’s Best Designer and Best Politician in this year’s Best Of The Bay. It’s not every day those two titles are stitched together, but then again, life is all about creative combinations.
Designing fashion and shaping policy may seem worlds apart, but both demand vision, passion and the occasional ability to “hem and haw” gracefully.
Thank you for the nomination, the encouragement, and for reminding me that whether it’s fabric or the future, we’re always better when we design it together.
With gratitude (and a smile),
Lina Teixeira Clearwater Vice Mayor
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CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
ARTS
Best Actor (non-gender specific)
Corin Nemec
Finalists: Patrick Wilson, Arianna Williams
Best Art Gallery (non-museum)
Dunedin Fine Art Center
Finalists: Morean Arts Center, FloridaRAMA Gallery
Best Art Party
Trashy Treasures
at Dunedin Fine Art Center
Finalists: Pride and Passion at Tampa Museum of Art, Sueños at The Dalí Museum
Best Arts Organization
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Finalists: Straz Center for Performing Arts, Creative Pinellas
Best Book by a Local Author
'How To Maximize Your Network' by Mark O’Donnell
Finalists: “48 Hours to Change Your Life” by Mandy Schulis, “Remember Who the F*ck You Are” by Katie Dickieson
Best Ceramicist
Allie Case
Finalists: Brenda McMahon, Calen Rae
Best Classical Musician
Claudia White
Finalists: Sebastian Gabriel—Violinist, Liz Glushko
Best Community Theater Company (unpaid cast and production)
Eight O’Clock Theatre
Finalists: St. Petersburg City Theatre, Center Stage Youth Theatre
Best Dancer
Mala (Fire Faerialist)
Finalists: Ashlyn Bolton, Christian Valentine
Best Fashion Designer
Lina Teixeira
Finalists: Katie Dickieson, Stephanie GeminiFox Jackson
Best Fashion Event
Dunedin Fine Art Center—Wearable Art
Finalists: CITY Fashion+Art+Culture at Tampa Museum of Art, ARTPool Trashion
Best Film Festival
Gasparilla Film Festival
Finalists: Sunscreen Film Festival, Young Directors Film Festival at Tampa Museum of Art
Best Filmmaker
Corin Nemec
Finalists: Video Americana, Film Tampa Bay
Best Gallery (Non-Museum) Show
#SMF” at Dunedin Fine Art Center
Finalists: “MAZE” by Chad Mize at FloridaRAMA Gallery, “POP” at FloridaRAMA Gallery
Best Glass-Blowing Studio
Morean Glass Studio
Finalists: Zen Glass Studio & Gallery, Duncan McClellan
Best Instrumentalist
Violinist Andrew Michael Polo
Finalists: Markus Gottschlich, Simon Lasky
Best Jazz Ensemble
“A Very Broadway Christmas” Band
Finalists: Markus Gottschlich Trio, Simon Lasky Group
Best Muralist
Lora Hypnosis
Finalists: Izabela Davis (Izabela Joy Art), Chad Mize
Best Museum
The Dalí Museum
Finalists: The James Museum, Tampa Museum of Art
Best Museum Exhibit
'Outside In' at The Dalí Museum
Finalists: Japanese Kimonos at Museum of Fine Arts, Wonders of Wetlands at Great Explorations
Best New Mural
Belleair Coffee Largo location by Corin Nemec
Finalists: “Phoebe and Friends” Flamingo Mural by Bunnie Reiss in Downtown St. Pete, Cristi Lopez from Shine Mural Festival
Best Opera Company
St. Petersburg Opera
Finalists: Opera Tampa Bay, Sarasota Opera
Best Performing Arts Center
David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Finalists: Ruth Eckerd Hall, Duke Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater
Best Photojournalist
Dave Decker
Finalists: Chaz Dykes, Dirk Shadd
Best Playwright
David Jenkins
Finalists: Michael Vega, Bob Devin Jones
Best Poet
Kennedy Engasser
Best Stage Director
David Jenkins
Finalists: David Valdez, Imani Battle
Best Tattoo Artist
TJ Hall—Doom Club
Finalists: Steve Cornicelli, Litos Pinto
Best Theater Production
'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'—Eight O’Clock Theatre
Finalists: Broadway on the Bay’s “A Very Broadway Christmas,” “Little Shop Of Horrors” at Richey Suncoast Theater
Best Visual Art Curator
Danny Olda, Dunedin Fine Art Center
Finalists: Katherine Pill, Museum of Fine Arts, Emily Kapes, The James Museum, Joanna Robotham, Tampa Museum of Art
Best Visual Art Festival
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Finalists: Juneteenth Cultural Celebration, Mainsail Art Festival
