Creative Loafing Tampa — May 25, 2023

PUBLISHER James Howard

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa

DIGITAL EDITOR Colin Wolf

MANAGING EDITOR Kyla Fields

FOOD and THEATER CRITIC

Jon Palmer Claridge

FILM & TV CRITIC John W. Allman

IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl

CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, McKenna

Schueler, Arielle Stevenson, Chelsea Zukowski

Story

PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker

SUMMER INTERN Gracey Davis

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SeaWorld in February, animal rights claiming the practice of keeping wild dangerous. But even though public many don’t see a parallel between the kind and the practice of displaying animals asking for too much? Or is it time for a “entertainment” animals?

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at SeaWorld in February, animal rights claiming the practice of keeping wild and dangerous. But even though public widespread, many don’t see a parallel between the kind Vick and the practice of displaying animals activists asking for too much? Or is it time for a “entertainment” animals?

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by Dave Decker

Last Sunday, Ybor City dueling piano hotspot Showbar opened its doors to welcome Equality Florida’s top donors who showered love and dollar bills on four queens—Erica PC, Lilith Black, Freya Rose, and Angelique Young-Cavalier—who reveled and reigned as confetti flew through the air. The appreciation event came just over a month after the organization issued a travel warning, in part, to bring light to laws that are hostile to Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. “... it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director, wrote at the time. Read more and see all the photos via cltampa.com/slideshows.

—Ray Roa

do this

12th annual Cuban Sandwich Festival

Once again, Centennial Park hosts this annual, free-to-attend event in the heart of Ybor City. In addition to a spread of local vendors slinging their best Cuban sammies, this weekend’s festival also features a variety of live music and performances, salsa dance lessons, and other family-friendly activities. The grand finale of 2023’s festival will once again be a mission to create the largest Cuban sandwich in the world, where participants will attempt to beat last year’s record of 280 feet. The same folks that organize Tampa’s annual Cuban Sandwich Festival organize other massive foodie events throughout the Sunshine State in cities like Fort Myers and Kissimmee. Saturday, May 28 noon-6 p.m. Free. Centennial Park, 1800 E 8th Ave., Ybor City. cubansandwichfestival.com—Kyla Fields

Tampa Bay's best things to do from May 25 - 31 FAIRGROUNDSSTPETE/FACEBOOK

Shrimpfinity A New Orleans-based art collective decided to take the Sunshine State’s reputation for fresh seafood to a whole new level. This fully immersive, shrimp-themed installation is complete with hand-painted designs, projected animations, a six-foot-tall shrimp cocktail sculpture (garnished with a giant lemon wedge, of course) and a shrimp disco ball—all set to an original soundtrack of charming, underwater sounds. The interactive installation is open Thursday-Monday at local art hub Fairgrounds St. Pete, but it’s the last weekend to catch the captivating “Shrimpfinity” exhibit in person. Founded in 2008 by former Florida residents Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre, NOLA’s Milagros Collective is known for its “site-specific works that explore the history of place through striking arrangements of color and mark.” Runs through Monday, May 29. $25-$27. Fairgrounds St. Pete, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Petersburg.—Kyla Fields

2023 | cltampa.com

Beau Is Afraid Screen Door’s Ybor City microtheater is undoubtedly the coolest place in Tampa Bay to watch a movie with just 37 of your closest friends, but more and more, it’s becoming the only place to catch limited releases for some of moviemaking’s most talked-about films. Case in point: this weekend’s four-day run featuring A24 surrealist horror-comedy “Beau Is Afraid” where Scorsese-approved director Ari Aster taps Beau Wasserman (played by Joaquin Phoenix who owns that weirdo, middle-aged man thing) to help tell the three-hour story of of Oedipal sadness that’s being hailed as one of the most bizarre films of 2023. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, with a 3 p.m. matinee set for Sunday. May 25-28 , $8. Screen Door Microcinema at the Kress Collective, 1624 E 7th Ave. No. 228, Ybor City. @screendoor.ybor on Instagram—Ray Roa

Sunset Music Festival Two days of heavy untz, untz, untz are coming to Tampa for Memorial Day weekend thanks to Sunset Music Festival, now in its 11th season. About 40,000 people are expected at the stadium’s north lot where some two dozen of the biggest names in EDM—including Adventure Club, Rezz (pictured at Bonnaroo 2017), Audien, Zomboy and more— will revel in bass along with ravers in their best festival regalia. SaturdaySunday, May 27-28. 4 p.m. gates. North lot at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. smftampa.com—Ray Roa

Big John It’s finally time for the world’s largest triceratops fossil to come to life. “Big John”—26-feet long and 10-feet-tall—has been under construction at the hands of a lunchloving, wicked-funny and brilliant group of Italian paleontologists since the beginning of the year. He’s the centerpiece of a new exhibit that take viewers into the Late Cretaceous period, complete with tunnels, interactive elements and more. The Glazer Children’s Museum museum even waived its requirement that adults be accompanied by a kid to enter. Big John is included with museum admission, but registration will be required for the timed visitation with the fossil. Opens Friday, May 26. 9:30 a.m. $16 & up. Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. bigjohndino.com—Ray Roa

Lowry Parcade’s anniversary weekend One of Tampa’s favorite watering holes celebrates its seventh anniversary with a weekend-long party full of exclusive beer releases, food trucks, synthwave music parties, nerdy burlesque shows, and a day of free arcade play. Parcade’s new Level 7 sour—with notes of blueberry, elderberry, lavender and lemon—was brewed in collaboration with the Pink Boots Society, and will be available for purchase all weekendlong. While Friday’s festivities and free play Sunday are cover-free, Saturday’s “cosplay burlesque” show will cost $5-$10 to get in. Lowry Parcade features dozens of craft beer options and games in a laid-back atmosphere, from vintage pinball machines to arcade favorites like skee-ball, air hockey, "Mortal Kombat" and "Pac-Man." Friday-Sunday, May 26-28. Various times & prices. Lowry Parcade, 1213 W Waters Ave., Tampa. lowryparcade.com—Kyla Fields

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Won’t back down

USF students arrested over diversity protest enter not guilty plea.

By Ray Roa

It’s been two-and-a-half months since University of South Florida’s police chief was caught on video appearing to assault a student during a diversity rally, and last Wednesday, five people arrested in the wake of the March 6 incident entered not guilty pleas at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in downtown Tampa.

“We are waiving formal reading of the information, entering a not guilty plea and asking that the matters be set for a 45 or 60-day status,” Michelle Lambo, who’s representing all five protesters, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

Lambo said she only had plans to represent one protester, but slept on it, had meetings, followed her heart and decided to represent the three students, one alumni, and one campus worker, who’ve come to be known as the “Tampa 5.”

As previously reported, campus worker Chrisley Carpio and students Gia Davila, Laura Rodriguez, Jeanie Kida and Lauren Pineiro were arrested in the wake of a March protest. During the action, members of Tampa Bay’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and other groups were demanding a meeting with USF President Rhea Law about expanding Black student enrollment and diversity programs.

They’re all charged with disrupting a school or campus function and resisting an officer without violence—both misdemeanors. Three protesters—Carpio, Kida and Rodriguez— face two felony charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, while Dabila and Pineiro each face one count of battery on a law enforcement officer.

Lambo said she and the state attorney’s office discussed pre-trial intervention, but did not agree to any terms. “If it was something that my clients wanted or were willing to do, the state was then going to reach out to each alleged victim officer and confirm that they would approve it because it was diversion and typically you have to have victim’s approval,” she added.

Carpio was fired after being placed on leave, but told CL that the union has come out in support and is filing a wrongful termination grievance. “We’re not guilty and we’re not sorry. We were the ones attacked by USFPD for the simple act of protesting DeSantis and trying to

save our schools. Prosecutor Justin Diaz needs to drop these charges immediately,” Carpio added.

The next court date for the “Tampa 5” protesters is on July 12.

Lambo told CL the charges are ridiculous and that USF police used excessive force.

“The case law is very clear. If law enforcement is using excessive force, whether it is a lawful arrest or an unlawful arrest, you can resist with violence. You can defend yourself,” she said, “You don’t have to lay there and die like George Floyd.”

Lambo also took issue with the way USF Police Chief Christopher Daniel handled Davila. Citing video from the arrest, Lambo

said Daniel can be seen feeling on Davila’s buttocks while he’s on top of her, before he pulls out his cell phone. “She’s 125 pounds, and there were four cops on top of her,” Lambo added.

Outside the courthouse, Lambo called for Daniel to be fired, saying he “molested and assaulted” Davila, then sat on her and used his phone to take a photo “as a trophy.”

In the days after entering the not guilty plea, Lambo told WMNF 88.5-FM public affairs program

use a motion in limine to to suppress discussion of the constitutional right to free speech during the trial. A judge denied that motion in limine, and the state, citing new evidence, dropped felony charges against Bullock soon afterwards.

There are parallels between the Bullock case and the charges faced by the USF protesters, according to Lambo.

LOCAL NEWS

“The Skinny” that her team plans to subpoena Daniel’s cell phone records, witness lists from the state, photos of the alleged victim police officers and more.

Lambo also represented Tampa protester

Jamie Bullock, who was charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, plus two misdemeanors, after a Fourth of July protest in 2020. Bullock upended her life to fight the charges and saw the state fail in its attempt to

“Law enforcement in both matters have exaggerated their narrative. Or maybe they don’t, you know, necessarily accurately recall everything because it was a hectic situation,” Lambo told WMNF. “But I see a lot of similarities in the sense that you have law enforcement, engaging with protesters and initiating all of the violent contact.”

After the presser, SDS rallied outside the Hillsborough County courthouse in support of the protesters—see photos from the rally and press conference at cltampa.com/slideshows.

“We’re not guilty and we’re not sorry.”

DAVE DECKER

POWER TRIO: (L-R) Chrisley Carpio, Lauren Pinero and Laura Rodriguez.

