Creative Loafing Tampa — March 9, 2023

PUBLISHER James Howard

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa

DIGITAL EDITOR Colin Wolf

MANAGING EDITOR Kyla Fields

STAFF WRITER Justin Garcia

FOOD and THEATER CRITIC

Jon Palmer Claridge

FILM & TV CRITIC John W. Allman

IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl

CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Jennifer

Ring, Eric Snider, Arielle Stevenson

Story

PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker, Jennifer Ring

SPRING INTERN Tyana Rodgers

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Apply for summer via rroa@cltampa.com

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Spatafora

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joe Frontel

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ILLUSTRATORS Dan Perkins, Cory Robinson, Bob Whitmore

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anthony Carbone, Scott Zepeda

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR

Alexis Quinn Chamberlain

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Lauren Caplinger

EUCLID MEDIA GROUP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Music: Tampa Bay Blues Fest 40

Andrew Zelman

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Chris Keating, Michael Wagner

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sarah Fenske

Music Week ...................................................42 Concert review: Artic Monkeys 42

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Hollie Mahadeo

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Jaime Monzon euclidmediagroup.com

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EDITORIAL POLICY — Creative Loafing Tampa 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

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The whole block is being torn down.

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CL Tampa Bay is hiring a staff writer.

By Ray Roa

After more than a year of watching him kick their ass, the Tampa Bay Times has wised up and made Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Staff Writer Justin Garcia an offer he won’t refuse. On March 17, Garcia leaves this newsroom to join the staff there as a senior accountability reporter where the Times told him he will cover local law enforcement, and statewide entities like FDLE, the Department of Corrections, Highway Patrol, plus Governor Ron DeSantis’ dumbass Florida State Guard and Office of Election Crimes and Security.

JOB LISTING

Our staff writers are part of a fast-paced newsroom driven by a small and dedicated team ready to pivot when news breaks and cook longer stories on the side. The ideal candidate is comfortable making public record requests and growing sources, then following up with them over and over again—all while providing unique insight and context to the news of the day. You’ll also be free to contribute to our arts, food and music coverage, and partake in all the parties and special events CL throws throughout the year. It’s fun as hell.

The hire also gets Garcia—who started at CL as a freelancer in 2019 before becoming our first post -pandemic layoff hire in June 2021—off the local city hall beat (you’re welcome, Jane Castor and Tampa City Council).

The news also means CL is now chomping (or “champing,” what say you?) at the bit to find a new full-time staff writer excited to speak up for people whose voices, stories and struggles are ignored or mischaracterized by other local outlets. The job pays in the $45,000-$51,000 range, plus monthly and quarterly bonuses.

Our parent company, Euclid Media Group (EMG), also operates alt-weeklies in Orlando, San Antonio, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville, so you’ll have access to fellow journalists and resources across the South and Midwest. EMG also offers PTO and a competitive compensation package including health, dental and vision insurance.

Email clips and a resume to me with Euclid Media Group’s Executive Editor Sarah Fenske on CC (sfenske@euclidmediagroup.com). We look forward to hearing from you.

EMPTY FEELING: We’re gonna miss Justin, but can’t wait to welcome a new staff writer.

“The Times wised up and made Garcia an offer he won’t refuse.”

do this

Tampa Bay's best things to do from March 09 - 16

Red Bull Day in the Dirt Pasco County knows how to party, and it’ll do it in its own special style this weekend when motocross stars like Travis Pastrana, Tyler Beremen and Ryan Sipes arrive at Dade City Motocross for the “Red Bull Day in the Dirt.” Racing kicks off Friday with the reunion race (supposed to be friendly) and really gets going on Saturday with a handful of competitions (including the Red Bull-athlete-only “Old Switcheroo” team race) and different Grand Prix races. A “Coup de Grace Survival Race” wraps up the action on Sunday, with various awards and afterparties set for each day. Registration will cost you, but it’s free to watch. Friday-Sunday, March 10-12, Free. Registration opens at 7 a.m. all weekend. Dade City Motocross, 36722 SR-52, Dade City. dayinthedirtdownsouth.com—Ray

Roa

Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival 2023 Make sure you don’t throw up your dinner while riding the newly-opened Serengeti Flyer coaster. From exclusive beer and wine pairings to Moroccan and Asian-inspired dishes, folks with all different palates will surely find something to enjoy at the Food & Wine Festival’s park-wide spread of eats. Festivities will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between March 10-May 21, from noon until the park closes. Access into the festival itself is included in the park’s admission fee, but its food and drink offerings will range from vendor to vendor. To coincide with this three month-long celebration of food and drink, Busch Gardens will also host its spring concert series, featuring performances from classic rock band Kansas, rapper Flo Rida, Latin artist Elvis Crespo and indie rockers Walk the Moon, alongside many more. March 10-May 21. Price of admission. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com—Kyla Fields

BarrieHaus Beer Co.: ‘All About Foam’ Tampa Bay Beer Week is in full swing, and there’s still a ton of weekend events left. Barriehaus Beer Co. might make waves with its Oktoberfest celebration every year, but an immense amount of beer will also flow at its annual “All About Foam” party. This event will feature Bierstacheln or “beer striking,” an ancient tradition where cold beer is brought down to the perfect drinking temperature by mixing it with a smoking-hot blacksmith spike. The sugar in the beer caramelizes and leaves a thick layer of creamy foam on top—hence the moniker of this TBBW event. A few of Barriehaus’ exclusive beers folks can snag at this first-come, first-served event include its “Overestimator” doppelbock, triple barrel-aged “Maltika Baltic” porter and the “Strong Bear Strong” lager. Sunday, March 12. Noon-5 p.m. No cover. BarrieHaus Beer Co.,1403 E 5th Ave.,Ybor City. barriehaus.com—KF

VISIT TAMPA BAY

CHELSEA ADAMS / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

In an homage to Victor Hugo Green’s famed travel guide, Green Book Tampa Bay founders Hillary Van Dyke and Josh Bean have spent the last four years doing everything they can to support and shine a light on local Black-owned businesses by listing them in a huge online directory and sending regular newsletters about the best Black-centric happenings in Tampa Bay. To celebrate another year of the Green Book, Van Dyke and Bean have teamed up with St. Petersburg’s Studio@620—a Black-owned business whose work is set to be archived in perpetuity as part of a big University of South Florida project—to throw a brunch party where guests are invited to dress up in their “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” cosplay. Green Book of Tampa Bay Fourth Anniversary Brunch, Sunday, March 12, noon-3 p.m. $50 & up. Studio@620, 620 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. greenbooktampabay.org—RR

Campground23 After a successful weekend on both sides of the Bay for its inaugural outing last year, CampGround new music festival is back to do it again, with plans to take over Ybor City’s newest arts hub. Built around living composers’ cutting-edge new sounds—CL’s Eric Snider described it as boundlessly textured almost always instrumental music that is often, “loosely speaking, avant-garde in nature”—Campground23 (stylized “CAMP,” meaning Contemporary Art Music Project) features a three-day program with more than two dozen composers plus performers. They’ll kick things off at Tempus Projects inside Ybor’s new Kress Collective before spending two days at The Factory in St. Pete ahead of a return to Tampa for Saturday’s festival close. There’s even a free admission day on Friday. Thursday-Saturday, March 16-18, various times and venues. $10 & up (kids 8 and under free). contemporaryartmusicproject.org—RR

Friends of Jack Kerouac: ‘Go Moan for Man’ screening To celebrate the 101th birthday of the late American novelist, Friends of Jack Kerouac hosts a screening of “Go Moan for Man,” a documentary from 2000 that details the life and legacy of the iconic, dead beat and former St. Petersburg resident. After the screening of the film described as “the literary odyssey of Jack Kerouac,” the organization stages an educational panel with Judy Sharples, producer of the film and wife of the late director Doug Sharples, the owner of St. Pete’s Jack Kerouac house, and more. Local nonprofit Friends of Jack Kerouac hosts a slew of different events to commemorate his birthday this week, from trivia nights to bike rides. Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. $13. Green Light Cinema, 221 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. friendsofjackkerouac.org—KF

HEP Fashion Show Fundraiser: Renewing Hope on the Runway Empowerment fashion show For the 8th year in a row, Pinellas-based charity Homeless Empowerment Program hosts its annual fashion show to help raise funds for its mission of “breaking the cycle of homelessness for individuals and families.” At this fashion show models will strut down the runway donning sustainable outfits that can be found at HEP’s Clearwater thrift store. Tickets include access to the show, hors d’oeuvres, boutique shopping, and the chance to win various raffle prizes. Proceeds from all ticket sales will support HEP’s Youth & Family Services. And if you can’t make this weekend’s fundraising event, there’s a ton of different ways you can support this important local charity, which you can check out on HEP’s website. Sunday, March 12. 2 p.m.-5 p.m.$60. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater. hepempowers.org—KF

COURTESY

JAKE-ANN JONES

HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

COURTESY

ELECTIONS

2023 Tampa Municipal Election Runoff

Election Day is Tuesday, April 25. Early voting happens April 17-23. Registration deadline for runoff (if not already registered) is March 27. votehillsborough.gov

POLITICS ISSUES OPINION

Born to runoff

Castor cruises, and charter amendments pass, but runoffs are on the way for Tampa City Council.

By Ray Roa

In her race against virtually nobody, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor cruised to a second term, earning 80.14% of the vote. The landslide victory Tuesday night was no surprise; in 2015, Castor’s predecessor, incumbent Mayor Bob Buckhorn, ran against only a write-in candidate and earned 96% of the vote. Still, nearly 20% of all voters wrote in somebody-else in the 2023 mayoral race (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has put in a public records request to see exactly who Tampeños wanted instead).

In a statement, Castor said she was honored and humbled to be re-elected, cited her work on sewage system projects like P.I.P.E.S, and added that “our work is far from over.”

Castor’s victory arrived at the end of an awkward election cycle where she endorsed ousted State Senator Janet Cruz—the mother of her own partner, Ana Cruz—in the District 3 City Council race. Janet came in second on Tuesday behind incumbent Lynn Hurtak who earned 42.52% of the vote in the citywide contest—the two will compete in a runoff that culminates on Election Day, April 25.

In all, Castor endorsed four candidates in this year’s city council race, including two who lost their races on Tuesday night.

The mayor, a Democrat, backed McDonald’s heir and Republican Blake Casper, who lost handily to incumbent and vocal critic of the mayor Bill Carlson. Last week, Casper, who ran a “law & order” campaign, was busted using his Bayshore Blvd properties as un-permitted commercial sites for his local businesses (more on p. 16).

Joe Citro, incumbent in District 1, was endorsed by Castor, and didn’t even make the runoff.

With all precincts reporting on Tuesday night, Gwen Henderson—who Castor endorsed over District 5 incumbent Orlando Gudes—held a 75 vote lead. Representatives at the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, “the canvassing board will determine whether a recount is required based on the first unofficial results certified thurs night.” Still, the Tampa Bay Times says that, “Should nothing change with the counting of any provisional ballots, Henderson’s margin of victory would be more than the half-percent that would trigger an automatic recount.”

Castor’s victory also comes in the wake of nasty attack mailers criticizing Carlson, Gudes and Hurtak who’ve all been unafraid to oppose the mayor on a myriad of issues including more police accountability, more aggressive assistance for renters and the balance of power between the City of Tampa’s executive and legislative branches.

One neighborhood association even threatened legal action over a mailer sent by Jason Blank’s Comite Politico in Ft. Lauderdale; Blank and committees associated with him have been major donors to Janet Cruz’s past campaigns, her PAC and current city council race, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

In District 1, Alan Clendenin (40.33%) and Sonja P. Brookins (22.47%) will face off, with incumbent Joe Citro sitting out after earning just 20.10% of the vote. District 2 sees Guido Maniscalco (46.98%) and Robin Lockett (24.77%) going head-to-head.

The closely-watched District 3 race saw incumbent Lynn Hurtak take 45.52% of the vote compared to the 38.75% earned by her challenger Cruz. While forever Councilman Charlie Miranda (49.39%) nearly won his District 6 race, challenger Hoyt Prindle earned 21.59% to set up the runoff.

Only 75 votes separate Gwen Henderson (50.31%) and District 5 incumbent Orlando Gudes (48.86%).

Four amendments to the city charter were on the ballot in the 2023 Tampa Municipal Election. In January, Castor attempted to use her veto pen to stop voters from having a say on amendments, but council pushed back to get four of five amendments on the ballot. In the days leading up to the election, voters received mailers from PACs connected to the mayor, telling them to reject the charter amendments at the ballot box.

But voters approved three of the amendments on Tuesday, including one that forces the mayor to fill any interim department heads within 180 days. Tampa voters would likely not be talking about this charter change if Castor’s search for a police chief wasn’t done in secret—or ended with the selection of an unpopular selection who was unceremoniously forced to resign after less than a year on the job.

Voters also approved amendments that will force the city’s charter review commission to convene every eight years instead of 10, and another that limits any councilperson to no more than a total of four consecutive full terms (the limits are effective in the 2027 election, so forever councilman Miranda, who’s headed to a runoff in District 6, is safe for now).

Voters, however, did reject an amendment that would have clarified language about council’s ability to create standing boards like the Citizens Review Board on police.