Best Visual Artist
Chad Mize
Finalists: Tracey Jones, LeRoy Gehres
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Best Acupuncturist
Kecia Fowler—Art of Acupuncture
Finalists: Elevate Wellness—Kim Kuhn, Dr. Hannah Winner—Art of Acupuncture
Best Aesthetics Injector
Chelsey Smith at Bodze
Finalists: Natacha Christeler—The Garden Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Best Barre Studio
Bar Method Tampa
Finalists: Barre, Pure Barre Westchase & New Tampa
Finalists: Dr. Koser—HealthSpine Chiropractic, Dr. Robert Bock
Best Cosmetic Surgery Center
Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Finalists: Bodze, The Garden Medical Spa, Wellness & Massage
Best CrossFit Studio
Burg CrossFit
Finalists: Sunshine City CrossFit, Seminole Heights CrossFit
Best Dispensary
Greenhouse Girls Dispensary
Finalists: Bliss Wellness Market, Jones Genetics
Best Doctor for a Nip and Tuck
Dr. Eric Khairalla—Bodze
Finalists: Dr. Joseph Castellano, Dr. Michael Mirmanesh, The Garden Medical Spa
Best Gym
The Bar Method Tampa
Finalists: Pulse, MMFitness
Trashy Treasures
GrazieMilleTampa!
Mille
“Every time I visit Bella’s, it gets better. The service and food are unparalleled!”
—shawn
“Bellas is my favorite Italian restaurant in Tampa. I have been a loyal customer for 30 years. It is irreplaceable to me.”
“Incredible food & atmosphere–Italian at its best!”
—gail
“Consistently DELICIOUS Italian food–great, friendly experience. 10/10!”
—elizabeth
“So good, I felt like I was in my grandma’s kitchen. Food was delicious and the service fantastic.”
—diane
“We love Bella’s. Our favorite Italian restaurant in SoHo!”
—john
—victor
“You guys are awesome”
—linda
“Loved everything! Such great vegan options. Pizza and homemade pasta were delicious!”
—heather
“Great food; great service and wonderful atmosphere!!”
—lou
“ The pizza is AMAZING!!! The service was GREAT! And the atmosphere is sooooo nice. Can’t wait to come back...”
—jillian
“We have been eating at Bella’s for 34 years and it never disappoints: food, service and ambiance, perfect. Thank you for your consistency over the years.”—young
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
Best Hair Salon
Whole Aveda Salon and Spa
Finalists: Salon Blond, Black Amethyst
Best Hairstylist
Tristan Fox (Whole Aveda)
Finalists: Sasha Ahles—J.Con Salon, Laura Blankenship Salon Blond
Best Hospital
Tampa General
Finalists: Morton Plant, St. Anthony’s
Best IV Bar
InVigorate IV
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty
Aesthetics & Wellness
Best Laser Hair Removal
Perfectly Bare Laser
Finalists: St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Castellano Cosmetic Surgery
Best Lash and/or Brow Salon
Blush & Blade
Finalists: Whole Aveda Salon and Spa, Touch of Beauty by Melissa
Best Makeup Artist
City Lights Beauty Agency
—Paula Heckenast
Finalists: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup, Art By Izzy Hair and Makeup
Best Mani/Pedi
Fancy Nails South Tampa
Finalists: Rochelle at Maddy Spa, Maddy Spa
Best Massage Therapist
Anita Pfeifer—Whole Aveda
Finalists: Lauren Cederstrom Linear Bodywork & Massage, Jason Newman—Bay Area Massage
Best Med Spa
Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center
Finalists: Bodze St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa, Variations of Beauty Aesthetics & Wellness
Best Medical Marijuana Physician or Clinic
Inclusive Care Group
Finalists: Dr. Eugene Delucia, Liberate Physician Centers
Best Medical Research Company
Innovative Research
Finalists: Tampa Bay Medical Research, TrueBlue Clinical Research
Best Nail Artist
Slayed by Ari
Finalists: Taylor Lance, Lan Doan
Best Nutritionist
Best Pilates Studio
Blend Sweat Social
Finalists: Studio Physique, Rare Body Pilates
Best Place to Shop Green
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Produce PAC, Rollin’ Oats
Best Run Club
Rosie’s Dunedin
Finalists: St. Pete Running Company, Pinellas Run Club
Finalists: Daystar Life Center, Clearwater Free Clinic
Best General Contractor
Oasis Custom Homes
Finalists: TomCo Solutions Inc., Rocks Custom Homes, Inc.
