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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa
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CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Chloe Greenberg, Chelsea Zukowski
PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker, Blake Yeager
EDITORIAL INTERN Min Craig
Apply for spring via rroa@cltampa.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Spatafora GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joe Frontel
ILLUSTRATORS Dan Perkins, Cory Robinson, Bob Whitmore
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?
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Anthony Carbone, Scott Zepeda
MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS DIRECTOR
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?
is it time for a “entertainment” animals?
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Lauren Caplinger
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Music: Tampa Bay Blues
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review: Artic Monkeys
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of the
Festival of the Moving Image
Haslams sold a ton of them. Celebrating 25 years in the ‘Dead Zone,’ p. 33.
/food A new, old Ybor brewery /music Live and local /news What’s an ADU? /arts Are the Bucs good yet? cltampa.com/slideshows
cltampa.com
With critical midterm elections fast approaching, Tampa Tiger Bay Club is turning its attention to the future of poli tics with an upcoming forum featuring young Tampa Bay politicos.
Brittany Lakhani, Young Tampa Bay Republicans president, and Michael Womack, Hillsborough County Young Democrats presi dent, will offer their perspectives on what’s motivating youth voters this election. Lakhani and Womack will answer questions and dis cuss some of the hotly contested issues at play during this election through the lens of young folks. Only members of the nonpartisan Tiger Bay Club can submit questions for the speakers.
Lakhani is a student at Stetson University College of Law. She has expressed support for Gov. DeSantis and his policies focused on the rights of small business and refusing corona virus mandates. She serves as staff for Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, up for re-elec tion next month.
Womack, also nonpartisan Mercury Public Affairs director, comes from Equality Florida, where he contributed to legislative fights against the Transgender Youth Sports ban and “Don’t Say Gay” bills. His focus lies in advancing LGBTQ+ issues with experience in campaign work on the state and national level.
Friday, Oct. 21, 11:15 a.m. $25 & up (admis sion includes lunch). Cuban Club ballroom, 2010 N Avenida República de Cuba, Ybor City. tiger bayclub.com
Get your picnic blankets and chairs ready because the sky above Plant City will be filled with massive colorful hot air balloons next weekend. Happening on festival grounds, gates open at 5 p.m. each night and the festival is open until 10:30 p.m. Two-day passes are also available, along with tethered hot air balloon rides are $25 per person.
And don't worry, there are plenty of groundbased activities for anyone who might be scared of heights.
A ticket to the festival includes the Night Glow & Laser Show, with all the balloons will light up in unison for a dancing light show set to music. The show happens twice each night of the festival (8 and 10 p.m.). There’ll also be a market with local vendors, roaming entertain ers like magicians and jugglers, free parking, plus a kids zone with rides and games.
Bringing blankets, chairs and umbrellas is encouraged, but no coolers or outside food or beverages will be allowed. Organizers will inflate the hot air balloons when the winds are slow enough to be safe.
It’s not recommended that you bring any pets as the noise from the balloons can upset them. Service animals are, of course, allowed. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Special Olympics.
Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m. $10 & up. Strawberry Festival grounds, 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City. freshtix.com
Last Saturday, around 40 activists gathered at Columbus Statue Park in South Tampa to pro test Tampa’s glorifying monument to a man who was a confirmed pedophile, rapist and slave trader. After the speakers discussed the ills of colonialism and the devastating impacts it has caused from Southeast Asia, to the Middle East, to Africa and Central and South America, pro testors dipped their hands in fake blood and pressed the blood against the monument. Indigenous activists have been protesting the statue for 30 years, but received very little response from city council people and mayors of the past. And there's been no response this year from Mayor Jane Castor's administration and city council. That's despite the fact that Indigenous People's Day is now recognized federally and in several cities and states. Columbus statues have even been removed in several locations across the country. See more photos via cltampa.com/slideshows, and read the full report on p. 12.—Justin Garcia
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST COOKIES IN THE BAY 4 YEARS IN A ROW!POLITICS ISSUES OPINION
Paraplegic woman dealt with a leaking roof and mold at her apartment— now she’s being evicted.
By Justin Garcia
When the ceiling started leaking on Roses Hill in February, rainwater sprayed on the 47-year-old paraplegic woman. She moved to the edge of her nursing bed as water shot from the fan and other parts of the ceiling. Fire alarms started ringing. She called family members, thinking she might die if a fire broke out. But it was around 1 a.m. and everyone was asleep. Without the use of her legs—which stopped working after a bad car accident in 1992—she was stuck on the bed, getting soaked and wondering what might happen next.
house. Hill couldn’t get up, so Miracle pointed to where there were also leaks near the living room window. “I’m nervous,” Miracle said, when asked about how she’s felt ever since sheriff deputies showed up.
The company that manages the property is WRH Realty Services, which works under the ownership company, Southport Financial Services. Earlier this year, Southport made headlines when another property in Tampa, Silver Oaks Apartments, was found to have residents living in dangerous conditions.
after failing an inspection. Southport has found itself in several housing scandals in recent years across Florida.
WRH and Southport have not yet responded to requests for comment.
On Hill’s eviction notice, Dale G. Westling is listed as the attorney for the plaintiff. His office told CL that he was at an eviction seminar and would respond later if he is able. Hill was full of anxiety all week. She’s reached out to legal services in the area for help, but hasn’t heard back yet. She’s still having trouble breathing, and she speaks in short bursts before stopping to catch her breath.
Hill says maintenance people just spray painted over the mold, but that it’s harder and harder for her to breathe every day. But right now, she’s mainly just concerned with what will happen if she and Miracle are forced out of their shelter.
She survived, but then the water led to mold and breathing issues. It hasn’t been raining much lately, but her ceiling fan is still wrapped in a paper towel, just in case the leak starts again. She thought the structural problems in her unit at Mobley Park Apartments just north of downtown were the most daunting issues she’d have to deal with this year.
But when Hill was served a 24-hour notice to evict her residence from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office last Monday, she realized she was facing the prospect of not having a roof over her head at all. No deputies had shown up to kick her out when this story went online, but her notice says that she was required to be out of her home by Wednesday morning, at the lat est. Hill, whose housing is assisted by Section 8, admits that she had stopped paying her portion of rent for the past several months, after living at the property for around three years. She felt her health was at risk at the apartment, and told management that she refused to pay until things were properly fixed, she said.
Repair men had arrived and patched things up here and there, but the problems persisted, and she didn’t feel it was up to standard to pay for living there. But now that HCSO has threat ened her with removal, she’s wondering where she and her daughter Miracle will find shelter.
“I asked around about homeless shelters, but was told that a lot of them are full and that we wouldn’t like staying there anyways,” Hill told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
Miracle, who is 21 years old, put some of their belongings in plastic bags, just in case the sheriff arrives, which were scattered around the
The situation was so bad that the manage ment company, Cambridge Management, was removed by Housing and Urban Development
“We’re just trying to prepare ourselves for what happens if the sheriff ends up coming,” she said. “Right now, we don’t have anywhere to go.”
Tampa is considering easing rules for the use of tiny homes, also known as Accessory Dwelling Units, and hundreds of homeowners surveyed say they want to use the easing in regulations create AirBnbs.
ADUs are usually smaller than one bed room apartments, potentially making them easier to afford while still providing all of the amenities found in an apartment. According to a City of Tampa Survey, of the 1,000 people surveyed by the City of Tampa, 301 responded that they'd like to use ADUs to install AirBnbs on their properties. When asked about what uses of ADUs are most relevant to them, around 1% responded that afford able housing was of importance. Hundreds of respondents also answered that they'd use the properties for "landlord income" or as a place for a relative or visitors to stay.
Read more at cltampa.com/news.
JUSTIN GARCIA“We’re just trying to prepare ourselves for what happens if the sheriff ends up coming.”
Last Saturday, around 40 activists gathered at Columbus Statue Park in South Tampa to protest Tampa’s glorifying monument to a man who was a confirmed pedophile, rapist and slave trader. In front of the statue, Indigenous activists sang songs and prayed for the lives that were lost to genocide enacted by Christopher Columbus after he stumbled upon the Caribbean while lost at sea. There, the Arawak and Taino people found him and his men, treated them kindly and fed them, but Columbus decided to take advantage of their goodwill.
A new campaign will be launched from now until the statue is taken down, he said. “We’re coming for the city council meetings,” Murphy said. “And if you don’t hear our words, we’ll bring the drums in and we’ll disrupt your city council meetings. You won’t have any more peace until this comes down.”
Murphy and other speakers pointed out that there are plenty of other noteworthy Italians that could be honored instead—people who didn’t feed Native babies to dogs and rape young girls, like Columbus did.
Robert Rosa of Florida Indigenous Alliance and American Indian Movement read a passage from Columbus’ own journal to the crowd. “With fifty men they can all be subjugated and made to do what is required of them,” Columbus wrote.
Rosa read this passage to the crowd then said, “This man [Columbus] said that we were a beauti ful people. We didn’t lie, we didn’t steal. And what did he do? He tried to destroy us. He tried to put us under the ground. He tried to breed us out.”
Indigenous activists have been protesting the statue for 30 years, but received very little response from city council people and mayors of the past. And there’s been no response this year from Mayor Jane Castor’s administration and city council. That’s despite the fact that Indigenous People’s Day is now recognized federally and in several cities and states. Columbus statues have been removed in several locations across the country. But Tampa has remained staunch in its glorification of Columbus.
Sheridan Murphy of FIA said that this is about to change.
Several other groups showed up in support, from Malaya Florida, which fights for justice in the Philippines, to the local chapter of the Party For Socialism and Liberation and the Tampa Bay Community Action Committee.
After the speakers discussed the ills of colonialism and the devastating impacts it has caused from Southeast Asia, to the Middle East, to Africa and Central and South America, protestors dipped their hands in fake blood and pressed the blood against the monument.
When the demonstrators finished, the remaining blood was tossed on the statue, and reached all the way up to the figure of Columbus that adorns the top of the monument. This marks the third year in a row that Indigenous activists have drenched the statue in blood.
As protestors left, officer Richard Lehr and other Tampa Police Department officers pulled several Indigenous people over and demanded their identification. All of them were released after TPD ran their IDs.
See more photos from the protest on p. 8.
Residents of Harbour Island near downtown Tampa are once again rallying against a pro posed hotel that would operate near their community, after a developer threatened a lawsuit against the city if the hotel is not allowed. The plan for the hotel was pro posed by Liberty Group, also known as Liberty Hospitality Group, operated by CEO Punit Shah. The group wants to construct the hotel at 800 S. Harbour Island Blvd., just feet away from the residential community’s entrance gates.
communications about quasi-judicial subjects, but that it must be made public record before the local government’s decision. The law also says that people may not be prevented from communicating with the government about land use decisions.
Also, state laws don’t override constitutional rights. Smith did not respond after CL pointed this out to him.
so that we could focus on this proceeding and try to come to a resolution, a sort of litigation.”
Cremer said that the damages incurred by Liberty due to council’s vote in May were esti mated at $6.6 million dollars. On Nov. 10, city council will hear Liberty Group’s request again, CEO Punit Shah told CL via email.
Shah said that the cur rent building is a single story, obsolete structure originally constructed as a sales center for Harbour Island, and that Liberty wants to improve it.
General Hospital, and the Downtown Tampa MSA,” Shah said.
Shah was not able to comment on the effect of the proposed litigation against the city, and if that had any impact on council rehearing the project in November. But there’s a whole group of residents, which include neighborhood associations, that don’t agree with Shah and Liberty Group’s perspective.
