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been five years since we were promised a live set from Kehlani. This week’s best live music, p.45.
Photo by Khumar Guardiola. Design by Joe Frontel.
Paint it black
Photos by Dave Decker
Some people love shopping. Others wants to remind people that their loved ones are being wiped out in a more than year-long conflict that more and more organizations—including Uniited Nations and even Oxford Union—are describing as genocide.
Underneath the rain on Black Friday, protesters gathered outside Tampa’s International Plaza to bring attention to the Israeli government’s now more-than-400-day assault on Gaza and surrounding areas. The conflict—which has killed nearly 45,000 people including over 17,000 children—has led the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
President Joe Biden has pushed back on the warrants while Netanyahu and supporters continue to trot out the excuse that Hamas—which killed about 1,200 people during a terror attack on an Israeli music festival on Oct. 7, 2023—is using Palestinian civilians as “human shields.” Amnesty International, which is monitoring and investigating those claims, said it does not have evidence to support that claim, adding that “Under international humanitarian law even if ‘human shields’ are being used Israel’s obligations to protect these civilians would still apply.” See more photos via cltampa.com/slideshows—Ray Roa
do this
Tampa Bay's best things to do from December 05 - 11
Ch, ch, changes
The city outside Tampa General Hospital has changed a lot since Garrett Greco was born there in 1992. Garrett, is the son of former county and circuit judge Dickie Greco and the grandson of Tampa’s youngest mayor Dick Greco, who served from 1967-1974, and again from 1995-2003 (grandpa unsuccessfully ran again in 2010). On his Tampa Bay Developer podcast, Garrett—a real estate broker—brings guests on to discuss all things local from history, to restaurants, and, yes, development. He gets up early to face the crowd at Cafe con Tampa, which will ask him the questions, this time around, as the club discusses the city’s growth and character.
Cafe con Tampa: Friday, Dec. 6. 8 a.m. $12. The Portico, 1001 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @cafecontampa on Facebook Ray Roa
Birds of a feather
Chicago has its Ducky Derby, and it only makes sense that Tampa would use flamingos for its version of the charity rubber duck race. At least 10,000 small, bright pink plastic rubber birds (not like the inflatable kind in this photos) will float down the Hillsborough River, with the winner getting a 2024 Ford Bronco. Flamingos start at $10, with discounts applied as you buy more, and proceeds will go towards the Children’s Dream Fund, which grants wishes to local kids with life-threatening illnesses. The official rules say that the winner does not have to be present to win.
Tampa Bay’s Flamingo Float: Saturday, Dec. 7. 10 a.m.-noon. No cover to watch. Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. childrensdreamfund.org—Ray Roa
TP-NO
Transportation Planning Organizations are supposed to get people around. Sometimes, Hillsborough’s TPO gets hard questions from locals who’ve long fought for better public transit and responsible road construction in the 813—but this week, activists are set to speak in favor of “keeping our world-class Hillsborough TPO staff intact.” The staff’s status has come under question after the state ordered a study exploring the potential merger of TPOs from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas. “A reorganization will be costly, will displace the structure of staff, and dilute our ability to weigh-in on transportation decisions for our county - including our ability to stop highway widening projects,” Sunshine Citizens wrote about the prospect. The group has encouraged others to flood city hall (or chime in virtually) this week when Tampa City Council weighs in on the merger.
Sunshine Citizens ‘Stop the TPO Merger’: Thursday, Dec. 5. 9 a.m. (Agenda Item #3: File No. CM24-10076). No cover. Tampa City Hall, 315 E Kennedy Blvd. Tampa. @SunshineCitizens on Facebook—Ray Roa
One woman’s trash
Break out the keg nog! Stageworks, which had a mega-hit with last year’s “Great American Trailer Park Musical,” returns to Armadillo Acres in Starke, Florida, for some Southern-fried yuletide. Director Karla Hartley calls the show a “white trash ‘Christmas Carol,’” in which the park’s Christmas-hating Scrooge, Darlene, gets accidentally electrocuted, wakes up, and forgets that she’s mean. A trio of terrific comic actors returns from the original: Heather Krueger as Lin (short for Linoleum, site of her birth); Susan Haldeman as Betty, Armadillo Acres’ manager; and Julia Rifino as Pickles, hysterically pregnant last year but now pregnant for real and prone to narcolepsy. James Putnam, Quint Paxton and Ashley Whiting (as Darlene) round out the cast. Expect some snazzy-tacky Christmas decor in the park, including, of course, lotsa tinsel and lotsa lights. “You can see the trailer park from space,” says Hartley. And will there be caroling? Well, there will be a four-piece band, but the songs aren’t exactly traditional. For instance, one of the original numbers (music and lyrics by David Nehls) is “Fuck It! It’s Christmas!” So the show’s not for kids. But for the rest of us, says Krueger (who also choreographs), it promises to be “a fuckin’ good time!”
‘The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical’: Select nights though Dec. 22. $25 & up. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., Suite 151, Tampa. stageworkstheatre.org—David Warner
Wang time
Sheng Wang is funny, New York Times funny. The 44-year-old landed on the publication’s “Best Comedy” rundown two years ago, with critic Jason Zinoman saying, “Some of my favorite observational jokes of the year came from his special ‘Sweet & Juicy.’” Wang’s time in the sunshine hasn’t wavered, which makes since he’s been working on standup for more than two decades now. If you’ve got friends who’re into HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” or “Fresh Off the Boat” from ABC, then they probably already have tickets.
Shen Wang: Saturday, Dec. 7. 7 p.m. $39.50-$59.50. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. Tampa. tampatheatre. org—Ray Roa
Let it snow
The weather outside won’t be frightful this weekend, and it just might be cool to enough to help out the snow that’s supposed to arrive in St. Petersburg for this annual day of toboggan slides, holiday crafts and more. Wristbands—available online or on day of the event—get folks into all the activities. If you need more holiday fun in the ‘Barg, a screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” happens just over a mile away at HugginsStengal Field.
Snowfest: Saturday, Dec. 7. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 for a wristband. North Straub Park, A400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. stpeteparksrec.org—Ray Roa
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Taste the Sunshine:
“ …in recent years we have seen a turn toward more equitable accountability in reproductive health care…”
Balls in play
Tampa company is helping Planned Parenthood relaunch another birth control service.
By McKenna Schueler
Less than one month after a ballot measure to overturn Florida’s six-abortion ban narrowly failed to get the support it needed to pass, Planned Parenthood has decided to relaunch a program at their East Orlando clinic that offers an increasingly in-demand form of permanent birth control: vasectomies.
“With the recent failure of Amendment 4 to pass in Florida despite receiving 57% of the vote and the added uncertainties around abortion and health care access nationwide, it is more important than ever that people have every tool at their disposal to maintain control over their health and medical decisions,” said Barbara Zdravecky, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, in a statement.
is an incredible and very safe method of birth control,” Schickler noted.
VasWeb charges $690 for the procedure if paying out of pocket, but if you’re insured, the procedure may be at least partially covered through your insurance plan. On their website, VasWeb aptly notes that $690 is “still FAR less than an unintended pregnancy!”
LOCAL NEWS
An abortion procedure, for instance, can cost anywhere from $500-$2,300 through a Planned Parenthood clinic, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. And Florida is also one of the costliest states for childbirth, even if you do bring a pregnancy to term.
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund TBAF—which was recently featured in the New Yorker for its work connecting women to health care that can
sometimes be out-of-state—says the cost for an abortion can fluctuate between $500-$20,000 depending on travel.
As of Sept. 2023, the median cost of a vaginal birth in Florida was $34,489 for those who are uninsured or receiving out-of-network care. Even for in-network care, the median cost is $14,911 and the cost of a C-Section birth is even higher.
A vasectomy may not be for everyone. But if you’re a father who is ready to stop procreating, or someone with a penis who simply does not want to get someone pregnant, experts say vasectomies can be one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
The next day that Planned Parenthood’s East Orlando Health Center is offering vasectomy appointments—Dec. 16—is already booked up, Schickler confirmed. However, they plan to
offer more appointments “regularly,” depending on the VasWeb provider’s availability.
“The hope is for it to be a very regular thing,” she said. “Possibly having such high demand may prompt more days to open, or for the providers to be more available on those days.” At this time, they’ll only be offering vasectomy services at the Orlando clinic, but they hope to be able to expand to other service areas in the future.
People who are interested in getting a vasectomy can schedule their appointment through VasWeb by going to VasWeb.com or calling 813-536-1430.
“In the 40 years I’ve been providing vasectomies and vasectomy reversals, the biggest jump we’ve seen in interest was immediately
“Traditionally, the burden of birth control has fallen on women, but in recent years we have seen a turn toward more equitable accountability in reproductive health care and pregnancy prevention,” she added.
Florida’s Amendment 4 sought to enshrine the right to have an abortion in the state Constitution, where state lawmakers would have had a more difficult time messing with it. Amendment 4 would have legalized abortion up to fetal viability, similar to where abortion access similarly stood in Florida just a couple of years ago, before Florida legislators approved a 15-week abortion ban. Although more than 6 million Florida voters voted in favor of Amendment 4, it did not surpass the 60 percent threshold required for constitutional amendments to pass.
Planned Parenthood, a key partner in the Amendment 4 campaign, is now teaming up with VasWeb, a vasectomy provider based in Tampa, to provide safe no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy procedures at Planned Parenthood’s East Orlando clinic, located off University Boulevard near the University of Central Florida. The service will only be available on select “vasectomy days” since the provider isn’t someone they’re staffing in-house.
Dr. Robyn Schickler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood in Central Florida, said the procedure itself is “very safe,” can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, and doesn’t require anesthesia — although a local anesthetic like lidocaine may be offered. “Vasectomy
EGGCITING: Modern vasectomies clock in at 10-15 minutes.
following the overturn of Roe v. Wade,” Dr. Douglas Stein, a board-certified urologist and founder of VasWeb, shared in a statement. Roe v. Wade was the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case establishing the right to abortion. After nearly half a century, it was overturned by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022.
From Stein’s perspective, “It was clear that a lot of men are very concerned about whether they and their partners might no longer have the option to terminate a pregnancy in the event of failure of one of their contraceptive methods,” he said.