Browne town

Hillsborough commissioners award commendation to ‘plandemic’ pastor.

By Colin Wolf

Last Wednesday, a Tampa pastor with a welldocumented history of spreading dangerous conspiracy theories—like mass shootings are false flags and the COVID-19 pandemic was planned by Bill Gates—was awarded a commendation by the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners for his community service. Kicking off the May 17 regular meeting, District 5 Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda presented the commendation to Rodney Howard-Browne, and his wife Adonica, of The River Tampa Bay Church.

was arrested for defying local shutdown orders after he held in-person services during the peak of coronavirus pandemic. Those charges were later dropped.

After receiving the award, Howard-Browne, who actually lives in Hernando County, praised Hillsborough as “the best county in the whole of America.”

LOCAL NEWS

“Doctors Rodney and Adonica HowardBrowne have been instrumental leaders to their parishioners and community at The River of Tampa Bay Church whose theme is ‘A church with a difference.’ It is a pleasure and an honor to recognize their dedication and good works,” said Cepeda.

Notably, all Hillsborough County commissioners signed the commendation, except for Pat Kemp, who was attending the meeting remotely, and Harry Cohen, who was late because of a “doctor’s appointment.”

In the commendation, Cepeda noted HowardBrowne’s “community outreach and numerous programs have positively impacted Hillsborough County.”

She also highlighted the pastor’s 1,000day parking lot sermon series “The Stand,” which started shortly after Howard-Browne

“First of all with a great honor for my wife and I to be here today,” said Howard-Browne. “And also to thank all the commissioners and the city. You know we love Tampa. This has been our home now more than anywhere else. And we pray over the city, we pray of all the commission we pray for the peace of this whole county. And as far as we’re concerned, this is the best county in the whole of America.”

Howard-Browne, who once appeared at the White House to pray over former President Trump, has been referred to by InfoWars host Alex Jones as “one of my favorite pastors,” which makes sense considering he has an extensive history of peddling far-right conspiracy theories.

Besides writing a book on the so-called “plandemic,” Howard-Browne has previously stated that climate change isn’t real and chemtrails and weather manipulation are used to destroy our crops. He’s also claimed to have “cleansed Florida of Zika,” and that Satanists who perform human sacrifices and drink blood, are currently running the country.

RIVER OF BROWNE: Browne addressing the flock.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to recognize their dedication and good works.”

Go on

Tampa City Council approves Mayor Castor’s department heads.

By Arielle Stevenson

Last Thursday, Tampa City Council voted unanimously to approve re-elected Mayor Jane Castor’s list of department head recommendations. The approval comes after a tumultuous four years for the city of Tampa under Castor that included her pick for police chief resigning last year in the wake of a video of her flashing her badge to avoid a ticket. There’s also the Department of Justice investigation into Tampa Police Department’s “crime free multi-housing” program that Castor and her administration kept quiet for months. More recently, Senator Janet Cruz, mom of Castor's partner Ana Cruz, failed to unseat council member Lynn Hurtak in one of the gnarliest election cycles to date.

Council member Bill Carlson said moving forward he wants staff to stay out of politics. Municipal elections are, in theory, nonpartisan, but Carlson notably ran against local McDonald’s heir Blake Casper, with Mayor Castor, a Democrat, endorsing the Republican mega donor Casper instead of the incumbent. “I want to try and hit the reset button and move forward,” Carlson said at the meeting. “Please don’t get involved in politics anymore. We’re all on the same team.”

Mercury, where he worked as a consultant on Castor’s successful first campaign for mayor. In June 2021, he replaced Ashley Bauman— Communications Director for the City of Tampa, Castor and former Mayor Bob Buckhorn—who resigned a month before citing personal reasons. Bauman is now Managing Director at Mercury.

The resolution was for a blanket approval of Castor’s recommendations, but Hurtak said she would’ve voted to not approve Smith’s appointment.

“I’m not alone, I’ve spoken with other department heads that are also concerned,” Hurtak said. “Frankly, I’m concerned that the rest of council isn’t concerned.”

LOCAL NEWS

Recently elected council member Gwen Henderson said she also saw the emails Hurtak mentioned, but didn’t think they warranted blocking Smith’s re-appointment.

Chief of Staff John Bennett said Mayor Castor’s “theme” for the next four years is “communication.”

Before the vote, Hurtak said the council received emails with concerns about reappointing Adam Smith as communications director. “I would be remiss if I didn’t say I was concerned about the direction of communications because, to me, that’s the lynchpin of the city,” Hurtak said.

Smith was political editor for the Tampa Bay Times for almost 20 years and left the paper in 2019 to work for a public affairs firm,

“If one branch of the administration is struggling, we’re all struggling,” Bennett said. The list of reappointments were the same as last administration, but didn’t include water department director Chuck Weber, who left earlier this month.

It isn’t yet known what the emails about Smith’s reappointment said. Carlson noted that he’s concerned about Smith’s appointment as well but was assured by Castor that things would be different moving forward.

“We have a bully pulpit we can use here if we see staff turning city resources against us,” Carlson said. “It’s not ethical to do that.”

LISTEN UP: Castor’s ‘theme’ for the next four years is ‘communication.’

consultant on mayor.

Bauman— Tampa, Buckhorn—who reasons.

Mercury. approval said Smith’s departHurtak rest of memalso mentioned, warranted Mayor years is strugThe last departearlier about that as well would be here against that.”

Float off

Tampa Pride on the River won’t happen in 2023.

By Gracey Davis

The Hillsborough River will be just a little less colorful this fall. Last Thursday, Tampa Pride announced the cancellation of Pride on the River, a flotilla and land celebration event scheduled for Sept. 24. On social media, Tampa Pride Board President and co-founder Carrie West said, “Our choice was clear and spelled out by the governor.” On the Monday after this story was published, Axios cited former Tampa Pride board members who said West and his organization have lost the support it takes to run big events.

For the last three years, West has worked with downtown Tampa businesses to bring the spirit of Pride to the river for an annual event featuring fireworks, drag brunches, diversity boat parades and live drag performances. The flotilla usually stretched between Water Street and Tampa Armature Works, which was home to a mainstage for shows and performances.

“protects children from sexually explicit adult performances in all venues—including drag shows and strip clubs.”

Speaking to WMNF public affairs show “The Skinny” last week, West said the board made the decision to cancel Pride on the River 2023 before the governor even signed the bill. It looked at Fort Lauderdale’s “Floatarama” parade, set for June. “They will not have any drag queens on the floats this year,” West said.

LOCAL NEWS

In his announcement, West alluded to DeSantis’ signing of SB 1438. DeSantis signed the bill into law last Wednesday at Cambridge Christian school in Tampa, and echoed proponents’ claims that it prevents children’s exposure to adult live performances.

The bill defines adult live performances as “any show, exhibition, or other presentation that is performed in front of a live audience and in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities, ... lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.” None of those things have been seen at Tampa Pride on the River.

While the bill does not directly name drag shows, according to WTSP, a pamphlet given out at DeSantis’ press conference said the bill

West told the community radio station organizers floated the idea of creating a fencedoff, 18-and-up area at Tampa Armature Works. Ybor City’s big springtime pride parade— which is still on and set for next March—uses a similar, fenced off model, but Pride on the River organizers could not find a good configuration at Armature Works. He added that when he met with downtown businesses and organizations who’d previously helped and supported Pride on the River, he could look around the room and sense concerns about threats from the governor, the loss of contracts and strained relationships with the State of Florida if they didn’t play it safe this year.

During a recent “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” telethon, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a former police chief, said, “During my 30 years in law enforcement I learned what’s dangerous to our communities, and it’s not drag shows.”

Castor told CL, “It’s disappointing to hear Tampa Pride on the River is canceled, but it doesn’t change the fact that Tampa is and always will be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming community.”

WATERS RUN DRY: Ex board members said Tampa Pride lost support for big events.

KIMBERLY DEFALCO

CORPORATE YOGA

Doctor’s orders

Caladesi among Dr. Beach’s best in the U.S.

By Colin Wolf

or 33 years in a row, Florida International University coastal scientist Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman has been ranking the best public beaches around the country, and last week the good doctor released his prestigious list of top tier sand. This year, only two Florida

Locally, Dunedin’s Caladesi Island State Park came in at No. 4, in Dr. Beach’s 2023 Top Ten Beaches in the country. The beach was previously ranked No. 2 in last year’s list. But the No. 1 overall ranking went to George Island State Park, in the Florida Panhandle, which jumped from No. 4. Hawaii had three beaches make the cut, the most of any other state.

Dr. Beach’s annual list is chosen by a 50-point criteria, which includes things like noise levels, traffic, smell, general access, algae levels, rip currents and even the slope of the beach.

Noticeably absent from this year’s list was previous Dr. Beach winners Siesta Key and Grayton Beach State Park. Though, it’s worth noting that Hurricane Ian’s impact along the Southwest Coast may have played a factor, and over the last few years Florida has experienced some of the worst Red Tide algae blooms in recent history. See Dr. Beach’s full list at

USF professor breaks world record for living

Dr. Joseph Dituri, known to his students and colleagues as Dr. Deep Sea, broke the world record for underwater living this month. The previous record, held by Tennessee teachers Bruce Cantrell and Jessica Fain, was set in 2014 at 73 days. The 55-year-old is on track to complete

a 100-day mission called Project Neptune 100, studying the medical, physiological and psychological effects of compression on the human body, while using the unique, record-breaking mission to raise awareness for conservation and marine research. The record-breaking mission moves into uncharted territory for the study, hoping to apply the research to space travel.

“It takes 200 days to travel to Mars,” Dituri said according to WUSF. “Our astronauts will have to travel in an environment similar to the one I’m in now – the confined area will limit their options for food, how far they can see and how they can exercise. They will experience muscle loss, bone loss and vision problems. This research could help us better prepare our astronauts to ensure they arrive healthy and strong enough to explore the planet.”