In May, Tampa City Council shot down Liberty’s proposal for the 12-story hotel in a 4-2 vote, after several residents spoke against the development because of the disruption it would cause in their everyday lives. But council is set to rehear the plan on Nov. 10, after the developer threatened a $6.6 million lawsuit, then put the lawsuit on hold in order to seek mediation with the city and residents of the neighborhood.
On July 20, Tampa City Attorney Cate Wells warned Harbour Island residents in an email that because of the potential lawsuit, they should not contact city council members with their concerns— even though the First Amendment is supposed to protect the public’s right to express grievances to their government.
“In light of the pending litigation, the City Attorney’s Office respectfully requests that you NOT contact members of City Council, verbally or in writing, while the litigation remains pending,” Wells wrote. “To do otherwise, continued commu nications with City Council could have unintended consequences and result in one or more members of City Council recusing themselves from any future hearings involving this project.”
Wells works under Mayor Jane Castor, who received a $5,000 donation for Liberty Group to her “Tampa Strong” PAC, according to campaign records. And an open house invitation from April to discuss the proposed hotel shows that a mem ber of the PR firm Ballard Partners was the main contact for the event. Mayor Castor’s partner, Ana Cruz, is a managing partner at Ballard. A repre sentative from Ballard Partners told CL it is no longer representing Liberty Group.
Asked why Wells would warn residents to not contact their local government to express their constitutional rights, Tampa Communications Director, Adam Smith quoted Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s question and said, “Nobody is for bidding ‘the public to not exercise their first amendment rights.’”
To back up Well’s reasoning for sending the email, Smith directed CL to a state statute. Statute 286.0115 says that public officials can receive
The push to install the hotel leaves Harbour Island resident Susan Doyle wondering if the hotel will be forced into their community against the will of many who live there.
“The construction alone would seriously impact our health and safety,” Doyle told CL. “Not to mention the issues of getting in and out of our
“We, as experienced commercial real estate devel opers, are confident that a boutique hotel branded as an AC Hotel by Marriott, would be a significantly beneficial addition to our neigh borhood and the Downtown Tampa market,” Shah wrote in an email. “We have proven the positive impact in our community with the development of the Aloft hotel in downtown Tampa, and the
Lawrence Premak, President of the South Neighborhood Association (SNA), told CL that there’s a big difference between Shah’s proposed hotel and other businesses that are not as close to the neighborhoods.
“Many of those businesses are separated by Knights Run Avenue, a wide road,” Premak said. And as far as the Harbour Island Athletic Center goes, Premak says it makes sense to have such a building close to the commu nity, whereas a large12-story hotel building would
community, and all the noise and other issues we’ll have to deal with if it’s built.”
And Doyle says it seems odd that the city would rehear Liberty’s rezoning request after denying it earlier this year. “There’s something going on here,” Doyle said.
On Aug. 31, Jacob Cremer, a lawyer represent ing Liberty Group, spoke at a recorded meeting and discussed mediation between his firm, Stearns Weaver Miller, and the city.
“Obviously, we disagree with City Council’s decision,” Cremer said. “And because of that, we filed a lawsuit challenging that decision. We agreed with the city to essentially put that on hold
dual-branded Hilton + Starbucks we developed in the Channel District.”
Shah said that the northern area of Harbour Island, where the proposed hotel might be located, already consists of high density mixed-use build ings, including the Westin Hotel, Harbour One, two office buildings, the Harbour Island Athletic Center, along with the American Social and Jackson’s restaurant.
“The AC hotel will create desperately needed jobs for the workforce, contribute millions of dol lars towards property tax and tourist development tax revenues, and act as an needed amenity to the Tampa Convention Center, Amalie Arena, Tampa
create disruption. The SNA has retained its own lawyers to represent residents in their efforts to stop the hotel.
“The hotel doesn’t fit in the neighborhood from an architectural, commercial or traffic per spective,” Premak said. “And it really negatively impacts the community.”
Premak says it’s important for the city to con sider the disruptive aspects that the commercial operation of a hotel can have on a community.
“The back end of hotels is usually all the trash compactors, all the food deliveries and everything else,” he said. “And that is literally just feet from the entrance to our neighborhood.”
“The hotel doesn’t fit in the neighborhood from an architectural, commercial or traffic perspective.”
Residents once again fighting proposed hotel, after Tampa developer threatened to sue city.LUNARVUE MEDIA/YOUTUBE
Concluding that the animals are “not in danger of extinction,” federal wildlife officials Tuesday rejected listing gopher tortoises in Florida as endangered or threatened species. I guess all those developers can just make turtle soup now.
In an interview with WJXT, Rick Scott said that property insurance rates
“skyrocketed” in the last four years, a time roughly equivalent to DeSantis’ era in Tallahassee. You’re fucked when the guy who oversaw a company com mitted one of the biggest medicare frauds is calling you out.
John Oliver tears apart rhetoric behind anti-trans legislation in Florida, say ing, “No kid is casually dropping into an operating room because they just decided to get their uterus removed with the impulsive recklessness normally associated with getting bangs.” I’d vote for that bloke over DeSantis any day.
POLKCOSHERIFF/TWITTER
WVTV reports that a father, son shot at someone they thought was burglar after their neighbor brought a package delivered to the wrong address. Naturally, this happened in Polk County where Grady Judd is the sheriff who told people to shoot looters.
Marco Rubio and Val Demings debate to see who’ll sit next to Rick Scott in congress. Can’t wait to watch a cop and a robot argue with each other.
More shit, holding its nose as it fills out a mailin ballot, via cltampa.com/news.
Lucky Tigre is finally bringing a Filipino swing to Tampa Bay.The restaurant is located at 1101 S Howard Ave. Ste B in South Tampa at the old Mood Bake Bar and soft opened last weekend. Tampa’s first sari-sari counter—with one outside wall covered in vintage Filipino magazine advertisements—offers dumplings, greens, steamed buns, and a variety of plantbased entrees and desserts to cater to a wide variety of dietary restrictions.
The soft-opening menu includes “Beef Bola Dumplings” made with “Grass-fed beef, carrot, garlic, ginger, onions sweet chili, & spiced vin egar sauce” and the weekend special “Beef Mami Noodle Soup” featuring “Tender steamed beef, aromatic broth, carrots, egg noodles, greens, egg.” Owner Julie Michelle Sainte Feliciano first gained fans for her Asian fusion pop-up, Good Fortune Baby. The entrepreneur has a rich his tory working in the service industry, and has now grown to begin running her own restau rant. For now the restaurant will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and will open at noon throughout the rest of the week.
Following the closure of the local chain’s third location in Brandon earlier this year, the same unfortunate fate is in store for Ybor City and Dunedin’s Vegan Delis as well.The owners of both locations took to social media last week to announce the eventual closure of both plantbased eateries. Its Ybor City deli, at 1903 N 19th St., will close at the end of this month. It’s unclear when the flagship Dunedin location will actually close, as its owners state that it will “stay open for as long as possible.” Online ordering for both locations will stay up and run ning for the time being, where folks can order loaded sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, salads and house-made seitan by the half-pound.
According to recent Facebook posts, there are a culmination of reasons behind the impending closure of Ybor City’s Vegan Deli, including “the economy, supply chain shortages, changes in city parking laws that no longer allow our custom ers to park for free behind our deli, and staffing issues.” Jamey Harper and EJ Easterbrook own
C/O LUCKY TIGRE
all of the Vegan Deli locations (alongside a group of investors), and told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that its other locations in Orlando and Sarasota have closed as well. When Ybor City’s deli closes at the end of October, its original storefront in Dunedin will be their very last location open.“Our goal was to make affordable vegan food available in areas where it was lacking and maybe change a few minds about vegan food along the way, ‘’ a recent post from Facebook says . “We feel we have been able to do this on some small level and don’t regret the effort.”
that both its Dunedin and Ybor City locations are up for sale. Throughout 2021, the locallyowned chain rapidly expanded on both sides of the bridge, and opened its fourth location in Ybor City in April of last year. A fifth Tampa Bay location was slated to open in Pinellas Park in fall 2022 , but Harper states that it’s no lon ger in the works.
Despite Brandon’s Vegan Deli closing earlier this year due to staffing issues, Harper tells CL that “there’s a very slim chance” that a new loca tion may open in Wesley Chapel eventually. For more information on the last few weeks of Ybor City’s Vegan Deli and the fate of its sibling in Dunedin, head to their corresponding Facebook pages.
and noodle dishes will definitely leave you feeling a little “zen.” Tampa Bay’s first Zen Noodle Bar will open at 8787 N 56th St., not too far from the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens.
A representative of the business tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that although an exact opening date isn’t set in stone, Zen Noodle Bar plans to be open by November or “early December at the latest.” The eatery is known for its fusion of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese flavors, with popular dishes like bao buns, egg rolls, bahn mi sandwiches, sushi bowls, ramen, drunken noodles and dumplings. Tampa’s menu will be similar to Gainesville’s, with the addition of a few more Vietnamese dishes.
Its website also states that a majority of its Asian fusion menu can be tweaked to suit vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Drinks that Zen Noodle Bar offers range from milk teas and Vietnamese coffee to beer, wine and sake.
The social media post goes on to explain
A new fast-casual Asian fusion spot is heading to Temple Terrace, and its made-to-order soups
Zen Noodle Bar states that operating hours
continued on page 24
for its debut Tampa location will mimic those of Gainesville’s restaurant, which serves lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. every day of the week. For more informa tion on the soon-to-open Zen Noodle Bar, head to its newly-formed Facebook and Instagram at @zennoodlebartampa. Temple Terrace’s newest restaurant joins the ranks of other highly-antic ipated Asian fusion restaurants in the greater Tampa Bay area, including Lucky Tigre, Sunda, Fortu, Wagamama and Blackbrick.
Longtime Pass-a-Grille restaurant Sea Critters Café was recently purchased, and the waterfront favorite got a complete makeover. New owners Charles and Helen Collom recently bought the restaurant and rebranded it to “Red, White & Booze,” while maintaining the bar-and-grill concept. The restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
The restaurant, located at 2007 Pass-a-Grille Way, is serving traditional seafood dishes such as fish & chips, crab cakes, calamari, and fresh fish. It also offers “Catch and Cook” for fishermen to bring in their own fish and have it cooked. The restaurant offers a full liquor bar, as well as live music every Friday from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and every Sunday from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. A press release touts new dock renovations, more improvements, and the retention of most of the Sea Critters’ staff. “So they’re all back together,” said Helen. “We want to make this place even better.”
It took Greg Seymour of Pizzeria Gregario almost a year and a half to open back up after the COVID-19 pandemic—but before his loyal customers knew it, he was closed down for the season once again. After 6 months of shuttered doors, Pizzeria Gregario re-opens on Friday, Nov.4, but with even more limitations than before. The Safety Harbor favorite located at 400 2nd St. N will only be open on Friday and Saturday nights for take-out. Folks are welcome to enjoy their made-to-order wood-fired pies on the restaurant’s patio, but it won’t be the full (or even partial) service experience it once offered.
When the pizza spot re-opens next month, it will once again offer a small menu of artisan pies, beer and soft drinks, and Seymour’s famous “shmoo”—a trinity of olive oil, garlic and lemon that’s a must for crust-dunking. He’s bringing back a few fan favorites like the tomato and potato pie, a vegan pizza topped with arugula, a spinach pie, the mushroom-topped “fungus among us” and a traditional Margherita pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and EVOO. Folks from St. Pete, Tampa and even Sarasota will make the trek to Safety Harbor to get a taste of Seymour’s za’, but it’s suggested to
have a little patience when visiting the pizzeria, as it will only be him and his partner running the entire restaurant.