Best General Practitioner
Kush Patel
Finalists: Jeannette Figueroa-Gordian, MD, Docs Outside of the Box
Best Handyperson
EG Home Solutions
Finalists: Johnny’s Restorations, Big Red/BTLS Show
Best Hotel—Clearwater/Dunedin
The Fenway
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Best Hotel—St. Pete
Mari Jean Hotel
Finalists: The Birchwood, TradeWinds Resort
Help us support local charities that assist families in crisis and at-risk youth. The Raising Relief Foundation is 100% volunteer-run, and your time can transform lives. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
• ATTEND: Get your tickets for our signature event, Join us for a fantastic night of fun and fundraising.
When: Saturday, November 15th
Where: Sheraton Sand Key
• VOLUNTEER: Give your time to help support our mission and events. Every hour makes a difference.
• DONATE: Can’t make it? Your financial gift still makes a powerful impact on local families and youth.
Scoring Big With Tampa Bay
We are truly humbled and grateful to be nominated in this year’s Best of the Bay Awards. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
Every time you choose to dine with us, celebrate here, or cheer on your favorite team at our tables, you give us the opportunity to do what we love most: serve great food, pour cold drinks, and create a place where people can come together. That’s the real win for us.
As we head into football season, we’d love your continued support. Join us for game-day specials all day Saturday and Sunday, plus Monday and Thursday nights. There’s no better place to cheer, celebrate, and be part of the team spirit!
WALK-ON’S TAMPA (MIDTOWN)
1140 Gramercy Lane, Tampa, FL
WALK-ON’S Lakeland
3772 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL
WALK-ON’S Wesley Chapel
25372 Sierra Center Blvd, Lutz, FL
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
Best Hotel—Tampa
Hotel Haya
Finalists: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
Best Insurance Agency
Crystal Clear Insurance
Finalists: Gulf Water Title, Magruder Agency
Best Insurance Agent
Crystal Croteau
Finalists: Sherri Matheney, Pat Magruder
Best Interior Designer
Lisa Alban- Cloud 9 Feng Shui
Finalists: David Fischer at ZaZoo’d, Kristina Pearson, Haus of Lola
Best Kayak/Stand-Up Paddleboard Water Tour
Wandering Adventures
Finalists: Ecomersion, Good Vibes Kayak Rentals
Best Landscape Design Company
Campus Landscape
Finalists: Insignia Landscape, Dreams Into Reality
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Smith & Associates Real Estate
Best Real Estate Company
NextHome South Pointe
Finalists: Dicus Harrison Realty, Brophy Real Estate
Best Real Estate Team
The Probeyahn Group
Finalists: Scaglione Rutemiller Group, NextHome South Pointe, Synergy Home Group-Pineywoods Realty
Best Web Designer/Company
RooSites Web Development, LLC
Finalists: Grove Brands, Hashtag Creative
Best Wedding Planning Company
Truly Yours Event Planning
Finalists: Wilder Mind Events, Confetti Events & Weddings
Best Wedding/Event Photography(er)
Jordan Torelli Photography
Finalists: Lifelong Photography Studio, Dewitt For Love Photography
Best Windows & Doors
Mitchell Windows & Doors LLC
Finalists: Zager Windows Doors and Shutters, Weather Tite Windows
PLACES
Best Apothecary
BB’s Micros
Finalists: Bliss Wellness Market, Art of Acupuncture
Best Beach Town
Pass-A-Grille
Finalists: Dunedin, Gulfport
Best Black-Owned Business
Lat & Sons Family Hair Care
Finalists: Coach Tii Wood / Burg Body Fitness, Hogg Batch Coffee Roastery
The Cake Girl
second chances start here
For more than 75 years, HSP has been where pets and people turn for hope. We provide compassionate shelter care, connect animals with loving families, and offer resources that keep pets in the homes where they belong.
Every wag, every purr, every adoption is proof that together, we’re creating brighter futures for pets and the people who love them.
Weekly Shenanigans:
MON & WED KARAOKE (sing like nobody’s watching)
TUES, THURS, FRI, SAT LIVE MUSIC (better than spotify, promise)
1ST SUNDAY BLUES JAM (bring your soul... and maybe your harmonica)
Sunday Hospitality Night 10:00 PM - CLOSE because you deserve a drink after serving everyone else all week. some restrictions apply. like ... please don’t ask us to play “Free Bird.”