Before moving undersea, Dituri underwent a series of medical, physiological and psychological tests to measure his performance, and he will be tested again when he resurfaces on June 9.

Dituri’s interest in the mission stems from his own thesis on hyperbaric research, and original reason for earning his doctorate degree from USF. His hypothesis: If hyperbaric pressure can be used to increase cerebral blood flow, then it can be used to treat traumatic brain injuries and a broad spectrum of diseases.

The associate biochemical engineering professor continues to teach to over 2,500 students from his undersea home. His Maymester course will expand on hyperbaric research, and pull on his experiences since beginning the mission. “I’m teaching a course about being under pressure while I am under pressure and what happens inside the body, the biological and chemical processes that change,” Dituri said.

Davis

ISLAND TIME: Caladesi is No. 4 on the new ‘Dr. Beach’ list.

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Spite fest

Advocates denounce DeSantis signing anti-LGBTQ ‘slate of hate.’

By McKenna Schueler

Advocates for equal rights in Florida last Wednesday blasted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican allies in the state legislature for signing into law four bills that advocates have characterized as a “slate of hate” targeting LGBTQ Floridians.

“Governor Ron DeSantis has just signed into law the largest slate of anti-LGBTQ bills in Florida’s history,” said Joe Saunders, senior political director of Equality Florida, on a press call, describing the new laws as “an attack on freedom.”

ban books. They don’t censor curriculum, and they don’t muzzle free speech.”

FLORIDA NEWS

DeSantis approved four bills at a signing ceremony at Tampa’s Cambridge Christian School that are widely perceived as attempts to undercut LGBTQ rights and further alienate transgender Floridians, marketed by Republicans as policies to “protect children.”

That 2022 law prohibited classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten through third grade. The new law expands that from pre-K through eighth grade. Separately, a new rule adopted by the Florida Board of Education further extends this prohibition through 12th grade, although that rule is not codified into law.

Another bill (SB 1438), effective immediately, threatens to pull the liquor license of any establishment that hosts “adult live performances” with minors under the age of 18 present.

Bills banning gender-affirming care for Florida minors and prohibiting transgender people from using bathrooms in public facilities that don’t correspond with their gender assigned at birth were also signed into law last Wednesday, as part of what DeSantis described as a “Let Kids Be Kids” package.

“Free states don’t strip parents of the right to make healthcare decisions for their children,” said Saunders, who recently launched a campaign for the Florida Senate. “Free States don’t

One sweeping bill (HB 1069), effective July 1, prohibits teachers from using a student’s preferred pronouns, even at their parents’ request. It also makes it easier for books to be removed from public schools, and would require that books objected to on the basis of their containing “sexual content” be removed immediately. It also expands Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” law, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics.

The term “adult live performances” is widely perceived as targeting drag (similar to other policy proposals across the country), defined within the bill language as “any show, exhibition, or other presentation that is performed in front of a live audience and in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities, … lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.”

The gender affirming care bill, effective immediately, is also expected to dramatically curtail access to treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender adults, since it prohibits nurse practitioners from providing this care.

Reports of Planned Parenthood halting care for adults in Florida have already surfaced. Republican politicians, including DeSantis, have described gender-affirming care as “mutilation,” despite the fact that it’s endorsed by every major medical association as appropriate treatment for gender dysphoria.

The new bill signed into law codifies an

continued on page 27

PROP THEM UP: DeSantis with children from Tampa’s Cambridge Christian School.

“Free states don’t ban books.”

existing ban on gender-affirming care for youth that was already adopted by Florida medical boards, outlines penalties for violations of the ban, and restricts access to care for transgender adults.

“Many in the community, I think, are really struggling to comprehend what it will mean,” said Nathan Bruemmer, president of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus, in response to the GOP’s targeted attacks on LGBTQ rights. “But we know those impacts, those harms will be real, and I think we fear, ultimately tragic.”

Jen Cousins, an Orlando mom of four who’s been at the center of the fight against book bans in Florida, as co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, shared concerns about easing the process of removing books from schools, and how that will affect the diversity of learning materials available for school-aged children.

Popular Information reported last week that several of the books pulled from the shelves in Florida school districts for being “pornographic” are actually anything but, and more importantly, don’t meet the state’s legal definition of “harmful” content illegal to distribute to minors.

Those titles include “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, and “Forever” by Judy Blume. In Orange County, four books have been removed districtwide: “This Book Is Gay,” “Gender Queer,” “Let’s Talk About It” and “Perfectly Normal.”

FLORIDA NEWS

Jen Solomon, a mother from South Florida and president of PFLAG South Miami, said these bills are not about “protecting children,” as Republicans say, and are instead about a political agenda.

“This is extremely scary,” said Solomon.

themselves, have self-censored, McCracken told Orlando Weekly, fearful of being targeted by conservative groups like Moms for Liberty or being labeled “indoctrinators.”

Florida Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican who sponsored several of the bills signed into law on Wednesday, made it clear at DeSantis’ bill signing ceremony, held at a private school in Tampa, that he perceives the LGBTQ community as a threat.

“The important thing for people to know is there is evil in this world and we are fighting it,” Fine declared.

Last Wednesday’s signing ceremony fell on May 17, a day that over 100 countries worldwide observe as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.

and transgender people,” said U.N. SecretaryGeneral António Guterres. “Being yourself should never be a crime.”

PEN America, a nonprofit organization, has filed a lawsuit against book bans that have already occurred in Escambia County, Florida, joined by publisher Penguin Random House, students of Escambia County, and authors as plaintiffs.

A lawsuit against the state for the Florida Board of Medicine’s ban on gender-affirming care for youth and prohibition on Medicaid coverage for all trans healthcare services is ongoing.

“This bill is now going to allow any person who lives in any district, whether or not they have children, to challenge books that are in the school district,” said Cousins. “We know that the main target of these challenges are books that are either written by LGBTQ+ authors or feature LGBTQ+ themes,” she said. “They also go after books about people of color, about African American history.”

“We have families that are leaving the state because they cannot properly parent their child, whether it’s in the school system in the medical community. We are not allowing parents to make choices, simple choices for their children.”

Educators in Orange County and beyond have also struggled with new policies that have rolled out in Florida over the last two years, according to Clinton McCracken, president of the Orange County teachers’ union. Many teachers, including those who identify as LGBTQ

In 2022, President Joe Biden released a statement commemorating IDAHBA, acknowledging “disturbing setbacks and rising hate and violence targeting LGBTQI+ people in the United States” and adding that legislative policies targeting LGBTQ people “cannot be tolerated.”

The United Nations has also denounced attacks on the LGBTQ community, not just in the United States but globally. “I renew my call to all Member States to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and end the criminalization of consensual same-sex relations

Undocumented immigrants, educators and other public employees have also faced targeted attacks by Florida’s GOP this year, while Floridians continue to grapple with unaffordable housing, inflation and skyrocketing home insurance premiums, which apparently haven’t been designated as issues to be addressed in order to “protect the children.”

“This is an amazing tapestry of a state, and what has come forward does not represent what is the best of Florida,” said Bruemmer, a transgender man and practicing attorney. “Ultimately, unified in action, I know our community will come back.”

“What we need to do,” said Carlos Guillermo Smith, a former State House Representative and candidate for Florida Senate, “is carry on.”

“Being yourself should never be a crime.”

DAVE DECKER

LEAD IN STEAD: Former State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith said, ‘What we need to do is carry on.’

Stop woke

Experts worry about Florida’s new law to push back school start times.

By Ryan Dailey/News Service of Florida

School officials will soon be gearing up to push back start times for many high schools under a new law that mandates changes to the beginning of the school day—but some lawmakers and education experts are wary of the challenges that could come with such a change. The changes stem from a measure (HB 733) approved by the Legislature earlier this month and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis days later. Under the law, which goes into effect in July, middle schools will be prevented from beginning the “instructional day” earlier than 8 a.m., while high schools will be barred from starting the school day before 8:30 a.m.

High schools will experience the most significant changes. About 48% of Florida’s public high schools start school before 7:30 a.m., according to the Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.

Senate bill sponsor Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, and other supporters of the measure touted the mandate as a way to help students get more sleep before the school day begins. “This is one of those pieces of legislation where we understand the ‘why’ very well. Studies, medical science, has shown that this is what’s best. What we’re doing now is not what’s best for our kids. For the adolescents especially,” Burgess said during a May 4 Senate debate on the proposal.

The measure includes what Burgess described as a “three-year glide path,” giving districts until July of 2026 to implement the changes. Lawmakers also during the 2023 legislative session earmarked $5 million to help implement the start-time changes, including a requirement that the state Department of Education survey “six department-selected school superintendents which represent two small, two medium, and two large counties regarding the estimated costs to implement such school start times.”

But Antone warned the changes could lead to much larger costs. For example, the later start times could force Orange and other large districts to purchase more school buses and hire additional bus drivers. “That money begins to add up to potentially easily $100 (million), $200 million dollars,” Antone said.

FLORIDA NEWS

Chris Doolin, a lobbyist who represents the Small School District Council Consortium, also raised concerns about the bill’s potential impacts on small districts. As an example, Doolin argued that shifting the order of different grade levels’ start times could pose safety concerns. “Right off the bat, you’re going to have elementary and younger kids at the side of the road at bus stops earlier, and there’s a safety concern there,” Doolin told the News Service.

As the bill advanced, Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, repeatedly raised concerns about increased costs and other challenges for school districts. In a recent interview with The News Service of Florida, Antone commended the idea of trying to ensure students get more sleep. But he also questioned whether imposing start times on districts throughout the state was “well-thought out.”

“It was just something that sounded like a great idea,” Antone said. “And then they were like, we’re going to pass it and y’all are going to figure it out.” Antone represents an area that includes one of Florida’s largest school districts, Orange County Public Schools. Antone told the News Service that a onesize-fits-all approach could put an outsized strain on Orange and other large districts.