Despite zoning law, former Tampa city council candidate Blake Casper is using his Bayshore homes as commercial sites

Four Tampa City Council races appear to be headed for runoffs

With all precincts reporting in the unofficial 2023 municipal election results, it looks like Tampa City Council races in Districts 1, 2 3, and 6 are all headed to runoffs.

Results are all unofficial and will be certified on Thursday, but here’s what CL anticipates happening in the runoff, set for April 25 (early voting is April 17-23, and the deadline to register to vote in the runoff, if not already registered, is March 27).

Sadly, only 13.64% of eligible voters turned out for the election.

The nonpartisan Tampa Tiger Bay Club will hold a runoff election forum at noon on Friday, March 17 at the Cuban Club in Ybor City; registration for the event is open now.

Voters approve three of four Tampa City Charter amendments

Mayor Castor cruised to a second term on Tuesday night, but voters were very clear that they’re OK with checking her power.

The city council candidate who ran on a “law and order” platform is breaking city zoning rules by using residential properties to conduct his commercial business without a permit. CL found at least two properties in South Tampa being used by District 4 candidate Blake Casper—who lost his contest on Tuesday night—to conduct business for Stovall House and Casper’s Company, which he owns. The properties, zoned for residential use, are adjacent to each other near the intersection of Coachman Avenue and S Richards Court in South Tampa, alongside Bayshore Blvd. At 2902 W Coachman Ave., a package for Rachel Bennett, Stovall House chef, waited outside.

continued on page 16

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN: There’s still a lot of uncertainty ahead of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

continued from page 15

CL knocked on the door and asked the person who answered if the property was being used for residential purposes or commercial. “You’re welcome to call the Casper’s Company about this,” the person responded.

At a neighboring address of 4617 Bayshore Blvd., a security gate let in a Stovall House transport van, with a “Casper for Council” sign attached to the side. The gate closed and the van was inside for just a couple of minutes before leaving and taking a right hand turn toward the Stovall House, located next door. After the van left, a box truck with Italian sparkling wine markings pulled into the backyard, which looked more like the back of a restaurant, and workers began unloading it.

Records show that multiple complaints have been made against the property and that Casper didn’t get the required permitting to use the residential houses as commercial. One complaint about the Bayshore address reads, “This property is being used as a commercial kitchen and or bakery.” The complaint said that people in chefs outfits are constantly walking in and out, which this CL reporter also confirmed while outside of the property. But code enforcement has not taken any action against Casper.

ELECTIONS

Joel Sousa, a planner in the Growth Management and Development Department, told CL that code enforcement didn’t witness the properties being used as commercial when they inspected them last month, and so the city closed the complaints.

Another property across the street at 4608 S Richards Court had a sign telling people to send deliveries to another address. CL was unable to confirm if this was Casper’s business property or not, but was told by an anonymous resident that it is also being used as such. The resident asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation and said that commercial activity in the area was “disruptive” to the lives of those who live in the area, and that it affected parking and traffic.

Casper said that he believes he should be allowed to use his properties how he wants, regardless of zoning. “City ordinance forbids receiving/serving customers at a residential property,” Casper told CL. “I am not doing either. I have private property rights and am allowed to use it in the matter with which I am doing so. We have not been issued a citation claiming otherwise.” Read the full story via cltampa.com/ news.

—Justin Garcia

Fair is fair

St. Pete City Council greenlights affordable housing plan near Disston Heights.

By Arielle Stevenson

It sounds like a parable. A church wants to build homes for those in need—specifically persons with permanent disabilities, searching for a roof over their heads. Opposition is coming from the church’s neighbors.

Still, St. Pete City Council unanimously approved the Palm Lake Christian Church’s (PLCC) affordable housing site plan last Thursday night.

The church is located at 5401 22nd Ave. N., in Disston Heights. The proposal is to build 86 affordable housing units primarily for persons with disabilities and low income, with some workforce housing. The approval came after hours of public comment from neighbors citing concerns about the potential for “drug addicts” and “mentally ill” people moving in.

in the community’s comments on people with disabilities. “I just want to state I’m deeply uncomfortable with the discussion around disability today,” Floyd told the council. Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate regarding housing for any reason. As St. Pete City Attorney Michael Dema pointed out, it boils down to whether or not the code’s criteria are met.

HOUSING

“This is not a gray area of the law,” Dema told the council. “The Fair Housing Act absolutely applies to land use decisions made on the local level.”

prejudices of community members when enacting or applying zoning or land use laws,” Dema told the council.

Amy Foster, St. Pete’s Community And Neighborhood Affairs Administrator, told the council that the application meets those criteria. Foster and the city recommended approval.

“Do I wish they had better communication?

asked for an amendment. The new language requires PLCC to initiate a community meeting and request a meeting with a nearby school 15 days before submitting for any permits.

The rezoning is the second time the city has invoked HB 1339, which allows the city to override zoning restrictions for affordable housing.

“I’m an ER nurse, and the Baker Acts that come in with mental health problems are positive for meth, cocaine, and fentanyl,” resident Kristin Carey told the council. “We should help people with mental illness in an acute psychiatric unit, not our neighborhoods.

Over 80 people spoke, with many from the neighborhood opposing. Church board member Andrea Cate told the council they’ve tried to set the record straight.

“I understand people feel they’ve been misled, but it’s not by us,” Cate told the council. “We are focusing on disabling physical conditions, not mental illness or substance abuse. They’re saying that we haven’t been transparent, but they haven’t believed our transparency.”

Kay Simonetti recently left PLCC after eight years, partly because of this proposal.

“While the stated goal for this building is to help people,” Simonetti told the council, “the residents that live in Disston Heights around this property will be hurt by this.”

Simonetti obtained 878 petitions opposing this project from neighbors and residents.

The development includes 72 units in a three-story building and 14 single-story “casitas.” The city’s restrictive covenants require affordable housing for 50 years. The 72 units will range from $865 to $1,388 (60% AMI or below), and casitas will range from $1,725 to $2,463 (120% AMI or below).

PLCC member and Disston Heights resident Steve Zackem says the church tried to talk to neighbors and was shouted down at one meeting. “We are your neighbors. We would not want anything that would affect your houses, families, and children because it would affect our houses, family, and children,” Zackem said.

Council chair Brandi Gabbard and council member Richie Floyd voiced disappointment

Dema says that a joint statement from the Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD and the Department of Justice expands the federal Fair Housing Act application in local decisions. “HUD and the Department of Justice say it’s discriminatory to consider the fears and

Yes,” Gabbard said. “But do I think it would’ve mattered in the end? No, because I still don’t think a lot of you would’ve wanted this development.”

Gabbard closed by saying the development fits the criteria.

Concerns about the proximity of Northwest Elementary prompted some additional changes. In the approval, council member Gina Driscoll

“The first time we used HB 1339, it was completely celebratory,” Floyd said, referring to the Fairfield Tibbetts affordable housing project. In that case, a lumber yard was converted into affordable housing last year using HB 1339 and the city’s new code.

The PLCC affordable housing project is the first time a faith-based organization has invoked HB 1339.

CITYOFSTPETE/FLICKR

“I’m deeply uncomfortable with the discussion around disability today.”

GIVE ME YOUR TIRED: Many in Disston Heights don’t want to build housing for disabled adults.

In the zone

Rezoning amendment clears another hurdle in St. Pete.

By Arielle Stevenson

Last Thursday, St. Pete City Council voted unanimously to advance a controversial rezoning amendment. The meeting was the first of two public hearings on the proposed changes. If passed, owners and developers in certain areas could expand one housing unit into four.

Sixty community members spoke over hours, many opposing the proposed land use changes. Dina and Damian Collum, owners of Crescent Lake Family Dentistry, started a change.org petition against the measure, which now has 1,428 signatures.

“Thousands will be affected; this isn’t some tiny issue,” Dina Collum told the council. “These are petitions from people around the neighborhood. They don’t want it!”

Another resident brought up St. Pete’s need for rent control amid an affordable housing crisis.

Division, assured the council that the design standards of the current zoning are “almost exactly” like those proposed. And he said historic homes would still have to receive a certificate of appropriateness from the city to move forward with any redevelopment.

Manny Leto, Executive Director of Preserve the Burg, asked the council to reconsider based on his experience living in Tampa, where similar “missing middle” rezoning occurred.

“They’re going to go into the low-income historic neighborhoods and knock those houses down,” Leto told the council. “They’re not gonna build four units, they’re gonna build two 3,000 square-feet-a-piece units, and it’s not gonna be affordable.”

HOUSING

“If you truly seek affordable missing middle housing, only rent-controlled properties can provide affordability,” Barbra Fornuto told the council. “This measure does nothing for affordability except give it lip service.”

Jillian Bandes, president of YIMBY St. Pete, supports the measure. Bandes is also a licensed contractor and project manager at her family’s company Bandes Construction.

“Many opponents have claimed this proposal will do nothing for affordability, and they’re right because when you’re upzoning 3,000 units, you don’t get affordability,” Bandes told the council. “You get a small fraction developing into a quadruplex, duplex, or triplex, smaller than a single-family home, reducing rent organically without taxpayer funding.”

Resident Deborah Martohue is a land use attorney, landscape architect, and certified planner. She sent council members seven pages of data showing the plan was a bad idea. According to Martohue, 86% of greater Woodlawn homes were built before World War II, and 72% were built between 1919-1920.

“This is a very broad brush across 40 neighborhoods in our city,” Martohue told the council. “This proposal will strip the edge of 40 singlefamily neighborhoods across the city. That will change the character of the neighborhood.”

Last month, Community Planning and Preservation Commission (CPPC) recommended excluding historic homes from the zoning. Of the 2,844 parcels, 169 are national register historic homes, with 70 designated local landmarks. A motion to exclude historic homes from the zoning failed Thursday in a 5-3 vote, with council members Richie Floyd, Copley Gerdes, and Ed Montanari in favor.

Derek Kilborn, manager of St. Petersburg’s Urban Planning and Historic Preservation

Mayor Ken Welch’s administrator Rob Gerdes spoke during Thursday’s meeting in favor of increased density. “There are numerous studies that show supply does increase affordability,” Gerdes told the council.

Concerns over parking, alleyway use, and solid waste containers prompted the council to request additional changes. The city attorneys and staff will bring back language requiring a minimum of one parking space per unit, possible alleyway improvements for three or more units, and solid waste containers.

The second and final hearing is on March 23.

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TOWERING ISSUE: Residents and the city continue to jostle over housing solutions.

CITYOFSTPETE/FLICKR

GET MARRIED AND WALK IN THE TAMPA PRIDE DIVERSITY PARADE

COMMUNITY WEDDING EVENT HOSTED BY THE HILLSBOROUGH CLERK OF COURT & COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE

Join us on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in Ybor City for a group ceremony uniting multiple couples in marriage in celebration of Tampa Pride Month. For the event, couples receive a special Commemorative Marriage Certificate, and the official Certificate of Marriage is mailed from the Clerk's Office within one week from the date of the ceremony. The Clerk graciously waives the standard $30 ceremony fee for this event. The Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Cindy Stuart, will perform the ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following the ceremony, couples are invited to walk with the Clerk’s Office in the 9th Annual Tampa Pride and Diversity Parade. There will be a small reception following the parade at The Cuban Club for couples and their invited guests. Registration for this event is now open for a limited time! Scan the QR code or visit HillsClerk.com for more information.

Proud Sponsor of Tampa Pride 2023

"Celebrating 49 years of Love and Fashion in the Heart of Ybor City"

Offering

EVENTO DE BODA COMUNITARIA ACOGIDA

Únase a nosotros el sábado 25 de marzo de 2023 a las 3:00 p.m. en Ybor City para una ceremonia en grupo que unirá a varias parejas en matrimonio en celebración del Mes del Orgullo en Tampa. Para el evento, las parejas recibirán un Certificado de Matrimonio Conmemorativo especial, y el Certificado de Matrimonio oficial se enviará por correo desde la Oficina de la Secretaria dentro de una semana a partir de la fecha de la ceremonia. La Secretaria gentilmente renuncia a la tarifa de ceremonia estándar de $30 para este evento. La Secretaria del Tribunal y Contralora, Cindy Stuart, realizará la ceremonia a las 3:30 p.m. Inmediatamente después de la ceremonia, se invitan a las parejas a caminar con la Oficina de La Secretaria en el 9 Desfile Anual del Orgullo y la Diversidad de Tampa. Habrá una pequeña recepción después del desfile en El Club Cubano para las parejas y sus invitados. ¡La inscripción para este evento ya está abierta por un tiempo limitado! Escanee el código QR o visite HillsClerk.com para obtener más información. Traductores de español y ASL estarán disponibles.

Bulls shit Activists on USF’s Tampa campus have been busy.

By Justin Garcia

As this story went to press on Tuesday, a labor union planned to demonstrate its discontent with recent legislation that aims to both limit what teachers and students can discuss in the classroom and increase Governor Ron DeSantis’ control over education in Florida. USF-GAU, which represents graduate students at University of South Florida, announced plans to host the rally on Tuesday, March 7 in front of the Marshall Student Center on USF’s Tampa campus. “We represent around 2,000 graduate students at USF who will see their academic freedom constrained and working conditions worsened by these arbitrary and deeply politicized proposals coming out of Tallahassee,” a press release from GAU said.