Seymour will also continue his artisan bread program, where customers can pre-order loaves by Wednesday morn ing and pick them up on Fridays. Using the same ancient and stone-milled grains as he does for his pizza, Seymour offers loaves of German seeded rye, a heavily-fermented whole grain bread called Desem, and a French sour dough which he makes with spelt and rye. In addition to offering his customers delicious piz zas and breads made with locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, Seymour also values the nutritional value of his products. He sources his ancient, stone-milled grains from two different artisan mills—Carolina Ground in Asheville and Barton Springs outside of Austin—and handmixes different blends himself.
After this spring, Seymour plans to pivot once again (something he’s quite known for at this point) but isn’t exactly sure what direction he’ll go.The pizzeria was closed for the last six months because he attempted to create a residence at his commercial space, a mon umental task that never came into fruition. The inside of the restaurant remains empty and gut ted from the failed renovations—one of the many reasons why he won’t re-open at full service.
Regardless of what the future holds for Seymour, at least the pizza-lovers of Northern Pinellas and beyond can expect the same, woodfired za’ that Pizzeria Gregario has been dishing out for over a decade. He tells CL that after this season (which ends in late spring) he might con sider selling the little yellow building that his pizzeria is open out of, to pursue the life of an ethical snowbirder.”I really just want a space where I can practice my craft and continue learn ing,” Seymour says. “I’m interested in learning how to farm and grow my own food—but I’m really just trying to find some sort of balance in my life.”
When the Safety Harbor gem re-opens next month, it will only be available for take-out from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.Folks that are interested in ordering loaves of his arti san bread should email pizzeriagregario4107@ gmail.com with their inquiries.
Tampeños might get a little frustrated with all of the New Yorkers moving down here, but this Brooklyn-based barbecue chain might get a warmer welcome. Popular barbecue chain Mighty Quinn’s recently announced its first Florida location, which will debut this month at 202 N Dale Mabry Hwy. at the old Don Pan International Bakery. Its grand opening takes place on Saturday, Oct. 22, where first customers will get the chance to win tickets to a Buccaneers home game.
“As soon as I was able to, I moved away from roller-milled flour to stone-milled grains. It cre ates an earthier-tasting pizza that’s actually easier to digest as well,” Seymour tells Creative Loafing. “I think it creates beautiful pies, but the transition has definitely alienated some people.”
Alongside the limited weekend hours at Pizzeria Gregario, Seymour will continue his pizza popups at Carrollwood’s Sweetwater Organic Farm throughout the end of this spring. He had a clay oven constructed at the North Tampa farm last year, and continues to host different pizza work shops, in addition to sourcing produce from there.
It doesn’t matter when he loses customers after 86’ing a menu item (a real controversy that transpired after the Caesar salad was no longer offered) or when they accuse him of price gouging his pizzas, Seymour’s dedication to his craft is an immovable, unexplainable force. He admits that he’s tinkered with his recipes at the guest’s expense, but as he says often, “I’m not a busi nessman, I’m a craftsman.” The 51 year-old has been in the restaurant industry for the greater part of 40 years, and started out washing dishes at the age of 12. Cutting his teeth in kitchens working under chefs that could be “physically violent” in his words, Seymour knows that the restaurant industry as a whole is rapidly mov ing towards the “technosphere,” something that he wants absolutely nothing to do with. There have been a culmination of changes that have taken place through every facet of his business, but his steadfast commitment to quality ingre dients and downright impeccable pizza has only grown—no matter how economically difficult it is to maintain.
Tampa’s upcoming barbecue spot will also make Mighty Quinn’s history as the brand’s firstever drive thru, in addition to both indoor and outdoor seating. “As Mighty Quinn’s continues its national franchise expansion, we are thrilled to open in Tampa Bay with our first drive-thru location in what will be the first of many restau rants in Florida,” says Mighty Quinn’s Co-CEO Micha Magid. “Drive thru lanes have become a valuable attribute to fast casual real estate and we are fortunate our franchisees were able to secure this premium location in the fast-growing Tampa market.”
Mighty Quinn’s offers straightforward bar becue fare like spare ribs, brisket, half-chickens, wings, sausage, and pulled pork & bean or bris ket empanadas. There’s also different platter options where guests can mix and match pro teins and sides to build their ideal BBQ spread.
Popular sides include sweet corn fritters, burnt end baked beans, mac and cheese, sweet pota toes, Brussels sprouts and broccoli salad. The Brooklyn-based company signed a multi-unit deal with local franchisers
TBBQ Group LLC, so we can eventually expect more Mighty Quinn’s locations to pop up throughout Tampa Bay. For more information on Tampa’s newest barbecue restaurant, head to its Facebook at @mightyquinnsbbq and Instagram at @mightyquinnstampa.
Help CL with this evolvinglisting. Did we miss a brewery or leave out an important detail? Email rroa@cltampa.com. Include brewery name, address, phone number and website, plus a short description of the unique offerings.
3 CAR GARAGE 8405 Heritage Green Way, Bradenton. 941-741-8877, 3cargaragebrew ing.com
3 DAUGHTERS BREWING 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-495-6002, 3dbrewing.com
3 KEYS BREWING 2505 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. 951-218-0396, 3keysbrewing.com
5 BRANCHES BREWING 531 Athens St., Tarpon Springs. fivebranchesbrewing.com
7VENTH SUN BREWING 1012 Broadway, Dunedin. 727-733-3013/6809 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-231-5900, 7venthsun.com
81BAY BREWING CO. 4465 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa. 813-837-BREW, 81baybrewco.com
ANECDOTE BREWING CO. 321 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. anecdotebrewing.com
ANGRY CHAIR 6401 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights. 813-238-1122, angrychairbrewing.com
ARKANE ALEWORKS 2480 E. Bay Dr., #23, Largo. 727-270-7117, arkanebeer.com
AVID BREWING 1745 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-388-6756, avidbrew.com
BARRIEHAUS BEER CO. 1403 E 5th Ave., Ybor City. barriehaus.com
BASTET 1951 E Adamo Dr. Suite B, Tampa. bastetbrewing.com
BAY CANNON BEER CO. 2106 W Main St., Tampa. 813-442-5615, baycannon.com
BAYBORO BREWING CO. 2390 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-767-9666, bayborobrewing.com
BEACH ISLAND BREWERY 2058 Bayshore Blvd. Suite 5, Dunedin. 352-541-0616
BIG STORM BREWING CO. Multiple loca tions, bigstormbrewery.com
BIG TOP BREWING 6111 Porter Way, Sarasota. 941-371-2939, bigtopbrewing.com
BOOTLEGGERS BREWING CO. 652 Oakfield Dr., Brandon. 813-643-9463, bootleggers brewco.com
BREW HUB 3900 Frontage Rd. S., Lakeland. 863-698-7600, brewhub.com
BREW LIFE BREWING 5765 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota. 941-952-3831, brewlifebrewing.com
BRIGHTER DAYS BREW CO. 311 N Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs. 7272-940-2350
BULLFROG CREEK BREWING CO. 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico. 813-703-8835, bull frogcreekbrewing.com
CAGE BREWING 2001 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-201-4278
CALEDONIA BREWING 587 Main St., Dunedin. 727-351-5105, caledoniabrewing.com
CALUSA BREWING 5701 Derek Ave., Sarasota. 941-922-8150, calusabrewing.com
CARROLLWOOD BREWING CO. 10047 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 23, Tampa. 813-969-2337
CIGAR CITY BREWING 3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa. 813-348-6363, cigarcitybrewing.com
CLEARWATER BREWING CO. 1700 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. clearwaterbrewing company.com
COMMERCE BREWING 521 Commerce Drive S, Largo. commercebrewing@gmail.com
COPP WINERY & BREWERY 7855 W Gulf Lake Highway, Crystal River. 352-228-8103, cop pbrewery.com
COPPERTAIL BREWING CO. 2601 E. 2nd Ave., Tampa. 813-247-1500, coppertailbrewing.com
CORPORATE LADDER BREWING COMPANY 4935 96th St. E, Palmetto. 941-4794799, corporateladderbrewing.square.site
COTEE RIVER BREWING 5760 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-807-6806, coteeriver brewing.com
| cltampa.com
CRAFT LIFE BREWING 4624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-575-8440. facebook. com/CraftLifeBrewing
CROOKED THUMB BREWERY 555 10th Ave. S., Safety Harbor. 727-724-5953, crookedthumbbrew.com
CUENI BREWING CO. 945 Huntley Ave., Dunedin. 727-266-4102, cuenibrewing.com
CYCLE BREWING 534 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-320-7954. cyclebrewing.com
DADE CITY BREW HOUSE 14323 7th St., Dade City. 352-218-3122, dadecitybrewhouse.com
DARWIN BREWING CO. 803 17th Ave. W., Bradenton. 941-747-1970, darwinbrewingco.com
DE BINE BREWING CO. 933 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor. 727-233-7964.