Abortion is currently banned in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy, with few and restrictive exceptions. Now, the nearest state to legally terminate a pregnancy after six weeks is hundreds of miles away in North Carolina, where abortion is legal up to 12 weeks, or Virginia, where abortion is legal up to the third trimester.
TBAF, a nonprofit that helps remove logistical and financial barriers to abortion care, recently told Orlando Weekly that, if someone who contacts them is beyond six weeks, they generally try to coordinate care with clinics up in Washington D.C., where lodging and travel costs are more convenient.
after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Compared to states with less restrictive abortion policies, the rate of vasectomies was “consistently higher” both pre- and post-Dobbs than in states that completely ban or restrict abortion access.
In addition to vasectomies, the review also found that demand for tubal sterilization—a procedure also colloquially referred to as getting one’s tubes tied—has also increased. “The increased rate of vasectomies post-Dobbs was consistent among states regardless of the legal climate, while the increased rate of tubals postDobbs was significantly increased in states where abortion was illegal,” according to the review.
Planned Parenthood clinics also offer birth control, testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, emergency contraception, and sex education services.
LOCAL NEWS
They don’t offer tubal sterilization, but Schickler said that, compared to vasectomies, sterilization for women can be a more complicated procedure that takes longer, requires anesthesia, and also requires more recovery time. “It’s a full-on thing, requires time off of work, some recovery. The vasectomy is like, they walk in, it’s maybe 10 to 15 minutes [with] the no scalpel technique,” Schickler explained. “It is so quick, especially with people [providers] from places like VasWeb that do these all the time.”
“I know a lot of people are trying to go to Virginia, but unless you’re driving, flights and hotels aren’t always the easiest,” explained Bree Wallace, director of case management for TBAF. “They kind of get expensive at times, too.” Illinois, where abortion is legal up to viability, is another option.
Outside of Stein’s practice, however, a number of studies have indicated vasectomies are kind of having a moment, post-Roe, with a greater interest in the procedure. Increased demand has been particularly notable among younger, single adults.
A national review published in the Journal of Urology in May found a “significant increase” in the number of patients under 30 who had undergone vasectomies in the first few months
Dr. Stein, who trains doctors in both vasectomies and vasectomy reversal, says that people “want to be in control” of their reproductive health. “Restrictions on health care access have really gripped men who want to remain childfree, and even those who have children but don’t want more. I’m excited to be working with Planned Parenthood to help reach even more patients seeking vasectomy care.”
Schickler said that people in Florida trust Planned Parenthood as a healthcare provider, and even with Florida’s restrictive six-week abortion ban in effect, “We still plan to be here.”
“Patients are still counting on us. Patients are still coming in for care, so we’ll continue to provide that care,” she said, “in compliance with the law of course.
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Make America Florida
Chad Chronister’s arrest of pastor during COVID angers MAGA world.
By Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is Donald Trump’s pick to head the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), responsible for enforcing America’s drug laws, the president-elect announced over the weekend. While the nomination is being applauded in Tampa by those who have worked with Chronister directly in fighting substance abuse, it is being lambasted in some corners of MAGA World, specifically for his arrest of a pastor for violating a COVID lockdown in 2020.
[ UPDATE: As this page literally went to press, Chronister withdrew himself from consideration—see updates at cltampa. com/news.]. Chronister, who has led the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since 2017, made national news in March 2020 when he arrested Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, after the agency said he “intentionally and repeatedly hosted church services with hundreds of members in attendance, despite knowing he was in violation of orders set in place by the President, the Governor of Florida, the CDC and the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group.”
‘Unfair’ criticism
Hillsborough County Republicans insist such criticism is unfair. “I think what he was doing, what he felt was enforcing the laws at the time, is why he did what he did,” Hillsborough County Republican Committeewoman April Schiff told the Phoenix. Jake Hoffman is president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans.
LOCAL NEWS
“Much of the criticism you’re witnessing online is in regard to actions taken by the Sheriff four years ago that the rest of the country is just learning about,” he told the Phoenix in an email. “During that time, I was openly critical about all the COVID policies as well, and the Sheriff sat down with me for an hour long recorded interview addressing much of the Republican communities concerns. [Sic] I believe the Sheriff learned from those experiences and will do a great job leading the DEA under President Trump.”
But following criticism from some local Republicans for arresting the pastor, Chronister, who was running for re-election that year, reached out and shared a meal with the same man he had arrested two months earlier, raising ethical questions about visiting a defendant with a criminal case pending. (Then-State Attorney Andrew Warren, meanwhile, dropped the case.)
“It’s impossible to defend this,” said conservative YouTube personality Mike Cernovich, who has more than 1 million followers on X. “He even bragged about it. The DEA has already shown itself to often act as a thug organization, focusing on low level users instead of the cartels. Arresting a pastor?! This man can’t be near more power.”
“I’m going to call ’em like I see ’em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns,” said Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie last Sunday.
Chronister is married to Nikki DeBartolo, daughter of former San Francisco 49ers owners Eddie DeBartolo, who was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal in the late 1990s and fined $1 million, but he never served prison time. Donald Trump pardoned him in February 2020.
Ties with Democrats
When Chronister ran for re-election in 2020, his previous financial contributions to Democrats were a sore spot for some Republicans. Although he gave more donations to Republicans, campaign finance records showed that Chronister sent checks to Barack Obama, Charlie Crist, the Democratic National Committee, and to Hillsborough County Democratic state legislators such as Fentrice Driskell, Dianne Hart, and Susan Valdes.
“I support the most qualified candidate. And if that happens to be a Democrat who I’ll be working with, then that’s who I’m going to support. But it doesn’t make me any less of a Republican,” Chronister told this reporter that year.
“This man can’t be near more power.”
“THIS MAN’S NOMINATION MUST BE BLOCKED HE WAS A TYRANT DURING COVID,” wrote Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, who filed a lawsuit against Hillsborough County for its COVID lockdown. “I HAD TO SUE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO STOP THE INSANITY HE CREATED WE NEED A DEA DIRECTOR WHO BELIEVES IN FREEDOM.”
“I think that people need to understand that he was serving countywide in a county that was then dominated by Democrats, and he knows what it takes to get elected, and he did that and he basically worked to satisfy his entire constituency, both Democrats and Republicans,” said Schiff.
Since 2020, all of Chronister’s political contributions have been exclusively for Republicans or GOP campaign committees, according to Open Secrets. That included several donations to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Chronister was at DeSantis’ side on Aug. 4, 2022, when the governor announced that he was
suspending Andrew Warren as Hillsborough County state attorney for alleged “neglect of duty” and “incompetence,” claiming he went too easy on criminals with some of his policies and that he had signed public statements objecting to prosecutions for abortion and transgender care.
Chronister and Warren had worked together on several criminal justice reform measures and were friendly for years leading up to that day.
“I can tell you that I was proud to have the sheriff’s support in 2020,” Warren said on WMNF-Radio in August.
When asked last Monday about his thoughts about Chronister’s nomination, Warren sent this text message to the Phoenix:
“I hope all the president-elect’s nominees succeed in making our country better: helping people achieve the American dream that make us more prosperous, safe, and healthy, while leaving behind the divisive and dirty politics that hold us back and tear at the fabric of our nation.” continued on page 22
“I was proud of the fact that we worked together to reduce crime. That all of these policies from drug diversion programs to mental health courts, to the civil citation programs, that was supported by the sheriff and by the law enforcement community here.”
continued from page 21
Opioids
Among top issues that Chronister will face if he’s confirmed is the opioid crisis, which remains among the biggest drug problems in the country, even with overdose deaths starting to decline. “I think he’ll be excellent in that position,” said Ellen Snelling of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance.
“I have worked with him over many years, and he’s been very supportive of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Anything to do with substance abuse, he’s always been on our side, trying to help, so it’s been a very positive experience working with him,” she said, referring specifically to the Sheriff’s Office’s work with takebacks of unused or expired prescription drugs.
“He’s been very active with that,” Snelling said. “He’s come to our takebacks. He’ll do PSAs before our events to get more people to come out. They have prescription drug take-back boxes at every sheriff’s office, every district office, there’s a 24-7 box there. So, on a lot of the projects we work on, he and his deputies have been working with us.”
Christopher Cano, executive director of Suncoast NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) has been critical of the DEA on cannabis policy and says the incoming Trump administration’s nominees “do not seem promising champions of reform either.” He noted that many high-profile appointments in the areas of public health and drug safety “are Prohibitionists, as is top picks to lead the Justice Department.”
“Only [Robert] Kennedy and Chronister have seemed to espouse common sense views on cannabis decriminalization,” Cano said.
LOCAL NEWS
Another issue that may come up during his confirmation hearings is Chronister’s stance on gun safety. In 2019, he called for enhanced mental health screenings for anyone who wants to own a gun, supporting universal background checks and the “red flag” provision in Florida’s 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act, which allows law enforcement to go to court to take guns away from individuals declared a danger to themselves or others for up to a year.
In February 2020, Chronister announced his office’s support of a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis throughout Hillsborough County. Snelling said she opposes the “complete decriminalization” of pot, a sentiment she expressed to Chronister at the time. But she added that she understood why Hillsborough County agreed to do so, since it was aligning with the city of Tampa’s decision to do the same in 2016.
Sabatini believes those positions will hurt Chronister with some GOP senators. “I think there’s a good chance that the few strong conservative Republican senators that we have may vote him down when his full record is exposed,” he said.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and X.
PRIDE BOY: Chad Chronister, who’s led the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since 2017, at Tampa Pride.
VOTED BEST BUFFET
RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES
Pour one out
The local bars and restaurants we lost in 2024.
By CL staff
Tampa Bay lost some iconic spots in 2024. As anyone who’s been in the kitchen will tell you, it isn’t easy to run a local bar or restaurant, and factors like rising costs, increasingly slim margins, and back-to-back hurricanes certainly didn’t help. Here are a few of the more notable closures from around Tampa Bay over the last 12 months. See the full list via cltampa. com/slideshows.