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
Best Book Club
Booze & Book Club
Finalists: Silent Book Club Riverview, Queer Expression Radical Book Club
Best City
St. Petersburg
Finalists: Tampa, Dunedin
Best Co-Working Space
OfficeWerks
Finalists: The Ybor Hive, The Spiral Staircase
Best College Hangout
FloridaRAMA Gallery
Finalists: The Campus Grind, UniTea Kava Lounge
Best College or University
University of South Florida
Finalists: St. Petersburg College, Eckerd College
Best Community Center
The Nest (Queer Expression St. Pete)
Finalists: Ybor Hive, Dunedin Community Center
Best Community Garden
HEP (Homeless Empowerment Program)
Finalists: St. Pete Youth Farm, 15th St. Farm
Best County
Pinellas County
Finalists: Hillsborough County, Pasco
Best Creative/Artist’s Studio
Drip! Art Lounge
Finalists: WonderWorks, Joyce Curvin
Best Dog Park
Fort DeSoto
Finalists: Enterprise Dog Park, Crescent Lake
Best Entrepreneurial Club/Networking Event
St. Pete Girl Boss
Finalists: Women’s Business League, Suncoast Wedding and Event Leaders
Best Environmental Organization
West Klosterman Preservation Group
Finalists: Tampa Bay Watch, Take MAR
Best Farm (Agricultural)
Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc.
Finalists: Fat Beet Farm, Meacham Urban Farm
Best Farm (Family-Friendly Entertainment)
Old McMicky’s Farm
Best New Business
The Ball St. Pete
Finalists: Crystal Clear Insurance, Rosie’s Tavern New Port Richey
Best Nightlife District
Downtown St. Pete
Finalists: Grand Central District, Ybor City
Best Nonprofit
Humane Society of Pinellas
Finalists: PARC Center for Disabilities, Metropolitan Ministries
Best Pawn Shop
Mr. Money Pawn
Finalists: Tim’s Trading Post and Pawn, A-1 Pawn
Best Place for a Wedding
The James Museum
Finalists: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Red Mesa Events
Best Place for Family Fun
Metro Lagoons
Finalists: First Ladies Farm & Sanctuary, Drip! Art Lounge
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc.
Finalists: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue, Humane Society of
Tampa Bay
Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift
Pour & Decor
Finalists: ZaZoo’d, Astra & Friends
Best Place to Cool Off
Metro Lagoons
Finalists: FloridaRAMA Gallery, The Wet Spot at COCKtail
Best Place to Get the Perfect Instagram Photo
Pour & Decor
Finalists: FloridaRAMA Gallery, Metro Lagoons
Best Place to Play Pickleball
High 5 Inc.
Finalists: Crescent Lake, Pickle & Pint
Finalists: Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc., First Ladies Farm & Sanctuary
Best Farmers Market
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Finalists: Ybor City Saturday Market, Safety Harbor’s Market On Main
Best Latin-Owned Business
Casa Tina
Finalists: Party Flixers, Dark Mark Ink Tattoo Studio
Best LGBTQ Organization
St. Pete Winter Pride
Finalists: Inclusive Care Group, St. Pete Pride
Best LGBTQ-Owned Business
Greenhouse Girls Dispensary
Finalists: Inclusive Care Group, COCKtail St. Pete
Best Nature Trail
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Finalists: Weedon Island Preserve, Pinellas Trail
Best Place to Volunteer
Raising Relief Foundation
Finalists: Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc., PARC Center for Disabilities
Best Plant Shop
Whitewood on Main
Finalists: Lida’s Jungle, Gulf Orchids
Best Public Park
Fort DeSoto
Finalists: Philippe Park, Vinoy Park
Best Skate Park
Skatepark of Tampa
Finalists: Safety Harbor, Largo Park
Best Veteran-Owned Business
InVigorate IV
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar, First Ladies Farm & Sanctuary
Best Virtual Golf
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Finalists: The Irons Club, Golfology
Best Walking Tour
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Finalists: St. Peter’s Ghost Tour, St. Petersburg Black History Tours
Best Woman-Owned Business
St. Pete Wellness and Med Spa
Finalists: Bayshore Marketing Group, Florida Pure Sea Salt
Finalists: Alycia Hernandez & Paul Alves, Rachel & Richie—Gigglewaters
Best Dog
Theodore Corgivelt
Finalists: @hazel.the.labradoodle, Franklin the Schnauzer
Best Female Stripper
Fiona Fuxxx—Oz & Reign
Finalists: Misty—2001 Odyssey, Dahlia—Mons Venus
Best Graphic Designer
Bayshore Marketing Group
Finalists: Hang Ten Creative Agency, Hoover Digital
Best Influencer
Kent Rodahaver
Finalists: PandemicFoodie, Chris Gibson
Best Journalist That Doesn’t Work at Creative Loafing
Sean Daly
Finalists: Chris Gorman, Ryan Williams-Jent
Best Local OnlyFans Account
Scott Simon
Finalists: Jack Rozsa, Ariel Marie
La France
Mad Chiller World
We offer exotic teas, coffee and food from around the world. It’s a place where our customers feel grounded and welcome.