DENTED KEG ALE WORKS 5500 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-232-2582, dentedkegaleworks.com
DEVIANT LIBATION 3800 N Nebraska Ave., 727-379-4677, deviantlibation.com
DISSENT CRAFT BREWING CO. 5518 Haines Rd. N., St. Petersburg. 727-3420255. facebook.com/ dissentcraftbrewing
DUNEDIN BREWERY 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com
DUNEDIN HOUSE OF BEER 927 Broadway, Dunedin. 727 216-6318, dunedinhob.com
EIGHT-FOOT BREWING 4417 SE 16th Place, Cape Coral. 239-984-2655, eightfootbrewing.com
ESCAPE BREWING CO. 9945 Trinity Blvd., Suite 108, Trinity. 727-807-6092, escape brewingcompany.com
FLORIDA AVENUE BREWING CO. 2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel. 813-452-6333, flori daavebrewing.com
FLORIDA BREWERY 202 Gandy Rd., Auburndale. 863-965-1825
FOUR STACKS BREWING 5469 N. US HWY 41, Apollo Beach. 813-641-2036, fourstacks brewing.com
FRONT PAGE BREWING CO. 190 S Florida Ave., Bartow. 863-537-7249, frontpagebrew ing.com
GRAND CENTRAL BREWHOUSE 2340 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-202-6071, grandcentral brew.com
GREEN BENCH BREWING COMPANY 1133 Baum Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-800-9836, greenbenchbrewing.com
GOOD LIQUID BREWING CO. 4824 14th St. W., Bradenton. 941-896-6381, thegoodliquid brewing.com
GRINDHAUS BREW LAB 1650 N. Hercules Ave., Clearwater. 727-240-0804, grindhausbrewlab.com
GULFPORT BREWERY + EATERY 3007 Beach Blvd., Tampa. facebook.com/GulfportBrewery
HIDDEN SPRINGS ALE WORKS 1631 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-226-2739, hiddenspringsaleworks.com
HOB BREWING CO. 931 Huntley Ave., Dunedin. hob.beer
IF I BREWED THE WORLD 2200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-201-4484, ifibrewedtheworld.com
IN THE LOOP BREWING 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-997-9189, intheloopbrewingcompany.com INFUSION BREWING CO. 6345 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. 7272-484-4757
KEEL FARMS AGRARIAN ALE + CIDER 5210 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City. 813-7529100, keelandcurleywinery.com KING STATE 520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa. 813-221-2100, king-state.com
LAGERHAUS BREWERY & GRILL 3438 East Lake Business, Palm Harbor. 727-216-9682, lagerhausbrewery.com
LATE START BREWING 1018 E Cass St., Tampa, latestartbrewing.com
LEAVEN BREWING 11238 Boyette Rd., Riverview. 813-677-7023, leavenbrewing.com LIQUID GARAGE CO. 1306 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. 727-645-5885. theliquidgarage.com
MAD BEACH CRAFT BREWING 12945 Village Boulevard, Madeira Beach. 727-362-0008, mad beachbrewing.com
MAGNANIMOUS BREWING 1410 Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-415-3671, magnan imousbrewing.com MARKER 48 12147 Cortez Blvd, Weeki Wachee. 352-606-2509, marker48.com
MASTRY’S BREWING CO. 7701 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. 727-202-8045, mastrys brewingco.com
MOTORWORKS BREWING 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton. 941-567-6218, motor worksbrewing.com
MR. DUNDERBAK’S 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. 813-9774104, dunderbaks.com
OFF THE WAGON BREWERY 2107 S Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941-497-2048, otwbar.com
OLDE FLORIDA BREWING 1158 7th St. NW, Largo. 727-2298010, facebook.com/oldefloridabrew
OVERFLOW BREWING 70 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-914-0665, facebook.com/ overflowbrewingco
OZONA BREWING COMPANY 315 Orange St., Palm Harbor. 920-392-9390, ozonabrewing.com
PEPPER BREWING 9366 Oakhurst Rd., Seminole. 727-596-5766, angrypeppertap house.com
PESKY PELICAN BREW PUB 923 72nd. St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-302-9600, peskypelicanbrewpub.com
PINELLAS ALE WORKS 1962 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-235-0970, pawbeer.com POUR HOUSE 1208 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-402-2923, pourhousetampa.com
PYE ROAD MEADWORKS 8533 Gunn Hwy., Odessa. 813-510-3500, pyeroad.com
RAPP BREWING COMPANY 10930 Endeavor Way, Seminole. 727-544-1752, rappbrewing.com RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER 2244 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-360-0766, stpetearcadebar.com
ROCK BROTHERS BREWING 1901 N. 15th St., Ybor City. 813-241-0110, rockbrothersbrewing.com
SARASOTA BREWING COMPANY 6607 Gateway Ave., Sarasota. 941-925-2337, sarasotabrewing.com
SCOTTY’S BIERWORKS 901 East Industrial Circle, Cape Coral. 239-888-5482, scottysbierworks.net
SEA DOG BREWING 9610 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island/ 26200 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater. 727-954-7805, seadogbrewing.com
SILVERKING BREWING CO. 325 E Lemon St., Tarpon Springs. 727-422-7598, silverking brewing.com
SIX TEN BREWING 7052 Benjamin Rd., Tampa. 813-886-0610, sixtenbrewing.com
SOGGY BOTTOM BREWING 660 Main St., Dunedin. 727-601-1698, soggybottombrew ing.com
SOUTHERN BREWING & WINEMAKING 4500 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-238-7800, southernbrewingwinemaking.com
SOUTHERN LIGHTS BREWING CO. 2075 Sunnydale Blvd., Clearwater. 727-648-4314, southernlightsbrewing.com
ST. PETE BREWING COMPANY 544 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-692-8809, stpetebrewingcompany.com
STILT HOUSE BREWERY 625 U.S. Hwy Alt. 19, Palm Harbor. 727-270-7373, stilthousebrewery.com SWAN BREWING 15 W Pine St., Lakeland. 863-703-0472, swanbrewing.com
TAP THIS! BAR AND BREWING CO. 10730 US-19, Port Richey. 727-378-4358, tapthisbar.com
TBBC 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City/13933 Monroe’s Business Park, Westchase. 813-2471422, tbbc.beer
TEMPLE OF BEER 1776 11th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-350-3055, templeofbeer.com
THREE BULLS TAVERN & BREWERY 4330 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico. 813-381-3853, threebullstavern.com
TIDAL BREWING COMPANY 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill. 352-701-1602, tidalbrewingfl.com
TROUBLED WATERS BREWING 670 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-221-9973, troubledwatersbeer.com
TWO FROGS BREWING COMPANY 151 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-940-6077, facebook.com/twofrogsbrewing
TWO LIONS WINERY & PALM HARBOR BREWERY 1022 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor. 727-786-8039, twolionswinery.com
ULELE SPRING BREWERY 1810 N. Highland Ave., Tampa. 813-999-4952, ulele.com
UNREFINED BREWING 312 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-940-4822, unrefinedbrew ing.com
WELTON BREWING CO. 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’Lakes. 813-820-0050, thebrew craftery.com
THE WILD ROVER BREWERY 13921 Lynmar Blvd., Tampa. 813-475-5995, thewildroverbrew ery.com
WOODWRIGHT BREWING COMPANY 985 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-238-8717, facebook.com/woodwrightbrewing WOVEN WATER BREWING CO. 456 W Columbus Drive, Tampa. 813-443-9463, woven waterbrew.com
YUENGLING BREWING CO. 11111 N 30th St., Tampa. 813-972-8529, yuengling.com
ZEPHYRHILLS BREWING COMPANY 38530 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-715-2683, zbcbeer.com
ZYDECO BREW WERKS 902 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-252-4541, facebook.com/ zydecobrewwerks
Tampa Bay is home to more museums than we can list. But whether you’re new to the area or just looking to reconnect with the gallery scene, here are some of the big’uns. Make sure to contact each museum to get the most updated health and safety protocols.
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 400 North Ashley Dr., Tampa. fmopa.org
Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza., Tampa. glazermuseum.org
Henry B. Plant Museum 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. plantmuseum.com
J.C. Newman Cigar Company 2701 N 16th St., Ybor City. jcnewman.com
Museum of Science & Industry 4801 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. mosi.org
Tampa Bay History Center 801 Water St., Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org
Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza., Tampa. tampamuseum.org
Ybor City Museum State Park 1818 E 9th Ave., Ybor City. floridastateparks.org
The Dalí 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. thedali.org
Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. dfac.org
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum 2240 9th Ave S, St. Petersburg. woodsonmuseum.org Fairgrounds 800 28th St. S, St. Petersburg. fairgrounds.art
Florida Holocaust Museum 55 5th St S, St. Petersburg. thefhm.org
Great Explorations Children’s Museum 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg. greatex.org
Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. imaginemuseum.com
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. thejamesmuseum.org
Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. moreanartscenter.org
Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement 355 4th Street N, St. Petersburg. museumaacm.org
Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg. spmoh.com
Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum 100 Beekman Ln., Tarpon Springs. tarponarts.org
Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org
Ringling Museum 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. ringling.org
Rollins Museum of Art 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. rollins.edu/rma
The year is 1997. Tony Dungy is the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bill Clinton is president, and millions of Americans tune into popular paranormal shows like “The X-Files” and “Beyond Belief.” It’s also the year that local author Captain Bill Miller published his hit book on conspiracy theories and urban legends, “The Tampa Triangle: Dead Zone.”
For the unfamiliar, the “Tampa Triangle” refers to the Tampa Bay area, and the “Dead Zone” spans from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Egmont Key, mostly covering the shipping channel. In these areas, according to Miller, a slew of mysterious events occurred. So, naturally, he decided to document them all.
“Haslams sold a ton of them,” said Miller, 68, to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, “[Owner] Ray Hinst was worried that people would buy the book and then return it and sell it back to the store. He said none came back, and they sold hundreds of them.”
The book was an instantaneous hit, selling all across the country and even earning a spot on Ingram’s Hot List. “Tampa Triangle Dead Zone” is packed with nearly 200 pages featuring tales of mysterious carpet circles showing up in living rooms, alien abductions, sunken Nazi subma rines, and more. One story even blamed aliens for sucking up the brains of the elderly, stealing information, and returning them improperly causing memory issues. “That’s the UFO sec tion. That’s kind of a joke too, it’s meant to be entertaining,” Miller said.
But one of Miller’s favorite stories is the ghost of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. “She’s seen on the bridge quite often,” said Miller, who describes a hitchhiking woman who appears to be in trouble and when picked up by local drivers, will silently sit in the backseat. “Then when they turn around to look, she’s gone.”
In another notable story Miller highlights the fate of the late poet Jack Kerouac’s ghost, who is known to haunt Haslam’s Book Store in down town St. Petersburg. Since Haslam’s is currently closed and the future of the prime real estate is uncertain, Miller is fearful of where Kerouac’s ghost will end up. “Right now homelessness is a big problem in all of the country, including Tampa Bay. What I’m worried about is will the ghost
of Jack Kerouac become homeless,” said Miller.
Miller says that he hasn’t personally had any paranormal experiences except for the ship ping disasters that occurred near the Skyway. Still, some of these conspiracy theories are still discussed today, such as the pres ence of ghosts and UFOs existing in Tampa Bay. Captain Miller explained that he doesn’t keep up with conspir acy theories any more, but suggests that readers keep an open mind. “I leave the reader to decide what they feel is real or not,” Miller said.
Here are a few of the more notable tales from “Tampa Triangle: Dead Zone”—see more via cltampa.com/slideshows.
The 23 Psalm and the Coast Guard Cutter “Blackthorn”: “Have you ever seen a book that’s been left out in the rain and the pages stick? That’s how the bible was, it would only open at one place - the 23rd Psalm. A chill went down my spine.”
On Jan 28, 1980 petroleum tanker “Capricorn ‘’ and Coast Guard Cutter “Blackthorn” collided due to communication interfer ence, which was said to have been caused by the “Dead Zone.” When the dust settled, there were 23 deaths as a result of the accident.
The Tampa Triangle has attracted a new ver sion of the crop circle phenomenon. Tampa Bay’s claim to fame involves not crops, but carpet. A woman whose condo overlooks the Sunshine Skyway Bridge reports that since April of 1994, she has been plagued with unexplained carpet circles in her short, velvety carpet.
Old Hitler: “I felt naked in that stupid little fiberglass boat next to that monster shark.”
On its 25th anniversary, Miller shared a few of his favorites from his book, which is still available on Amazon.
When the “Blackthorn” was examined after the wreck, CWO Bill Butcherfield took a final look through the ship and found the Bible. When he opened it to 23 Psalms, which refer ences death and meeting God.
A nearly 20-foot long hammerhead became noto rious in Tampa Bay during WWII. The shark was easy to identify by its scar-covered back and the fishing hooks known to dangle from its massive jaws. The shark was ruthless, known to taunt fishermen by ripping through fishing nets and stealing bait off of hooks, eventually earning itself the moniker “Old Hitler.”
Summit Venture: “Lord have mercy. The Dead Zone, no doubt about it.”
On May 6, 1980, the “Summit Venture”, a freighter ship was struck with unusually bad weather near the Sunshine Skyway. Visibility was almost nonexistent, and radar stopped working. During the battle to gain control of the ship, it crashed into and collapsed the bridge. It was later revealed that the ship’s coordinates were 800 feet off course.
Sunken Nazi U-Boat: “If it’s true, it’s jarring to think that Hitler could land such a devastating economic blow almost 26 years after the end of World War II.”
On Aug 1, 1942, German submarine U-166 was sunk off the coast of Louisiana. It was later found in Tampa Bay, having allegedly floated almost 400 miles. Theories from the Flying Dutchman to having been displaced by bad weather. The location of the ship is kept secret, and some say this is because it is booby-trapped.
Things go Bump in the Night at Haslam’s: “When I’d hear clattering in the night, I used to think that maybe Kerouac was back, moving his books around and trying to get things just right.”