Bacon Bitch Bacon Bitch, a popular brunch restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg (with a somewhat contentious reputation) closed its doors in May. “Sad to inform you that this location has closed. Bacon Bitch locations continue in Orlando (UCF), South Beach (Miami Beach) and Bayside (downtown Miami),” a sign on Bacon Bitch’s closed doors read. “We are sorry about the short notice and we will miss St. Pete. Best Wishes!” St. Pete’s Bacon Bitch location made its debut in the fall of 2020. It was known for its menu of breakfast sandwiches, avocado toasts, salads, burgers, BLTs, plus champagne, beer, wine, daytime cocktails and sangrias for its “thirsty bitches.” 1122 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Bastet Brewing Best of the Bay-winning Bastet Brewing served its last pint of fermented goodness last August. “The short explanation is that adverse socio-economic conditions that began in 2020, the year we opened, have led us to make a pragmatic decision that is the best for moving forward,” Bastet Brewing’s owners wrote on its website. “For nearly 4 years we’ve fought against the persistent unfavorable challenges within the beer industry to keep the doors open, but with limited options available to us, the financial burden has proven to be too great.” In the fall of 2021, both Ross and Lett graced the cover of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay for a story that delved into the world of Tampa Bay’s Black brewers and the challenges they faced. Lett talked about his experiences with racism as one of the few Black brewers and brewery owners in Florida. On the National Black Brewers Association’s directory, there are only three Black-owned breweries in the state of Florida, including Bastet Brewing and St. Petersburg’s Green Bench Brewing. In 2023, the Florida Department of Business & Professional
Regulation reported that the Sunshine State is home to almost 500 craft breweries. 951 E
Adamo Dr. Suite B, Tampa
CLOSINGS
Cena Last October, after 13 years, celebrated upscale Italian restaurant Cena has served its last dish in Tampa’s Channel District. Cena partner Ken Stoltenberg confirmed the recent closure to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, adding that nearby sister restaurant Bread and Butta Pizza Bar has also shuttered because they both share a kitchen. “The past year has been a challenging environment,” said Stoltenberg to TBBJ. “This summer was the worst summer we’d ever had. It’s a combination of the general economy, Cena is a destination — and it’s a luxury.” Stoltenberg also told the publication that the recent departure of Chef Michael Buttacavoli played a role in the decision, as did the fact that a large portion of the concept’s customers hailed from nearby Davis Islands, which was inundated by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Cena (which is Italian for “dinner”) opened to warm reviews in 2013, and was praised by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay food critic Jon Palmer Claridge, who called it “the best new restaurant in town.” “Like its intimate sleek dining room, the menu is narrow, but boy, does it pack a punch,” wrote Claridge. “Chef Michael Buttacavoli delivers on Cena’s promise to be “modern, fresh, and simple.” Having recently dined at another noted Italian landmark, I am struck that Cena has much better food at nearly half the price.” Buttacavoli was also a known fixture around Tampa Bay, often competing in charity events like the Tampa Bay Food Fight and Epicurean’s Epic Chef Showdown. Buttacavoli even scored a win on the Food Network’s competition show “Beat Bobby Flay.” 1120 E Kennedy Blvd. No. 112, Tampa The Chelsea Nearly four years after arriving at St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, a beloved cafe said goodbye in early June. Owner Teresa Vidal Chalkley opened The Chelsea in 2021 to pay homage to her experience as a student working in New York’s bustling Chelsea district and exploring Manhattan’s boutiques, galleries, cafes and bistros. 2462 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg
Cider Press Gastropub A St. Pete staple for vegans called it quits after a decade. Cider Press Gastropub is officially “closed until further notice,” according to its voicemail. Originally called Cider Press Cafe, the owners, Johan Everstijn and Roland Strobel, first opened the original location in Naples in 2014, then on St. Pete’s Central Avenue a year later. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making these past 10 years so special,” Cider Press Gastropub owners wrote on social media. While the owners never intended to leave their location on Central, they were forced to in 2021 after disagreements with the landlord. Rebranded as Cider Press Gastropub, the duo opened in nearby Historic Kenwood in late 2022. While they had initially intended to open up the Kenwood location at the end of 2021, the owners told Bay News 9 that “Pandemic supply line issues” caused a delay.
3118 3rd Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Ciro’s A longtime South Tampa mainstay officially closed its doors in April, although its ownership is “actively seeking other locations.”
Ciro’s parent company Three Oaks Hospitality announced the permanent closure of the highend cocktail bar, citing ongoing structural issues
within the Bayshore Royal building. “Since 2009, Ciro’s has been a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike,” the bar wrote on social media. “Thank you to our loyal guests, staff and the Tampa community for your support and memories shared over the years. As they say, this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later.” 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa Crisp & Green Water Street After a year at its Water Street location Crisp & Green quietly shuttered its doors last April. Representatives from the company shared the following statement with Creative Loafing Tampa Bay: “After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to close our Tampa location. We’re so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the team to bring the Crisp & Green brand and for the opportunity to serve our amazing customers in Tampa. Thank you for being a part of our journey and we hope to be back in Tampa soon.” Crisp & Green’s mission is to “offer chef-crafted nutritious foods to fit conveniently into a modern, wellness-driven lifestyle,” boasting menu items like its signature salads, grain bowls, smoothies, aguas frescas, acai bowls and build-your-own options. 1055 E Cumberland Ave., Tampa continued on page 31
PARASIDE LOST: A staple in Tampa’s nightlife scene abruptly closed its doors in July.
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O ce: (727) 312-2040
2105 N Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33602
O ce: (813) 769-7207
408 7th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
continued from page 27
Eden A staple in Tampa’s nightlife scene abruptly closed its doors in July for reasons still unknown. Eden was known for its stacked entertainment lineups, stiff drinks and late-night hours. The nightclub abruptly closed on Thursday, June 13, according to social media posts from its employees—like former General Manager Niko Alvertos, who posted that “we all had the feeling something was going to happen, we just didn’t know when.” Eden’s Facebook and Instagram pages were also deleted, showing no trace of the once-popular nightclub and event space. It is also listed as “permanently closed” on Google. There was no official closing announcement issued by ownership. The two-story club was gardenthemed, hence its name, and featured specialty cocktails inspired by the seven deadly sins, a ton of VIP booths, a late-night menu, themed parties and a steady rotation of DJs and other entertainers. The downtown Tampa bar and club made its debut in 2021, after $4.5 million dollar renovations rendered the former Franklin Manor space unrecognizable. 912 N Franklin St., Tampa Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe Eight months after hitting the market, staple Seminole Heights restaurant Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe found a buyer then officially closed in September. On social media, the restaurant— which has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood for 15 years—expressed deep gratitude and a heavy heart about the end of the road. It invited the community to share a last meal, drink and “celebrate the memories that have made our time together in Seminole Heights so much fun.” Late last year, co-founder Melissa Deming told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that it was time for her to start a new chapter in life, adding that putting the perennial Best Of the Bay-winning concept on the market was one of the hardest decisions she’s ever made. “I feel honored to have had their support for so many years,” she said about the love from the neighborhood since opening day. 5119 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa Five Branches Brewing Veteran-owned and operated nano brewery, Five Branches, shut its doors in early November. Ramey Simpson and Jerry Brown opened Five Branches in 2019 after retiring from the military and gave back to the veteran community by donating to charities and projects like the Fundraiser for Firefighters of Pinellas charity they hosted in October. The owners cited health challenges and changes in ownership as some of the reasons that led to the decision to close. Five Branches moved into its Hibiscus Street location last year after growing out of its nearby Athens Street spot. The Athens location also flooded from Hurricane Idalia shortly before the team was expected to move.
Florida Cane Distillery Tasting Room
Florida Cane Distillery’s tasting room and bar located inside Ybor City’s historic El Encanto building quietly closed its doors in mid-January.
The constant decline in Florida tourism, coupled with the closing of so many other Ybor music venues/bars/restaurants and the recent shootings have pushed us to this decision,” the owners of The Florida Cane Distillery wrote on social media last week. “Although we are saddened by having to close to the public it’s been such a great joy to host all of you in our tasting room, on our behind-the-scenes tours, and hands-on whiskey classes—this was only possible because of your loyal support.” The Tampa-based spirits distributor debuted its Ybor City location—which it boasted as “Florida’s first vodka tasting room”—in 2012, mere months after launching its production space in Brandon. Although its tasting room closed its doors last weekend, its variety of Florida-made rums, gins and moonshines can
To the delight of the restaurant’s regulars, its flagship location on the beach—as well as its OG food truck—are not going anywhere. 111 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg
CLOSINGS
Goody Goody Just shy of the 100th anniversary of its initial opening, old school Tampa diner Goody Goody closed in South Tampa last September. In a letter, Richard Gonzmart, President and Caretaker of The 1905 Family of Restaurants, said his company was evolving and adapting to “changing circumstances” as it looks for new ways to serve its community. A press release says the move allows 1905 to focus on its core restaurant brands while preserving the Goody Goody brand elsewhere, adding that the group did work closely with its landlord, WS Development, to try and find a way to stay.
be directly purchased from its website or from local retailers like Luekens Liquors and B21 Fine Wine and Spirits. 1820 N 15th St.,Ybor City
Fo Cheezy Twisted Meltz (downtown St. Pete location) Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz, a fancy grilled cheese concept, took to social media earlier last March to announce its immediate closure. “We have enjoyed being a part of and serving the downtown community and thank you for all of the support,” ownership wrote on Facebook yesterday. “This decision was not made lightly but in doing so we are able to pursue some exciting new ventures we know you will find just as dope.” Fo’Cheezy made its debut on St. Pete Beach in 2020 and opened its second brick and mortar in downtown St. Pete in 2021.