Last month, DeSantis introduced HB 999, which seeks to further dictate what schools can and cannot teach. The bill could ban multiple majors like Women and Gender Studies and fields which discuss race issues and intersectionality. It also aims to give DeSantis more control over the hiring process at USF and other universities via governing boards that he appoints.

History teachers would be limited in how they can discuss racial issues and the bill would restrict the teaching of anything “theoretical” in a non-elective course. The GAU says this move “would banish not only the theory of evolution and Einstein’s theory of relativity but even the theory of gravity from being taught” in such courses.

“This is only scratching the surface of these harmful changes. Not only do they limit our academic freedom, but they will harm the academic standing of USF and all public universities in the state of Florida,” the press release added. GAU argues that the move would make Florida’s public universities—as well as the degrees of all undergraduate and graduate students—less competitive.

“Universities only thrive when an array of viewpoints are presented and students and scholars alike have the liberty to enquire critically and freely into topics of their interest,” GAU wrote.

The rally also planned to address union busting coming down from the state level. GAU member Kate Hull told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that proposed Senate Bill 256 is a direct attack on the sustainability of unions in Florida.

“The bill says that unions would need to have 60% membership in order to be recognized, and also that we wouldn’t be able to have our union dues deducted from our paychecks, which is really causing a lot of extra hassle and it’s also really inequitable,” Hull said. “It’s just a deterrent for people to join the union.”

Hull said that their union has seen an uptick in membership in recent months, but they’re still not at 60% membership. So if the bill were to pass, the contract that the union members worked so hard for would be unenforceable. Graduate assistants are notoriously underpaid for the work they do, and USF is no exception. Hull said that PhD level graduate assistants make a little over $20,000 a year, and master’s degree level students make even less for teaching.

“So that’s definitely not a liveable wage right now, especially with the cost of living going up,” she said, adding that a lot of people take second jobs and some stay with their parents to make ends meet.

demonstration at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Video shared on social media on Monday by Students For a Democratic Society shows a student standing next to USF Police Chief Christopher Daniel in the lobby of the Patel Center as students chant “we want a meeting now” in the background. Members of SDS and other groups were demanding a meeting with USF President Rhea Law about expanding Black student enrollment and diversity programs, an issue that the group has worked on for years and held several protests about. They gathered in the Patel Center around 1:30 p.m. to make their voices heard yet again.

In a social media post, SDS demanded the release of Gia Davila, Chrisley Carpio, Laura Rodriguez and Jeanie Kida, the four arrested students SDS said are currently being held at Orient Road Jail. The post also demanded that charges against the students be dropped and asked supporters to call USF’s police department number to demand their release.

LOCAL NEWS

All of them face felony charges of assault on a police officer, along with resisting an officer without violence and penalty for disruption of an educational institution, both misdemeanors.

The video shows Daniel grabbing student Victoria Hinckley by the arm as she tries to explain why they were there. She attempts to pull away, but he tightens his grip and pulls her harder. A student filming the incident screams “Don’t touch her!” several times and several students rush in to get her away from Daniel.

USFPD’s communications department claimed that protestors initiated the violence, but when shown the video of Daniels grabbing the young woman, did not respond.

SDS member Lauren Pineiro told CL that the cops were waiting for them when they entered the Patel center.

“Pretty much immediately they started

Recently, GAU won a 10% pay increase, but if Senate Bill 256 passes, it will be unenforceable. Hull said that if the bill were to pass, both the educators and the university would suffer.

“We would see a lot of student’s pay revert back to what it had been,” she added. “We’d see a lot of students struggle and probably would see some drop out.”

In video, USF police chief appears to assault student at diversity rally Tuesday’s action came the day after a separate, unrelated event where several students were arrested at a “Mobilize to Save Diversity”

Another student can be heard crying as other officers run into the scene and arrest a separate student who was in the crowd. Chaos breaks loose and students demand that the cops let the arrested student go.

More video shows that students continued their protest outside of the Patel Center to demand the release of the others. There, several more USF officers rushed up to the crowd and began violently arresting people. Another video shows several officers on top of a student as other students scream for them to get off of her. “Shame on you,” and “let her go” can be heard in the short clip.

to brutalize us,” Pineiro said. “They grabbed Victoria, they grabbed me and threw me to the ground, that kind of thing. So we were immediately met with force before we could really do anything.”

Pineiro said that Daniel—a defendant in a 2020 discrimination lawsuit filed by a former co-worker who claimed he was demeaning to women— assaulted multiple women during the altercations, and that other USFPD officers took part in the violence as well. “Chris Daniels actually threw me as I was trying to tell him to get off of my friend,” Pineiro said. This is a developing story.

DAVE DECKER

DE-SASTER: A student protests at USF in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 23.

Sorry, Moms

Pinellas board approves AVID funding, despite ‘no’ votes from DeSantis-backed members.

By Arielle Stevenson

Last Tuesday night, recently elected conservative Pinellas County school board members Stephanie Meyer and Dawn Peters spent over an hour questioning a long-running college readiness program.

The Advancement via Individual Determination or AVID program helps close the gap for students using real-world skills like writing and organizing information. Meyers and Peters—endorsed by Desantis and the far-right anti-woke non-profit group Moms for Liberty last fall—both raised concerns over AVID’s effectiveness and cost at Tuesday’s meeting.

first person in their families to attend higher education. But educators on the board say the program is broader than that and offers learning systems for all students.

LOCAL NEWS

Meyer noted that she’s only seen “anecdotal evidence” that the program works. She and fellow school board member Peters suggested the district implement its version to save money. School Superintendent Kevin Henrick said the district implemented AVID 18 years ago. He recommended the board approve its continued funding.

determines district funding). School board member Carol Cook, a former educator, agreed with Hendrick.

“Just as we all know, you don’t wait until high school to start preparing children for college. The same thing applies to AVID,” Cook said. Meyer’s motion to table the item until the upcoming workshop session failed. Ultimately, the school board approved funding for AVID, with Meyer and Peters opposing.

And that wasn’t all that was discussed at last Tuesday’s meeting.

“Teaching children about the nastiest, most shameful and violent part of human nature is not culture,” Pinellas parent Renee Chiea said at the meeting.

“This year, we allocated $1.9 mil for the program,” Meyer said at the meeting. “These items and what the program offers are just best practices. These are things we should be doing for all our students, not just students who qualify for the AVID program.”

Overwhelmingly, AVID serves low-income students from homes where they might be the

“Every student benefits from AVID. It’s grown from one teacher in one school to every secondary school,” Hendrick said. “It’s actually part of our strategic plan, which requires training of teachers on an annual basis.”

Every summer, roughly 350 teachers attend AVID training for the cost of $1,000 per teacher. Those funds are already in the budget and come from weighted FTE scores (how the state

The roster of public comments totaled 56 people and lasted over two hours following that vote. That’s partly because PCSB has banned 11 titles from district bookshelves, including Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.” A parent at Palm Harbor High School complained about Morrison’s book a few weeks ago, prompting the ban (thanks partly to Desantis’ HB7 concerning school materials). The book’s two-page depiction of a sexual assault of the main character, 11-year-old Pecola, by her father, Cholly, has been at the center of the controversy.

“It’s not too late to make this right,” Kathryn Hubbard told the board. “What lesson do you want students to take away on strong leadership in the face of fear?”

A formal complaint application has yet to be filed.

Previously, Chiea called for the dismissal of Dunedin High School history teacher Brandt Robinson for teaching his students about Karl Marx and Communism. Robinson was at Tuesday’s meeting and encouraged people like Chiea to reconsider what they might not know. “We are not indoctrinating our students, we’re not grooming them, we’re not teaching them to hate America,” Robinson said. “We’re here because we care deeply about our students.”

During last Tuesday’s meeting, Orlando Republican Senator Blaise Ingoglia filed legislation targeting public sector unions (fire and police would be exempt). The Pinellas County Teachers Association turns 90 this year. Local teachers stayed late to beg PCSB to back their union as the legal landscape grows wearier. “In 1968, 30,000 teachers walked out to have it in our state constitution that we have bargaining rights,” Andrea Dort, a high school language arts teacher, told the board. “Our state is targeting education unions. The public needs to know how long PCTA has been here.”

The next Pinellas School Board meeting is on March 21.

AVID LISTENERS: Using real-world skills, AVID helps close the gap for students.

CITYOFSTPETE/FLICKR

Appetite for destruction

Two decades of demolition dust settles on downtown Tampa.

By Manny Leto

In 2006, I was having lunch at the Jerk Hut, one of the few restaurants located in what was still considered a “sleepy” downtown Tampa. I didn’t know I’d also be getting a show with my curry chicken.

Directly across the street at Twiggs and Tampa Streets, workers operated a giant wrecking ball while bulldozers tore the 98-year-old Mass Brothers building to the ground.

Abe and Isaac Mass founded Maas Brothers in downtown Tampa in 1888. In 1920 they moved into a former bank building on Franklin Street, where they stayed for the next 71 years, growing Maas Brothers into one of the largest department stores in Florida, with a dozen or so locations across the state. But downtown Tampa remained its flagship, a downtown icon until the early 1990s.

But it wasn’t just one historic building in the crosshairs that day. Maas Brothers had expanded haphazardly over the decades, absorbing neighboring buildings as it grew. The portion of the department store facing Twiggs, where I sat sipping my Red Stripe, was originally the Strand Theatre. Built in 1915, 11 years before the Tampa Theatre opened around the corner, Maas Brothers took it over in 1949. As I sat at my café table, bulldozers chewed at the balcony seats as the proscenium of the theater stage buckled.

Today, the site where Mass Brothers and the Strand once stood is a surface parking lot, sucking up space in the near center of downtown for almost two decades. A 32-story condo tower never broke ground.

Last month, 2006 came rushing back as I watched both the Tarr Furniture Company building (1912) and the original Tampa Tribune building (1895)—located across from the Mass Brothers store—get pounded into dust.

In those 17 years, the destruction in downtown Tampa has continued nearly unabated: In 2007, a fire ripped through the 1926 Albany Hotel at 1100 N Franklin. The fire leapt south, consuming another vacant building at Tyler and Franklin. The “Grant Block” at Cass and Franklin—home to Grant’s Department Store since 1920—was demolished in 2015, it’s home to the 915 Apartments now. The entire 700 block of Florida Avenue—a commercial strip dating back to at least WWI and home to the original Hub bar—was demolished last year. Meanwhile the Kress Block sits empty, just as it has for the past 30 years or more.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are few protections in place in downtown Tampa that would have saved the Tarr and Tribune buildings. It’s not even a National Register Historic District, one of the

least-restrictive covenants available for historic resources. Downtown Tampa has no overlay district to guide design standards, and the existing 30-day demolition review for buildings 50 years or older is a narrow window in which to effectively forestall a potential demolition.

Across the Bay, St. Pete’s city codes help to mitigate the loss of historic resources. In St. Pete, developers must have an approved site plan prior to demolishing a historic building. Tampa has no such protection, which is how two of downtown’s most historic buildings—the Strand Theatre and Maas Brothers—turned into a giant surface parking lots. Like the Maas Brothers demolition, there’s no guarantee that anything will be built on the site where the Tarr and Tribune buildings once stood.

reborn. But if cities are like us, if they’re living, breathing things, it means they have the capacity to change, they are resilient, and, like my Sicilian grandmother, they can even tell you a great story.

Planners—the good ones—say you should be able to see the layers of a city’s history—its story—in its buildings. Indeed, historic architecture and “funky” older neighborhoods give you a sense of where a city’s been and where it’s going. In Florida, where everything is new and sprinkled with Disney dust, a good historic downtown—Ybor City, St. Pete’s Central Avenue, Miami’s Art Deco Historic District—can provide a bit of hip cache, a unique sense of place, along with a few tourist dollars.

With the loss of so many of its historic buildings, is it any wonder why people still see downtown Tampa as “dead?” You might say too many pages are missing for it to tell a good story.

COLUMN

There have been some successes in downtown Tampa over the last two decades: Developers repurposed the 1905 county courthouse into the Le Meridian Hotel, taking advantage of tax credits available for historic properties to save millions of dollars on the project. Developers of 220 Madison, another adaptive re-use project, reportedly saved $6 million thanks to historic preservation incentives and building code relief.

But there’s more: Historic buildings, with their smaller scale and simple floor plans, offer adaptability. They can house dozens of different types of business over their lifespans; they’re often less expensive options for startups and

In 2013, developer Carolyn Wilson purchased the 1923 National Exchange Bank building at 611 Franklin St., transforming it into special events space “The Vault,” and opening swanky “CW’s Gin Joint” a few years later. The building’s history is clearly part of the marketing plan and certainly part of the appeal for people looking for unique event space or a classic cock-

Even with protections, historic preservation is still a challenge in a booming St. Pete, where, as I understand it, if a developer crosses the Howard Franklin, they’re awarded a condo tower just for making the effort. The Woolworth Building on Central Avenue (1929) was demolished last year, while several historic walk-up apartment buildings and bungalow courts dating back to the early 20th century either have been demolished or have a date with the wrecking ball.

People that are way smarter than me have suggested that cities are living organisms: they grow, they spew waste, they grow old, they’re

small businesses, and pedestrian scale “main streets” offer walkability not found in more suburban areas.