A ghost is said to haunt Haslam’s book store in downtown St. Petersburg. Employees have noticed an unnatural chill in the back of the Religion and Metaphysical room. Books alleg edly flew off of the shelves onto the floor with no explanation. Many believe this to be the ghost of Jack Kerouac.
“I leave the reader to decide what they feel is real or not.”GRATEFUL FOR DEAD: It’s been 25 years since Capt. Bill Miller unleashed his cult classic book. BLAKE YEAGER
Author Capt. Bill Miller shares his favorite local conspiracy theories and urban legends.
Fall festivals and theme park Halloween events have been happening since late August, but halfway through October is when the festivities really start ramping up around Tampa Bay. From aquariums and haunted boat rides to spooky movie screenings, demonic DJs, and pumpkin patches, here are the top events happening through Halloween around the Bay area.
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida This year’s Brick-or-Treat is a Monster Party at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven. The event features trick or treating, a costume parade, meet and greets with Halloween-themed char acters, a new 4D Movie: “The Great Monster Chase” and a groovy monster soundtrack on the Dragon Party Coaster. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30 Included with Legoland Florida admission ($89.99 & up). 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. legoland.com/florida
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay During the day, witch-in-training Kandy takes over the Tampa theme park for “Spooktacular” includ ing a family-friendly parade, story time, and trick or treating. Spooktacular entertain ment pops up from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the park’s Festival Walkway. Spooktacular is included with park admission and runs through Oct. 30. When the sun goes down, Busch Gardens becomes overrun with scares, from roaming monsters and scare zones to five haunted houses and thrilling live enter tainment. Howl-O-Scream runs select nights through Oct. 31. $44.99 & up. 10165 McKinley Dr,Tampa. buschgardens.com/tampa
Boos and Bubbles at Clearwater Marine Aquarium The aquarium’s Halloween event boasts friendly frights and billions of bubbles in a Bubble Party hosted by DJ Boo. The event includes character photo opportunities, DJ music, Halloween crafts, bubble shows, a “ghost dive” and underwater dolphin presentations. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 29, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.. The event is included with CMA admission ($26.95 & up, kids under 2 free). 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. cmaquarium.org
Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa Meet the Swamp Witch, a.k.a Blackwater Mattie, who spends her days crafting potions and spells in Florida’s dark swamps at the family-friendly Creatures of the Night. The event features meet and greets with storybook villains, live storytell ing, Halloween themed food and drinks, wildlife encounters, and spook decorations around the zoo. Select nights through Oct. 30, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. ZooTampa members get in free; general
admission is $34.95 after 4 p.m. 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa. zootampa.org
Guests are invited to journey through the Mermaid Star Motel for an immersive Halloween-themed scavenger hunt perfect for all ages. Thursdays-Sundays through Oct 30, see website for times. $27. 800 28th St S, St. Petersburg. tickets.fairgrounds.art
when accompanied by a paid adult. Oct. 29-30. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (sensory-friendly Guppyween from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. on Oct. 29). Included with aquarium admission ($26.95 & up). 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa. flaquarium.org
Haunted House at the Masonic Park and Youth Camp This year brings the fifth annual haunted house and fright trail at the Masonic Park and Youth Camp. But be warned – the haunted house and fright trail may be too scary for young kids under 13. FridaySaturday, Oct. 28-29. 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. $10 per car. 18050 U.S. Hwy-301, Wimauma. @
Fearville ‘Fearbrook Asylum’ at DK Farms Fearville is back with a new theme, “Fearbrook Asylum.” When the sun dips, mon sters take over at this farm. Not designed for younger audiences. Oct. 22-23,28-3. 6 p.m.10 p.m. $15-$17. 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. dkfarmsandnursery.com
Bring your costumed kids for trick or treating, animal encounters, characters appearances and more. Children in costume get in free
Taxi's Haunted River Haunted tours on the Hillsborough are back after a year off. There’s a new crew of storytellers sharing spooky tales from Tampa’s history during the 45-minute ride. Select nights through Oct. 30. Hourly 7 p.m.-9 p.m. $20 & up. Departs from Tampa Convention Center 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. piratewatertaxi.com
Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park Can you believe the Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park has been running for almost 30 years? The
family-friendly event features spooky decor on the Haunted Woods Trail, costume con tests, live music and food and drink vendors. Proceeds from Haunted Woods benefit the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 21-22. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. $10 (free for kids 12 and under). 15401 N U.S. Highway 301, Thonotosassa. @ hillsboroughpreservation on Facebook Murder House Tampa This Ybor City Halloween thrill claims to be Tampa’s scariest event, complete with a cast of Killers guaran teed to scare. This event is 18 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Friday-Saturday through October. $20. 1400 Channelside Dr. Ybor City.
Scarehouse Pinellas Back for its third year, this Tampa Bay haunted house is filled with thrills around every corner in its 10,000-square-foot air-conditioned warehouse. The perfect spook for pet lovers, Scarehouse Pinellas’ proceeds goes toward SPCA Tampa Bay, and they’ll be collecting pet foods and sup plies at the event. Weekends through Oct. 30. 7 p.m. $20 & up. 12461 Creekside Dr., Largo. scarehousepinellas.com
Scream-A-Geddon One of the best and scariest haunted attractions in Florida—that requires a signed waiver to attend—is in rural Dade City Scream-A-Geddon features six terrifying haunted houses, a monsterfilled midway and a spooky beer garden. The Rage 3D house is a sensory overload experi ence that doesn’t let you leave until the fun is over. There’s also a separate ticketed “good ol’ fashion zombie slaying’” paintball experi ence. Nightly through Oct. 31. 7 p.m. $39.50 & up. 27839 St. Joe Rd., Dade City. scream ageddon.com
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail Another rural, outdoor haunted attraction returning this year is Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City. Dubbed “I-4’s Premier Fear Park,” the attraction features three haunted trails, two escape room areas, laser tag and ax throwing. Fridays-Sundays through Nov. 5. 7:30 p.m.11 p.m. $27 & up. 2837 S Frontage Rd, Plant City. sirhenryshauntedtrail.com
Undead in the Water on the American Victory Ship During the Halloween sea son, the historic World War II cargo ship docked between the Ybor Channel and Garrison Channel turns into a terrifying nautical labyrinth. The attraction is in its fifth season of scares and features around
60,000-square-feet of cargo holds and openair decks to traverse. This year’s theme is giving human-sacrificing cult vibes. Select nights through Oct. 29. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $22. 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa. undead inthewater.com
Vault of Souls The high-end, immersive haunting experience returns to downtown Tampa’s historic bank The Vault—located right next to the CL office in the Wilson building. The interac tive event includes The Arrival, The Ritual and The Starlight timed experiences. Guests spend time in the mar ble lobby, sipping drinks from the cocktail bar and getting entertained by dancers and magicians before heading down to the bank’s dark basement.
Pumpkin carving stations ($10 a pumpkin), a scarecrow contest, local vendors, crafts and games and a DJ booth. Trick or treat ing happens 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 22-23. Noon-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. @flbotanicalgardens on Facebook Halloween on Central
hay rides and other family-friendly activities. Saturdays in October. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Free to enter. 5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City. keelfarms.com
In the vault and the basement you’ll travel through a spooky, history-tinged escape room before heading back upstairs for aperitifs and accouterments in the outside garden. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Oct. 21-22, 28-30. 7:30 p.m. $125. 611 N Franklin St, Tampa. thevaultpresents. ticketspice.com Festivals
7th annual Pumpkin Fest at Florida Botanical Gardens
Car Free St. Pete’s popular fall event is back for a second year, closing down 22 blocks of Central Avenue to all motorized vehicles. With the beautiful weather Tampa Bay is about to get, the event will be perfect for shop ping Central Avenue’s local businesses and restaurants and bringing the kids for treat ing or treating, costume contests, haunted houses, games, and more. Central Avenue from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street to 31st Street will be filled with roaming per formers, live music, food trucks and local vendors. Sunday, Oct. 30. Noon-5 p.m. Free. halloweenoncentral2.com
The free event features pumpkin painting, a bounce house and farm animals. There’s also the separately ticketed Corky’s Corn Maze ($10-$15), which includes the new corn maze,
Hands down, one of the most popu lar fall festivals in the Tampa Bay area is the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival. Admission includes a craft show, live music and shows, the Pioneer Trades Village, hay rides, scarecrow displays, chainsaw sculpting, a petting zoo and more. There’s also the popular corn maze ($2), train rides ($2-$3), pumpkins for sale, homemade ice cream and other treats, tons of local food and fresh pro duce. Weekends through Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $15. 5500 CR-675, Bradenton. hunsaderfarms. com
The Instagram-worthy pumpkin patch in Hyde Park Village is a must-see spot every yearin South Tampa. Pumpkins start at just $1 for minis and gourds and go up to $20 for extra large ones. Proceeds benefit The Human Society of Tampa Bay. Select hours daily through Oct. 26. 1602 W Swann Ave, Tampa. @hydeparkvillage on Facebook
Pied Pipers Haunted Carnival 2022 The second annual Haunted Carnival spans
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200,000 square feet of rides and carnival treats against the backdrop of downtown Tampa and Armature Works. After 7 p.m., watch the fam ily fun transform into a risque night of fright with a cash and prizes costume contest and the Killer Beats Stage with world-renowned DJs to be announced. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 27-30. 7 p.m. $5 & up. 1019 North Ola Ave., Tampa. piedpiperproductions.com Riverwalk Trick or Treat and Lighted Boat Parade
other local creatures. There will also be trick or treating, a costume content, crafts and games. Sunday, Oct. 30. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. $12.95 & up ( free for children 3 and under). 801 Water St., Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org
Trick or treat the downtown Tampa way during the free com munity event on Oct. 29. There will be more than 50 treat stations along the Riverwalk as well as a costume contest at Water Works Park, a lighted boat parade (6:30 p.m.) and a movie on the lawn at Curtis Hixon Park (7:30 p.m.). There will also be food trucks, DJ music and photo stations. Treat bags are available at each park while supplies last. The trick or treating runs 4 p.m.-7 p.m. along 2 miles of the Riverwalk from Water Works Park to MacDill Park. Saturday, Oct. 29. Free. thet ampariverwalk.com
A Night at the Museum Spend the night before Halloween at the Tampa Bay History Center during its family-friendly Night at the Museum Halloween event. Figures from the exhibits will come alive, so you’ll get to meet Florida pioneers and pirates, explorers and
An Eerie Evening at the Tampa Bay Hotel The Henry B. Plant Museum gets a spooky makeover for this nighttime event running Oct. 28-30. Victorian horror stories are brought to life along with creepy tales and historic pieces from the 1800s. There will also be glimpses at some of the earlier horror films, an exhibit scavenger hunt, card readings and more. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 28-30. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $35 for non-members of the museum. 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. plantmuseum.com
Nightmare on Franklin Street at Tampa Theatre Tampa’s historic and report edly haunted movie palace brings back the popular Nightmare on Franklin Street film series. There’s a little something for every one, including the kids. The family-friendly offerings include “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” (Oct. 17), “The Haunted Mansion” (Oct. 29), “Ghostbusters” (Oct. 29) and more. There are also screenings of the classics like Halloween, Pet Sematary and The Shining. Local filmmakers will also have their tal ents on display with “Grand Hampton” season premiere (Oct. 18) and “The Beast Comes At Midnight” (Oct. 25). Select dates and times through October. Prices vary. 711 N Franklin St., Tampa. tampatheatre.org
By John W. Allman
Here we are, two weeks away from Halloween, the most wonderful season of the year, and thankfully for horror fans, there are a slew of new films and television shows to absorb and champion. In this digital streaming age of unlimited, unrivaled content, it can be next to impossible to watch everything, so here are seven must-see new releases that demand your attention and one awful sequel that should never be watched by anyone.