Tampa’s Goody Goody first opened as a barbecue stand in 1925 on what’s now known as Kennedy Boulevard. Its last location on Florida Avenue closed in 2005, but the brand was revived in 2014 when Gonzmart purchased it from the family of owner Mike Wheeler. 1601 W Swann Ave., Tampa
Hao Wah After nearly-half-a-century, South Tampa staple Hoa Wah closed last March. Hao Wah was one of Tampa’s institutional Chinese buffets. The restaurant—well loved by locals and a popular gathering spot for families and students of the nearby Plant High School—opened doors on April 1, 1980. It started as a humble spot, but doubled in size during an expansion in the early2000s. For a long time Hao Wah was known for
its all-you-can-eat buffet including dishes ranging from sushi to pho to Szechuan–nearly any Asian dish you could think of. Like most others, the buffet shut down during the pandemic but it’s since returned to all its glory. An employee at Hao Wah’s Pinellas Park location said that the Pinellas Park location (10454 66th St. N) will remain open and the restaurant’s famed catering service will also continue. 1713 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa King State Despite its popularity and a place in the top 10 of Food & Wine’s “Best Coffee Shops in America,” King State closed its Tampa Heights location in October. King State, which celebrated its five-year anniversary over the summer, was borne from a DIY coffee roasting warehouse operation and opened in June of 2019. It quickly became a popular destination thanks to its surefire breakfast, laid-back lightfilled dining room, and killer drinks. Like many other businesses, King State battled through the pandemic, with the last few years bringing a lot of change for co-founders Tim McTague and Nate Young. 520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa Lingr After three years of dishing out exciting fusion cuisine and picture-perfect cocktails, a mainstay in St. Pete’s dining scene closed in late April. “After almost 3 years of Lingr serving the St. Petersburg community and its visitors, I have made the difficult decision to close. During illness and family emergencies, I have always counseled my employees that their health and family are more important than Lingr,” Chef and owner Jeffrey Jew writes on Lingr’s Instagram. “Now, I am in the position that I must take my own advice and spend time with my Mother as we navigate her Lewy body dementia.” Lingr made its highlyanticipated debut in the spring of 2021 showcasing a contemporary blend of Jew’s Nordic and Asian heritage with unique dishes like pumpkin and mushroom dumplings, smoked lions mane and trumpet mushrooms with Brunost cheese, and fried fish with fermented black beans and chili oil. 400 6th St. S, St. Petersburg Luv Child Nearly five years after its debut, South Tampa modern Cuban concept Luv Child said goodbye last summer. Luv Child took to social media to announce the closure, and to thank diners for their support. “After careful consideration, we have decided to permanently close our doors at Luv Child, with our last day of service being Sunday, July 28th,” read a statement from the restaurant. “We have cherished every moment spent serving you and are incredibly grateful for your unwavering LUV and support. Thank you so much for being a part of our journey!” Luv Child was known for a posh (and very pink) atmosphere, offering up elevated Cuban and Latin fare like loaded quesadillas, chicharrones, and tostones, as well as a well-appointed cocktail menu. No exact reason was given for the closure, though the post stated that a second location of Italian fast-casual concept Jay & Luigi will open in the same space. Luv Child was owned by the Ciccio
SO LONG, KING: Lines wrapped about the building when this Tampa Heights cafe closed in October.
RAY ROA
continued from page 31 Restaurant Group (CRG), which also operates other local restaurants including Green Lemon, Daily Eats, Fresh Kitchen, Water & Flour, Taco Dirty, Cali and others. 516 S Howard Ave., Tampa Mott & Hester Deli The sandwich hotspot with a popular catering service has closed its doors in late-February after almost 42 years at its original location. While the deli didn’t explain why it chose to close its doors for good, comments under the announcement allude to the well-deserved retirement of owners Ted and Gina Kelly, who opened the deli in December of 1982. The popular, no-frills deli with under a dozen seats offered a menu of loaded turkey, meatball, Italian and ham sandwiches, New Orleans-style fare like po’boys and muffulettas, hearty pasta dishes, salads, soups and entrees like spinach artichoke casseroles and Sicilian-style roasted chicken. Its Wild Turkey sammy with sautéed mushrooms, melted pepper jack cheese, and mayo on toasted white bread was a particularly popular menu item—and even made Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s 50 Best Sandwiches list in 2017. 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Oronzo Midtown Fast-casual Italian chain Oronzo closed its location in Midtown last March. A collaboration between Dan Bavaro, owner of Bavaro’s Pizza, and Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands, the company told the Tampa Bay Business Journal that the location has struggled since launching during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Oronzo,” the letter states. “Since our opening in 2020, during the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have strived to bring you an uncommon Italian culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere. However, despite our best efforts and the unwavering support of our local community and dedicated team, we find ourselves facing the difficult decision to close our doors.” 1120 Gramercy Ln. D-200, Tampa Pegasus Lounge Pegasus Lounge, an institutional Tampa bar, live music venue, and karaoke spot, called it quits in November. Owner Julie Bible’s took took to social media, saying she’s ready for retirement. “What a blast we’ve had the past 23+ years. I’ll cherish all the memories and good times at both our original location and the current one,” wrote Bible. “It’s that time, I need to close this chapter of my life and sit back and drink margaritas on the beach. Yes, I’m retiring.” Fittingly, Pegasus Lounge—also a place where local rock bands could cut their teeth—went out on “Pornaoke Night,” which is basically regular karaoke, but with a large projector screen playing hardcore porn. 14811 N Florida Ave., Tampa
Sea Salt After almost 10 years of serving raw oysters and crab legs in downtown St. Petersburg, popular seafood restaurant Sea Salt will close. The restaurant’s parent company, Aielli Group, made the announcement in
a press release, as the concept nears the end of its lease on the second floor of The Sundial.
“The past ten years have been nothing short of amazing,” said co-owner Ingrid Aielli in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to have been part of this community and thankful for the friendships and memories we’ve made together. This farewell is bittersweet, but we’ll forever cherish these experiences.” Originally debuting in 2015, Sea Salt made a name for itself over the years with its 80-foot raw bar, 22-foot-tall wine cellar, $1 oyster happy hours and Venetian-inspired entrees.
CLOSINGS
Sea Salt will remain open through its last day of service on Dec. 31. 183 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg Six Ten Brewing After celebrating a decade in Tampa Bay, Town ‘N’ Country’s popular Six Ten Brewing emptied its kegs last June. The local brewery—largely known for its wide variety of craft beers, regular event programming, and friendly hospitality—took to social media to announce the sale of its building and imminent closure of Six Ten. “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of our beloved
for both its seasonal and specialty bottle drops. 7052 Benjamin Rd., Tampa Stone Soup Company One of the more seasoned businesses along Ybor City’s bustling 7th Avenue took to social media to announce its abrupt closure in late-April. “Effective immediately, The Stone Soup Company will cease operations. We would like to thank all the current and past employees, the Ybor and Tampa community, and our guests who have supported us over the last 13 years,” ownership wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook. “We appreciated the opportunity to serve you all! Thank you!” The casual restaurant was known for its menu of Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, burgers, salads and of course, soup—which ranged from lobster bisque and chicken noodle to tomato basil and Spanish black bean. Beer, wine, and cocktails were offered, too. The Stone Soup Company’s original owner Ilya Benjamin Goldberg opened his Ybor City restaurant in 2009 and its reputation for tasty Cuban sammies and quick service grew over the years, as well as its sizable “Best
brewery, as we have made the difficult decision to sell and allow another brewery to begin their journey,” Six Ten Brewing wrote on social media earlier this week. “From the first pint we poured to the countless celebrations, events and gatherings, every moment has been a life-changing experience for us. We are deeply grateful for the trust you placed in us, the feedback you shared, and the loyalty you showed.” Owners Leslie and Chris Johnson ditched their corporate jobs to open Six Ten Brewing in 2014, and quickly made a name for themselves in the local craft beer scene. In addition to an impressive “core beer” lineup of brews like the CBGB Berliner Weisse, TPA double IPA, Poco Loco Belgian Ale and Tent Beer Munich-style lager, Six Ten is also known
of the Bay” award collection. The space will soon be home to a new concept, Lara. 1919 E 7th Ave., Ybor City
Taco Baby Taco Baby, a charming 51 squarefoot taqueria inside a former ATM, closed its doors—or singular pick-up window, last March. “After much consideration, we’ve made the decision to close Taco Baby permanently. While we’re sad to say goodbye, we cherish the memories we’ve created together and the joy that Taco Baby has brought to our community,” the restaurant wrote on social media last month. “Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of our Taco Baby family.” Chef Traci Bryant and Shane Bittaker of Nina Hospitality Group opened Taco Baby out of a former ATM stand in the spring of
2019. Its understandably small menu consisted of street tacos with proteins like chicken tinga, al pastor, jackfruit, and pork carnitas, chips and queso, loaded nachos and a variety of bottled sodas. 235 Main St., Dunedin
Tijuana Flats On April 19, Tijuana Flats announced that it has closed 11 stores including four Tampa Bay locations. The company chose which stores would be shuttered based on financial performance, occupancy costs and market conditions, according to a press release. Multiple locations
Vela After two back-to-back hurricanes, Westshore Marina District Italian restaurant Vela has had enough. The restaurant, which was from the people behind Cru Cellars, Bouzy and Small Giant, took to social media in late-October to announce the closure. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Vela. Unfortunately, the combination of recent hurricane damage and other challenges has made it impossible for us to continue serving you at Westshore Marina,” wrote Vela on Instagram. Officially opening in 2021 as a Cru Cellars outpost, Cru Hospitality Group rebranded the space into Vela in 2023, with a focus on classic Italian dishes. 5232 Bridge St., Tampa White Lie Ybor is going through changes, and White Lie could be considered another casualty of the rapidly changing neighborhood. The bar and nightclub celebrated its last night on NYE, after owner Mo Pickering claimed the landlord wouldn’t renew her lease. 1710 E 7th Ave., Ybor City
Yum Yum Hot Pot Temple Terrace allyou-can-eat hot pot restaurant Yum Yum Hot Pot quietly opened on Christmas day in 2019. The popular spot featured a unique conveyor belt system that ushered ingredients to hungry patrons in their booths. However, earlier this summer Yum Yum closed without warning. A sign on the front door said the establishment was closed for renovations. However, the phone is currently disconnected, the website is deactivated and the Instagram page says it’s “closed.” Let’s hope it does reopen in the future. 11301 N 56th St. Suite 6, Temple Terrace
Zydeco Brew Werks Ybor After five years of redefining the corner of 7th Avenue and 19th Street in Ybor City, Zydeco said “a bientôt” last January. Not getting to be with regulars and staff on a daily basis is one of the hardest parts of the closure, Zydeco brewer and co-founder Paul Rutherford told CL. “We’re definitely going to celebrate,” Rutherford said about the brewery’s final weeks in Ybor City. The 45-year-old who moved to Tampa from the northeast to open the brewery, brought Zydeco three medals at the World Beer Championship, including a gold for his American brett saison. He said that he even found a cask barrel of his infamous Butchy scotch ale, named for Colorado outdoorsman and salsa maker Butchy Craft. 1902 E 7th Ave.,Ybor City
FLAT LINES: Tijuana Flats shuttered based on financial performance, occupancy costs and market conditions.