Mon - Open Mic Night
Mon - Open Mic Night
Tues - Trivia Night
Tue - Trivia/Dominos Night
Wed - Art Night
Wed - Art Night
Thurs - Chess Night
Thurs - Chess Night
FRI. & SAT - DJ’S | SUN - CHILL
FRI. & SAT - DJ’S | SUN - CHILL
We host events involving artists, musicians, chess, video and board games topped off with intellectual conversations!
1919 North Howard Ave Tampa
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-2am
Friday & Saturday 12pm-5am | Sunday 4pm-2am
813-435-2250 @madchillerworld
Proudly serves the Best of Tampa Bay, from the beaches to hotels to local hotspots. We keep the Bay buzzing with bold spirits, unique brands, and a splash of paradise in every pour.
Fall in for the all-new mystical Dream Weaver: Tales from the Trees exhibit and discover a day in nature like none other!
ALL NEW GARDEN EXHIBIT
DREAM WEAVER: TALES FROM THE TREES
OCTOBER 4 - JANUARY 31
FALL PLANT SALE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
FLEETWOOD MAX: LIVE ON THE OVAL SATURDAY, OCT 11
BOKTOBERFEST
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
FALL WINE WALK SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1
2ND ANNUAL PLEIN AIR SYMPOSIUM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
4 ELEMENTS FESTIVAL WITH ELEMENTS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
FALL IN FOR DRAMA: ALICE IN WONDERLAND & SHAKESPEARE45 BY ASOLO REP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
Finalists: Hazel Alevok, Captain Steve @reeldealclearwater
Best Philanthropist
Devin Pappas—Raising Relief Foundation
Finalists: Kent Rodahaver, Phil Yost
Best Politician
Lina Teixeira
Finalists: Lynn Hurtak, Jane Castor
Best Private School Teacher
Amanda Henderson
Finalists: Beau Heringer, Courtney Gaull—Blessed Sacrament (Seminole)
Best Public School Teacher
Melissa Merchant—Pepin Academies
Finalists: Tony Hadley, Erin Miller—Anona Elementary
Best Radio Personality
Bubba the Love Sponge/BTLS
Finalists: Chris Gorman/WMNF’s The Big Gay Radio Show, Drew Garabo
Best Sports Coach
Jon Cooper
Finalists: Kevin Cash, Marc LaMacchia
Best Sportswriter
Carter Brantley
Finalists: John Romano, JP Peterson
Best Strip Club DJ
DJ Jaz—Reign
Finalists: DJ Gabe- 2001 Odyssey, Mons Venus
Best TV Host/Newsperson
Denis Phillips
Finalists: Charlie Belcher, Colleen Campbell
ENTERTAINMENT
Best All Around Strip Club
2001 Odyssey
Finalists: Reign Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Club, Mons Venus
Best Band (non-cover band/originals only)
MiniM
Finalists: The Wandering Hours, Whale Feral
Best Bluegrass Band
Crossfire Creek
Finalists: The Wandering Hours, The Applebutter Express
Best Burlesque Act
Femmes and Follies—Katie James
Finalists: Lilabelle Quaintrelle, Ybor City Sirens
Best Celebrity Charity Event
Mike Evans Family Foundation
Finalists: First Ladies Cats in Space, Mike Alsott Celebrity Outdoor Weekend
Best Choreographer
Nethaneel Williams
Finalists: Ashlyn Bolton, Miranda Heitz
Best Club DJ
Ken Kong the DJ
Finalists: DJ Elliott Wheeler, DJ Mike Sklarz
Best Comedy Club