If you’re looking for density, historic buildings offer that, too. On a per-square-foot and per-acre basis, older buildings and historic main streets are often more dense than new construction. The fact that you won’t need a five-story parking deck to rehab your four-floor walk-up helps the equation.

And, if you’re concerned about sustainability, you might be interested to know that, often, 30% of landfill waste is made up of construction debris.

tail. Upper North Franklin Street, a National Register Historic District, shows promise. Prior to the closing of Hall on Franklin, this compact district was buzzing with pedestrian traffic.

Over in St. Pete, Central Avenue, with more than 30 blocks of uninterrupted small-scale storefronts built mostly before the 1950s, hosts a daily parade of pedestrian traffic.

There are still some great buildings with great stories to tell in downtown Tampa and beyond. All we have to do is listen.

Manny Leto is the Executive Director of Preserve the ‘Burg. He’s a 3rd generation Tampa native.

HELLO THERE: Folks looking for the old Tarr Furniture Co. building are greeted with its ashes.

RAY ROA

Shit Happened

FRIDAY 03

Video out of Charlotte County shows a large alligator effortlessly bending and climbing through an aluminum fence. It is our spirit animal as we envision getting out of this crazy state.

MONDAY 06

Clearwater’s Hamburger Mary’s—the last in Tampa Bay—announces plans to close, making the Bay area a safer place for drag-fearing weirdos like Ron DeSantis.

rugs, but don’t forget that dumb legislation like this is a function of a Florida Democratic party that’s allergic to winning.

TUESDAY 07

Jay Collins, the Tampa Bay Republican who ousted 12-year State Senator Janet Cruz last fall, files a proposal that would give the governor power to allow pre-game prayers at school sporting events. We’re breaking out the prayer

A new partnership between Uber Eats and Tampa International Airport will let passengers order food and drink, and have it waiting for them when they deplane. I want to be welcomed by a Cigar City Jai Alai every time.

As of 3 p.m. on Election Day, just 26,857 voters had hit the polls in Tampa’s Municipal Election. That’s a small fraction of the number of votes we get in Best of the Bay each year—do better, Tampa.

More shit, getting ready to vote in the runoff, via cltampa.com/news.

RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES

Anticipated eats

All the new bars and restaurants coming to Tampa Bay this year.

By Tyanna Rodgers

Pete’s Ybor planned for a spring opening, and it’s one of the few Bay area concepts that’s actually on track. Steven Peterman—Owner and Chief Bagel Officer at Pete’s General and Pete’s Bagels in St. Petersburg—told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that after last weekend, his shop is fully leaning into its soft opening. Located at 1804 E 4th Ave. right next to the Friends of Ybor Dog Park, Pete’s Ybor plans to have its full menu ready by March 15.

The offerings include five all-day bagel menu items that someone might find at Pete’s St. Pete locations, but more Tampa-only cafe-style choices like breakfast, yogurts and granola, all available in Pinellas, but in more of a grab-and-go format. “All the stuff in Ybor is going to be made to order,” Peterman said.

Handling it all is Pete’s Pantry Chef Marissa Jennings who’s also working hand-in-hand with the restaurant’s new bagel team which is baking in a tiny St. Pete kitchen, specifically for Tampa, overnight 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

“Everything is done by six and brought over by seven. Everything else, like our sauces, will be made in Ybor,” Peterman added. And yes, there’ll be a take on the Cuban bagel sandwich. “We’re still kind of working that out.”

Also planned for the Pete’s Ybor menu: grilled cheese, fig and brie sandwiches. Once the team really settles in, Pete’s will start to do charcuterie boards, plus beer and wine (the alcohol license is in the works).

Last Friday, a cool breeze overpowered the heat. Peterman said there hasn’t been a day that it hasn’t blown through.

Options on the soft opening menu included the Original Pete (lox, capers, arugula, pickled red onion, cream cheese), the Salami Pete (with pickles, mustard, cream cheese), plus an egg & cheese bagel, and the Millenial Pete with avocado spread arugula and pickled red onion.

Each table outside is right next to a power outlet, and the WiFi is free, making Pete’s the perfect place to park it for a remote work day. “I don’t know when places stopped with free WiFi, but we want you to hang out,” Peterman added.

And in the days since he started buildout, Peterman’s gotten to know his new neighbors, too. “There are definitely people looking for a calmer atmosphere. We’re doing the beer and wine

thing, but we definitely wanted this to be a place where the kids could run around, too,” he said.

One guy you might see at Pete’s quite a lot is Andrew Tambuzzo, who owns West Tampa’s Boozy Pig butcher shop and cafe. Tambuzzo’s grandpa used to own a small grocery store next to the Pete’s parcel. As a kid, he ran around in the empty lot that’s now the cafe, and he learned to be a butcher right there on 4th Avenue.

“We’re gonna do some stuff with him,” Peterman said. “We’re excited to be using his stuff because it adds to that historical value.”

And as Pete’s continues the avenue's evolution into restaurant row (Nana’s Restaurant and Juice Bar is two blocks west), Peterman thinks that the calmer atmosphere he’s helping cultivate in Ybor City can be a hallmark of the neighborhood, just like the nightlife on 7th Avenue two blocks north.

“I definitely think it can coexist,” he said. “This isn’t an alternative to that, it’s more just something if you want a little more milder scene.”

For now, hours at Pete’s Ybor during soft opening will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. By March 15, the shop hopes to be running its full 8 a.m.-8 p.m. hours, seven days a week. For the latest updates on Ybor City’s Pete’s, follow its Facebook page or Instagram at @petes_general.

See Tyanna’s rundown of the spring’s most anticipated restaurant openings below.—Ray Roa

5 Bucks Drinkery A spot known for cheap but strong drinks is opening its second location in Pinellas Park out of the former Pete and Shorty’s space. The drink menu has signature drinks including the “Hard Root Beer” cocktail with crown vanilla, root beer schnapps, cola, and the “White Gummy Bear” shot with Smirnoff Raspberry, peach schnapps, sour mix, and sprite. 7402 49th St. N., Pinellas Park. fivebucksdrinkery.com

The Adnoraf A members-only supper and social club, offering three different membership tiers that can range upwards of $5K upfront and $175 in monthly fees. The scheduled opening date is March 2023. 119 S Dakota Ave.,Tampa. adnoraf.com

Ash Back in July, Strategic Property Partners said its newest concept will debut on the ground floor of Water Street Tampa’s Asher building, the district’s newest residential

development. The new restaurant is brought to downtown Tampa by a familiar name: Proper House Group (PHG), the minds behind Rooster & The Till, Nebraska Mini-Mart and more. PHG said that its latest concept will specialize in Italian-inspired cuisine and boast an extensive outdoor patio. The 2,400 square-foot restaurant and its accompanying 1,000 square-foot patio will debut in the spring of 2023. 1050 Water St., Tampa. waterstreettampa.com

Big Chicken The Shaquille O’Neal-owned fast food joint Big Chicken is heading to Florida in a huge way. Last September, Shaq’s chicken shack signed a 45-unit franchising deal with Florida-based development company DMD Ventures. This means diners can expect Big Chicken locations in the Bay area, plus in cities like Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. As of last fall there was no timeline for when Tampa Bay’s debut Big Chicken franchise would open, a representative for the company told CL. The menu features a combination of Shaq’s home-cooked childhood favorites and the hottest trending flavors, chock full of chicken sandwiches, tendies and more. Address TBA. bigchicken.com

is not a set opening date. 28929 U.S.-Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater. bonsaibeverage.com

Cane & Barrel The newest rooftop destination located in the heart of downtown St. Pete is this Cuban-inspired bar and cocktail lounge expected to open within the next few months. Set for the 8th floor of the 36-story hotel and apartment tower Ascent St. Pete, the new location will feature two separate bars that’ll serve signature cocktails to match the decor and ambiance. The star of the new rooftop bar’s menu will be rum, as the name itself is a homage to the spirit’s voyage from “cane” to “barrel.” 110 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg. @caneandbarrel on Instagram

DINING GUIDE

Bonsai Beverage Co. Clearwater will soon be home to the new coffee house serving roasted coffee drinks and snacks. There’s also plans to add kava, kefir and home-brewed kombucha. The spot is co-owned by Ian O’Neill and Ean Nevilla and Rachael Brinson who formed the company “after drinking coffee that just didn’t taste right” Rachel told CL. As of right now there

The company that claims to have the “World’s Biggest Pizza Slices” is soon making its way to Tampa Bay. The New Orleans-based pizza chain plans to open 10 restaurants across the Bay region in the next upcoming years. The spot already has locations in Louisiana and Mississippi—but has yet to announce specific addresses for its Florida locations. Fat Boy’s serves up its pizza in either a half-slice, and in pies sized 10, 16 and 30 inches. Wings, salads, meatballs and a full liquor bar are in the plans, too. Address TBA. eatfatboyspizza.com

Fat Boy’s Pizza

Fat Burger According to What Now Tampa, Fatburger is headed for Riverview, but we still don’t know the other Bay area locations for the popular burger chain. Last year, the concept announced plans to open four locations over the next three years. Fatburger has made it

continued on page 37

TEE’D UP: Look for the sea cow if you want to find Pete’s.

RAY ROA

continued

into rap songs from Ice Cube and Biggie, and is best-known for fresh, made-to-order patties, along with traditional sides, plus chicken sandos, vegan selections and keto-friendly menu items. 9950 Upper Alafia Ct., Tampa. fatburger.com

Flatbread and Butter Tampa A St. Pete has plans to open on the first floor of downtown Tampa’s Ave Tampa Riverwalk apartments. Flatbread is on the menu, obviously, but anticipate selecting between tots, burritos, breakfast sandos, pizza and yogurt bowls, at the forthcoming concept. 160 W Tyler St., Tampa. flatbreadandbutter.com

King State The popular Tampa coffee shop has plans to open a St. Pete location sometime over the next few months. Founded by brothersin-law Nate Young and Tim McTague, King State first made its debut in the Bay on Floribraska Avenue in 2019. The new shop will be located within the Harlan Hotel at the COHatch coworking space. Like the Tampa flagship, the new spot is expected to have a full kitchen, full liquor and coffee bar, and 16 different beers on tap. 15 8th St., St. Petersburg. king-state.com

Kosen Bento has a stall at Tampa Armature Works, but its owners also want to bring New York and Tokyo flavors to a new concept across the street. Kosen’s chef, Wei Chen is an alum of New York Japanese restaurant Masa, a threeMichelin star establishment. Last September,

reps for Chen shared plans to do an 18-course reservation-only omakase for $250 per person. Kosen’s private omakase room will be able to accommodate 10 people at the sushi counter, while a separate dining room can fit 25 people. A 10-course, $150 per person tasting menu will be available, too. According to its announcement last summer, Kosen is still set to open sometime in 2023. 307 W Palm Ave., Tampa. @ kosentampa on Instagram

Late Start Brewing Tampa-based brewers started building out its upcoming location last spring, and plans to debut sometime this year. Formerly a convenience store, the almost 2,500 square-foot building will feature a dining room and bar area that will accommodate 50 people, with outdoor seating with picnic tables for approximately 50 more people. Late Start is no stranger to Tampa and is currently located inside of Pour House in the Channelside District, where you can sip on the brewery’s collaborative ales, lagers and stouts.

Perry’s Porch Waterfront backdrops and views of the St. Pete Pier and the St. Petersburg Museum of History are on tap for Perry’s which is moving into the old Hops and Props. The design features indoor and outdoor seating, and is set to debut summer 2023. The menu is expected to be full of local flavors. 600 2nd Ave., St. Petersburg. perrysporch.com

DINING GUIDE

Predalina Mediterranean-style seafood spot hoping to open this summer on the bottom floor of Water Street's Cora building. Strategic Property Partners says Predalina will have outdoor dining, plus a wood-fired oven, raw bar and wine cellar. The 7,000 square-foot dining space is complemented by a patio with an extra 2,000 square-feet. The restaurant’s menu hasn’t been released yet but the website states the newest concept is “named after the owners’ great-grandmother, Predalina, and will be a nod to her long and prosperous life.”

1018 E Cass St., Tampa. latestartbrewing.com

Noble Tavern A collab between Noble Crust and Fat Beet Farm Kitchen & Bakery in the newly built Tru by Hilton. The spot promises locally-sourced farm fresh flavors from Fat Beet Farm, and the menu will feature classic and craft cocktails, local beer and barrel fresh wines. 1650 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. nobletavern.com

Predalina will also offer retail, including custom hand-crafted table top wares, and home décor. 1011 E Cumberland Ave., Tampa. predalina.com

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Shuckin’ is Wesley Chapel’s newest effort to bring fresh seafood to the ‘burbs. The seafood chain is expected to debut in summer 2023 and plans to have a casual atmosphere that focuses on local history and fishing culture. Address TBA. theshuckinshack.com

Sunda New Asian The very first Sunda is set to open in Tampa in 2023. The spot was created by Billy Dec, a Filipino actor, and restaurateur, who opened the original in his hometown of Chicago. Expect sake tastings and sushirolling classes when Sunda opens in the parcel next to The Loft and Element hotels at Midtown Tampa, which is billed as one of Tampa's premier live, work, play communities. 160 W Tyler St., Tampa. sundanewasian.com

Voodoo Brewing Company Florida’s first Voodoo Brewing company is coming to downtown St. Pete. The Pennsylvania-based brewery is opening out of the space Orange Blossom Catering formerly operated and is expected to debut in March. The drink menu offers a variety of craft beers, seltzers and seltzer slushies. Guests can also expect hearty bar bites like burgers, loaded mac and cheese bowls and sandwiches. 220 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. voodoobrewery.com

Yard House A well-known Florida-based beer bar chain is opening in downtown Tampa. The bar’s menu features classic bar bites, and vegan options made from plant-based brand Gardein. The main attraction is the beer list that features over 100 beers on tap. The chain is owned by Darden Restaurant Group, which also owns Olive Garden. As of now, no opening date has been determined. 450 Channelside Dr., Tampa. tardhouse.com

HATCH A PLAN: At Ash on Water Street, the Rooster & the Till team takes on Italian-inspired cuisine.