“It puts some hard start times in place. And even though it gives the school districts until 2026 to begin implementing the plan, I’m not sure this bill should be dictating what’s best for Orange County Schools, what’s best for MiamiDade, what’s best for Broward, Palm Beach, Duval,” Antone said.

Another sticking point about the bill, for Doolin, is its potential effect on families’ work schedules.

People in rural Holmes County, for example, largely are employed by state prisons, the county or the school district, according to Doolin. He pointed to rural Holmes County. “You’ve got the prison system, you’ve got the county workforce and you’ve got the school workforce. Now, all those work schedules, I would say the majority, start at 8 o’clock (a.m.),” Doolin said.

Doolin also raised questions about how the changes would affect extracurricular activities such as sports, particularly in rural communities where, “county to county,” it would “take time to get kids to where they need to be.”

And Antone and Doolin both noted that some high-school students have after-school jobs. At least two large districts already have studied the issue of changing start times.

In 2019, Orange County’s district sought community input on potential plans to change start-times. The district, which begins the day at 7:20 a.m for high schools and at 9:30 a.m.

for middle schools, presented three plans for alternate start times. The district received tens of thousands of responses, the bulk of which came from parents and guardians. Of the options presented to respondents, only one would have complied with the new law. “Model D,” as it was called, proposed starting high schools’ days at 8:45 a.m. and middle schools at 10:15 a.m.

Survey results showed that 67% of respondents opposed the plan, according to a district spokesman.

Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, voted for the bill but pointed out that his home school district in Duval County also previously declined to change its start times. “Duval County had looked at doing this a few years back, and then opted not to change some of the start times. There’s a big impact on transportation, obviously on families if they have multiple siblings especially in different grade levels,” Yarborough said during the May 4 floor debate.

The bill also requires school districts to inform local communities “about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation on middle school and high school students and the benefits of a later school start time and

discuss local strategies” to implement the new start-times.

Sen. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, said she appreciated the three-year period for implementation, but added that her reservation about the bill centered on not taking community input prior to putting the changes in place. “I appreciate the fact that you have given a threeyear period for school districts to talk about it with all of those stakeholders. The challenge I have for that is, I wish we would do that first before we actually made it a bill that we’re voting on to put it in law,” Davis said.

Burgess acknowledged his colleagues’ concerns, saying “change can be hard.” But he said his service in the U.S. Army Reserves influenced his approach to the legislation. “If we don’t put out our command intent, and say, ‘We’re getting to yes,’ and we’re doing it by this date, then these things never come to fruition,” Burgess said. “So what we’ve done here is laid out the command intent. And we’re giving a three-year glide path to get to yes.”

The reporting requirements over the next three years will “ensure that we’re uncovering any potential landmines, pitfalls, or holes that we need to look to plug,” he said.

OH, WHEELY? Younger kids will be on the side of the road at bus stops earlier.

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“It was just something that sounded like a great idea.”

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Mo’ Michelin

Chef Ebbe Vollmer opens a new fine dining concept, and more Tampa Bay foodie news.

By Kyla Fields

St. Pete’s Grand Central District is losing a go-to spot for wine, but it’s only moving a few blocks south. Local wine bar and restaurant Lolita’s Wine Market relocates to 420 22nd St. S—the same brick building that houses the Morean Center For Clay—sometime next month.

“We are right off of the Pinellas Trail, with 3 Daughters Brewing just to our north, Kozuba & Sons to our east and caddy corner to the Urban Stillhouse!,” Lolita posted on Instagram earlier this week. While its Warehouse Arts District brick and mortar prepares for a grand opening, Lolita’s flagship location at 16 18th St. S will remain closed.

Besides its wide variety of both natural and regular wine, Lolita’s is also known for its menu full of housemade, Latin-inspired tapas and entrees. We hope dishes like its prosciutto and truffled goat cheese toast, chorizo-stuffed dates and tamarind-glazed pork belly skewers are offered at Lolita’s upcoming location—although Chef Alex Rodriguez might have a revamped menu in mind. Most recently, the chef and co-owner of Lolita’s helped St. Pete Beach wine bar Sea Grapes transform into a restaurant by creating a full dinner menu. In addition to owning and operating Lolita’s Wine Market, Alex and Kelly Rodriguez also cater private events throughout Tampa Bay.

The wine market and restaurant debuted in downtown St. Pete in 2016. Lolita’s Wine Market’s eventual relocation came to no surprise, as a massive, multi-million dollar development will soon replace downtown St. Pete’s charming 1700 block.

Texas-based Trammell Crow Company plans to construct a seven-story, 267-unit with 18,000 square-feet of commercial space on the bottom floor. Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that all the current buildings will be demolished to make way for the $105 million dollar project. Other businesses on the 1700 block, like Dirty Laundry and The Burg Bar and Grill, will eventually have to move to make way for construction, although TBBJ says most businesses will relocate back to the new development once it’s finished. Head to @lolitaswinemarket for the latest information on its imminent move.

Ebbe, a new fine dining concept by Michelinstarred Chef Ebbe Vollmer, set to open in downtown Tampa

A hot new concept is headed to downtown Tampa—but you might have to save a few paychecks to dine there. Opening out of Mole y Abuela’s former space at 1202 N Franklin St. in the heart of downtown, fine dining concept Ebbe (stylized as “EBBE”) describes itself as “an incredible multi-course tasting experience.”

Helming the kitchen is internationallyacclaimed Chef Ebbe Vollmer, who has two Michelin stars under his belt. The Sweden-

Ebbe’s exact soft opening date. Reservations can now be made via exploretock.com from Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Ebbe Vollmer’s Instagram (@vollmersfood) shows that the Swedish chef has been preparing for his fine dining concept in Tampa since the beginning of 2023, although the restaurant’s LLC was created just last month. Chef Vollmer’s LinkedIn page states that he’s worked at the two Michelin-starred Vollmers restaurant in Sweden for the past 10-plus years, which he co-

philosophical ethos that permeates all levels of my kitchen, from purchasing to preparation and presentation.”

There’s an Instagram for Vollmer’s fine dining concept at @ebbetampa, but there’s no additional information just yet. Ebbe will open out of the brick building on Franklin Street that most recently housed Mole y Abuela and Fly Bar’s flagship location before that. Both concepts are now closed: Fly Bar’s second space quietly shut its doors last month while Mole y Abuela never reopened after violating COVID restrictions in 2020.

Bar and restaurant Dirty Shirley will debut out of 2nd & Second’s former St. Pete space One the most popular blocks in St. Pete is about to get a newer (and sweeter) addition. Bar and restaurant Dirty Shirley will soon open at 201 2nd Ave. N in the space that most recently housed latenight diner 2nd & Second, which quietly closed its doors within the last few weeks. Construction on its replacement started immediately after that.

ILovetheBurg says that the concept—slated to open sometime next month—is operated by the same folks that ran 2nd & Second, but with a brand new chef in charge of the kitchen. Future customers can expect comforting American classics like pork chops, mac and cheese bites and chicken wings alongside an expected spread of beer, wine and craft cocktails. We can only assume that Dirty Shirley will dish out the cocktail it’s named after, which is a boozy spin on the nostalgic red soda.

Best of the Bay-winning 2nd & Second was a popular late-night restaurant and one of the last 24-hour diners left in St. Pete. It debuted on the corner of 2nd Avenue N and 2nd Street N in late 2017 and drew a crowd of downtown drunks and locals alike.

born chef picked a good time to open his newest restaurant in the Bay area, considering Tampa snagged its very first stars earlier this month. “Our menu. Our choices…a fixed menu that features all the best seasonal produce,” Ebbe’s newly-formed website reads.

Currently, the only reservations available are for its “Chef’s Counter” pre-fixe menu, which cost $285 per person. Its first reservations opened this week, but we’re unsure of

founded with his brother in 2011. It’s one of two Swedish restaurants in history that have earned two Michelin stars, as The Independent reports. According to bestchefawards.com, Vollmer worked alongside Gordon Ramsay himself at London’s iconic Harvey’s Wandsworth Commons restaurant in the 1990s, and eventually became a chef at his flagship concept, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. When describing his own cuisine, he says “it has evolved into an environmental and

Dirty Shirley is currently hiring for both front of house and back of house positions. Folks interested in a “high volume, fun environment, with a passion for quality food and beautifully crafted cocktails”can send resumes to info@dirtyshirleystpete.com. Keep up with @dirtyshirleystpete on Facebook and Instagram to snag the latest details on its highly-anticipated grand opening.

continued on page 36

WINE DOWN: Lolita’s Wine Market is known for its tasty tapas and laid-back atmosphere.

continued from page 33

Orlando’s Foxtail Coffee will open new Carrollwood location next weekend

There are about a bazillion Foxtail Coffee Co. shops in Orlando, and Tampa Bay is about to get two more of its own over the next few weeks. The chain, which first opened in Orlando’s Winter Park in 2016, has more than 50 locations across the U.S., and plans to open its Carrollwood (10907 N Dale Mabry Hwy.) and Temple Terrace (7021 E Fletcher Ave.) locations this Saturday, May 27 and June 17, respectively.

Both shops will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, and the Temple Terrace location will feature a drive-thru. A press release says the first 50 guests at each location will get seven free coffees redeemable through the Foxtail Coffee app.

Joining Foxtails in St. Petersburg and Riverview, the two new shops bring the total number of Tampa Bay locations to four, but the company hopes to open 30 more locations in the market over the next five years. Foxtail’s menu is centered around the brand’s own “Farmhouse Blend,” cold brew, French press, pour overs, teas and more. The Carrollwood and Temple Terrace locations, however, will also offer Kelly’s Ice Cream, according to the press release.