Side Splitters Comedy Club
Finalists: Commodore Comedy Club, St. Pete Stand Up
Best Concert (Large, over 2,000 capacity)
Metallica
Finalists: Reggae Rise Up—Sting & Shaggy, Violent Femmes—Jannus Live
Best Concert (Small, under 2,000 capacity)
Girls Rock St. Pete Summer Showcase
Best Dance Company
DivaDance St. Pete/Clearwater
Finalists: The AYE Team, Tampa Bay Dance Academy
Best Drag Event
Sissy That Walk at COCKtail
Finalists: St. Pete Winter Pride Drag Race, Drag Brunch at Hard Rock Cafe Tampa
Best Drag Performer
Alice Marie Gripp
Finalists: Conundrum, Veronica Foxx
Best Event of the Year
Girls Rock St Pete Power Week Concert at Jannus Live
Finalists: Annual BARP Party/BTLS Show, Drag Brunch at Hard Rock Cafe Tampa
Best Experimental Act
Stick & Ditty
Finalists: Jeremiah, The Button Smashers
Best Family Performer
Dewayne Hill
Finalists: Beamon Battie III, Michael May James
Best Hillsborough Strip Club
2001 Odyssey
Finalists: Mons Venus, Penthouse Club
Best Hip-Hop Act
Doechii
Finalists: Electric Soul Therapy, FRE$H P
Best Improv Team
Spitfire Comedy House
Finalists: Dirty John’s, The Commodore
Best Jam Band
Skunkhammer
Finalists: MiniM, Crossfire Creek
Finalists: Free Food Pop Up Show, Erik Koch—Rock The Planet Entertainment
Best Concert Promoter
Chantel Battie (Crossfire Creek)
Finalists: Tampa Bay Nightlife TV, No Clubs
Best Country Act
Alissa Hale
Finalists: The Highway 41 Band, The Bearded Brothers Band
Best Cover Band
The Shakes Society
Finalists: Crossfire Creek, Fusebox
Best Dance Club
Blur Nightclub
Finalists: COCKtail St. Pete, The Castle
Best Karaoke
CJ’s Backstage
Finalists: Thunder Bay Bar & Grill, COCKtail St. Pete
Best Karaoke DJ
KJ Lou—ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Zoe Griego, KJ Brad Rox
Best Large Concert Venue (2,000-plus capacity)
Amalie Arena
Finalists: The BayCare Sound, Ruth Eckerd Hall
Best Metal/Hardcore Band
Skunkhammer
Finalists: Disasterpiece, The Supply Chain
Best Morning TV Show
CBS Great Day Live
Finalists: The Morning Blend, Good Day Tampa Bay (Fox13)
Best Music Festival
Reggae Rise Up
Finalists: Gasparilla Music Fest, Sunshine Get Down
Best Music School (Institutional/academic)
Blake High School
Finalists: USF School of Music, St. Pete College
Best Music School (Non-Academic)
School of Rock St. Petersburg
Finalists: Sgammato School of Music, Girls Rock St. Pete
Best Open Mic Night (Comedy)
The Ball St. Pete
Finalists: Side Splitters Comedy Club, Girls Rock St Pete—Youth Open Mic
Denis Phillips
CREATIVE LOAFING • BEST OF THE BAY 2024 READERS PICKS
Best Reggae/Ska Band
Best Open Mic Night (Music)
ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Speak for the Culture, Girls Rock St. Pete’s Youth Open Mic (The Kids are Alright)
Best Open Mic Night (Poetry)
Speak for the Culture
Finalists: Smoken Words, Twenty-Four Collective
Best Organized Bike Ride
OCC November Bike Festival
Finalists: Jim’s Toys for Tots, Black History Bike Tour
Editor’s note: Next year, we will separate motorcycle rides from bicycle rides.