Explore the Eerie Secrets of Ybor’s Historic District in this Spooky Historic Ghost Tour! https://www.spookeasylounge.com/about-8
Funny Bone Comedy Club
1600 E. 8th Avenue C-112
Formerly the Tampa Improv Comedy Club, check out their open mic nights and upcoming shows! https://tampa.funnybone.com
King Corona Cigars
1523 E. 7th Avenue
King Corona has been a cornerstone of Historic Ybor City for over a decade. Since 1998, we’ve offered the finest handmade cigars, exceptional coffee, and much more. https://kingcoronacigars.com
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
Merritt’s based
St. Pete artist says ‘yes’ to a mercurial universe.
By Jennifer Ring
With a new CEO at the helm, Creative Pinellas’ annual art party might have looked different. Then, three disasters struck the Tampa Bay arts community in five months, and it felt like the universe was saying ‘no’ to art in Tampa Bay.
Florida’s state arts veto came first in June.
Then Hurricane Helene arrived in September, followed by Milton in October, Creative Pinellas, which relies on tourist taxes to support Pinellas County artists, lost $70,500 in state funding due to the veto. While responding to this loss, the arts agency sought solutions for nearly 50 other Pinellas County arts organizations affected by the veto. The total county-wide loss added up to more than $1 million.
Helene; Horan applied on behalf of her family, not thinking they would get it. “And as I was evacuated for Milton, they called to say that we got it,” she told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay At the fundraiser that night were Chad Mize and Murray.
“I hadn’t had the wherewithal to even invite anyone,” Horan recounts, “so I was going to go just by myself, pathetically. And I show up, and there’s Chad sitting there with a friend.”
INTERVIEW
Creative Pinellas’ Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 7. 6 p.m. $100-$250 Gallery at Creative Pinellas. 12211 Walsingham Rd, Largo bit.ly/AA24Fundraiser
Then Helene hit, flooding artist studios, homes, and storage units. St. Pete Beach artist Merritt Horan lost about $3,000-$4,000 in business goods. Her father, aunt and uncle lost their homes. The St. Pete Beach venue where she’d established a 12-month curatorial gig, The Bellwether Beach Resort, temporarily closed to address significant storm damage.
As Tampa Bay area artists struggled to deal with a one-two punch to their homes, studios, and livelihoods, Creative Pinellas announced that Arts Annual would be a hurricane fundraiser.
Two weeks later in Largo, Hurricane Milton sent water from a rising Walsingham Lake and McKay Creek into the Gallery at Creative Pinellas—the same gallery that hosts Arts Annual— forcing Creative Pinellas CEO Margaret Murray to pivot once again. Murray initiated gallery repairs and moved the Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser to Dec. 7.
Horan thought it was a coincidence, but Mize told her he’d come for her fundraiser. He then introduced her to Murray.
“I get a sake, and I sit down, and I’m just chitchatting away,” Horan recounts. “And then about 15 minutes in, he’s like, ‘So Margaret’s the CEO of Creative Pinellas.’”
She and Murray ended up on the phone the next day.
“She was like, ‘Look, I really enjoyed talking to you, and I have this opportunity for curation,” Horan added. “I know that you lost all your curation opportunities for Bellwether, so do you want to do this?’”
The curation opportunity was for a onenight-only art exhibition celebrating the Tampa Bay area’s resilience in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Horan, who doesn’t like to turn down opportunities when the universe presents them, did what she’s been doing most of her artistic career.
“It’s funny how the universe kind of unfolds itself for you and presents opportunities.”
The experience was too out of the ordinary for Horan to ignore. She looked up the hotel and realized it was the same place her grandparents had their 50th wedding anniversary.
“I got chills,” Horan recounts. “So I called, pressed five for events, and got a guy on the phone.”
That cold call became a conversation with the Bellwether’s events coordinator, Christian Salazar, who heard Horan ‘s vision: a monthly art night where artists come out and paint live by the pool in the open air. Salazar agreed, helped stage the events, then asked, “What’s next?”
Pinellas County artists to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton with art. Most of the artists Horan approached were happy to contribute.
Meanwhile, another fundraiser was happening at In Between Days in downtown St. Pete. The Tokyo-style listening bar and craft sake house hosted rotating fundraisers throughout October to support local families affected by Hurricane
“I really like to take the universe’s nod and say, ‘Yep,’” Horan said.
The year-long Bellwether gig was a gift from the ether, too. As Horan tells it, she was researching a logo design on the beach when a guy wheeled up in a beach wheelchair and asked what she was doing. When Horan told him she was an artist, the man said he was staying at the Bellwether.
“Their elevator is hideous,” he told Horan. “I think they need a mural. I went to the front desk, and they said they’d be interested, so you should call them.”
Next came monthly zodiac-themed solo shows at The Bellwether’s Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Horan booked a different artist each month, starting with Wayward Walls in August, then Derek Donnelly in September. Mize painted a Scorpio for October just before the hurricanes put the shows on hold.
“That’s where I was left when I met Margaret,” Horan told CL. “It’s funny how the universe kind of unfolds itself for you and presents opportunities.”
Horan is talking about the same universe that stole an opportunity from her less than a month before. Now, her new, post-hurricane opportunity translated into a chance for 25
“It’s all about community and trying to uplift people, and the best channel we have for that is the artwork that we make,” says participating artist James Hartzell. Hartzell was still tweaking his composition when I interviewed him—artists have only one month to create a 12x12 inch piece for the show—but he’s planning to paint a tribute to St. Pete’s Sandman Motel. Rhys Meatyard, whose work is often informed by mythology, plans to make something based on The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
“We want to show the resiliency of our town through the storms,” said Horan. “So whatever they do, it just needs to have a positive resonance with the viewer. We want people to leave in a happy, uplifted sort of mood…”
Still Shining, sponsored by Visit St. PeteClearwater, features artwork by two dozen Pinellas County artists (see the list at cltampa.com/arts).
Creative Pinellas will distribute 80% of the net proceeds to Pinellas County artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton via a grant application and distribution process.
SHINE ON: Merritt Horan lost about $3,000-$4,000 during both hurricanes.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER
8
ST. PETE BAROQUE
MARLY MUSIC SERIES WITH
Join us for a unique musical experience inspired by the recent conservation of the MFA’s 17th-century Spanish tabernacle, featuring St. Pete Baroque
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 | 5-8 PM
Experience the enchantment of the season and delight in the festive atmosphere, where live music sets the tone for a joyous evening. Explore the MFA Collection galleries, where art comes alive in the spirit of the holidays.
Krampus style
Pinellas
Park’s German society explores the darker side of Christmas.
By Chelsea Zukowski
For the last couple of birthdays, Beorne Maukonen and her friends have dressed up as Krampus and bar hopped around Dunedin, affectionately terrorizing any kids they see along the way. When she connected with Todd Bogner, the president of the German American Society of Pinellas County’s Krampus Verein (“club”), their shared love of Bavarian culture helped expand the club and create the Society’s first Krampusnacht.
of witch) drive away evil spirits,” Bogner said. “As Christianity spread into the regions, and St. Nikolaus became a dominant yearly figure during Advent, a blending of cultures created the Krampus, who is a kind of Perchten, to serve as the punisher of bad children.”
LOCAL NEWS
Krampusnacht
Less than a year old, the Krampus club hosts its first Krampusnacht event on Friday, Dec. 6 to honor the centuries-old Bavarian wintertime traditions. “He really wanted to make it its own large event, very similar to what you would see in Austria, Bavaria, Southern Germany,” Maukonen told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
Friday, Dec. 6. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $8 for nonmembers. German American Society of Pinellas County. 8098 66th St. N, Pinellas Park. germantampabay.com
Seven Krampus club members will march and dole out punishments to locals during the Krampuslauf on Friday, including Bogner and Maukonen.
the German American Club, we want to try to honor the traditions and be as traditional as we possibly can,” he said.
Maukonen’s interpretation of Krampus features a 3D printed mask, Icelandic wool and locks of her own salt and pepper hair.
“It was its own labor of love…to put him together and try to get what was in my brain,” she said. “I’ve always had this idea that he’s alive; I didn’t want zombie Krampus. I didn’t want him to look reanimated. I wanted him to look timeless.”
Next year, Maukonen wants to create a “spooky, old Florida” Krampus. “When you’re walking around at night and you get this feeling in the back of your neck, and it’s like, maybe I should go home. That’s what I’m going for,” she said.
Club of St. Petersburg, Bogner and fellow members needed a new place to watch games when St. Petersburg’s Hofbrauhaus closed in 2020. The German Society offered a perfect place to watch FC Bayern Munich games, and the fan club brought in more volunteers to help renovate the Society’s bar and build a biergarten. One of the board members, Welton Brewing, also moved their brewery onto the Society’s property after winning an Oktoberfest tournament.
“After Krampusnacht, there really is a much bigger story to cover on the transformation and revitalization of this club,” Bogner said. “We’re really working hard to become a central part of the communities of Pinellas Park and the surrounding areas once again.”
The Society’s Krampusnacht is all about being terrifying without terrorizing. Club members have spent months crafting their Krampus cosplay from scratch using 3D printed designs, repurposed Halloween masks, imported authentic wooden masks and even their own hair.
“I was very fortunate to find the right people…that already had an interest,” Bogner said. “And it’s grown tremendously.”