Ray Roa

St. Pete Beach’s Mastry’s Brewing Co. to open new Pinellas Park facility

A St. Pete Beach favorite will soon move its headquarters, but don’t worry, because its waterfront beer garden isn’t going anywhere. The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that Mastry’s Brewing Co.—along with Robert Czysczon of Plaza Beach Resorts—were recently selected by Pinellas Park to take over a 1.49-acre property at 5805 Park Blvd., a slot of land that was previously owned by the city. Mastry’s will keep its popular St Pete Beach outpost as a satellite location.

In addition to opening a new brewing facility and taproom, its upcoming Pinellas Park parcel will soon become a mixed-use development with retail spaces, art studios and a stage for live entertainment—with Mastry’s as its anchor business.Mastry’s CEO Matthew Dahm told TBBJ that the new Pinellas Park space will offer multiple drive-up spots for food trucks, and might even host festivals or other large-scale events on the weekends.

craft brews, beer-friendly eats and beachside beer garden. Some of its most popular pours include the Boca Ciega Bay IPA, Breezy Blonde ale, Made coffee porter and Blind Pass brown ale.

OPENINGS

Chewy names St. Pete’s Pinellas Ale Works the most ‘Dog-Friendly Brewery in the U.S.’ Pinellas Ale Works, commonly referred to as “PAW,” snagged a prestigious title just days before its massive anniversary party last weekend. Located at 1962 1st Ave. S, Pinellas Ale Works was recently given the title of the most “DogFriendly Brewery in the U.S,” by chewy.com, a nationwide pet delivery service. It acknowledged PAW’s many dog bowls and treats, in addition to its dog-influenced beer names.

Bay Brewing Co.’s Westchase taproom and Bradenton’s Motorworks Brewing.

Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne, from the owners of Due Amici, is now open in Ybor City

A popular late-night eatery in Ybor City just opened its higher end sibling. Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne made its debut in the heart of Ybor City last weekend; now folks can indulge in pizza and pasta at Due Amici before heading next door to its champagne and wine-focused sibling. In addition to a wide variety of wine and bubbly, this new concept also dishes out loaded charcuterie boards. Geo’s website promises that the new Ybor City hotspot will boast live music “every single night,” as well as host various DJs, private parties and events.

Mastry’s Brewing Co. debuted in 2014 and has occupied its waterfront location at 7701 Blind Pass Rd. since 2016, boasting itself as “the first craft brewery and tasting room on St. Pete Beach.” Folks love its wide selection of

“Along with their cute paw print logo, many of the craft brews sport fun dog-inspired names like their Pomeranian Porter and Vanilla Lab Latte,” chewy.com wrote. “Puppy Love, a New England Style IPA, is one of their most popular beers, while their award-winning Milk Bone Sweet Stout and Puppy Breath Hazy IPA are other fan favorites.”

Pinellas Ale Works was the only Floridabased brewery that made the cut, but Chewy did give a dog-friendly shout out to Tampa

Owners of Due Amici announced the opening of their upscale sister concept last fall, originally slated to open in late 2022. The Seventh Avenue space is equipped with a skylight, sleek leather seats, floor-to-ceiling bottle displays and a massive mural of a woman drinking wine from Australian installation artist Ron Francis.

For the latest information on Ybor City’s newest wine and champagne bar, head to @geosfwc on Instagram. Geo’s Fine Wine & Champagne is now open from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays.

ON THE MOVE: Mastry’s Brewing Co. will open a new headquarters in Pinellas Park.

Opens May 27 at The Dalí

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MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE

Kick the tires

Developer Darryl Shaw is bringing a women’s pro soccer team to Tampa Bay.

By Gracie Davis and Ray Roa

Local soccer fans already knew that Ybor City developer Darryl Shaw had plans to bring a professional women’s soccer team to Tampa, but he’s apparently got his eyes on a stadium, too.

Last week, after a leaked website spilled the beans, United Soccer League’s Super League confirmed that “a new chapter” of women’s soccer is coming to Tampa in August 2024, thanks to a new, still-unnamed team led by Shaw—who’s building Ybor City’s GasWorx development on and around the former Tampa Park Apartments— Bern’s Steak House Co-owner David Laxer, and former Chief Information Officer of BluePearl Pet Hospital Jeff Fox.

Fox coached recreational and competitive U8-U14 teams according to the leaked website, which adds that Shaw’s motivation to bring the team to Tampa includes “his respect and admiration for the game, and witnessing his daughter’s efforts to find a female role model as a physicist in a man’s world.” Laxer, for his part, spent years traveling to his daughter’s youth soccer games.

Shaw told the Tampa Bay Business Journal that the 2024 start means the team will have to play in a temporary venue, but that he’s hoping to build a roughly 5,000-person stadium plus office space for the team—and preferably in Ybor City where he’s assembled dozens of properties.

USL said the goal for the team is to create a venue that operates year-round, and offer opportunities for youth soccer leagues and non-soccer events to be hosted there.

“This is about inspiring, energizing, and uniting our Tampa Bay community,” Shaw said in the statement from USL Super Leagues. “We’re ready to build a team that not only wins on the field, but also makes a positive difference off the field. To us, success comes when you become part of the fabric of your community.”

Other initial markets for the new Super League include Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Lexington, Phoenix, Spokane, Tucson, and Washington, D.C., with more locations to follow in subsequent seasons.

The team’s colors and crest are yet to be decided, but an advisory board of members of the Tampa Bay community has been created in an effort to connect the community and the upcoming team.

At a press conference last Friday at Hotel Haya in Ybor City, USL Super League President Amanda Vandervort and Tampa Bay team owners said the submission request is meant to engage the community and foster a sense of ownership.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor—along with mascots from the Lightning, Buccaneers, Rowdies and Rays—helped with the announcement today at Hotel Haya and added that the naming process lets locals “leave their indelible mark” on the team. A rep for Shaw has not yet responded to a request to provide details

on who’ll cull through submissions and make the final call.

Name ideas for Tampa’s new pro women’s soccer team can be submitted starting now through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023.

USL is an active North American soccer league based out of Tampa, created over a decade ago. It currently oversees three men’s leagues, two women’s leagues, one elite player development platform and a national youth platform, with over 200 clubs within its membership.

that aligns with the global calendar, allowing players to participate in the up-and-coming women’s transfer market. Media and streaming partnerships have also been announced.

SPORTS

Super League says its goal is to bridge a gap between men and women’s soccer in the United States, where there are currently 101 professional men’s teams, and only 12 professional women’s teams.

The Super League intends to be a first division league, following a fall-to-summer schedule

In USL’s release, Castor, who was a basketball and volleyball player at Chamberlain High School and University of Tampa pointed out that there was a lack of role models for her to look up to as a student athlete. “The announcement is the start of something special—for our city, for our region, and for so many girls and boys who’ll get to see amazing new role models right here in their hometown,” she added.

Details such as expansion fees, player salary caps and the length of the break between seasons have yet to be announced. The team is taking deposits for season tickets; $24 saves your seat.

“Success comes when you become part of the fabric of your community.”

HAVING A BALL: Ownership and USL league officials.

USLSUPERLEAGUE/TWITTER

Empty tank

‘Fast X’ goes nowhere fast.

By John W. Allman

It would be easy to dismiss “Fast X,” the 10th entry in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, as just another cash grab by a dead horse that’s been beaten to hell and back over the past 22 years. But that would mean overlooking the simple, nagging truth that these stupid movies still manage to entertain, even if the moments of pure popcorn enjoyment come fewer and farther between than they did, say, five movies and 12 years ago.

The reality is that the best this franchise has ever offered arrived with “Fast Five” in 2011, and the movies since have been hit (“Furious 7”) and mostly miss (“Fast & Furious 6,” “The Fate of the Furious,” “F9 – The Fast Saga”).

It’s fitting then that “Fast X” goes back in time for its cold open, repurposing the end of “Fast Five” to insert two new characters, including Jason Momoa’s flamboyant big bad, Dante, that weren’t in the original film.

Momoa is both the best thing about “Fast X,” and further proof that this franchise has literally, ahem, run out of gas. It’s like someone, whether him as an actor or one of the producers or even Vin Diesel, said here’s how you should play this guy to make him memorable, and then

they just let Momoa rip away at the scenery like a shark that’s been starved on purpose.

From his vibrant and at times confounding fashion choices to his painted nails and snarky quips, it’s like Momoa’s Dante is trying to be so over-the-top as to distract from the fact that much of the action has been done before, in other “Fast” movies, and done better. Still, whenever he’s on screen, you can’t look away, for better or worse.

And there are definitely moments when you want to look away, not because the movie is bad, per se, but because it feels so carefully calibrated that there’s zero room for any surprise.

I lost count of how many times a character in “Fast X” talked about the importance of family, but I know that Mr. Diesel personally said the word “family” at least 50 fucking times, which if you’re keeping score at home is 49 times more than necessary, so much so that it ends up undermining the impact and intent.

His character, Dominic Toretto, has gone from badass anti-hero bad boy in the first film to that friend from college you hate to catch up with because everything he says sounds like greeting card bullshit.

“No one starts at the finish line,” Mr. Diesel says early on. Well, duh.

“Pass it down the line, each generation better than the last. That’s fatherhood,” he says shortly thereafter.

Sometimes I found myself thinking deep thoughts while listening to Diesel string together a bunch of these motivational poster platitudes.

Deep thoughts like, “How many sleeveless shirts does Dominic Toretto own?”

Deep thoughts like, “How is it possible that Dominic and his team went from Los Angeles to Rome, Italy in a matter of hours, and secured a bunch of cars and weapons, and somehow managed to arrive just in the nick of time to save the day?” Spoiler alert: It’s not possible without time travel.

kind of like using a car to play whack-a-mole with a giant bomb thingee through the streets of Rome, narrowly avoiding the Vatican, or flying from Los Angeles to Rome in less than 11 hours and 50 minutes.

“Your sister smiled with her eyes and led with her heart.”