Bayou blues

Davis Islands’ Latin-Creole restaurant Bayou Bodega closes, and more Tampa Bay foodie news

By Kyla Fields

In 2021, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay named Davis Island’s Bayou Bodega as one of “Tampa Bay’s 50 best restaurants,” highlighting its unique fusion fare and delectable selection of natty wines. In late February, the Creole, Latin and French restaurant took to its social media to announce its imminent closure. “Our efforts to make Bayou Bodega a successful mainstay on Davis Island are coming to a close,” its Facebook post reads. “We will be officially closing our doors very soon, and it appears as though this Saturday may be our last evening of service.”Although the South Tampa eatery and wine bar—located at 241 E Davis Blvd.—didn’t name any issues that have directly influenced its closure, its owners alluded to the restaurant just not being profitable enough to remain open. At the end of its social media post, Bayou Bodega’s owners referenced the “unexpected lack of support we faced on Davis Island.”

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

Bayou Bodega’s owners—husband and wife duo Robert Sickler and Yari Ramos—mention the upcoming small business that will replace their now-closed restaurant and wine bar. They’re in the process of selling the space to a local, family-owned Italian restaurant, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Sickler and Ramos also allude to the continuation of Bayou Bodega elsewhere in Tampa, this time with a full liquor license and “innovative rum, mezcal and whisky cocktails.” Bayou Bodega debuted on Davis Islands in April of 2021 to rave reviews of its Creole-Caribbean fusion cuisine, curated natural wine list and ultra-cozy, New Orleans-inspired interior. Some staples on the restaurant and wine bar’s menu include Spanishstyle garlic shrimp, jambalaya, French mussels, sautéed flank steak and Cajun-style roasted pork with red beans and rice. A wide variety of natural wines from countries like Portugal, Spain, France,

Slovenia and Chile complemented its eclectic food menu. The intimate South Tampa eatery was also known for hosting local jazz bands and singersongwriters throughout the week.

Popular Tampa coffee shop King State will open new St. Petersburg location

As is tradition for very popular local concepts, beloved Tampa Heights coffee shop and brewer King State will attempt to open a new outpost across the bridge. The new King State location will open at 15 8th St. in St. Petersburg within the Harlan Hotel at the new COHatch co-working space, the shop recently announced on social media. “So many rad people working on this project and we’re so thankful to be bring the Bruce to the Burg. Full kitchen, full service, full liquor, full coffee, 16 taps, full party time,” said King State on social media.

Since its debut four years ago at the flagship location at 520 E Floribraska Ave., King State owners have been on a roll, launching The

Brutalist brewery and Temple of Beer taproom at 1776 11th Ave. N in St. Pete, as well as its annual Lagerfest. In 2019, King State was named among Food & Wine’s “Best Coffee Shops in America” in 2019. No exact opening date was given, but the new St. Pete King State spot is expected to open within the next few months. —Colin Wolf

St. Pete Beach wine lounge Sea Grapes reopens

this week as a full-service

restaurant

One of St. Pete Beach’s most beloved wine lounges is getting a culinary facelift with the help of a celebrated local chef. Sea Grapes—located at 6390 Gulf Blvd.—previously boasted a menu of “light fare” to complement its extensive wine list, but will soon transform into a full service restaurant under the guidance of Chef Alex Rodriguez. Sea Grapes Eatery and Wine Lounge is slated to debut Thursday with a full appetizer, entree, dessert and cocktail menu, according to its social media. Chef Rodriguez is known for his creative

continued on page 42

BAYOU BODEGA

BOO-DEGA: Restaurant and wine bar Bayou Bodega has closed its doors after two years.

continued from page 39

Latin-influenced food, timelessly showcased at Lolita’s Wine Market and St. Pete cafe Sammy + Paco’s, two local concepts he co-owns with his wife Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano. Sea Grapes co-owners Julie Featherston and John Barkett opened their beachside wine bar and lounge two years ago and have been expanding the business since. ILovetheBurg says that its upcoming menu will be full of hearty, wine-friendly eats like Cubanstyle pork belly, crab cake croquettes, and beef short-rib with shishito peppers, mole and chimichurri. While there’s a few similarities between Rodriguez’ menu at Lolita’s and Sea Grapes’ new offerings—like its jerk lamb lollipops, whipped feta and paella—the St. Pete Beach restaurant will certainly have a few distinct dishes. When Sea Grapes Eatery and Wine Lounge reopens its doors, it will offer dinner service from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. For reservations, call 727-500-0052.

Bern’s Steak House launches a new reservation policy, no-show fees will now benefit Feeding Tampa Bay

Bern’s has always boasted a reputation for some of the hardest-to-get tables in Tampa Bay, but it’s been even harder to snag a reservation over the past year or so. Last week, Bern’s announced new policies to help manage and secure reservations. Now, all reservations will require a credit card in order to book. Folks that decide to noshow or cancel their reservations less than 24 hours before their dinner will be subjected to a $25 fee that will entirely benefit the local nonprofit Feeding Tampa Bay. “Our team continues to find best practices for accommodating as many reservations as operationally possible, and holding our guests accountable for their commitment to dine is one of many measures we are taking to protect the reservation process,” says Bern’s owner David Laxer in a press release. “The fee is intended to create a sense of responsibility. A properly canceled reservation allows for an opening in our system for another guest to dine.”

Last year, Wild 94.1 published an article about a suspicious, third-party reservation website where folks could buy and trade Bern’s reservations, which caused a wave of concern with local customers struggling to snag reservations of their own. In last week’s press release, the restaurant stated that “a detailed investigation has revealed that this is user-abuse, with people posing as interested guests who work the reservation system, and benefit from the sale of securing prime-time reservations.” Bern’s says that other factors have contributed to its harder-to-get tables, including slightly limited hours and capacity since reopening post-Covid. Although the reservation trading website is seemingly still in operation, Bern’s says the issue is still being “legally investigated.” And like always, reservations are released on a rolling

60-day booking period and open at 12:00 a.m. sharp every single morning, or you can call 813-251-2421 during regular business hours.

Pete’s Ybor, from the minds behind Pete’s Bagels, soft opens in Tampa this week

Pete’s Ybor planned for a spring opening, and it’s one of the few Bay area concepts that’s actually on track. Steven Peterman—Owner and Chief Bagel Officer at Pete’s General and Pete’s Bagels in St. Petersburg—told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that his shop is finally ready to lean into its soft opening this week. Read more on p. 35.—Ray Roa

New gastropub The Pearl is now open at Water Street Tampa

Water Street is clearly one of downtown Tampa’s fastest-growing districts, and its newest tenant just celebrated its grand opening. Located at 823 Water St. Suite C-100 (on the ground floor of the Heron apartment tower), new restaurant The Pearl opened its doors on Tuesday. According to Water Street Tampa’s website, the district’s newest restaurant and tavern boasts “an expansive menu of chef-inspired cuisine featuring made-from-scratch entrees, shareable plates and seasonal oysters.” The Pearl’s dinner menu

features exciting entrees like ricotta dumplings with acorn squash, braised short rib and pineapple-marinated hanger steak, alongside seafood-focused dishes like fresh oysters and a market priced seafood tower. According to a press release, The Pearl is “inspired by both vintage and urban design and showcases eclectic décor that is both stylish and nostalgic.”

Downtown Tampa’s latest concept comes from veteran hospitality group Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, the same folks behind nationwide steakhouse Ocean Prime. There are two other locations of The Pearl in both Dublin and Columbus, Ohio.The eatery has joined the ranks of other newly-opened Water Street Tampa concepts like Small Giant, Wine on Water, Boulon Brasserie and Shortwave Coffee, although Tampa Bay foodies are still eagerly awaiting the debut of hot upcoming restaurants like Predalina and Ash.

three years later, the fast casual restaurant finally makes its way across the bridge to 1732 S Dale Mabry Hwy., where its debut Tampa location will open sometime this month, according to a press release. The fast casual restaurant is known for its expansive menu of build-your-own poke bowls, sushi burritos, Asian and Hawaiianinspired hot dogs, Spam musubi, fresh juices and kombucha, and the Disney-famous Dole whip ice cream.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

Poke concept Pacific Counter will soon open its first Tampa location

In late 2019, popular poke bowl concept Pacific Counter opted to open its second location in Lakewood Ranch instead of Tampa. Almost

Pacific Counter’s flagship location debuted on St. Pete’s Central Avenue in 2018, and has remained one of the 600 Block’s core restaurants, alongside Colony Grill and The Lure. Its second location in Lakewood Ranch opened in spring 2020, but the fast casual spot also slings hot dogs and poke bowls out of a small stand inside of Tropicana Field during baseball season. According to TBBJ, additional locations of Pacific Counter are headed to Sarasota and downtown Tampa— although construction delays have indefinitely pushed back the latter. Its downtown Tampa storefront, being built at the corner of North Ashley Drive and West Tyler Street, was originally slated to open last summer.

MOTHER SHUCKER: New restaurant The Pearl offers a full spread of fresh seafood.

C/O THE PEARL

THEATER

In McClintock’s Corn

Through March 12 at Powerstories Theatre. 2105 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. $12 & up. powerstories.com

MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE

This woman’s work

Onstage and off, Powerstories Theatre’s 2023 season is about strength.

By Jennifer Ring

For Powerstories Theatre founder Fran Powers, 2023 is off to a rough start. Last fall she asked Tampa City Hall to ask Tampa City Council to not rezone the property her theater stands on. Unfortunately, this didn’t go well for the 23-year-old theater—Powerstories has to be out by July 1. “They rezoned everything,” Powers told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “City Council gave all kinds of variances to the developers. I mean, the whole block is being torn down…”

The good news is that the delayed move-out date gives the nonprofit professional theater time for a two-show swan song in their current location.

“In the very early discussions about the development, we had to get out earlier,” Powers told CL. “But then they allowed us to stay until the end of our lease, which is June 30.”

The bad news is that the decision has essentially cut Powerstories Theatre’s 23rd season in half. The first two shows—“In McClintock’s Corn” and “The Girls in the Boat”— happen at Powerstories’ current location. The Voices of Women Theatre Festival is virtual this year. The dates and location of the season’s final two plays—Kenneth Jones’ “Alabama Story” and Power’s original musical, “Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer”—are to be determined.

When Powers chose women’s strength as 2023’s theme, she had no idea how much she’d require her own strength this year.

“This was even before we knew that the building was being torn down,” Powers told CL. “We had three shows that we really liked, and when we saw the three shows, that was kind of a commonality—women’s strength. Women’s strength is something that we feature all the time, I think. We were just kind of a little more clear about it with these three shows.”

The three shows Powers is referring to are “In McClintock’s Corn,” “The Girls in the Boat,” and “Alabama Story.”

“In McClintock’s Corn,” which premiered Feb. 23 and runs through Mar. 12, tells pioneering geneticist Barbara McClintock’s story. If you’ve never taken a class in genetics, it’s quite possible that you’ve never even heard of her. McClintock won the 1982 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering transposons, also known as jumping genes, in corn. This was during the Great Depression, decades before Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA (1953).

People didn’t speak about homosexuality in the 1930s, which is probably why encyclopedia entries don’t say much about McClintock’s life outside of the cornfield. It was an extremely challenging time for women in science, and it would have been even more challenging for a gender non-conforming woman like McClintock to find success as a researcher. “In McClintock’s Corn” shows how one woman managed to live an extraordinary life despite these challenges. Powers discovered the play a couple of years ago during the pandemic.

“When COVID happened and we couldn’t use our space, we began doing digital festivals,” Powers told CL. “Carolyn Gage, who’s just a wonderful prolific writer, sent me this play, ‘In

Alice Austen’s “Girls in Boat” tells the history of women’s rowing, centered on a crew from Yale which fought for equal treatment in the 1970s. This was just after Congress passed Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Despite the new piece of legislation, Yale denied these women the locker rooms, showers, and bathrooms enjoyed by their male counterparts.

“The play showcases nine women rowing a boat,” Powers told CL. “So they’re going to be rowing a boat on stage, and I have no idea how we’re going to do that yet.”

The season openers exemplify what Powerstories Theatre is all about—true stories that open minds and hearts and make you think. These are the things that Powerstories Theatre’s artistic committee look for when considering new works. And playwrights send them a lot of new works.

“People send us plays all the time that they want us to consider,” Powers told CL. “That’s the fun part of what we do.”

More than 40 playwrights submitted works to this year’s Voices of Women Theatre Festival, happening July 17-23, 2023.