4 stars, Disney+, 52 minutes
That sound you hear is me howling in delight, still, almost a week after seeing my absolute most favorite Marvel Comics character brought to life—Jack Russell, aka Werewolf by Night, who was first introduced to readers in February 1972. I discovered him a few years later, and was instantly hooked.
While there have been some miscues throughout Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with some surprises (who knew that fully-formed and interesting characters like Kamala Khan and Jennifer Walters would expose the dark misogyny of comics fans AND crush the trolls by breaking the fourth wall to address the hate), I think it’s fair to say that the MCU’s Halloween special, a black and white stand-alone “Werewolf by Night” story, is among the best that the studio has ever offered.
First-time director Michael Giacchino and writers Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron clearly love the classic Universal Monsters, and that admiration and inspiration informs every frame, from the Easter-egg packed opening sequence and introduction of the Bloodstone clan to the instantly iconic debut of another classic Marvel monster, Man-Thing, aka Dr. Theodore Sallis, or just Ted, as he’s called here.
Everything works. Even the practical spe cial effects, including the design of the titular lycanthrope, pay homage to the source material, while still branching off into new directions. But the real win for fans is Man-Thing. Not since Groot has the MCU found a way to make a rela tively obscure comics character that isn’t part of the pop culture nexus so instantly beloved. I cannot wait to see more of both Jack and Ted.
4 stars, Hulu, 121 minutes
Forgive me for sounding as if Christmas has come early, but not only are we getting to wit ness the MCU go full horror, but we’ve also been gifted with the best entry in the “Hellraiser: franchise since 1996. That this is the best film since “Hellraiser: Bloodline” shouldn’t be
surprising given that David Bruckner (“The Night House”) is at the helm. Bruckner has a gift, the way his camera eye focuses on certain things while so much is happening in the background, which is what makes the opening sequence so impressive.
4 stars, Shudder, 102 minutes
Trigger warning, y’all. Watching “Sissy,” the new situational slasher film, about a social media influencer, Cecilia (Aisha Dee), who has seem ingly conquered the demons from her past, may cause a sudden urge to exact revenge on anyone who has ever made you feel less than whole, especially fake-ass people who spend their 24/7 lives online tearing others down and basking in fake validation from followers they’ll never meet.
crazy Nicolas Cage versus animatronic mon sters movie where Cage barely uttered a word of dialogue. Apparently, the downtime reinvig orated Lewis as he has come roaring back less than a year later with an even better super natural gorefest that a lot of people might pass over, if only because of its too-generic title.
Look, I get it, there’s been a lot of rumbling
A lot of recent films have explored the socio
“The Accursed” opens strong and never stumbles, which is a definite improvement over “Willy’s,” which flirted with greatness but never found the open lane it needed to take off. There are several unexpected swerves, a number of solid plot developments that actually pay off and one of the best jump-scare deaths
online even before this new iteration was released. My wife and I, we met because of a shared love for Clive Barker. We cherish this franchise. And at the end of the day, this is what should matter most: For the first time in more than 25 years, someone who is making a new “Hellraiser” movie actually cares about getting it right, about craft ing something new and memorable, something beautifully grotesque and pricked with pain. As for new, the cenobites, in particular, are inspired, both in their designs and their personalities, which thankfully shine through, none more so than Jamie Clayton as The Priest, aka Pinhead. Bonus points for the film waiting more than an hour to reveal her in all her glory.
pathic tendencies of people who buy into social media as a true barometer of their self-worth, but “Sissy” operates on an entirely different level. Yes, Cecilia likely should be institution alized, but everyone who is harmed throughout the course of the movie honestly gets what they deserve because they all target Cecilia to a degree that their bullying should awaken a demon deep inside.
4 star, Streaming, 97 minutes
In 2021, following a 14-year break from making movies, director Kevin Lewis unleashed “Willy’s Wonderland,” a batshit
since the “Final Destination” franchise. And don’t even get me started on the ending, which is a blast of pure WTF madness captured in a bottle, pressurized and then uncorked for maximum brain melt.
Shawn Ruddy (Joseph Winter) is a selfdescribed coward who uses social media to face his fears online through his streaming show, Wrath of Shawn, until a prank goes wrong and he gets #canceled.
Months later, attempting a comeback,
Shawn decides it’s time to face his greatest fear—ghosts—by agreeing to spend the night in a haunted house and investigating every weird noise that he hears. “I hate that stuff,” he tells his viewers. “I haven’t seen a horror movie since the first half of ‘Ghost Dad.’”
As fully formed characters go, Winter’s Shawn is completely believable. He even has merch, including a unique mixtape that is available on iTunes. And so he sets out for a remote estate he calls Death Manor, which was built in the late 1800s by a Mormon pio neer, and that is documented to have been plagued by a rash of deaths, most notably Mildred, a young woman who lived in the house for eight years before hanging herself in the stairwell.
As co-written and codirected with his wife, Vanessa, their creation, “Deadstream,” toggles fluidly between an escalating series of paranormal encounters that bedevil Shawn and the mer ciless trolls who are watching his live-stream and making brutal observations, such as call ing his show “Wrath of Yawn.” If you are a fan of “The Evil Dead,” or someone who appreciates when content creators utilize every possible DIY tool in the toolbox to maximum impact, you will not be disappointed by this incredibly original, wholly enjoyable horror-comedy that is as unrelenting as it is satisfying.
Anytime a young director introduces a vision so pure and original that it becomes part of the pop culture zeitgeist, there is the inevi table fear of a huge letdown to follow. Such was the case with Ana Lily Amirpour, whose 2014 feature debut, “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” an atmospheric black-and-white vampire opus, wowed critics and fans alike. Two years later, when she followed that up with “The Bad Batch,” not even Jason Momoa and dystopian cannibals could put butts in seats to watch.
Six years later, and Amirpour is back with “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon,” a decidedly more low-key adventure that still manages to enthrall, even if it is much more focused on the journey than the destination. Mona Lee (Jeon Jong-seo) is trapped in a psychiatric facility for reasons that aren’t exactly clear, but viewers quickly discover that she possesses some seri ous mental skills reminiscent of “Scanners” and “The Mind’s Eye.” After escaping, she sets course for New Orleans, but first runs into Fuzz (Ed Skrein, fully committed), a goofy but adorable drug dealer who only wants a kiss. Once in NOLA, Mona runs into a detective (Craig Robinson) whom she mind controls and a stripper (Kate Hudson) who tries to harness
Mona’s powers to get rich quick.
While nowhere nearly as profound or moving as “A Girl Walks Home…,” this third feature from Amirpour quickly reminds you of her singular gifts as a visual storyteller. “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon” might feel slight, but it still an enjoyable slice of female empowerment from a vision ary who clearly has a lot more gas left in her tank.
with his foster ‘brothers,’ which awakens many repressed memories of moments from his child hood, memories that become more real as Maxi learns of a pact struck between his ‘father’ and his ‘siblings’ who have pledged to keep his body out of the ground long enough for a new patriarch to be anointed. “Life is not an easy thing,” one of them says to Maxi, “but neither is death.”
when this series began, before its creator and original writer/director Victor Salva became known more for being a registered sexual offender, “Jeepers Creepers” was actually a well-regarded original horror movie with an instantly iconic creature.
“The Unburied,” a supernatural family drama from Argentina, starts out weird, like really weird, with awkward characters, deep secrets and foreign customs, and that’s well before Maximiliano (Demián Salomón), an author, psy chiatrist and orphan, must travel home to pay respects when his foster father suddenly dies.
Once back in Buenos Aires, Maxi, as he’s known, navigates an uncomfortable reunion
Eventually, the cascading pain of past traumas awakened collides with the threat and promise of a sacred ritual to be per formed. “The Unburied” is a surreal dissection of grief and fealty that shows the lengths these men will go to appease a horrible human who mentally and sexually abused them for decades.
0 stars, Streaming, 88 minutes
And finally, just because they can’t all be win ners, I’d like to take just a minute (because it deserves no more than that) to properly piss all over the fourth installment in this franchise, “Jeepers Creepers Reborn.” Way back in 2001
It makes sense that in trying to revive the franchise, a new director would be required, and the person picked, Timo Vuorensola, is an inspired choice, particularly since he gifted fans with “Iron Sky,” the Nazis on the dark side of the moon B-movie blast. Sadly, though, Vuorensola is in way over his head here, along with the entire cast, the special effects designers and everybody else associated with the movie.
Nothing works. The updated makeup design for the Creeper is borderline racially offensive. The script by Sean-Michael Argo is exactly what you would expect from the author who penned “Voodoo Cowboys” and “Sineaters.” Hell, even a cameo by the incomparable Dee Wallace falls flat. And the plot, which centers around a horror convention and a kidnapping to provide fresh victims for the Creeper, goes absolutely nowhere. Avoid at all costs.
“Christmas came early.”CLOWN CAR: The new ‘Jeepers Creepers’ will give you nightmares in the worst way. SCREEN MEDIA/UNITED ARTISTS
Charlie w/Sub*T Next month, Brooklyn rock band Sub*T is playing a couple California dates with Alicia Bognanno’s band Bully. Before that, however, are two Bay area shows with Tampa’s very own Charlie. The trio—made up of the remains of the now defunct Charles Irwin—has made a slight turn away from the indie-pop sound of its last project, and for the better. These days, Charlie sounds a little like the golden era of Jade Tree records, a good comple ment for Sub*T, a decidedly-not-punk band whose latest single “Asterisk” channels ‘90s power-pop with its noisy guitars, angsty and playful lyrics, plus big hooks and irresist ible melodies. The two local dates—part of a four-stop Florida tour—happen Thursday and Friday in Tampa and Lakeland, respec tively. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
Goodie Mob w/Sam E Hues A legend of Southern hip-hop rolls into Cigar City sup porting a newish album (Survival Kit , 2020).
Of note is that the group will feature its founding members: Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo, plus the controversial Cee Lo Green. Expect new shit, plus a lot of Soul Food , too.