I got nothing. I actually had to kickstart my memory to recall whose sister he was talking about so I could figure out exactly who he was talking to. Spoiler alert: It’s another callback to “Fast Five.”

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Fast X ∏∏

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Deep thoughts like, “Holy shit, how is it possible that there are four Oscar winners in ‘Fast X,’ including Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren, Rita Moreno and Brie Larson.”

All that went through my head before the unnecessary Pete Davidson cameo. I cannot understand why that guy…hold on, hold up, I’m being told we have more platitudes incoming from Mr. Diesel: “Nothing’s impossible. You just have to have faith.”

Um, OK, I guess, but the reality is that there are things that are in fact impossible,

If nothing else, “Fast X” speeds along fairly quickly for a two-and-a-half hour placeholder that ends on a cliffhanger with a mid-credits scene that re-introduces a fan-favorite character whom I never thought would return to the team.

But what’s the point, exactly? Why does “Fast X” matter if we know there are still TWO MORE installments yet to come?

The answer is simple. It doesn’t matter. Nothing gets resolved. A major character gets killed, but not mourned, which means the next movie will have yet another big family moment packed with more platitudes from Mr. Diesel. And for those reasons and more, I’m not sure this was the start of the sprint to the finish that everyone likely envisioned.

GAS ME UP: Vin Diesel personally said the word ‘family’ at least 50 fucking times.

“I’m not sure this was the start of the sprint to the finish that everyone likely envisioned.”

There is no try

Disney pulls plug on Galactic Starcruiser.

By Chelsea Zukowski

After just 19 months of operation, Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel will make its last voyage at the end of September. “It didn’t perform exactly like we wanted it to perform, so we decided that we’re going to sunset this in September,” Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks chairman, said on Monday at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference. The bombshell announcement this week left theme park fans running the gamut of emotions. There was shock, for sure, but also sadness, anger and, of course, plenty of jokes poking fun at one of the company’s most expensive and exclusive experiences.

In a statement, Disney praised the cast members and Imagineers who helped bring Starcruiser to life. The company also said new bookings are paused through May 26. “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans. We are so proud of all of the Cast Members and Imagineers who brought Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to life and look forward to delivering an excellent experience for Guests during the remaining voyages over the coming months.”

The Galactic Starcruiser debuted last spring to much fanfare and controversy. The cost for a two-night stay “aboard” the famous Halcyon space cruise ship is roughly $4,800-$6,000, depending on the number of people in your group and the size of your cabin. The price includes room and board, all food and drinks (minus alcohol) and an excursion to Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That shakes out to around $1,200 per person per day. It’s a steep figure, especially when compared to several days at the parks or week-long Disney vacation packages that cost roughly the same.

The purpose of the hotel was to give fans the experience of living a “real” “Star Wars” story— as close as they could get, anyway. Cruisers turned into cosplayers, getting creative in

putting together “Star Wars”-y outfits for the full luxury LARPing (live action role playing) voyage. Guests are treated as passengers aboard the Halcyon as it cruises through space. The story is set during the era of the sequel films, so you’ll cross paths with First Order officers, stormtroopers, Resistance spies, reluctant heroes, musicians and everything in between. There are also live shows and interactions with beloved characters like Rey Skywalker, Kylo Ren and Chewbacca. There are also chances for lightsaber building and training, droid racing, bridge training on the Halcyon’s deck and “unexpected story moments” like helping the Resistance or the First Order.

Since it opened, the Starcruiser has hosted roughly 60,000 guests and boasts high guest satisfaction ratings. The hotel even won a

the Starcruiser one seemed unprecedented.

Now that the Starcruiser is closing, the same discourse has resurfaced, proving several things can be true simultaneously:

Galactic Starcruiser is unaffordable for the average fan. Galactic Starcruiser cost a lot to create and to maintain. Cast members and Imagineers poured heartfelt creativity into one of Disney’s most immersive experiences. For most people who get to stay onboard Starcruiser, their experience is unique and unforgettable.

So, what happens next? Fans have already begun speculating and sharing ideas.

For many diehard Star Wars fans—me included—there’s a level of disappointment about not getting the chance to experience Starcruiser. Photos and videos made Starcruiser

THEME PARKS

founder and editor Robert Niles, “Disney does not do ‘boutique’” experiences, especially with CEO Bob Iger at the helm.

Though bookings cost over $1,000 per person, with only 100 rooms, Niles said Disney likely spent more money accommodating visitors than it does at any of its other resorts. It’s also likely that the cost of running such an immersive, “boutique” space cruiser is too high to offer the types of discounts fans have been asking for since the Starcruiser opened.

But according to The Motley Fool, a Virginia-based financial and investment analysis company, the Starcruiser was “doomed” back in January when Disney started offering such discounts. The markdowns meant guests could save as much as $700 if they combined a Starcruiser voyage with another Disney World resort package. Then, the discounts grew to 30% on select stays for annual passholders, Disney credit card holders and Disney Vacation Club members.

Still, while many will say the Starcruiser failed, others, like The Motley Fool, see it as a “costly learning process” and an experiment in story-based immersive experiences.

“The media giant was able to create an interactive journey that would let guests weave themselves into Star Wars lore storylines,” the company wrote. “It offered a roundthe-clock adventure that makes its equally costly cruiser ships seem uninspiring by comparison.”

Looking ahead, fans have touted a variety of ideas for Starcruiser— from “docking it” at Galaxy’s Edge and turning it into a walk-through experience with cantinas, shops and characters, to retooling the building into a standard Disney resort with “Star Wars” theming.

THEA Award back in November for outstanding achievement in brand excellence and themed entertainment. But the discourse hit a fever pitch the week of Starcruiser’s opening last March, shortly after VIPs and media—journalists, bloggers, influencers and the like—were invited to preview the Starcruiser.

Most of the backlash came because of the price tag—and the subjectivity of people praising an expensive experience they got to do for free. Free media previews aren’t a new concept in brand marketing, but the anger surrounding

look like a dream adventure, and many of us were holding out hope that Disney would someday offer deeper discounts. The exclusivity and paywalling of the experience make the impending closure sting even more. Many can’t fathom why closing Starcruiser is a better financial decision for Disney than retooling it to something more affordable and accessible.

Disney isn’t known for being transparent, so I doubt we’ll ever see a detailed cost-benefit analysis of changing versus closing the Starcruiser. According to Theme Park Insider

I, and I’m sure other fans as well, would love to saddle up to the bar and play Sabacc at the Sublight Lounge, hear Gaya sing her best hits, and see an epic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren—a story point set between “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker.”

In the end, many “Star Wars” and Disney fans don’t want to lose a unique experience like the Starcruiser. We just don’t want to feel shut out from a place that was clearly created with us in mind.

This post first appeared at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s sibling publication Orlando Weekly.

DO OR DO NOT: Two-night stays at the Starcruiser experience ran around $1,200 per person per day.

Tom Jones: Here We Stand is organized by the Museum of Wisconsin Art Tom Jones, Peyton Grace Rapp, from Strong Unrelenting Spirits series, 2018, Inkjet print and beadwork, Collection of Ken Karol and Greg French. Image credit: Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, Wisconsin.

A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, Tom Jones’s photographs explore issues of identity and geographic place within Native American communities.

REVIEWS PROFILES MUSIC WEEK

True colors

Tampa rapper Perception lets himself be vulnerable on ‘Better Luck Next Time.’

By Ray Roa

Come 11 p.m., or midnight-ish, on Friday night, Perception will be alone, in a spotlight, with just DJ Flaco nearby ready to queue up tracks. The solitude of it all will be juxtaposed to the artist so many in the Tampa scene have come to know and love via live sets backed by bands, and flanked by his biggest supporters. But for Pedro Morales, performing by himself was the only option.

“I come from the alley, street freestyle type of world, like real hip-hop. And I feel like all I need is a microphone,” Morales— who turns 28 on the same day as his album release— told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Rap concerts with a band, he admits, can make an emcee standout in a scene, and they allow an artist to bring others into the light.

vulnerability, and rejection of machismo and bravado that permeates so much of the hip-hop that came in the generations before him.

INTERVIEW

“Once I got into this local scene, people received me pretty well, but I think that I’ve been my biggest enemy,” he added. “The message of this album, for me, is to believe in yourself. I don’t say this on the album, but I live by it: The people that make it in life aren’t the people that are most talented— they’re the ones that don’t give up.”

Perception album release w/Katara/The Fuss/Biishop The Artist/Black Ace/ Chooty B/Jay Browne/DJ Flaco Friday, May 26. 8 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, 810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa @perception_hiphop on Instagram

“But if I’m good, I’m gonna move that crowd with just a microphone,” be said. It wasn’t always that way.

Morales was a shy kid when he was figuring out life in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He kept to himself, had a small group of friends and mostly watched mom raise him, his older sister, plus two cousins, who he considers his siblings, after his aunt passed away. His dad was on his way to becoming a lawyer in Ecuador before he came to visit New York where he fell in love with Morales’ Puerto Rican-Dominican mom and decided to stay, eventually becoming a citizen after long nights studying for the naturalization test. Now, dad has a CDL license. “Family is real big for me. My parents are a big foundation,” he added.

Family gets a lot of play on Perception’s new album, Better Luck Next Time. Over 30 minutes and 10 songs (plus two skits throwing it back to the golden age of the rap album) Morales lets listeners into his life in refreshing ways. There is a confidence laced throughout the LP, but its defining characteristic is a transparency,

Morales didn’t always believe in himself though.

The album opens with “Hard Times,” rife with the punchline-era, carefully timed raps that permeate Better Luck Next Time. On “KRKs,” over swinging production, keys, and flute he talks about forgoing college, his days playing competitive club basketball and the arthritis that made it painful. The title track talks about getting fired from jobs, doors slamming in his face, and how love and hate are quite often one in the same. There are allusions to Songs in the Key of Life, an album with imagery and emotional heft that is a touchstone in Morales’ entire approach to music and existence in general.