“Our committee read a bunch of plays, and we discussed them, and we came up with six plays that we’re going to do digitally,” Powers told CL. “We’d love to do it onstage, but we don’t have a physical space in July, so we’re going to do a digital festival.”

I’ve seen her name in textbooks, but I’d never considered what McClintock’s life was like until I saw Carolyn Gage’s play. And I’d certainly never thought about McClintock’s personal relationship with her graduate student, Harriet Creighton.

When most people describe McClintock’s personal life, they say something like, “she never married or had children” or “she was married to the corn.”

Creighton also never married.

McClintock’s Corn,’ and I loved it immediately. Not everybody did. Not everybody’s into women in science, and things like that, but most of our artist committee really liked it. During that time, we had the playwright do a Zoom production of it, and I loved watching the Zoom production. So when it came time to decide our season for this year, I put that one in the pile to consider…”

Powers discovered “Girls in the Boat,” showing April 20-May 7, through an online search for “women true stories.”

After that, everything’s up in the air.

Will Powers find a way to continue her vision in a new location? We certainly hope so. She’s already started touring properties in Ybor, and she’s planning an event for the community to share in Powerstories’ plans for the future. A quick visit to Powerstories Theatre’s website confirms the theater’s resolve to carry on in a new location. “After 21 years, our location may be changing in June 2023, but our story continues,” the banner reads.

JENNIFER RING

LEADER IN THE FIELD: Powerstories’ Fran Powers stands ‘In McClintock’s Corn’ before the world premiere.

Kusakabe Kimbei, Playing at Ball, c. 1880, Albumen Print, Gift of Ludmila and Bruce Dandrew from The Ludmila Dandrew and Chitranee Drapkin Collection

REVIEWS PROFILES MUSIC WEEK

Still feelin’ it

A chat with The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley.

By Eric Snider

“You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’.” Pretty much anyone over the age of 25 who’s not a cave dweller can sing that line in their head, and then reflexively add the next line: “Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’.”

Those who can name the act that made “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” a No. 1 hit in 1965 probably break across generational lines.

The Righteous Brothers were two Southern California kids—Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield—scuffling along with $100-a-week gigs until hotshot producer Phil Spector saw them on a show, signed them to a record deal, commissioned a song to be written specifically for them, and brought them into the studio.

Medley applied his sultry baritone to the opening verse, starting with the smoldering “you never close your eyes / anymore when I kiss your lips,” then artfully building to on-bended-knee pleading. Hatfield’s crystalline tenor shines later when he reaches the heavens in a scintillating call-and-response with Medley’s raspy bellow. “He sang the hell out of it,” Medley, 82, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. “Bobby’s parts made it a different record.”

Over the years, “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’” has been almost universally regarded as three minutes and 45 seconds of perfect songcraft. A masterpiece. Broadcast Music Inc. ranked it the most played song on American radio and television in the 20th Century. The record established The Righteous Brothers as the prototype for a musical subgenre known as “blue-eyed soul.”

On “Lovin’ Feelin’,” the Righteous Brothers’ vocals were laid over Spector’s famous “wall of sound” production, which utilized layer upon layer of tracks recorded by an army of top L.A. studio musicians.

The most charitable view of Spector was that of a mercurial sonic genius. He was also, as it happens, a lunatic. Horror stories are legion: viciously bullying female artists; holding a pistol to musicians’ heads; imprisoning his wife Ronnie in his estate for months. He died in 2021 from complications due to Covid, 12 years into a prison sentence for murdering 40-year-old actor Lana Clarkson in his L.A mansion. He was 81.

“Everyone wants a horror story,” Medley said of working with Spector.

“But the truth is, he was very good to us. He had done a lot of ‘girl groups,’ like The Ronettes and The Crystals and Darlene Love, and we’d heard stories about how he had treated them [badly].

“Bobby and I were a couple of street guys singing rock ’n’ roll and hard R&B. I think Spector (who was 5-foot-5, and scrawny at the time) pulled his shit back a little bit with us. I’m sure he knew he couldn’t get away with what he did with the girls. He was cool. We were fine. He wasn’t an asshole. We weren’t assholes.”

“We [cut vocals] for about four hours a day over two days (reportedly 38 takes). He wanted it perfect. We were OK with it because we had the sense that every suggestion he made was right. At a certain point, though, we thought, ‘He’s killing us.’ It was tough, but it was a good tough. For our previous couple of records, we went in the studio and had fun with it. ‘Lovin’ Feelin’ really became work. It was good work, and fun to do, but stressful.”

Medley told me that during the recording of “Lovin’ Feelin’” he had no sense that the song would become a mega-hit, let alone a piece of music for the ages. “We didn’t have a clue about anything,” he said.

“We weren’t trying to build anything. It was, ‘Let’s do the show,’ then, ‘Where is the beer and where are the girls?’”

and their music, didn’t fit. They split up the following year. Medley pursued a solo career that failed to yield much commercial fruit. I asked him if, despite coming up in an era of singles, he lamented never creating a highly regarded album. He paused. “I don’t, oddly enough,” he said. “I’ve never been asked that. There’s been a couple of albums that I feel great about, but they never caught on commercially.”

Then he mused, “The Righteous Brothers— we didn’t really put it together. It just didn’t quite happen for us.” Hatfield and Medley reunited in the mid-’70s,, primarily as a live act, and performed on and off until Hatfield died in 2003 at the age of 63 during a Righteous Brothers tour. Medley and the band’s manager found Hatfield’s body in a hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Medley allows that, while he loved and respected his longtime partner, they were not friends, per se. “We didn’t hang around together,” he said. “When we finished the gig, we left and went our separate ways. We were very different people. If we had done just those early gigs and our career had not caught on, we probably would’ve never seen each other again.”

While Medley said that the partners “never really had any fights,” one rub was the duo’s road schedule. “At a certain point, we would pretty much do three weeks in Vegas, and then go out and do concerts on the fourth week,” Medley recalled. “We did that about five times a year. At one point, Bobby says, ‘I don’t mind going out, but instead of doing six shows a week, can we do two?’ Medley laughed. “I said, ‘Bobby, if I’m going to be away from home, I’m going to get paid.”

After Hatfield’s death, Medley continued touring as a solo act, sometimes along with old film footage of his former partner. But as time went on, the regimen put too much strain on his voice. In 2016, Medley enlisted 49-year-old Bucky Heard to perform Hatfield’s parts. “He really gets it,” Medley said. “And the cool thing is that Bucky’s a huge Bobby Hatfield fan. When we got together, I told him, ‘I don’t want you to sound like Bobby. I want you to sing like Bobby.”

That didn’t mean Spector went easy on the work. In late-September ’64, when Medley and Hatfield entered L.A.’s Gold Star Studios to cut vocals, most of the instrumental tracks had already been recorded and stacked. “When we did the vocals, the rhythm track was done but I don’t think the horns were on yet,” Medley recalled. “In those days, we recorded with a two- or three-track [machine]. So every time I sang, ‘You never close your eyes,’ he’d punch me in and erase what I already did.

That’s probably one reason why The Righteous Brothers did not enjoy a long-lasting recording career, or ascend to superstardom. The duo notched two more Top 10 singles with Spector—“Unchained Melody” (with Hatfield the only singer) and “Just Once in My Life”—but the artist-producer relationship soon fractured, then broke.

In 1967, the Righteous Brothers ran headlong into the Summer of Love and the dawn of hippies and psychedelia. The clean-cut duo,

The Righteous Brothers have 60 shows on the books this year, a substantial load for an 82-year-old singer. The duo has one basic goal— perform music from decades ago as faithfully and authentically as possible.

At the end of our 50-minute interview, I thanked Medley for his willingness to talk about the past, as opposed to relentlessly promoting the current tour, as some oldies acts are wont to do. “Oh, I understand I’m the past,” he said lightheartedly, just before hanging up.

UNCHAINED MEDLEY: Bucky Heard (L) helps Bill Medley get by onstage.

Fire it up

Gasparilla Music Festival will happen in downtown Tampa next month.

By Ray Roa

In January, after receiving news that one of its parks was unavailable, Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) organizers said they were “optimistic” about throwing their party before the year was over. They delivered on that promise this week when Executive Director David Cox told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that a modified version of GMF would happen in and around Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30. “We’re full steam ahead on the festival right now,” he added.

Tickets for Gasparilla Music Festival 2023 will be available via gmftickets.com, with an onsale date to be determined. Single-day general admission starts at $50. As usual, there are a limited number of early bird two-day GA and VIP options ($65-$175).

FESTIVALS

Gasparilla Music Festival 2023

For longtime fans of GMF, Cox’s claim that there would be a festival seemed like a pipe dream. The festival usually happens at the end of February or early March, with ticket and lineup announcements well before that.

Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30. $50 & up Curtis Hixon Park, 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa gasparillamusic.com

Cox said that Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will be home to GMF 2023’s main stage, with additional stages being added downtown nearby. Kiley Garden, which GMF has utilized since its inception, will not host any festival stages. “GMF 2023’s lineup will feature many exciting acts bringing a great energy to downtown,’ Cox said.

Making matters worse, a City of Tampa spokesperson told CL in January that Kiley Garden—where GMF has placed three stages in recent years—is unavailable because of “water intrusion issues that have been identified through an exploratory evaluation.” The spokesperson added that the city is not allowing events at Kiley until it gets an engineer’s full approval to put loads on the surface of Kiley, which is above a parking garage.

Public records show that the evaluation by Walter P Moore engineering firm was delivered to the City of Tampa in July 2021. The evaluation said Kiley’s plaza deck waterproofing system was “currently exhibiting signs of deterioration and is considered to be in generally ‘Poor’ condition overall with isolated elements in “Failed” condition.”

“These conditions are critical to long-term service of the plaza and parking structure and require a repair program to return them to intended serviceability,” the evaluation added. Base repair recommendations from the firm included a feasibility study for retrofitting a new drainage system and 11 different waterproofing repairs. Not including the retrofitting, the firm estimated the probable cost of the base repair recommendations at $9 million-$11 million.

There was also no verbiage in the evaluation saying that it would be dangerous for Kiley to bear the kind of load the music festival brings.

In a statement to CL, Tampa’s Special Events Superintendent, Tony Mulkey said Kiley’s position on top of a parking garage made for limitations on event production since Walter P Moore issued an original guidance in 2011.

Mulkey added that when the city received the 2021 report, permitting for GMF and other events was already underway, so the city made a decision to move forward and determine next

steps afterwards. Ultimately, they decided to halt any permitting until a further evaluation could determine a clear path towards mitigation, or provide an approval to stage events in the area.

“While the report did not address activities such as the music festival directly, observations included in the report highlighted the need for additional study to know the full extent of the conditions. Given the unknowns of the space, we deemed that the safest and most prudent approach is to assist events with adapting to new locations or configurations. We continue to work with all of our events to find successful paths forward,” Mulkey told CL.

Cox told CL that the city told him about the waterproofing report after GMF’s February 2022 festival.

Public records requests showed that GMF submitted booking requests for February and March 2023 dates in Curtis Hixon, plus another date at Julian B. Lane just up the Hillsborough River. Those dates came and went.

And while local music fans can now circle the end of April for GMF 2023, Cox said the festival is locked in for next year, too.

“Friday-Sunday, Feb. 16-18. At Julian B. Lane Park,” he said. “Kiley could be unavailable for a while, so we’ve figured out how we want to settle in down the river until it’s ready.”

PARK JAM: Curtis Hixon will be home to GMF 2023’s main stage, with additional stages being added downtown nearby.

“Kiley could be unavailable for a while.”