Best Pinellas Strip Club
Reign Ladies and Gentleman’s Club
Finalists: OZ Gentlemen’s Club, Diamond Dolls
Best Place to Bowl
Ten Pin Lanes
Finalists: Dunedin Lanes, Pin Chasers
Best Place to Play
Pool
Roadhouse
Finalists: Enigma, Reservoir Bar
Best Podcast
Necessary Pursuit
Finalists: The Skittle Squad, Tampa Bay Nightlife TV
Best Pop Act
Floraw
The Shakes Society
Finalists: Shevonne, Electric Soul Therapy
Best Release By A Local Band
“Follow My Dreams” by Flo-Raw
feat. Steve Wilson & Aimée MaGee
Finalists: “Firecracker” by Crossfire Creek, Whale Feral
Best Rock Band
The Shakes Society
Finalists: Skunkhammer, Fusebox
Best Roots/Alt-Country Act
Crossfire Creek Band
Finalists: Amber Lynn & the Low Tide Band, The Wandering Hours
Best Singer/Songwriter
Amber Lynn Nicol
Finalists: David (DK) Kraig, Sandy
Finalists: TL Jentgens, Life of the Party Florida
Best Pride Event
St. Pete Winter Pride
Finalists: St. Pete Pride, Tampa Pride
Best Pro Sports Team
Tampa Bay Lightning
Finalists: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays
Best Producer (Beatmaker)
James—Crossfire Creek
Finalists: Michael May James, Sponatola
Best Radio Show
Bubba the Love Sponge Show/ BTLS
Finalists: Big Gay Radio Show, St. Pete Music City Radio Show
Best Radio Station
Sunshine 96.7-FM and RadioStPete.com
Finalists: 88.5-FM WMNF Tampa, 98Rock
Best Record Label
Humble House Records
Finalists: Def Records, Star Struckd Records
Best Recording Studio
Boom Boom Room
Finalists: Zen Recording Studio, Morrisound Recording
Best Singles Hangout
COCKtail St. Pete
Finalists: OCC Roadhouse, CJ’s Backstage
Best Small Concert Venue (Under 2,000 capacity)
OCC Roadhouse
Finalists: Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center, Jannus Live
Best Soul/R&B/Funk Act
Black Honkeys
Finalists: Ronnie Dee and the Superstars, Electric Soul Therapy
Best Sound Engineer (Live)
Macho Man/BTLS Show
Finalists: David Freeman, Kendall Doubek
Best Stand-Up Comedian
Dewayne Hill
Finalists: Matt Fernandez, Ian Everitt
Best Trivia Company
The Original Bandingo Music
Bingo
Finalists: Iconic Trivia by Vic at The Ball, Timeless Entertainment
Best TV Station
ABC Action News WFTS
Finalists: WEDU PBS, FOX 13 TAMPA BAY WTVT
Best Underground/Independent Theater
Gigglewaters
Finalists: Green Light Cinema, The Beach Theatre
Best Vocalist
Bryan J Hughes
Finalists: Sherry Seiler (Doc & Sherry), NAJIBO
Best Wedding/Event DJ
Tampa Bay DJ Company
Finalists: Graingertainment, DJ Kraze/Exclusive
Sounds
Best Weekly Club Night
OCC Truck night
Finalists: Saturday at Cocktail, Friday at COCKtail
every thursday-saturday
i can be followed at... Instagram: ScottSimon92
Twitter/X: ScottSimonXXX
OnlyFans: ScottsimonXXX
Give me strength
By Caroline DeBruhl
Dear Oracle, my boyfriend and I broke up last week after almost two years together. We had been long-distance for over a year, which made things incredibly challenging, especially with our cultural differences. At one point, he asked me if I could live with a “gloomy” person, but he was more than just gloomy. He would shut down and shut me out, then suddenly act like nothing happened. “Just busy at work,” he’d say. I was really sad for the first couple of days. Now, I just feel numb, dumb, and confused. What hurts most isn’t losing him but losing the life we talked about building together. I think a part of me always knew it wouldn’t work. He could be sweet and kind, but when stressed about work, he could also become cruel. He was extremely focused on his job and struggled to find any kind of work-life balance. I’m glad I didn’t have kids with him.
Both The Hanged Man and Justice are cards about truth. With Justice, we are often confronted with our edge of reason. It’s the last step before we spill over into intense and self-destructive behaviors. We know when things are out of balance. We know we must act swiftly to correct.
The Hanged Man, too, has a moment of enlightenment, but this often calls for a sacrifice. In this case, it was that you had to end a relationship with someone you love.
I also have no doubt that you tried very hard to make this work. With the earnest and hardworking Page of Pentacles, I think you did what you could. But with the Eight of Swords, I think you may have felt trapped (possibly by your own depression and maybe even that of your boyfriend’s).
ORACLE OF YBOR
Send your questions to oracle@cltampa. com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram
Now I’m back home with my mom, and I don’t know how to rebuild my life. I feel embarrassed for putting everything on hold for him and the move we had planned. I’m also frustrated with myself. The men in my life (my dad, brother, brother-in-law, even my uncle) all saw it coming. They said I was wearing rose-colored glasses. I feel stuck. I don’t want to date again. I feel so behind in life. I can’t even kiss!—Baby
Cards Pulled by Baby: The Hanged Man (reversed), Justice (reversed), Eight of Swords, and Page of Pentacles (reversed)
Cards To Rebuild a Life: The Emperor (reversed), The Lovers (reversed), Strength, Seven of Cups
Dear Baby, next week, this column will turn six years old and you are the very first person in all these years to include your own cards in with your question—which is fascinating! It gives me some more insight into your question and where you are currently.