Showcasing “the darker side of the winter holidays,” Krampusnacht at the Society’s Pinellas Park headquarters will feature an interactive Krampuslauf, a traditional procession that tells the story of the legendary horned and hairy creature. The event will also have fire dancers, Krampus-inspired music, Glühwein and comforting fare like bratwurst, goulash and pretzels. “Our Krampusnacht will try to portray this in the most authentic way we can,” Bogner said, noting Krampus is not “anti-Christmas” or “the anti-Santa.”
Krampus works alongside St. Nicholas, who visits children the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 5. While St. Nicholas rewards good children with presents, Krampus scares and punishes bad children.
“They work hand in hand. It’s a lesson taught through allegory,” Bogner said. “You see all the scariness, but it’s really not a message of evil. It’s actually a message to be good…or else.”
With centuries of lore and interpretations behind it, many historians and anthropologists believe Krampus has pre-Christianity origins and was inspired by mythical Perchten and Straggele.
“Pre-Christian Bavaria, Austria and Tirol areas of the Alps would have the Perchten (a kind
Bogner’s hand-carved mask is crafted from a single piece of wood, then fitted with carpet padding and deer skin. The rest of his costume includes fur-covered reverse articulated legs with hoofs to look like goat limbs. Everyone’s getup features heavy metal chains, leather belts and straps holding clanging rusty bells. The Society’s Krampuses will also carry bundles of twigs and palm fronds to swat naughty attendees. “Being in
Krampus club members Christopher and Debra Dakin get to reuse their Halloween costumes at Krampusnacht, bringing another hand-carved wooden Krampus mask with glowing red eyes and Frau Perchta the Christmas Witch out to play.
With family ties in Bavaria and a love of German culture, Bogner has dedicated a lot of time and energy to expanding the connection between the German Society and the local community. As part of the Bayern Munich Fan
The Society’s Krampusnacht is the first in a weekend of holiday events, including a Krampus market on Saturday and a St. Nikolaus Festival and Christkindlmarkt on Sunday—all at the Society’s location on 66th Street. Adhering to tradition, Friday’s Krampusnacht may not be appropriate for young children. But there will be more opportunities to meet and get photos with Krampus and St. Nicholas during the weekend markets.
Tickets for Krampusnacht are $8 for nonmembers at the door. The Krampus market and St. Nikolaus Festival are free to attend.
HEAD IN HAND: Todd Bogner says be good, or else.
To the Moontide
An iconic private island home is back on the market
By Colin Wolf (Photos by Christine Kinnas)
Situated on its own tiny island in the Pithlachascotee River, Tampa Bay’s famous “Moontide Isle” is no stranger to hurricanes. But after suffering significant damage from Hurricane Milton last month, the iconic island home is once again back on the market in New Port Richey.
Located at 5329 Richey Dr., “the island house,” as some locals call it, was built in 1946 and was given the name “Moontide Isle” by its original owner, a well-travelled cartographer who made it a point to incorporate artsy details into the home’s design, says the listing.
romantic houses ever built,” and the owners at the time, Jill and Rocky Marcus, told the publication that the house was in pretty bad shape when they bought it in 2002. “It’s the only house I’ve ever known of that came with its own sandbags,” said Jill to the publication.Today, the home once again is in need of repair. As you can see in the photos, the home was pretty much gutted and is being sold “as a fixer-upper or a teardown after incurring flood water from Hurricane Milton,” says the listing.
HOMES
Moontide Isle
The main home comes with just two-bedrooms and twobathrooms, as well as three fireplaces, built-in sculptures, its own moat traversed by a wooden foot bridge, and a full circle waterfront view. The estate is actually being sold as a three-parcel sale, which includes an adjacent two-bedroom, one-bathroom guest cottage with a pool and a covered boat lift, as well as another lot with a twocar garage.
5329 Richey Dr., New Port Richey kurtsellshomes.net
According to property records, two parcels on the island last sold in 2021 for a combined $850,000. The current asking price is $899,999, and the listing agent is Kurt Derkevics of Future Home Realty Inc.
In a 2005 article from the St. Petersburg Times, Moontide was called “one of the most
Every house has a story, and our mission is to tell Tampa Bay’s story through the lens of our community’s historic and colorful homes. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s real estate features are not ads, and are strictly operated through our editorial department. But we love public input. Do you know of a unique Florida home that we should highlight? Let us know, and email cwolf@cltampa.com.
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THU 05
C The Mountain Goats w/Anna Tivel John Darnielle and Jon Wurster were supposed to bring The Mountain Goats to Tampa Bay late last year, but a bus breakdown had other plans. We love, love, love the makeup date of sorts is finally here. Don’t be surprised to hear about the band’s local connections, too. In 2010, the Mountain Goats came to Tampa Bay to work with producer Erik Rutan at Mana, a St. Petersburg recording studio known internationally as a destination for extreme metal bands. Eight years later, the band reunited with Rutan onstage at the Orpheum in Ybor City, playing two songs together, including fan favorite “The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton.” (Floridian Social, St. Petersburg) Abram Scharf
FRI 06
Cliff Eberhardt Eberhardt knows a thing or two about folk scenes. The 70-year-old more or less grew up in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania’s Main Point Coffee House, which was so famous that Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and Jackson Browne played benefits to keep it open. Eberhardt strums for a St. Pete bungalow show where he’s sure to pull from a nearly four-decade career that’s mostly been spent on Minneapolis’s revered Red House Records alongside the likes of Loudon Wainwright III, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Eliza Gilkyson and more. (Craftsman House Gallery, St. Petersburg)
Crown of Thornz w/Three Knee Deep/ Domain/Obscured/Remote Control/ Concussion Protocol The mid-’90s are alive again. Just look at this bill headlined by New York City hardcore band Crown of Thornz, which peppered its influences (CroMags, Agnostic Front) into just one EP and studio LP before disbanding in 1998. The band—fronted by Danny Diablo, who raps with groups like ShotBlockers, KAOS 1— added a touch of metal to its sound after reuniting in 2012 and even saw a fast-rising giant in the rock scene (Narrow Head) cover “Love Sick,” a banger off Crown Of Thornz’s Mentally Vexed . (Brass Mug, Tampa)
C Keller Williams At the age of 16, Williams knew how to play a handful of guitar chords, and would even transpose songs he would hear on the radio to a different key, just to strum them out. These days, the 54-year-old Colorado singer-songwriter has Yonder Mountain String Band and The String Cheese Incident on his collaboration resume, and is totally gaga for looping (the infinite repetition technique, dummy!). Williams makes that ever-growing trend in live performances a part of his return to the
Skipperdome where he’ll play tracks from his minimalistic new album Deer and more. (Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa)—Josh Bradley
C Liquid Pennies w/The Venus/ Radaghast Last week, The Venus shared its new single, “Samadhi,” which finds the St. Petersburg band coloring its already psychedelic rock and roll with a little Stax flavor care of organ from Ryan Willis, plus horns (Jason Charos on trumpet, Alex Malkovich on sax), and percussion you’d expect to hear from an artist on the Syllart imprint. The Venus is in the middle of what should be a loud and raucous no-cover gig. (The Bends, St. Petersburg)
C Louder Than Love: DJ Fader w/DJ Eddie B. Swift A handful of new DJ nights have popped up in the wake of Ol’ Dirty Sundays’ dissolution, and one of the most promising is this celebration of freestyle curated by ODS’ own DJ Fader. The Latin strain of ‘80s dance music was always in the fabric sets from Fader, who gets a big assist from DJ Eddie B. Swift, a New York native and veritable contract killer on the turntables who regularly appears on Shade 45. If you love George Lamond, or TKA, then you need to check out this night that’ll be a throwback to the golden days of nightclubs. (Crowbar, Ybor City)
Moon Byul Band members going solo is a common cause of turmoil in countless bands. In K-pop girl group Mamamoo’s case, all four members have ventured into solo territory while continuing to contribute a healthy amount to the group. One member, Moon Byul, released her funky, incredibly genrediverse debut album Starlit of Muse earlier this year (it’s got some hip-hop influence, a couple of piano ballads, and “Attention Seeker,” a track that could play on any corporate local radio station that isn’t quite a pop song, but isn’t quite rock either). Regardless of how you see it, expect to hear the majority of the new record at the first-ever Tampa Bay appearance of anyone from Mamamoo. (Ferguson Hall at David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa)—JB
SAT 07
C 97X Next Big Thing: The All-American Rejects w/Something Corporate/ Dayglow/Judah & The Lion/Gigi Perez/ Jonah Kagen/Persephone’s Choice
The one-day festival (a return to its original form, trotted back out at last year’s iteration) will see the All-American Rejects serve as headliner, along with Andrew McMahon’s newly reformed rock outfit Something Corporate, and Dayglow, an up-and-coming indie-pop project with singer-songwriter Sloan Struble at the helm. And local rock outfit Persephone’s Choice won the annual, locals-only Battle Of The Bands at Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock and Casino, meaning that it’ll kick the day off. The last time AllAmerican Rejects’ Tyson Ritter swung into
town was an August 2023 stop at the ol’ Gary amphitheater for a shitshow of an opening night to the band’s Wet Hot All-American Summer tour. Luckily, knowing how wellorganized and planned out Next Big Thing is year after year, there’s really next to no chance that the Rejects’ return will be any sort of cringefest. (The BayCare Sound, Clearwater)—JB
Emo Social feat. Chris Kamrada Kamrada, drummer for emo godfather Dashboard Confessional, first brought Emo Social to Tampa after a set at the old Gary, and this time he’s at St. Pete’s emergent rock venue for another eyeliner-wearing dance night. (Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg)