Raymond James Pops

Star Wars

Sat, Mar 18, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee

Sat, Mar 18, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Sun, Mar 19, 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall Please

By Josh Bradley & Ray Roa

C CL Recommends

THU 09

Alan Doyle w/Chris Trapper We wish that Great Big Sea was still together, but at least Alan Doyle and his former bandmates are still friendly with each other, and musically active, no less. Doyle—after an opening set from The Push Stars’ Chris Trapper—will finally fulfill a long-postponed date in downtown Clearwater from 2020, in which he will perform Celtic-Americana-folk hybrid songs, and promote his new live album, Here , Tonight , due March 11. It’s a digital release only, so don’t expect to see any vinyl pressings on the merchandise table next Thursday. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

The Florida Orchestra: Soundwaves

The local music scene’s best reason to go to church returns when Florida Orchestra assistant conductor Chelsea Gallo guides a small ensemble—roughly 16 musicians playing strings, woodwinds, brass, harp and percussion—through an intermission-free program that includes French composer Paul Dukas’ symphonic poem “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” the work of another Frenchman (Camille Saint-Saëns’ tone poem “Danse macabre”) and Stravinsky’s “Dumbarton Oaks” concerto. (Church Of the Ascension, Clearwater)

FRI 10

The Koch Marshall Trio w/LaRue Nickelson Trio Guitar virtuoso Greg Koch has worked with fellow blues shredders like Joe Bonamassa and Steve Vai (well, it ain’t all blues), so I don’t think it’s unrealistic to wish that he opens for Buddy Guy’s farewell tour sometime this year. In the meantime, the 57-year-old storms New World this week with his Koch Marshall Trio—featuring his boy Dylan on drums, and organist Toby Lee Marshall—as well as the LaRue Nickelson Trio with Taylor and Ashley Galbraith. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Greta Van Fleet w/Houndmouth/ Robert Finley Purists have long hated on Greta Van Fleet for some reason, but there’s no denying the band’s ability to channel the classic sounds of Zeppelin and other classicrock giants and distill it down into a product that sold more than 100,000 tickets in two days after the announcement of last year’s spring tour. Greta Van Fleet is touring behind The Battle at Garden’s Gate , from 2021, and it’ll be cool to watch fan response to opener Robert Finley, who has been making music since the guys in the band were even born, but only released his professional debut album in 2016. (Amalie Arena, Tampa)

Listening Room Festival: Ariella w/A Tale of Two/Jeffrey Straker/Peter

Mulvey/The Rough & Tumble Historians believe that the first concerts ever were probably house concerts, and a festival dedicated to the centuries-old tradition is back in Tampa Bay this week Saturday’s Listening Room Festival showcase features five artists playing folk, blues, country and soul: Peter Mulvey, Ariella, Jeffery Straker and A Tale of Two, who play Palladium’s Hough Hall, plus The Rough & Tumble playing a VIP after party in the Side Door Cabaret. From March 9-13, all the artists are also playing more than a dozen private house shows happening in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Lutz, Bradenton, Palm Harbor and Treasure Island. The shows are hosted by volunteers who open up their homes. There’s an additional public performance from Straker and Bryn Besse at Dunedin’s Faith United Church of Christ on Saturday, March 11. (Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)

Priscilla Block Before performing select dates with Shania Twain this summer, Block—a fresh-face to the country scene whose song “Just About Over You” went viral on TikTok during the pandemic—is promoting her debut album, Welcome to the Block Party, and she makes her Bay area debut at our beloved saloon-style concert hall. Balcony seats and tables are sold-out, but there’s still standing room spaces left.

(Dallas Bull, Tampa)

Twin Suns w/Chlorinefields/The Drain Outs The 2022 music video for surf-a-delic indie rock outfit Twin Suns’ “Wondering” is a lo-res, psychedelic three-and-a-half minute clipshow made up of snips from

previous live shows, and lyrics about hopeless love. While you munch on your Hooch sliders, local alt-indie royalty—specifically Chlorinefields and The Drain Outs—opens the show. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)

SAT 11

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival: Kansas It’s easy to hit the wall at Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine festival, so when that itis arrives after downing 20 sampler plates, hold on, and head to the festival field where there’ll be seating and music to help your foodie dreams pass before your eyes. Classic-rock mainstay Kansas headlines on Saturday, with pop-country duo Madde & Tae taking the stage on Sunday. Concerts are included with the price of admission, and you can read more on p. 12. (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa)

Ginuwine Tampa R&B heads might want to ride their ponies to Del Rio this weekend. Ginuwine is a ‘90s Swing Mob alum who teamed up with production god Timbaland in 1996 to release one of the decade’s most enduring hits, “Pony.” The 52-year-old put out seven more albums after that, including a 2013 Grammy-nominated outing as part of a supergroup with Tank and Tyrese, plus his high-water mark third full-length, The Life , where he recorded an ultimate karaoke jam (“Differences”) but also paid tribute to his parents who both died a year before the album was released (“Two Reasons I Cry”).

(Tally Ho Pub, Tampa)

Greta Van Fleet

ALYSSE GAFKJEN

continued from page 53

Steel Panther w/Crobot/Tragedy

Comedy-rock band is almost to metal what Wheeler Walker Jr. is to country music—just much less profane—so if you’re jonesing to laugh at some glam-rock stereotypes, Steel Panther is back in St. Pete where it infamously performed in December 2020, testing the post-COVID live music waters a bit prematurely. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

SUN 12

Aurela Gaçe w/Edon Molla/Kafkasso

In Albania, singer-songwriter Aurela Gaçe is a huge star who’s gained half a million followers on Instagram, and frequently appeared on vocal competition shows. In honor of Women’s History Month, Gaçe is doing a brief series of shows in the U.S. (The Floridian Social, St. Petersburg)

Lynyrd Skynyrd Last weekend, we lost 71-year-old Gary Rossington, the sole surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, who also lived through the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of multiple band members. The band’s farewell tour was meant to be Rossington’s final outing, partially due to health issues, but he still performed on and off with the 21st century iteration of Skynyrd. It’s anyone’s guess whether the late guitarist was scheduled to show up to the band’s Strawberry Festival-closing performance on Sunday, but it’s Skynyrd’s first show since his passing, so freebirds, be ready for a bittersweet finale. (Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City)

MON 13

The Righteous Brothers It’s pretty hard to believe that 2023 marks 10 years since original Righteous Brother Bobby Hatfield died of a cocaine-induced heart attack. Taking his place ever since is longtime fan Bucky Heard, who impressed surviving Righteous Brother Bill Medley at a Journey tribute show, where he was apparently able to match the vocal range of Steve Perry. Read our interview with Medley on p. 49. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

TUE 14

John Lodge w/Jon Davison The last time Tampa Bay saw The Moody Blues’ John Lodge was on the Royal Affair tour with the current iteration of Yes, as well as threequarters of Asia, and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy. At the end of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s set, current Yes singer Jon Davison joined him onstage to perform “Ride My See-Saw.” This happened every night of the tour, and Lodge enjoyed that segment so much that he’s taking it on the road. His buddy Justin Hayward sold out the same room in January, too. Isn’t life strange? (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

They Might Be Giants Weeks before COVID-19 locked everyone down, the two Johns plotted a run of shows celebrating the 30th anniversary of their true breakthrough album Flood . And when they finally did return to the road last year, the fun was

They Might Be Giants

interrupted early on, when Flansburgh broke seven ribs after being hit by a drunk driver last summer. Luckily, he’s all healed up, and the Flood anniversary shows have been taking the band’s fanbase by storm since last August. Read our full Q&A with John Linnell at cltampa.com/music. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

WED 15

Chops: A Live Jazz Evening w/Rod Alnord Quartet This Seminole Heights restaurant scene staple recently added a monthly jazz night and open sit-in to its already stacked roster of live music. “Chops” happens on the third Wednesday of every month and is hosted by a quartet let by drummer Rod Alnord, which will kick off the night with a 90-minute set before opening up the jam. Be sure to check out the menu that’s loaded with Southern comfort dishes like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, saucy boi ribs and shrimp and grits (there’s even a “Chop of the Month”). (Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, Tampa)—Jourdan Ducat

Fit For A King w/Northlane/Alpha Wolf/ Kingdom of Giants Since performing

during the final season of shows at the nowshuttered Ybor City Orpheum, Fit For A King—now free of any founding members— dropped a new album The Hell We Create , which features a guest spot from The Ghost Inside’s Jonathan Vigil. And while we know that the band has done some Christian metal, the album somehow found itself peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. The band takes on the new Orpheum with a little help from Aussie metal outfits Northlane, Alpha Wolf, as well as California metalcore sextet Kingdom of Giants. (Orpheum, Tampa)

THU 16

Goalkeeper w/Outatime/City Mouse/ Caught Fire There are some bands that you wish you would’ve met sooner, but there’s a chance to get in on the ground floor with Philadelphia pop-punk trio Goalkeeper as it continues supporting a debut full-length released last fall. Chock full of big instrumentals, melody for days and hooks galore, the band is perfect for fans of the kind of anthemic punk that was a staple of the Warped Tour lineup in the early-2000s. Orlando band Outatime! (not ashamed to cover Machine

Jariah Higgins w/Shevonne/Ashenelle

When local singer-songwriter Jariah Higgins hits the stage, he gives off the vibes of Ed Sheeran before he went mainstream, using loop techniques and leaning heavily on his acoustic guitar, with a bass-heavy band from time to time. He lived in Nashville for a time, and is a regular on BOTB-winning radio station 102.5 The Bone. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Reggae Rise Up: 311 w/Rebelution/ Damian Jr. Gong Marley/Wiz Khalifa/ Dispatch/Sublime with Rome/Koffee/ Dirty Heads/Knex/Dry Reef/Arise Roots/ Alborosie/more Reggae Rise Up has grown into a downtown St. Petersburg staple and it’s back with its 2023 lineup. 311, Dispatch, Rebelution, Sublime with Rome, Damian Marley, Koffee, Wiz Khalifa and Dirty Heads are headliners for the four-day festival. More than two dozen acts—including Iya Terra, Matisyahu, Collie Buddz, J Boog, Pepper and The Movement—make up the rest of the lineup. Hit some afterparty shows, if you know what's good for you.(Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg)

Gun Kelly) opens alongside Miski Dee’s City Mouse project and St. Pete quartet Caught Fire. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)

SAM GRAFF

THURSDAY MARCH 9

MUSIC HALL

FREE LECTURE: SHELL MOUNDS, COASTAL EVOLUTION, & INDIGENOUS ENGINEERING OF TAMPA BAY’S INSHORE BAYOUS

Presented by Kendal Jackson, PhD candidate, Applied Anthropology at USF

DOORS 6:30 | TALK 7 | FREE | RSVP @ NEWWORLDTAMPA.COM

FRIDAY MARCH 10

MUSIC HALL

GREG KOCH

FT. THE KOCH MARSHALL TRIO + LARUE NICKELSON TRIO

FT. TAYLOR & ASHLEY GALBRAITH

DOORS 7 | SHOW 8 | $15 ADV | $20 DOS | 18+

SATURDAY MARCH 11

MUSIC HALL

¡GOZADERA! LATIN DANCE

DOORS 7 | WORKSHOP 8 | DANCE 9

$12 ADV | $10 TONOS DANCE STUDENTS

SUNDAY MARCH 12

BIERGARTEN

BIERGARTEN

DEAN

JOHANESEN

FOLK / HOT JAZZ

7:30-9:30 | FREE

BIERGARTEN

JAMIE McELMAN & STEVE PRINCE

SINGER-SONGWRITER

7:30-9:30 | FREE

SG WOOD SINGER-SONGWRITER 6:30-8:30 | FREE

MONDAY MARCH 13

TUESDAY MARCH 14

81 BAY BREWING CO PRESENTS

Sa 3.25 ASTARI NITE + DEAD COOL OFFERINGS / DJ WINTERS W 3.29

CLOSED

BIERGARTEN

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC W/ FRED CHANDLER 7-9:30 | FREE

WEDNESDAY MARCH 15

BBQUSTIC!

BIERGARTEN

ERNESTINE BLACK SINGER-SONGWRITER 6:30-8:30 | FREE

THURSDAY MARCH 16

MUSIC HALL

JARIAH HIGGINS + ASHENELLE / SHEVONNE

DOORS 7 | SHOW 8 | $12 ADV | $20 DOS | 18+

One of the 2000s’ most beloved, noisiest, bands has plans to strike Tampa Bay next month.

Tickets to see Lightning Bolt play Crowbar in Ybor City on Friday, April 7 are on sale now for $20. An opening act has yet to be announced. The only other Florida dates on Lightning Bolt’s 2023 tour are in Orlando (April 8) and Jacksonville (April 9).

Lightning Bolt—made up of virtuosic bassist Brian Gibson and drummer Brian Chippendale — recently re-released albums

Idle Moves w/Biscayne/Giorgi/My Cat

Umi/Foncy/The Easy Button Saturday, March 18. 6 p.m. $13. Crowbar, Ybor City

97X Secret Sessions: TBA Monday, March 20. Time and prices TBA. The Floridian Social, St. Petersburg

Abortion Twins (album release) w/Pig

Pen/Thee Butcher Cabal/Warm Like Winter/Harry Savage Saturday, April 1. 7 p.m. $10. Crowbar, Ybor City

Rosegarden Funeral Party Monday, April 10. 8 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Twrp w/Brian Wecht Friday, April 14. 7 p.m. $27.50 & up. Crowbar, Ybor City

Icon for Hire w/Hooked on Helen/more TBA Saturday, April 15. 7 p.m. $20. Crowbar, Ybor City

Tommy Prine Thursday, April 20. 8 p.m. $25 & up. Side Door at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg

Part of the New World 28th Anniversary Celebration: Will Quinlan and The Vesper Bell w/Andy & The Argonauts/Navin Ave/Quaint Delusions Friday, April 21. 8 p.m. $10 at door. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

from 2012 (Oblivion Hunter) and 2009 (Earthly Delights), and is known for playing on the ground in clubs, and even in kitchens and parking lots. Born at an art school in Rhode Island, chaos is the order of the day for Lightning Bolt which still gets together more than 25 years after the release of its self-titled debut.