By the time his mom moved the family to Florida for a job and to be closer to his grandma, Morales had hung up the sneakers and instead started paying more attention to the classic, east coast hip-hop that soundtracked his childhood. He used to make up jokey rhymes while he was moving around the house, before a long lost older cousin heard him goofing and planted the idea that Morales might actually be a rapper. The change in perception is what led him to today.

Morales was 18 years old at the time, and his cousin hooked him up with a co-worker who had a son who rapped. They started a group called Young and Rebellious. The first show was at Offbeat

Hookah Lounge where scene staple bassist Vinny Svoboda—who was in musical engineering school at the University of South Florida at the time, and currently lends low end, soul and feel to a myriad of local songwriters—noticed Perception and encouraged him to keep going. Svoboda would not be the last to see the potential.

Multi-platinum producer Cliff Brown, who won a Grammy award for his work with Mary J. Blige, told CL that he immediately heard a timeless flow and an impeccable producer’s ear on Perception’s 2020 EP, Genesis. He started to work with Morales at an Ybor City studio, befriended him, and came to know Perception as one of the hardest working artists in Tampa. “Nobody is more driven to be a master of their lyrical craft as well as to be the best producer, spending endless hours digging through crates and samples,” Brown added.

Brown is a producer on Perception’s new album, and Svoboda played bass, but they aren’t alone in supporting Morales. On the album, he is joined by drummer Tucker Sody, bassist Brendon

Porter, producer Sean Callahan, Berkleeeducated saxophonist Nick Bredal, Cameron Ginex on keys, plus Guianna Brantley and Biishop the Artist on vocals, amongst others.

And all the help Perception is getting actually has less to do with good luck, and more to do with preparation and his willingness to let people in. On Friday, he’ll be alone onstage, but there’ll be a big scene in the crowd where the light isn’t shining, reveling in the talent they always believed in.

On “Mistakes,” Perception talks about forgiveness and allows himself to be imperfect.

“We’re all human for the first time. It’s inevitable that we’re going to do things we’re not proud of,” he told CL. “It’s never too late to turn it around. As long as you’re breathing, you’ve got an opportunity to be here on this earth, you can do something impactful. It’s just up to you; wake up and decide what you want to do with your opportunity. For me, I want to inspire people. I want people to know they’re actually not alone.”

LUCK IS AN ILLUSION: Perception’s been working towards this moment since the age of 18.

“The people that make it in life aren’t the people that are most talented—they’re the ones that don’t give up.”

By Josh Bradley & Ray Roa C CL Recommends

FRI 26

Christie Lenée Released last fall, the Tampa bred singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist’s latest album Coming Alive has been described as a change of pace on her end. This time around, Lenée decided that her Benetar-esque vocals—which sing out lyrics “of self-confidence and empowerment, [and] of renewal and light”—would carry most of the load, and that the guitar work would still be pertinent, but to a lesser extent. She has been endorsed by Dave Matthews Band axeman Tim Reynolds, so her Gulfport performance is not to be missed. (Catharine A. Hickman Theatre, Gulfport)

The Doobie Brothers It looks like Michael McDonald is really enjoying being a Doobie Brother for the first time since the ‘90s, because the soft-rock outfit—less than a year after performing at the ol’ Gary—is bringing its ongoing 50th anniversary tour to Mahaffey Theater. If you go, take a good listen to “What A Fool Believes,” and try to wrap your mind around why the track scares the hell out of Brian Wilson. (Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg)

Fromjoy w/Tracheotomy/Corpse Pile/ Dead Mirrors Digitech pedals get abused in a set from Houston band Fromjoy, which is on tour in support of a new self-titled album of electro-tinged hardcore metal. Synthesized saxophone, Casio keys and vaporwave are all in bounds on this night of experimental sounds that includes deathcore band Tracheotomy, Texas goregrind unit Corpse Pile and Tampa’s own Dead Mirrors. (Born Free Pub & Grill, Tampa)

Hijas De La Muerte w/Pilot Jonezz/ Sligh After opening for Thelma & the Sleaze in West Palm Beach, South Florida trio Hijas De La Muerte (it translates to “daughters of death) plays a headlining set in support of a 2021 EP, Lotería , and a 2022 single “Furniture Sex Robot.” On those releases, the self-styled “Hispanic Grunge-Punk band” rolls out multilingual rock and roll complete with buzzsaw guitars, anthemic choruses, and the same kind of riotous energy of the best ‘90s grunge and thrash, with hints of ‘80s glam, too. Tampa soul-punk band Pilot Jonezz opens the show. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)

The Used w/Pierce The Veil/Don Broco/ DeathByRomy It’s pretty much summer vacation, and in a perfect world, pop-punkslash-emo kids would be gearing up for the scorching Vans Warped Tour’s stop at Vinoy Park or the ol’ Gary. Alas, the world no longer turns that way, but at the very least, plenty of the bands involved in the legendary festival tour remain active. Take The Used, for example. The Utah-based emo outfit’s 11-track new album just dropped last Friday and took just 11 days to complete. Another 10 tracks,

recorded in 10 days, see release at a date to be determined. (Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa)

SAT 27

Afterworld w/Rahim Samad/DJ Albow

On paper, experimental electro-industrial duo Afterworld and classic Tampa rapper Rahim Samad look like strange bedfellows, but the acts have been rubbing elbows at shows for a decade-and-a-half. Samad used to play shows at Bob Suren’s famed Sound Idea record shop in Brandon, a punk-rock haven where Suren opened the door to him. Carson “(Cox) and Justin (Garcia) are from that scene,” Samad told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, adding that he played shows with Cox’s band Merchandise before it signed to 4AD Records, along with Divisions, another band featuring Cox and Garcia. They proceeded to share countless bills at local DIY spots (Heinrich’s, Unit 19, house shows), and the friendship continues when the bands play a no-cover gig as part of the “Title Match” wrestling-themed art show opening. (The Bricks, Ybor City)

DIY Music Festival: Discord Theory w/ Fantastical Tigers/Bangarang/Holly Glen Band/more Fantastical Tigers wants to throw the Kitchen Sink at fans this weekend. That’s the name of the band’s new EP, which features the electro-pop duo exploring a variety of untouched creative avenues in its presentation of new music, B-sides, covers and collaborations. The Tigers’ set is part of a day-long festival of sorts featuring a dozen bands ranging from hip-hop (Pusha Preme, Albert J), indie (Peace Cult, Pandapaws), pop (Sydlive), punk (Hollyglen), rock (Bangarang) and more playing inside and outside stages. (Crowbar, Ybor City)

Sophie B. Hawkins The New York Citybased singer-songwriter will perform cuts from her new album Free Myself—conceived following a breakup and a cross-country move, and described as “a meditation on undoing false self-beliefs and accessing your truest nature”—as well as selections from her other five albums. She’s also a major LGBTQ+ rights activist—and identifies as omnisexual herself—so what better way to celebrate the beginning of Pride month? (Music4Life Living Arts Center, Clearwater)

SUN 28

The Black Honkeys video release There are no shortage of opportunities to see The Black Honkeys, but this one is extra special since it fetaures the video premiere for “What’s The Price,” the rock scene favorite’s new album produced by Rook Flair of Grammy-winning J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, which has previously worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige (with whom it won a golden gramophone for Best R&B Album), Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne. The show features limited edition 45 vinyl records, plus meet and greet opportunities with the Honkeys and Flair, for VIPs. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

Ol’ Dirty Sundays 12 Year

Anniversary: Cosmo Baker w/Sam E. Hues/DJ Casper/DJ Fader For the last 12 years, there’s been just one place to party rock at the end of a weekend, and that’s Ol’ Dirty Sundays which celebrates another turn around the sun with a set from Philadelphia DJ and turntablist Cosmo Baker who normally spends his Sundays relaxing with a cup of coffee, cooking breakfast, walking the neighborhood or working in the studio. Baker

Pilot Jonezz

is joined by Tampa rapper Sam E Hues for this special edition of the weekly party that’s helped shape the culture of Ybor City over the last decade. (Crowbar, Ybor City)

Pauly D w/Gemini/Camo Causeway nightclub WTR lives for Memorial Day Weekend, and as part of a three-day throwdown, it welcomes MTV’s freshest and most famous reality show export DJ Pauly D, a selfdescribed guido whose hair won’t move an inch should he find himself in the pool. (WTR Pool, Tampa)

TUE 30

Deeper w/Foyer Red/more Less than a week after a Brooklyn release show for its debut album Yarn The Hours Away, New York-based indie-rock outfit Foyer Red will take its crisp guitars and mostly slower beats down south for a string of dates with

continued

Deeper. The latter just put out a single entitled “Sub”—the Chicago rock favorite’s first release on Sub Pop—and it sounds like the equivalent of an alt-rock David Byrne (a deleted track from American Utopia , if you like.) (Crowbar, Ybor City)

Sierra Ferrell Country music is enjoying a renaissance, with artists like Margo Price, Kelsey Waldon, Tyler Childers, Robert Ellis and more all elevating the genre well above the tropes trotted out on pop-country radio. Sierra Ferrell is undoubtedly part of that revolution. The 34-year-old made her Grand Ole Opry debut last December, four years after self-releasing albums, and a year after putting her 2021 album Long Time Coming out on Rounder Records. The West Virginia songwriter’s past, growing up poor, and even homeless, is well documented, but her upbringing brings so much of the magic of her home to listeners who’ve fallen in love with a sound that’s both modern and vintage, but also rooted in the Appalachian

mountains and unafraid to dip into jazz and even international sounds like Latin music and calypso. Her often theatrical stage show is quickly becoming stuff of legend, and this is undoubtedly a chance to see a star on the rise. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