Peter McPoland Bitch and moan about TikTok as much as you want, just don’t say that the platform hasn’t given users of all generations a plethora of new music and artists to discover. In McPoland’s case, an acoustic version of his first single “Romeo and Juliet” blew up on the app during the pandemic, and it led to a record contract with Columbia, respective opening slots for Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots, and an indie-rock debut album that heavily leans on his parents’ divorce and dealing with writer’s block. Despite his pain, the 24-year-old has sung about how the “shitshow” he’s living through is his shitshow, and he wouldn’t change it for anything. He’ll probably repeat that message louder at his last show of the year in Ybor City. Oh, and the day before his Tampa Bay debut goes down, McPoland is releasing a three-track EP. Friend , which features a track expertly titled “Gruhguhguh,” so don’t be surprised if he rings in 2025 a few weeks early with some never-before-heard material. (Crowbar, Ybor City)—JB
Seven Kingdoms w/Lutharo Juno Awardwinning metal outfit Striker was supposed to have a set sandwiched in between these two groups, but due to some harsh issues with its touring van, the band had to drop out of the rest of this stacked tour. But there won’t be too much of a shortage of Canadian metal, because
THU DEC. 05–THU DEC. 12 continued on page 47
Lutharo opens things up for Seven Kingdoms, a DeLand-based metal four-piece heavily inspired by “Game of Thrones.” Most tracks from the latter’s latest, ultra-melodic EP The Square are on the setlist. (Orpheum, Tampa)—JB
SUN 08
C Clearwater Latin Jazz Fest: Renesito Avich & Friends w/Mauricio Rodriguez & the MJR Latin Project/O Som Do Jazz The sounds of Latin jazz will fill the air for this rescheduled show where Cuban-born tres guitarist Renesito Avich brings a Florida-based quartet to downtown Clearwater. Bassist Mauricio Rodriguez, a product of Cuba’s Provincial School of Art de Camaguey, brings his Latin Project to the free gig rounded out by Bay area Brazilian jazz outfit O Som Do Jazz. (The BayCare Sound, Clearwater)
C Kehlani w/Flo/Anycia It’s been five years since we were promised a live set from the 29-year-old R&B singer-songwriter. Kehlani was first announced as an opening act for Justin Bieber’s 2020 tour before COVID-19 axed every concert tour that year. That gig didn’t take place until 2022, and when it did finally happen, Kehlani had quietly dropped out of the tour. From there, the 29-year-old dropped two new albums, released a proPalestine music video for “Next 2 U,” and watched this Tampa show get postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. The Oakland native, along with R&B girl trio Flo and rapper Anycia, finally returns to town for what appears to be their first appearance in town since a 2018 show at Amalie Arena with Demi Lovato and an up-and-coming DJ Khaled. (Yuengling Center, Tampa)—JB
Spanish Needles w/Headless State/ Seems After a busy year for the melodic punk outfit that included a debut EP release, Anthony Ateek and friends wrap up the year at one of St. Pete’s favorite vinyl hotspot-slash concert venues. “Heavy crust” outfit Headless
By Ray Roa
C CL Recommends
BRIAN MAHAR
DJ Fader
State and its four-song Circle Pit Politics (which was recorded in one day) are on the bill, along with a debut show from Seems, a new supergroup featuring members of local outfits Liquid Pennies and Permanent Makeup. Ahead of Spanish Needles’ last gig of 2024, Ateek told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay about the best gigs he ever saw, and while he enjoyed the types of music he was hearing, the selling point was more of how the bands and artists mentioned inspired him to evolve into a more approachable person. Read his quote at cltampa.com/ music. (Bananas Records, St. Petersburg)—JB
WED 11
Alan Parsons Live Project w/Florida Rock Symphony The 75-year-old legend of a producer is known to have worked with The Beatles in the studio before making it big himself, and even had a few quick appearances in Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” documentary series. Along with the Florida Rock Symphony and a laser light show, Parsons will rip through a fairly healthy career retrospective at his Coachman Park debut, and his first show in town since a 2022 gig that was originally conceived as an axed 2020 Yes concert. (The BayCare Sound, Clearwater)—JB
C Allman Betts Family Revival: Duane Betts w/Robert Randolph/Luther Dickinson/Cody Dickinson/Jimmy Hall/ Anders Osborne/Larry McCray/Lindsay Lou/Jackie Greene/Lamar Williams, Jr./ more This annual get-together of Allman Brothers Band family members—chosen and by blood—is no stranger to Clearwater’s 41-year-old concert hall, but this year’s lineup includes steel pedal GOAT Robert Randolph, who played with Gregg and company a handful of times near the end. The 47-year-old was just at The BayCare Sound opening for Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. tour last summer, and if this appearance alongside his fellow ABB alumni—spearheaded by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, who lost his own father earlier this year—is half as infectious, fans might have a different, “Ramblin’ Man”-free playlist blaring on the way home. And, if you’re working on building up your collection of seeing
as many Traveling Wilburys and their family members as possible in person, you can cross Roy Orbison’s spot on your list off, because his youngest son Alex bangs the cans for this mid week treat. (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater)
THU 12
C Edhochuli w/The Caution Children/ Pavlov’s Bell/Spiritual Chaos refereed a lot of games during his 28-sea son run as an official for the National Football League, and while he retired in 2017, he gets to live on thanks to Pittsburgh psychedelic-rock quintet Edhochuli (stylized all-lowercase). “Our former drummer Garett Mount, our guitar player Dave Rath and I got drunk and watched a Steelers game. We thought Steelers The Band was not a very good band name,” bass ist John Ahn told New Noise Magazine about the moniker. “Ed Hochuli was the referee of the game. Since he looked nice, we chose him.” Hochuli (and his son, also an NFL ref) are, indeed, fine-looking gentlemen, but so are the boys in the band who’ve added texture and theatrics to their once math-rock-centric sound. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
C Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday Jeff Rupert has a busy week in the Bay area that kicks off in Ybor City for Tampa Jazz Club’s Sunday matinee. The tenor saxophonist wraps up his stay onstage for this 18th “Jazz Holiday” concert from Nate Najar. Rupert, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida, plays on Najar’s 2017 Woodward Avenue Records album Christmas in December, as well as the guitarist’s 2022 Charlie Byrd tribute album, Jazz Samba Pra Sempre . New York City trumpet player Bruce Harris is also in the lineup along with stalwart locals like drummer Jean Bolduc, bassist Joe Porter, Patrick Bettison on piano, plus Carl Amundson on guitar. Vocals will be handled in part by songwriter Daniela Soledade who recently recorded a new holiday song, “On Christmas Night,” with Najar, too. (Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg)
See the full version of Music Week via cltampa.com/music.
Nate Najar
Power up, folks. AC/DC just announced its first U.S. tour in nearly a decade, and one of its 13 dates will take place in Tampa this summer. The last time the Aussie hard rock pioneers did a U.S. run, frontman Brian Johnson suffered from hearing issues, leading to Axl Rose infamously filling his vacancy.
And while Johnson is returning to the fold for this run (along with founding band member and forever schoolboy Angus Young), the band isn’t the same one your dad knew and loved.Stevie Young continues filling in for his late uncle Malcolm (who died of dementia in 2017), while former Alanis Morissette bassist Chris Chaney
Emo Nite Saturday, Dec. 14. 9 p.m. $17.50 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City
Killed By Florida w/Swamp Tooth/ Mobius Loop/Bad Future/Piss Test (opening for D.R.I) Saturday, Dec. 14. 5:30 p.m. $20 & up. Brass Mug, Tampa
Ten O’Clock Band Saturday, Dec. 14. 2 p.m. $19.50 & up. Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo
Church Sessions: DJ Shafiq w/Mr. Marley/DeeJay Kellan/Mic Deluxx Sunday, Dec. 15. 6 p.m. $7.31. Crowbar, Ybor City
Keep Flying: Neverless w/Up From Here/The Arcade Tuesday, Dec. 17. 7 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa
Andy Brey’s Holiday Hootenanny Thursday, Dec. 19. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Biergarten at New World Brewery, Tampa
covers for Cliff Williams, and Matt Laug of Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs will drum for Phil Rudd, who’s sitting out due to his partner’s ill health.
Like on every previous date of the “Power Up” tour—promoting AC/DC’s 2020 album of the same title—The Pretty Reckless will open this scorcher of a set. Tickets to see AC/DC play Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Friday, May 16 go on sale this Friday at noon. Prices have yet to be announced.
See my weekly rundown of new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below.—Josh Bradley
Bryan J. Hughes and The Crew (Holiday Rat Pack show) Thursday, Dec. 19. 6 p.m.
$10. Floridian Social, St. Petersburg
Frankie Negron Thursday, Dec. 19. 9 p.m. $15 & up. Hard Rock Cafe, Tampa
A Very Crowbar Christmas: Pusha Preme w/Kristopher James/Shelby Sol & J.IN.X/Shevonne/Sgammato Music
School Bands Friday, Dec. 20. 7 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City
Christmas With The Celts Friday, Dec. 20. 6 p.m. $29.50 & up. Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo
Emo Night St. Pete: Lilith Czar w/Andy Biersack Saturday, Dec. 21. 10 p.m. $30. Floridian Social, St. Petersburg
Jingle Rock Tampa: Pet Lizard w/ Earthgirl/Discord Theory/The Forum/ Antro Banks Sunday, Dec. 22. 7 p.m. $13. Crowbar, Ybor City
Sullivan King w/Æon:Mode/Avello Thursday, Dec. 26. 10 p.m. $40 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City
Dear Oracle, I’ve recently been offered a job in another state, and I’m paralyzed with anxiety. I’ve only moved out of my home state once (with a partner) and moved back 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve built a nice base here, in a city about an hour from where I grew up. If I take the job, I’ll be moving in with one of my best friends, but she’ll be the only person I know. What should I do?—Ready for Relocation?
Cards to Stay: The Seeker, Ace of Swords (reversed), Nine of Swords.
Cards to Go: Seven of Pentacles (reversed), Page of Wands (reversed), The Emperor
Dear Ready, First, to help with some perspective: moving (or not moving) is not a permanent choice. You could go to the new city and, realizing you hate it, move back. You can stay in your current city but find in two years that you want to move somewhere where there are mountains/ cheap art studios/good public transportation and move then. Whatever you decide, it’s not irreversible. It might take more time or money or effort to move again, but that option will still be there. I do understand what it’s like to leave an established community to go off into the unknown, and that’s scary, especially when so much good has come from it. With The Seeker and The Ace of Swords reversed, I think your
current city and community have allowed you to become the person you are. The Ace of Swords is a card about intellectual exploration and leadership, but it’s also a card about the self. While having that existential searching energy from The Seeker, I think you really grew up in your current city and have come into your own. That is an incredible thing, and I’m glad you had a supportive place like this to experience that.