Its latest album is the band’s seventh, Sonic Citadel (released in 2019). It goes without saying that ear protection is highly recommended for this one. See Josh Bradley’s latest roundup of new concert announcements below.—Ray Roa

Kristopher James w/Taylor James Reed Sunday, April 30. 8 p.m. $20 & up. The Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing, Ybor City

Sun Room Monday, May 1. 8 p.m. $18. Crowbar, Ybor City

The Aquadolls Thursday, May 4. 8 p.m. $13. Hooch and Hive, Tampa

Matt Hires Friday, May 5. 8 p.m. $20 & up. The Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing, Ybor City

$not w/Night Lovell/TBA/DC The Don/ Micro Saturday, May 6. 7 p.m. Prices TBA. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Mustard Service w/Better Than This/ Speak Easy Thursday, May 11. 7 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City

Korine w/CD Ghost/Super Passive Wednesday, May 17. 7 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City

Black Midi Saturday, June 24. 6 p.m. $25. Orpheum, Tampa

Dierks Bentley w/Jordan Davis/Caylee Hammack Friday, July 14. 7 p.m. Prices TBA. Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa

NICK SAYERS

Ramble on

By Caroline DeBruhl

Dear Oracle, for most of last year, I did the #Vanlife thing (without a van.) I can work from anywhere and did while traveling the continent. It was incredible in a lot of ways but also hard and expensive (bad weather meant last-minute motels, gas prices went up, ate out a lot more than I thought I would, etc). I came back home for the winter, and the plan was to start the second part of the trip up again in March. Except…I don’t know if I should. After being home for six weeks, it’s nice to have a toilet, shower, and kitchen. I can’t afford an outfitted van, so it would be back to camping and pooping in Love gas stations. Should I stick to the plan or settle back home?

Ramblin’ Man

Cards to hit the road: Full Moon, Nine of Pentacles (reversed), High Priestess (reversed)

Cards to stay home: Nine of Swords (reversed) Queen of Pentacles, Eight of Pentacles (reversed)

Dear Rambler, I don’t know the details of your financial situation and, personally, I think camping is terrifying (if the wildlife doesn’t get you, some serial killer will), so take all of this with a grain of salt: I don’t think you’re finished with this road trip yet—at least emotionally speaking.

you have done than to regret something you haven’t done.”

So if possible, continue on the trip. Maybe you have to shorten it or do more couchsurfing, but I think you’re in the middle of something here, and you’d like to finish it. If it’s not feasible to keep traveling, how can you keep growing back at home? Don’t just return to rise and grind—it ain’t edifying, and you’d hate it. Best of luck and safe travels, my dear.

Dear Oracle, life is getting interesting for me as I move into a different phase of my career. Am I making the right move at this time? It would potentially be a big change in income, but I’m hoping for more peace and opportunities that I’m not able to enjoy right now. What do the cards say for me?—Time for Transition?

Cards: The Lovers, The Fool, Two of Pentacles (all reversed)

Dear TFT, not only are you making the right move, but I think this is something that you have been looking forward to for a very long time.

ORACLE OF YBOR

We start with the Full Moon, a bright, energetic beacon that feels like the universe is shouting, “GO! GO! GO!” It’s also a time of clarity. You probably learned a hell of a lot about yourself when camping by your lonesome or driving on some desert highway at dusk. You probably had time to do some soul searching—and with the High Priestess reversed, I think you’re still in the middle of that process. To be Jungian about it, I think you’re becoming “conscious” and really learning who you are.

The Nine of Pentacles can be a card of growth. The image is usually some sort of vine or bush, and it can represent the carefully tended fruit of the soul. Paired with The High Priestess, I’d say you’re in the throws of deep emotional growth, and finishing up this trip will help ripen these lessons.

Now, I don’t know what your bank account looks like, but I would guess that staying home is a more financially sound move. The Queen of Pentacles is nothing if not practical. But I don’t think you’d be happy there. Sure, you’ll save money—the Eight of Pentacles usually means throwing yourself into work—but I think you might feel disappointed. Nine of Swords can feel haunting, an anxious loop of “did I make the right choice?” on repeat, and to quote the Butthole Surfers: “It’s better to regret something

While it’s the only minor arcana, I want to start with the Two of Pentacles. It’s a card about balance, particularly work/life balance. With a “big change of income” (I’m assuming it’s lessening), budgets will need to be balanced more. That can be stressful—believe me, I know—but it will open up time that you can spend doing other things you love—including spending more time with the people you love.

The Lovers represents not only romantic love but ALL love and relationships. I do think you dearly loved your career at one point, but now your priorities are shifting. Do “peace and opportunities’’ include having more time for your relationships? Would you get to spend more time with your family, your friends, and yourself? If so, you should take it! Harvard recently published results from its 85-year, multi-generational happiness study, and you know what the good life consisted of? Good relationships. While this career move might be a financial loss, you’ll gain time spent deepening your older relationships and possibly starting new ones.

This is a completely new phase of your career and your life. The Fool is the card of beginnings, of taking a leap of faith, all blind hope and big dreams. But starting off into the unknown can also feel frightening. The familiar is deeply comforting—it’s a big reason why people stick in shitty jobs or relationships or apartments— but the potential for something greater is on the horizon.

I do think you’ll have to reconfigure some things in your life. Budget is one. But how you spend your time is another. What does “peace” look like to you? What are some of the opportunities you’d like to try? Transitions can be tricky (even when we want them), so a few plans or ideas might help you ease into your new life—and keep you from doubting if you made a mistake.

But with The Fool, we can also expect the unexpected. Keep an open mind and curious spirit as you start down your new path. You never know what exciting things may come along.

Best of luck, my dear!

Send your questions to oracle@cltampa.com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram.

Charades

By Dan Savage

I found out by accident that my husband is emotionally cheating on me with his ex. I know you are critical of the concept of emotional cheating, but I’m talking about long love letters explaining that he wishes he would have married her, how she is the best person in the world, how he will always love her, etc. He sends her gifts behind my back and communicates with her frequently and hides it from me. I broke down when I found out and confronted him, and he was apologetic at first. But he quickly started to accuse me of “just being jealous.” He continues to lie and hide. I can’t bring it up because he just gets angry, and I’ve resigned to participate in the charade that is my marriage. I’ve told him that I don’t have a problem with him being friends with her so long as he treats her like other friends. That would mean, for example, no longer professing his undying love for her. But he continues to do so, and I’ve come to realize that this will never change. She will always be his romantic fantasy, while I’m the idiot who’s more practical for everyday use. My self-esteem was crap before we met, after being abused by my kids’ alcoholic father, and I felt rehabilitated when my husband asked me to marry him. I felt chosen. Then I found out that I was being played for a fool. But I stayed with him, thus proving even more to the world how little I’m worth. Anyway, I don’t think I should leave. I want to preserve what is mostly a functioning family unit and not disrupt my kids’ lives again. But any advice on how I can live with myself for the decades to come before I’m finally allowed to just roll over and die?—

Can’t Hack Another Really Aggravating Divorce Experience

I’m not so much critical of the concept of emotional cheating, CHARADE, as I am critical of concept creep where emotional cheating is concerned. Basically, I think it’s foolish to tell people cheating is absolutely unforgiveable and then turn around and tell people that absolutely fucking everything—from looking at porn to sending an ex a brief happy birthday message via text—counts as cheating. So, while I don’t think a husband who has a work friend of the opposite sex or sometimes confides in someone about his marriage is guilty of having an emotional affair (all examples drawn from articles about emotional cheating), a husband who sends love letters to an ex… and tells that ex she’s the love of his life… that asshole is definitely having an emotional affair.

If I were you, CHARADE, I would leave that asshole. Your husband’s behavior exposes a streak of emotional cruelty so devoid of empathy that it’s hard to imagine it not manifesting in other ways, CHARADE, and you may not be able to live with (or want to expose your kids

to) his shit over the long-term. But if you do decide to stay for the sake of your kids—which is something people do and something people insist no one should ever do—then you’ll need to radically adjust your expectations. You’ll have to accept your marriage for what it is now, i.e., a strictly limited partnership about raising kids, and then find a way to be at peace with that… which is a much heavier lift.

Passionately felt romantic love is a wonderful and often fleeting thing, CHARADE, and no one wants to discover that the person who said they loved them passionately—and promised to keep loving them passionately—is now (or always was) passionately in love with someone else. But a deep sense of security can grow between two people in a committed, long-term, companionate,

(Have you ever spoken to an adult whose parents stayed in a high-conflict marriage for them? Most wish their parents had gotten a divorce.)

SAVAGE LOVE

No more charades. Your goal is mutual respect, shared responsibilities, separate bedrooms, and all the personal happiness you can achieve for yourself in this marriage. The latter— personal happiness—may seem like the heaviest lift of all. To get there, CHARADE, do whatever it takes to untangle your sense of self-worth and self-esteem from feeling “chosen” by some man. Choose yourself. So, your husband has a pen-pal and he’s keeping her. What do you want? A dick-pal? Get one. Do you wanna spend more time with your girlfriends? Let them know. Do you wanna go back to school and get a degree or some professional training that would make it easier for you to leave your asshole husband after your kids are grown or sooner if you decide staying was a mistake? Do it.

having sex anymore.” Before I came out to him, he urged me over and over to look into remedies for my situation so we could have intercourse. Menopause has made intercourse unbearably physically painful for me and he is not open to other forms of sexual intimacy. He doesn’t understand asexuality. After all, for many years we did have sex. I felt that it was part of my duty as a wife. In hindsight, I believe I was more interested in having children than having sex. I have a lot of guilt that I somehow “duped” him into a relationship. This was not my intention. Asexuality was not part of my vocabulary any more than bisexuality was. I have suffered for years with depression, thinking there was something wrong with me for not being interested in sex. We love each other and we want to stay together. I know he has sexual needs that need to be satisfied. I have urged him to find other outlets. I’ve told him that I’m open to an open relationship. He said that he is afraid that if he had sex with anyone else that he would fall in love with them. He doesn’t want to do that because he loves only me. He still thinks there is some remedy and that I could find that would make it possible for us to still have sex. What do you advise?—Asexual Characteristic Explains Dilemma

Your letter—your question, your predicament, your marriage—demonstrates why the awareness-raising conversations we’ve been having about asexuality over the last decade-and-change are so important. If “asexual” had been a part of the conversation forty years ago, ACED, you wouldn’t have spent 35 years wondering what was wrong with you. With “asexual” part of the conversation now, people who are asexual are likelier to know who they are, know there’s nothing wrong with them, and know they’re free to make different choices—more informed ones. Likewise, allosexuals who date out asexuals are free to make informed choices of their own. (Allosexual is the opposite of asexual… and, yes, you could call allosexuals plain ol’ sexuals, but confusing new terms that have to be unpacked in parentheticals > simple and clear language that doesn’t have to unpacked in a parenthetical.)

low-conflict relationship, and that particular kind of intimacy can be its own consolation. Or its own consolation prize. Now, that kind of intimacy is harder to achieve when one person in a relationship is a selfish and callous asshole… like the one you married. But we go to marriage counseling with the husband we’ve got, CHARADE, not the husband we might like or want to have.

If you can get past your hurt and your anger—which, again, is going to be a very, very heavy lift—you aren’t required to participate in a charade. Your marriage is what it is, and you don’t have to pretend it’s something else. But if you can’t get past the hurt and anger, CHARADE, or if your husband finds new ways to make you miserable, don’t stay for your kids.

You can choose yourself every single day, CHARADE, without neglecting your kids or being an asshole to your spouse about it. If you do decide to stay, do your kids the favor of letting them see their mother flourish.

I recently came out to my husband as asexual. I’m a 56-year-old female. He is 57. We have been in a monogamous relationship for 35 years. We both come from culturally traditional families. We married young and raised two boys who are now adults. Our oldest son came out to us as bisexual five years ago when he fell in love with a man. This was a catalyst for me to look into the nature of my sexuality. My husband’s response to my asexuality was, “Of course you are—we aren’t

But what do you do now, ACED? Nothing. You know who you are after all these years, you’ve explained who you are to your husband, and your husband has your permission to seek sex elsewhere, if he so chooses. If he needs to feel a deep emotional connection in order to experience sexual attraction—if your husband just realized he’s demisexual-(sigh)—he can seek out women who are… I don’t know… unhappily married to emotionally obtuse men they don’t wanna leave for the sake of their kids and might be seeking some dick and affection elsewhere. Romantic love isn’t a zero-sum game—loving someone else doesn’t mean your husband has to love you any less, or any differently, than he does right now.

Send your burning questions to mailbox@ savage.love. Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love!

KIEFERPIX/ADOBE

ACROSS

1 No. 1

8 Have fun

12 Car skeleton

17 Tangy drink

19 Gen.’s signature

21 Saskatchewan’s capital

23 Claus Von Bulow defender

25 Israeli author

26 ___ say (unfortunately)

27 Cloche, for one 28 Country on the Caspian 30 Inventor’s first name 31 Ronan’s mom

73 Stallone’s Judge

DOWN

3

4 ___ Blanc

5 European principality

6 Interstate, for ex.

7 “So’s ___ ol’ man!”

8 For the time being

9 Kareem, before

10 Clay, after

11 Himalayan sighting

12 Juan Carlos predecessor

13 “Losing My Religion” band

14 In the past

15 Tightfisted one

16 Front of a plane?

18 Fine volcanic lava

20 Mr. Cornell of university fame

22 Main character in A Passage to India, Dr. ___

24 Part of your routine

29 Hall of Famer Lopez et al.

33 Empathetic one

34 Of pond scum

36 Bird’s perch

37 Do penance

39 Verdi opus

40 Country singer Randy

42 “___ man with seven wives ...”

43 “___ I can help it”

44 Actor Adrian of T. J. Hooker

48 Das Rheingold earth-goddess

50 Video game giant

51 Hurricane milieu

52 Precise heading

53 Intensify

55 Côte d’___

56 Toy in the sky

57 Fishing need

58 1974 Sean Connery sci-fi film