Best of the Bay-winning rapper Sam E Hues opens the show. (The Ritz, Ybor City)
New Year’s Day—fresh off of a new single— looks completely different now, but will still be fronted by original singer Ash Costello. Kamenar is sandwiched between the band and Tampa hard rock quartet Red Calling, releasing a new video the day after the show. (Brass Mug, Tampa)
Sabrina Claudio w/Black Party Fresh of Austin City Limits, Puerto Rican and Cuban songwriter Claudio brings her soulful brand of pop to St. Pete in support of a new album, Based On A Feeling . (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
Amos Lee w/Slimdan Hard Rock Tampa keeps on booking shows that used to land in other venues across the Bay area. This week, the hotel and casino’s event center welcomes Lee, who arrived with a moody new album, Dreamland , that tries to give listeners a break from *gestures at the world* while stay ing true to the 45-year-old’s often dark, and always confessional style. Los Angeles song writer Danny Silberstein (aka Slimdan) opens, fresh off the release of his new alt-pop single “Be Somebody.” (Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa)
Anthill Cinema (album release) w/Oxford Noland Self-described experimental fusion collective Anthill Cinema already unveiled live recordings this year, but on Friday, the
six-piece releases Everyone Has Anxiety, its first studio album since 2020. Indie rock duo Oxford Noland opens. (Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)
Fangsgiving 2022: Urbane Cowboys w/Same Day Delivery Orchestra/Navin Avenue/Have Gun, Will Travel/more Fangsgiving is already Tampa Bay’s premier costume-party, cover-band benefit concert, and now it’s even bigger. The gig—which features the best local bands taking on new personas—expands to two-days in 2022 and kicks off Friday with an Americana-heavy bill before it goes to bed and gets back up for a Saturday lineup that features Fugazi and Bon Jovi tribute sets. The best part is that the whole thing benefits Gasparilla Music Festival’s Recycled Tunes program, which places refurbished musical instruments in local schools. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
Genitorturers w/Living Dead Girl A Genitorturers gig is a rite of passage for any self-respecting Tampeño who appreciates goth and/or S&M, and this weekend provides another chance to experience the band’s sexually explicit stage show that’s been pissing off fundamentalist Christians for more than 30 years. (Brass Mug, Tampa)
Max and Iggor Cavalera Brazilian thrash band Sepultura is undoubtedly not the same without its co-founding brothers Max and Iggor Cavalera. But the two got back together in 2016, and have been playing old-school Sepultura jams ever since. Tampa Bay hasn’t seen the pair since that first run of shows, and there’s no telling if Max will dust off any Soulfly material, but in case he does, just remember not to take much of it to heart, as his vision of god is far different from that of what he once described as “closed-minded Christians.” (Orpheum, Tampa)
Ronny Elliott w/Rebekah Pulley & Rob Pastore/Steve Connelly/Walt Bucklin Elliot’s off to England any day now, and this is a rare chance to see the legendary Tampa songwriter share a stage with some of his closest friends—including Zen Recording’s legend Steve Connelly—inside one of the coziest venues in Hillsborough County. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)
John Petrucci w/Meanstreak Believe it or not, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci enjoyed reuniting with ex-drummer Mike Portnoy so much that he decided to bring him on the road for his first ever run as a solo artist (not counting G3, of course.) But they’re only sticking to material from the guitarist’s two solo albums, and this tour is only a Dream Theater reunion in terms of personnel. “The fun thing is that we’ve worked in some really cool areas in the show to jam, and for me to feature Mike and Dave LaRue as well,” he told Creative Loafing Tampa in a phone interview. Get our full Q&A at cltampa.com/music. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)
Just Do Me Like That: A Tribute to Tom Petty w/Anarkitty/Michael Beardsley/ Mark Carufel/Deb Ruby/Sunset Bridge Band/Matt Burke/more For years, Skipper’s has hosted birthday celebrations for rock and roll favorites living and dead. Lennon, Bowie, and Rundgren have all gotten the treatment, and now—two years after his 70th birthday—it’s Petty’s turn. Among those celebrating Florida’s favorite son are The Vodkanauts, Rebekah Pulley, Huckleberry Family, The Mystery Dates, and Soul Purpose IV, just to name a few. You know that you need a big weekend, so head down to Skipper’s and kick up the dust. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa)
Monufest feat. Strikeforce Diablo/ In Like Flynn/Thunderclap/HiGH/ State Drugs/Telepathic Lines/Pricked/ Minimum Rage/Curtains/The Hamiltons/ more If you only looked at city hall, you’d think New Port Richey was whack as hell. Monufest is ready to change your mind. Organizers have not only outlined all the cool shit about their town, but staged a big ‘ol music festival featuring more than a dozen bands mostly working in the punk-rock sphere. It all kicks off at 12:30 and goes until pretty much midnight. Ground zero is the local craft beer and wine bar at 5738 Main St. (Ordinance One, New Port Richey)
Mother Mother w/Vundabar/Transviolet Mother Mother’s never played in Tampa Bay, so if you’re sick of the silence from the “Verbatim” band, there’s no reason not to party down. Boston indie trio Vundabar— fresh off the release of two new albums this year alone—is opening in place of Sir Sly, which is taking a break from the road after the birth of a child. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
Frankie and the Witch Fingers w/ Kairos Creature Club Zambian psych-rock legend W.I.T.C.H. is in town this weekend, but that gig is not the only witchy concert hap pening this weekend. Enter, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, which has transcended algo rithms attracted to warped guitars and lava lamp artwork. The band built around song writers Dylan Sizemore and Josh Menashe craft rock and roll that’ll make your entire body buzz while forcing your ears to pick up on the subtle drops of soul and heady nuances seared into mind-melting melo dies. The group’s latest release “Cookin’ b/w Tracksuit” is a potent one-two punch that hits harder than most full-length releases from its genre counterparts and arrives after recent headlining tours that’ve seen Frankie and the Witch Fingers support Osees, Cheap Trick and ZZ Top while also sneaking in small venue ragers like an October 2019 set at The Bends in St. Pete. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
Champagne nights are no longer on the itinerary for Lady A band member Charles Kelley, so the band canceled its remaining 2022 tour dates, including one at Pig Jig. In response, the philanthropic barbeque com petition and music festival replaced Lady A with Sam Hunt, the 37-year-old country hunk behind “Body Like A Back Road.” Kip Moore, X Ambassadors and Bahamas are still on for the show, which is nearly sold-out. (Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa)
The Stylistics “Nah” is the saddest word, so don’t ever pass up any chance to see The Stylistics circa 2022. The boys behind “You Make Me Feel Brand New” were just at Tampa’s Hard Rock Event in May, so if you missed out on tickets, you have a chance to catch the group in a much older, even more intimate building. Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)
W.I.T.C.H. w/Paint Zambia’s single greatest rock and roll export Witch (stylized “W.I.T.C.H” for “We Intend to Cause Havoc”)
is here on its rare (and possibly findal) U.S. tour which is part of a road to Austin’s Levitation Festival. This is a chance to see living history in the form of a band that spent the ‘70s marrying Rolling Stones vibes to the traditional African rhythms of its home country in creating a brand new genre called Zamrock. The group fell apart in the ‘80s due to economic and health crises in Zambia, forcing lead singer Jagari Chanda to work in a gemstone mine before Witch’s music was rediscovered and reissued outside of Africa for the first time ever. Paint, a project from Allah Las’ Pedrum Siadatian, opens. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)
Prescribed Fire Prince Midnight might meet his match in Daikaiju. Both acts play masked, but Midnight’s folklore and eccen tric metal show play off the mythology of a mysterious “Skelecaster” guitar allegedly made from his uncle’s bones. Daikaiju for its part is beloved in the Bay area thanks to legendary sets on the patio at New World Brewery’s shuttered Ybor City location (yes, fire was involved). More than 20 years after its inception, the kaiju-themed surf-rock band is still one of Alabama’s finest exports. Prescribed Fire, one of Tampa’s best instru mental rock acts, rounds out the killer bill. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
Everyone’s favorite rumored witch recently dropped a new cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” and it’s included on the Fleetwood Mac frontwoman’s setlist to be performed on Tuesday. The 74-yearold “Edge Of Seventeen” singer-songwriter
will have a nine-piece regiment behind her, which includes ex-Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench III, and Marilyn Martin, best known for sing ing “Separate Lives” alongside Phil Collins in 1985. Piano-pop maven Vanessa Carlton opens the show. (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa)
Fiona Joy w/Ren McLean/Anika Sky Music schools in Tampa Bay quietly cultivate the next generation of artists, and Seven C has a special lineup of songwriters playing in the round this week. This bill is punctuated by 17-year-old Bay area native Anika Sky, who arrives with a unique fusion of pop and jazz. Like another young songwriter since exported to Nashville (Ella Jet), Sky has been playing locally since she was 10 years old. This is a nice chance to say you saw her when. (Seven C Music, St. Petersburg)
Greta Van Fleet w/Durand Jones & The Indications/Crown Lands Purists have long hated on Greta Van Fleet for some reason, but there’s no denying the band’s ability to channel the classic sounds of Zeppelin and other classic-rock giants and distill them down into a product that sold more than 100,000 tickets in two days after the announcement of last year’s spring tour. Greta Van Fleet is touring behind The Battle at Garden’s Gate , from 2021, and it’ll be cool to watch fan response to Durand Jones & the Indications (including Jones’ drummer Aaron Frazer, who has one of the silkiest vocals in soul today) at the show. (Amalie Arena, Tampa)
Hoobastank and Lit w/Alien Ant Farm/ Kristopher Roe Hoobastank and Lit’s coheadlining tour is just the tip of the iceberg
that brings in California’s AAA-rock scene. While the ‘stank comes around to Tampa Bay every year or so, Lit has a new album entitled Tastes Like Gold , which includes guest spots from American Authors and No Doubt’s Adrian Young, a cover of The Cars’ “Let’s Go,” and a song about regret ting things you have said or done in terms of communication. The lineup for the Ybor City gig is absolutely stacked too, with Alien Ant Farm finally returning to Tampa, plus The Ataris’ Kris Roe opening the show. (The Ritz, Ybor City)
Iron Maiden’s four-month North American run will wraps in Tampa just in time for Halloween. The show is the only Florida date on the legendary hard-rock band’s itinerary, despite Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson having done a spoken word event at Tampa Theatre in January. The band last played Amalie Arena in 2017 and 2011, and saw the pandemic force the “Legacy of the Beast” tour to take a pause last year. Dutch sym phonic metal band Within Temptation opens the show. (Amalie Arena, Tampa)
NoCap Alabama rapper born Kobe Vidal Crawford might not play rooms as small as The Ritz much longer. Pitchfork says the 23-year-old “is like a blues singer who fell in love with battle rap” and cites his emotion ally transparent—but overtly fun—output in lumping Crawford in with hip-hop heavy weights like Boosie and Kevin Gates. In fact, the indie tastemaking website even said he’s “on the precipice of becoming someone LeBron raps along to on Instagram.” No cap, indeed. (The Ritz, Ybor City)
cltampa.com
Naples-based rock-slash-hip-hop star Dominic Fike is bringing his new Out Of Order tour to St. Petersburg just in time for Turkey Day. Tickets to see Fike play Jannus Live in St. Petersburg on Monday, Nov. 21 are on sale now and start at $69.
The 26-year-old rapper stayed especially productive during the pandemic. This decade alone, he has joined the cast of—and performed “Elliot’s Song” with Zendaya—for “Euphoria,” dropped his debut album What Could Possibly Go Wrong, and covered “The Kiss of Venus” for Paul McCartney’s III Imagined project that also featured the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Khruangbin. The justannounced St. Pete gig—nine shows into a 24-date run—is the closest to a homecoming gig that Fike is gonna get this time around, so don’t be shocked if tickets go quickly.