I have no doubt that you are feeling emotionally unmoored as this heartsick swallows you up whole. I don’t need the cards to tell me that; I know what it’s like to fall for someone like an atom bomb and be left with the ruins of a future once promised. It is a death twice over—once for the relationship as it was, and once for the relationship that could have been. While being broken-hearted is a common condition of humanity, the feeling is not benign. Plenty of people die from it. It is something serious that needs to be tended to.
But while this pain is ever-sweeping, while this pain may crest like a wave and drag you under, it is an honest pain. You knew this relationship had to end. You knew that this could not go on because it was unjust.
But you aren’t trapped. You aren’t even stuck. You are two weeks out of a two-year relationship—my darling, you’re in mourning. So with all due respect, Baby, give it a minute! Wallow on your mom’s couch for another week, eating bullshit and watching trash TV. Cry in the shower. Spend a little too much money on scented candles. Do what you need to comfort yourself as you process this loss. It’s a rough time—but it will not last forever.
And once you’ve had a good wallow, once you have treated yourself kindly and gotten over the initial hurdles of grief, you are going to rebuild your life with the sheer fucking force of your own determination and will.
The Emperor is a true leader; he is persistent, has an eye to both the future and the bigger picture, and possesses the self-control to get there. This is the energy that is going to help you get what you want and make a life for yourself that you are thrilled by.
To figure out what to include in that life, The Lovers is a card that asks us to examine both what we love and what we value in this life. While the Emperor is the mind in motion, planning how to get what we want, The Lovers is your heart. What do you value and want in your life? Is it to be around your family? Your friends? In a city that feels exciting? In the mountains where you can feel one with nature? Really dig deep and use that emotional core to make a plan. For example, if you value your friends and good food, start having weekly dinner parties and learning more about cooking. If you want to be surrounded by creative people, get involved in your local art scene—or move someplace that has a scene that excites you. You can do this. You can sculpt out a life you want and feel proud of. It will just take time.
To get there, though, you have to get through this brutal and fresh loss. You can do it—with
Strength, you have the power to walk beside this beast of grief without it consuming you. But take heed: you are in a vulnerable position right now, and you might be able to see things clearly still. With the Seven of Cups, I would caution against making any rash judgments. Something that seems like a great idea might be terrible, and something that seems stupid might be just what you need. Take your time making decisions. Things might be deceiving.
(This ESPECIALLY applies if you decide in a week that the pain of being apart is worse than the pain of being together, and you think you should get back together with your ex. Don’t. Nothing has changed. That’s deception talking!)
On a final note, I just want to say that when the heart breaks, it breaks open. It’s an
incredibly vulnerable time, but it can also be a time of discovering what you truly need and want, what you may have hidden from yourself because it wasn’t conducive to your relationship. Be gentle with yourself, but also be curious. I don’t believe all pain is a “learning experience,” but when it comes to relationships, you might discover your own strength and learn what you will tolerate in the future and what you won’t. Your life still happened even if you thought it was “on hold,” and it will continue to unfold. You have so much in front of you. You have not wasted any time.
Thank you for trusting me with your question, my dear.
See more of Caroline and learn about her services via carolinedebruhl.com.
Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on www.storagetreasures.com. ending on October 10, 2025 at 10:00 am for units located at Compass Self Storage 1685 Hwy 17 N Eagle Lake Florida 33839 . Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at time of sale. All Goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment. The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances, unless otherwise noted. unit D305 Candice Holliday, unit 3166 Edgar Brito. Run dates 9/25/2025 & 10/2/2025.
Notice of Public Sale Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on www.storagetreasures.com ending on October 10th, 2025 at 10:00 am for units located at: Compass Self Storage 2291 S. Frontage Rd, Plant City, Florida 33563 . Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Compass Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment. The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes and appliances, unless otherwise noted. Unit 1126 Brenda Hawkins, Unit 1133 Mike Turber. Run dates 9/25/25 and 10/2/25.
NOTE: Each theme clue contains an anagram of its answer. For example, “It might be my car” would lead to CAMRY (which