WED 31

Happy Together Tour: The Turtles w/ Little Anthony/Gary Puckett & The Union Gap/The Vogues/The Classics IV/The Cowsills If you’ve never heard “Sugar, Sugar” by fictional bubblegum pop outfit The Archies, you probably live under a rock. But Ron Dante, who provided lead vocals for most tracks from the “band” featured on the 17-episode “Archie Show” in the late-‘60s, almost had a different path to walk. He auditioned for The Monkees in 1965 as a longtime employee and friend of Don Kirshner—who supervised the

pre-Fab Four for a time—and while his part was given to Davy Jones, Dante admitted that he would not have joined the band in fighting for musical independence against Kirshner. “Even Davy Jones kinda leaned towards Donny’s ideas of how it should go. I probably would not have rebelled,” he told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay during a recent phone call. Fifty years down the line, Dante did eventually get picked up by The Turtles, when founding member Howard Kaylan had to retire from touring due to health issues. Him and Mark “Eddie” Volman headline the annual Happy Together tour, which also features The Cowsills, Little Anthony, and Clearwater resident Gary Puckett. Read our full interview with Ron Dante at cltampa. com/music. (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater)

THU 01

Eli Young Band A few weeks ago, Young’s daughter Kline joined her dad’s band onstage to perform “Saltwater Gospel,” a fairly recent collaboration with Jimmy Buffett. It’s pretty unlikely that either special guest will appear on tour with the country quartet from Denton, Texas—on its current “Break Up in a Bar” tour—but it’s good to know that Young’s girls are always on his mind, and that Mr. “Crazy Girl” has made it big enough to make the lord and savior of Parrotheads notice him. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

Moxie w/The Doozers/Turkey Boy/ Quail Hollow Indie-pop bands are a dime a dozen. Few combine mathy-guitar licks, bouncy melodies and singalong choruses with the effectiveness of Moxie on its video for “Hard To Be.” The Vermont outfit’s been at it since the release of an equally catchy 2018 debut, The Fall , and continues its tradition of letting Rei Kimura’s soulful vocals captivate listeners as it supports its 2020 outing Flow Of Color. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)

Summer Salt w/The Rare Occasions/ Addison Grace Self-described “trop-pop” duo Summer Salt spent last summer opening for The Driver Era, and is now out on a headlining tour promoting one of what feels like a million albums that dropped on May 19. Campanita is a sentimental, 41-minute eulogy for Matthew Terry’s sister Madeleine, and their cousin, Angelina—both of whom passed away within a year of each other— where he expresses his will to carry on, and remembers nothing but the best times with two of his closest family members. (Orpheum, Tampa)

Rock the Park Tampa: Trace Zacur w/ Fantastical Tigers/Tone I.E There are not many more captivating Tampa Bay-based singer-songwriters than Tone I.E., who says, “I like to write songs about mfs who break my heart so I’m like Taylor Swift except I’m Black and Better.” Her powerhouse single “Distraction” just got the music video treatment and is even more earth-shaking in person. The prolific performer opens this free, family-and-pet-friendly long-running downtown concert series where she’ll be joined by electro-pop duo Fantastical Tigers and Berklee College of Music grad, saxophonist Trace Zacur. (Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa)

Sierra Ferrell

ALYSSE GAFKJEN

No comps: New concerts coming to Tampa Bay

Sean Chambers w/Savoy Brown Rhythm Section Saturday, June 3. 8 p.m. $10. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa Pass It On: A Benefit for Recycled Tunes feat. Ayam/Boycott/Dead Mirrors/Deb Ruby/Ernestine Black/Holy Terror/KIII/ Rototiller/Same Day Delivery Orchestra/ more Sunday, June 4. 4 p.m. $15. Hooch and Hive, Tampa

Selwyn Birchwood (album release) w/ Damon Fowler Friday, June 9. 8 p.m. $12. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa

Mason Pace w/Cinema Stereo/Dirty

Janes/Persephone’s Choice Sunday, June 11. 7 p.m. No cover. The Floridian Social, St. Petersburg

Every Avenue w/MakeOut/SayWeCanFly

Friday, June 16. 6 p.m. $20. Orpheum, Tampa

St. Pete Pride: Idina Menzel w/Brianna Summers/Ashlee T. Bangkx/KaMarion

Lavish/Anarkitty/Queen Sheba

Bethsheba A. Rem/Angelique YoungCavalier Friday, June 23. 6 p.m. $35. Jannus

Live, St. Petersburg

Peso Pluma w/Alemán Friday, June 23. 8 p.m. $59 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

No Mas w/Knoll/TBA Monday, June 26. 7 p.m. $15. Orpheum, Tampa

Cheap Trick w/Robin Taylor Zander

Wednesday, June 28. 7 p.m. No cover, but waitlist only. The Sound, Clearwater

Libianca (opening for Alicia Keys) Friday, June 30. 8 p.m. $35.75 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

Down By Law w/Car Bomb Driver/Slap Of Reality/Doll Parts Saturday, July 1. 7:45 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Shrek Rave Saturday, July 1. 9 p.m. $20. The Ritz, Ybor City

Under The Rug Sunday, July 2. 7 p.m. $20 & up. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa Hot Dog Party 17: Piss/Big Sad/MAK/ Fresh P/Jeremy Gloff/Wally Rios

Monday, July 3. 6 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City

The Zachary Bartholomew Trio Thursday, July 6. 7:30 p.m. $25 & up. Side Door at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg

Starletta w/Riot House/Summer Hoop

Friday, July 7. 9:30 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City

Orthodox w/Chamber/156-Silence/Cell

Monday, July 10. 7:30 p.m. $18. Crowbar, Ybor City

Buckcherry Thursday, July 20. 8 p.m. $35 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Foxgloves w/TBA Friday, July 28. 8 p.m. No cover. Hooch and Hive, Tampa

Lil Durk w/Kodak Black/NLE Choppa/ DD Osama Friday, July 28. 7 p.m. $35 & up. Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa

Crobot w/Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol

Sunday, July 30. 7 p.m. $18. Orpheum, Tampa

Toosii Thursday, Aug. 17. 7 p.m. $32.50. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Jai Wolf w/Devault/Tsu Nami Friday, Aug. 18. 8 p.m. $25 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Matisyahu w/G. Love & Special Sauce/ Cydeways Wednesday, Aug. 23. 6 p.m. $39.50. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

The Mystic Underground w/Offerings/ Johnstonsons/DJ Winters Saturday, Aug. 26. 8 p.m. $13. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Grey Day 2023: $uicideBoy$ w/ Ghostmane/City Morgue/Sematary/ Ramirez Tuesday, Aug. 29. 6:30 p.m. $46.20 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

OhGeesy Saturday, Sept. 16. 7 p.m. $29.50. Crowbar, Ybor City

Yngwie Malmsteen w/Glenn Hughes Saturday, Sept. 23. 7:30 p.m. $35 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Daughtry w/Ayron Jones Tuesday, Sept. 26. 8 p.m. $59.50 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Ringo Starr and his all-Starr Band Tuesday, Sept. 26. 7 p.m. $39 & up. The Sound, Clearwater

TV Girl Tuesday, Sept. 26. 8 p.m. Sold out. The Ritz, Ybor City

Jake Miller w/Hariz Thursday, Oct. 5. 7 p.m. $20. Orpheum, Tampa

Christian Nodal Friday, Oct. 6. 8 p.m. $61 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa

Kings Kaleidoscope w/Mike Mains & The Branches Sunday, Oct. 8. 6 p.m. $29.50. Crowbar, Ybor City

Fit For A King w/The Devil Wears Prada/ Counterparts/Landmvrks Wednesday, Oct. 11. 7 p.m. $29.50 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

CloZee w/Daily Bread/Canvas ThursdayFriday, Oct. 12-13. 6 p.m Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday. $40 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Atilla w/Gideon/Ten56/Until I Wake

Post Malone likes you, and if you like him, well, congratulations because the face-tatted poprock-rap star has plans to be in Tampa Bay this summer. Tickets to see Posty play MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on Tuesday, Aug. 1 are pm sale now and start at $59. The only other Florida show is on July 31 in West Palm Beach.

The 27-year-old born Austin Richard Post will arrive in Tampa just days off the release of his forthcoming self-titled album, Austin , which is due on July 28.

“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all,” Post, who’s been nominated for eight Grammys, wrote in a press release. “Help me put a baby through college and come on out. Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours.”

See Josh Bradley’s roundup of new concert announcements to the right. —Ray Roa

Staind Thursday, July 13. 8 p.m. $80 & up. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa

Skating Polly w/Bugsy/Jacklen Ro

Friday, July 14. 9 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Moris Blak & Danny Blu Saturday, July 15. 8 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Wednesday, Oct. 18. 5:30 p.m. $25. Orpheum, Tampa

Death From Above 1979 Thursday, Oct. 19. 8 p.m. $34.50. Crowbar, Ybor City

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets w/TBA

Saturday, Oct. 21. 7 p.m. $20. Crowbar, Ybor City

Santiago Cruz Saturday, Oct. 28. 7:30 p.m. $35.50 & up. Ferguson Hall at Straz Center, Tampa

22

1

117 Luke Skywalker’s planet had two of them

1 Heiden and Hoffer

2 Do again, as the floor

3 Not scrambled enough

4 Blueprint detail, for short

5 Actress Dominique

6 Gavel pounder’s goal

7 Clatter

8 Tauromachy shout

9 Shelf stock: abbr.

10 Okayed: abbr.

11 No turns ___

12 “Beautiful people ... ___ with me”

(Oscar Wilde)

13 News agcy. under Nikita

14 Bed problem

15 Chris’s second words to the natives?

16 Go along with

17 Lake Erie city

19 Takes on

20 The Wizard’s self-intro

23 Recurring villain on Hawaii Five-O

27 Accustom, variantly

31 Prom partner

34 Mr. Sakharov

35 10 star

37 “___ in town!”

(theater rave)

38 Mexican state

39 Maxwell Anderson play, High

40 “Pass ___, please”

41 “A to AZUSA,” perhaps