SickHot w/Summer Hoop/Peace Cult Thursday, Oct. 27. 9 p.m. $10. Crowbar, Ybor City
Smile Empty Soul w/Saint Tragedy/ Sunvolume/Jetter/Bear Within Us/ Kamenar/Crimson Shadow Friday, Nov. 11. 6:30 p.m. $15. Brass Mug, Tampa
Solid Grooves feat. Sueño/Eddy M/ Cut & Sew/Wheres/Notar Wednesday, Nov. 23. 10 p.m. $20-$40. The Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing, Ybor City
Mountain Holler & the New Dawn w/ SWIMM/Oxford Noland/J.T. Brown Saturday, Nov. 26. 7 p.m. $15. Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg
DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia Monday, Nov. 28. 10 p.m. $10-$75. The Ritz, Ybor City
Moonchild Thursday-Friday, Dec. 1-2. 7 p.m. $65-$100. Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg
Kaonashi w/A Sky So Black/more TBA Thursday, Dec. 8. 7 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City
Displace (album release) w/Tropico Blvd. Saturday, Dec. 10. 9 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City
A Day To Remember w/Wage War Sunday, Dec. 18. 8 p.m. $49.50 & up. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
The Grapes w/Grecian Urns/Chaunces/ Philip Charos Thursday, Dec. 29. 7 p.m. $10. Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg
Lettuce Saturday, Dec. 31. 7 p.m. $36.50 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Friday, Jan. 20. 8 p.m. $58.25-$131.25. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
See more of the latest concert announcements below.—Josh Bradley
Justin Hayward w/Mike Dawes Sunday, Jan. 22. 7 p.m. $42.50-$79.50. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Leo Kottke Tuesday, Jan. 24. 8 p.m. $36$46. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Death Cab For Cutie w/Momma Tuesday, Jan. 31. 7 p.m. $46.50 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Homeboy Sandman w/E-Turn/more TBA Friday, Feb. 3. 5 p.m. $15. Hooch and Hive, Tampa
REO Speedwagon Tuesday, Feb. 7. 7:30 p.m. $53.25-$108.25. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Rod Stewart Thursday, Feb. 16. 8 p.m. $275 & up. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa
Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives Friday, Feb. 17. 8 p.m. $36$56. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
The Temptations w/The Four Tops Friday, Feb. 17. 8 p.m. $45-$89. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Paul Thorn Saturday, Feb. 18. 8 p.m. $30$37. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
J.I.D w/Smino Tuesday, Feb. 21. 7 p.m. $70 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Friday-Saturday, Feb. 24-25. 8 p.m. $63.25$128.75. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Al Stewart Sunday, February 26. 7 p.m. $32-$52. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Blake Shelton w/Carly Pearce/Jackson Dean Friday, March 3. 7 p.m. $55.25 & up. Amalie Arena, Tampa
There is more to this week’s Savage Love. To read the entire column, go to savage.love.
I’m a 31-year-old cis man married to a 33-year-old non-binary partner, and our rela tionship has always been very vanilla. Over the past few years, I’ve discovered that I’m a kinky person, with a particular interest in both domination and submission. It took me a long time to summon the courage to bring this up with my spouse, as they have a cocktail of fac tors that could complicate play around power dynamics. This includes a history of trauma and sexual abuse, anxiety, body image, and self-esteem issues, and residual religious guilt. In the past, even discussing sex and sexuality in the abstract has been fraught. But our first conversation went surprisingly well. My spouse is cautiously open to exploring submission, and they want to continue the conversation. I have real optimism that centering consent, bound aries, and communication in D/s play might actually make sex feel safer for them. And I hope that isn’t just dickful thinking.
So, now I’m the dog that caught the car and I’m terrified of messing this up. What advice would you give to gently ease into D/s play from a vanilla relationship? Can you recommend any books or podcasts that approach this kink at a firmly JV level and center safety and con sent? My spouse is a reader and an academic at heart, and that might be a way to explore the idea from within their comfort zone.—Don’t Overwhelm My Spouse
“Let me address the elephant in the room right away,” said Rena Martine. “Why on earth would a survivor of sexual trauma actually want to engage in D/s sex?”
Martine is a sexual intimacy coach who has helped couples explore BDSM and other forms of erotic power exchange. She’s also a former sex crimes prosecutor, which makes her par ticularly sensitive to issues faced by survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
“When it comes to trauma, there’s a concept known as ‘restaging,’” said Martine, “which means the trauma survivor takes a situation where they felt powerless and ‘restages’ it, so they’re actually in the director’s chair and choosing to give up some of that control.”
While BDSM isn’t therapy, some people who have submissive desires and traumatic sexual histories find giving up control to a trusted partner empowering and low-key therapeutic. Instead of control being something an untrust worthy abuser took from them, control becomes a precious thing they loaned to someone they could trust. And when they handed it over, they knew it would be returned, either at a set time or immediately if the sub used their safe word.
“Research by Dr. Justin Lehmiller tells us that victims of sex crimes are actually more likely than nonvictims to fantasize about almost all aspects of BDSM,” added Martine. “Anyone who’s curious about the science of sex ual fantasies should read his book, ‘Tell Me What You Want.’ And Holly Richmond’s ‘Reclaiming Pleasure’ is a great starting point for any sexual assault survivor.”
exploring it,” that’s good enough. While some people into BDSM can point to one specific experience or something that shaped them more broadly (like a religious upbringing), you don’t need to justify your interest in D/s or BDSM by making a list of traumatic experiences. If this kind of play—this kind of theater for two—turns you both on, that’s a perfectly valid reason to explore D/s play.
Before you attempt to engage in D/s play or even begin to discuss your fantasies in detail,
As for getting started, Martine had a really good suggestion.
“My favorite newbie recommendation for easing into D/S play is using a sleep mask,” said Martine. “It’s innocu ous, easy to remove, and gives each player a chance to practice surrendering control by giv
I’m also someone who absolutely needs to be in control of my body. I’ve never done drugs and only once got so drunk I didn’t remember every detail of the night. I hated that feeling. I think this need for control is why I don’t like having orgasms. I enjoy the feeling that comes immedi ately before an orgasm but then my body seems to suppress that last bit. Because I don’t enjoy the feeling of actual orgasms, this is fine with me. On the very rare occasions that I’ve had an orgasm, I feel gross after. But I could happily screw all night with no orgasm! I’ve discussed this with my husband, and he said that as long as I was having my best experience, he was not upset that I wasn’t having orgasms. But a friend—a friend I don’t have sex with—is con vinced my aversion is a symptom of some sort of
Martine recommends thinking about the emo tional needs that shape these fantasies.
“What is it about domination and submis sion that appeals to each of them?” Martine said. “What aspects of D/S play are they excited about? Having a conversation about the ‘why’ will ensure they can each approach this new dynamic from a place of compassion and safety.”
Now, if you give thought to the “why,” DOMS, and your honest answer is, “Because it turns me on,” that’s good enough. And if your spouse’s honest answer is, “Because my part ner is interested in this and I’m interested in
ing up one of their five senses.”
Taking a baby step like that—playing with a simple blindfold and nothing else—is a great way to test the waters while you keep talking about other “junior varsity” kinks you and your spouse feel safe exploring together.
“And for general D/s tips,” said Martine, “check out Lina Dune’s ‘Ask A Sub’ podcast.”
Follow Rena Martine on Instagram @_rena. martine_.
I’m a hetero 40-year-old woman, married to a guy who is very skilled and generous in bed.
emotional scar. I did have some negative sexual experiences in the past, but I dealt with them and moved on. Should I explore this aversion even though the only person concerned is someone I don’t have sex with? Or can I be an emotionally whole person who just prefers the pre-gasm to orgasm? —Personally Prefer Pre-gasms
It doesn’t sound like…
Go to savage.love to read the rest. Send mail to questions@savagelove.net, listen to the Savage Lovecast, and follow @FakeDanSavage on Twitter.
Dear Oracle, my partner and I are unhappy where we live (basically suburbs) and looking to move into the city proper. The problem is if we move into either city, we’d be living in a much smaller place, but if we stay in the suburbs, we can have a much nicer apartment. I’m not sure what to do.—Brooding in the ‘burbs
Cards For the City: Knight of Cups, King of Cups, The Seeker (all reversed) Cards For The ‘Burbs: Page of Wands, Nine of Swords (rev.), Five of Wands Dear Burbs, a friend of mine once moved out of our kickass neighborhood in Austin to a luxury apartment that was off a highway, next to a car dealership and a strip mall. Her old apartment wasn’t bad (it was nicer than mine), but her new one was more than a few steps up. I asked if she was sad to leave the old hood. Absolutely not. She said: “I’d much rather live in a cool apartment somewhere shitty than in a shitty apartment somewhere cool.”
And I thought: we are fundamentally differ ent people. I could not imagine feeling the way she did. I literally couldn’t fathom it.
Some people are built for suburban living; some people are not. I am not one of the souls on Revolutionary Road —and, I suspect, neither are you. The Page of Wands is a ramblin’ man, a free spirit full of fiery curiosity.
But, in the ‘burbs, you’re feeling bound and gagged by that Nine of Swords, deeply unhappy and anxious. The Five of Wands means there’s conflict brewing; it wouldn’t surprise me if you and your partner fought more due to the under current of unhappiness.
But you know this. You even start the letter saying that you aren’t happy with your current living situation in the suburbs.
On the other hand, city liv ing looks like a place where you could flourish. Look at these cards! The Knight of Cups lends itself to forming friendships and romanticizing your life; that King is lending his calmness and intellectual fulfillment to you, and then there’s The Seeker! The explorer of the soul! It is an overwhelmingly positive spread for this option.
I don’t know many factors, so take my advice with a massive grain of salt. But, if you’re just trading off the size of apartments and everything else works out, I’d say go for the city.
Dear Oracle, I recently got offered a great new job—it’s a significant pay increase, great benefits, and they really prioritize a work-life balance. While I’m excited to start the new job, I’m anxious to turn in my two weeks. I don’t think my boss will react well, and I’m nervous about retaliation. Do you have any advice for resign ing and getting through the last two weeks?—Worried Worker
Cards: Strength, King of Pentacles (reversed), Justice Dear WW, mazal tov on your new job! More money, benefits, and work-life balance is a dream for many, and I’m glad you’re able to achieve that! Though I’m sorry if this bright star is dimmed by the worry that your boss will be a schmuck when you tell them the news.
If, however, you’re an at-will employee, they can fire you anytime—but then again, you can also quit anytime. You don’t have to take their shitty behavior! Start the new job early!
However, I think things are going to go as well as they can. While quitting is scary, you have Strength walking with you. You’re going to want to handle this with a calm openness. Even if your employer sucks, keep it impersonal.
Mention the salary increase and additional benefits and add that it’s an economic decision. If your boss has a super fragile ego, you can even say you were recruited—this job just fell into your lap! You are, after all, the King of Pentacles, the master of your craft, and worth the money.
While your boss might be upset about sup posed loyalty, money is money. They can hardly blame you for taking a “significant” pay raise. (If they do, tell them to match it and see what happens.)
Now, I am just working with the informa tion I have. I don’t know why a bigger apartment might be more appealing to you. Maybe you’re looking to start a family with your partner. Perhaps you need a place to work from home. There could be some non-negotiable reason for the need for space. I also don’t know what the financial trade-offs are.
Would you be spending the same amount for a smaller place, or would you be paying more, thus cutting your savings?
Before the cards, I want to give mundane advice. Did you sign an employment contract when you started work? See what it says about quitting. While two weeks is typically a polite suggestion, some companies may require it, along with other stipulations. Oftentimes, these stipulations need to be followed for you to be paid out your vacation time or to avoid litigation. You might need to prepare a plan outlining your duties for the next two weeks and how you’ll wrap up any current projects.
With Justice as the last card, I think your last two weeks will be a fair trade. You’ll put in your time and wrap up what needs to be fin ished, and your boss will be okay.
If they’re not… you only have to deal with them for two more weeks.
Go to HR (if you have it) and make sure things are documented so they can’t mess with your payout. And if there’s no HR, you’re not expecting any PTO payout, and you’re at-will, then just do the bare minimum, if anything. What are they going to do, fire you?
You’re out of that place and on to bigger and brighter things. Best of luck with your new job!
cltampa.com
Forinfo on Merl's Sunday crossword anthologies, visit www.sunday crosswords.com.