But, with the Nine of Swords, I wonder if you feel a little caged in and need to spread your wings.
The Nine of Swords is often the unofficial anxiety card, and it can mean that you’re feeling restless or trapped. This city might have been precisely what you needed when you moved there, but perhaps you need something else now.
not a bad thing! The Page of Wands is someone who embraces discovery and who’s able to free themselves of preconceived notions. With that shift in priorities, you might grow in surprising ways. Maybe you get into hiking or start writing slam poetry. This big shake-up can lead you to a surprising path that you find deeply enriching. And this path can lead you to becoming The Emperor, the true master of your own fate. The Emperor is the highest form of leadership and possesses self-control and self-actualization. This might be a literal leadership position at your new job, or it could be reaching the satisfying end of a personal journey. This could be a very fulfilling outcome.
ORACLE OF YBOR
Send your questions to oracle@cltampa.com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram
The move would be quite a transition. The Seven of Pentacles would be a pivot in your job, possibly in responsibility, and a shift in your priorities. As the Page of Wands, you’ll be back in what yogis call “the beginner’s mind.” You’ll be at the start of a new journey and, quite literally, a new phase of your life. Since these are both reversed, I’d guess you’ll be in this new starting position for quite some time. But that’s
But it’s not an easy path. There is an element of self-sacrifice to The Emperor—a leader who sees beyond himself—and it’s a position that’s often lonely. What you love about your current city is the “nice base” you’ve set up. I don’t know if you’ll have a robust community if you make this move. That can be something you work towards, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. For example, working a demanding new job might take up a lot of time and energy, making it harder to meet people outside of work.
I think what may help is to think about what each option—move or stay—offers and what you really need at this time. You have a great community in one place but might feel stuck in the
status quo. In the other, you have an opportunity to grow but you may be doing it alone. What do you feel, in your gut, would serve you best? If you stay, can you find ways to free yourself of that trapped feeling? If you move, what sort of setup do you need to keep on socializing?
It seems like the move might offer a higher risk/reward scenario, but that doesn’t mean it’s what you need right now. Really consider what you want and need—not just what’s easy. (You might want/need easy now, but don’t choose that without giving some thought.)
If you are leaning towards the move, some particle advice: visit your friend for an extended vacation (five days, perhaps) and do things you’d normally do without them. Go to the movies, or a yoga class, or the grocery store. Get the vibe and see how you feel without your friend to lean on. Then, if you do move, pick a few things you like to do and do them all the fucking time. Get coffee at the same place every morning, go to trivia every week for months on end, hang out at the farmers market every Sunday, whatever. You’ll see the same people and make small talk, potentially leading to actual friendships (or at least casual acquaintances.) As someone who has moved multiple times in her adult life to places where she knew few people or no one, becoming a regular is the quickest way to ease the loneliness of a new place. If a new place is what you need, of course. Whatever you choose, remember, it’s only for now. Best of luck, my darling.
See more of Caroline and learn about her services via carolinedebruhl.com.
Twinning
By Dan Savage
I might be falling in love with my husband’s identical twin brother. My husband and I have been in a traditional monogamous cishet straight marriage for 12 years. It wasn’t until the last few years that I started catching feelings for my brother-in-law, who is also married. I started to notice my BIL in a way that surprised me when we went on a family vacation together. He’s just so empathetic, compassionate, and articulate. He also has the same body my husband does (obviously), although my BIL is a little fitter than my husband. What is really hard to understand is that my feelings for my husband haven’t changed. Do I love them both? Is that possible? Our sex life isn’t suffering. I’ve never been someone who can have orgasms without a vibrator assist, and I’m fine with that. Sometimes though, I find myself thinking about my BIL and feel extremely turned on. When he’s not around I miss him. I’ve even dream about the two of us just talking to each other. I feel extremely guilty about this because acting on it would mean betraying everyone I love. Sometimes it’s extremely overwhelming. I find myself watching my BIL and wondering if he feels the same way about me. I think he might—to a degree—but I know neither of us would want to jeopardize our marriages and I would never ask my BIL to jeopardize his relationship with his brother. I also love my sister-in-law very much. But I can’t help but wonder that in some weird parallel universe maybe I was meant to be with my BIL. I can’t tell anyone about this and I’m desperate to hear what you think. Could I have chosen the wrong twin? I am afraid the only way forward is to just keep quietly loving my BIL and never say anything.—Crumbling Rapidly Under Stupid Heartache
It’s certainly possible to love more than one romantic partner at a time—please see the hundreds of columns I’ve written over the years about polyamory—but it’s not always possible for a particular individual to have more than one romantic partner at a time. Like, say, someone in a traditional monogamous cishet straight marriage. You know what else is possible? It’s possible for a cishet-married, monogamously-married person to have one of those run-of-the-mill, allconsuming, life-affirming, harmless crushes on someone they’re not married to. (It’s impossible to have a crush on someone you are married to.) When a married person has a one of those runof-the-mill, etc., crushes on someone who isn’t their spouse, CRUSH, it’s not a sign—not all by itself—that there’s something wrong with their marriage. Even happily married people sometimes fantasize about alternative timelines where they’re married to someone else, e.g., that friendly coworker, that hot barista, that unattainable movie star, etc., instead of the person waiting for them at home.
But when the object of a crush is someone explosively inappropriate… when the disclosure of the crush would create a blast radius so wide nothing for miles could possibly survive… that crush can best be understood as a kind of death wish. In other words, CRUSH: sometimes a crush is just a crush and sometimes a crush is a manifestation of a subconscious desire to blow it all up.
What can be done about a death-wish crush? Nothing. All you can do—if you don’t wanna blow it all up—is wait it out, same as you would one of those harmless crushes. It might take a few weeks or months… or it might take the rest of your life... but crushes, death-wish or otherwise, like everything else, don’t last forever.
P.S. I see two upsides to this death-wish crush of yours, CRUSH, given your particular and highly unique circumstances. First, if your husband ever finds out you have a crush on his brother—and here’s hoping he never does—it’s not like you have a crush on his physical opposite. Unlike a woman with brown hair and small breasts who realizes her husband is crushing on a blond with big tits, your husband won’t have to worry that he isn’t your type. And if like all married people you sometimes fantasize about other people while you’re having sex with your spouse, CRUSH, you won’t have to close your eyes to picture your crush instead of your husband. You won’t even have to squint.
his entire family is super weird about money, and I watched his sister marry and divorce an absolute troll because he was loaded. I’ve got no interest in giving him an ultimatum. Talking about it can’t change how he feels deep down towards me. What do I do?—Relationship Isn’t Nearing Goal
If you wanna marry this man—if you’re ready to marry this man—stop waiting for him to pop the question and pop it yourself already.
While a person can fake wanting to fuck you and/or spend time with you, a person can only fake that shit for so long. So, based on your description of your relationship, RING, I’d say your boyfriend genuinely loves you. If he was only interested in your earning power and willingness to subsidize his artistic endeavors, boredom and/or resentment would’ve creeped in around the edges years ago. And think about it: if your boyfriend didn’t love you—if he was only after your money—he would’ve proposed to you, married you, and divorced you a long time ago. Again, if you’re still getting wanna fuck/ wanna hang vibes from him 15 years in, odds are good they’re genuine.
SAVAGE LOVE
I’m a 36-year-old cis woman and I’ve been with my boyfriend for just over 15 years. We’ve generally happy and we have a great and very active sex life. We’re monogamous, we’re kind to each other, and we spend a lot of time together. The thing is, we’ve never gotten married. I made it clear at different points in our relationship that I was open to it, but he’s always been against it. He says he just doesn’t see the point. It’s never been something I dreamt about, but I figured we’d get around to it eventually. Lately I’ve been feeling more and more like this fact—the fact that we haven’t gotten married yet—is an indicator that something is deeply wrong with our relationship. He’s not anti-marriage. He’s gotten choked up during the vows at every wedding we’ve ever been to. So now, 15 years in, I fear it’s not marriage he doesn’t want, it’s me.
Other context: I come from a very broken family (abusive home, two siblings died from drugs/ suicide, I’m estranged from nearly everyone else), and I’ve always felt that no matter how great my life might seem outwardly, deep down I’m radioactive because of where I came from. I’m also the primary earner in our house, with a very good income. He’s in a creative field and I’ve bankrolled our life together. I’ve been happy to do it. That said,
And the world is full of happily married men and women who didn’t think marriage was for them, i.e., men and women only agreed to marry because it was what their spouses wanted. In some cases, these reluctant-to-marrybut-now-happily-married types only had to be asked once, RING, but in others the partner that wanted marriage had to issue a shit-or-get-off-my-face ultimatum: we’re getting married or we’re going our separate ways. There’s always a risk, of course, that a reluctantto-marry or doesn’t-see-the-point type partner will pick the second option—and end the relationship—but you can’t get what without making demands. And if he can’t have you without marrying you, RING, suddenly marriage has a point, right? If he refuses to marry you, you have the option of backing down.
P.S. When people hear “creative” they usually think “extrovert.” But not all creatives are extroverts. If you boyfriend is a behind-thescenes creative (writer, composer, illustrator) as opposed to a front-and-center creative (actor, singer, contortionist), he may dread the idea of being the center of attention—and the bride and groom at a big wedding are the center of crushing amount of attention. So, if your boyfriend is an introvert, make it clear to him that it’s marriage you want, RING, not a big wedding. And before anyone jumps into the comments to call RING’s partner a mooch: We can’t condemn straight men who are uncomfortable with their wives making more money than they do—and there are examples out there of straight men so threatened by successful women that they’ve actively undermined and even sabotaged their wives’ careers—and then shit on straight men being “bankrolled” by their committed romantic partners.
I’m a man in my 30s. I have been in several serious relationships with women, but I am also attracted to men. I’m not attracted to men in any emotional way; my interest in men is purely sexual. I have kept this a secret my entire life. I guess I don’t know if I would be considered bisexual or not. I do enjoy watching gay porn and I fantasize about having sex with a man, but I have turned down several opportunities to be sexual with a man. Which I almost regret. I am now in a serious relationship with someone I love. She wants to settle down, get married, and have kids. Do I owe her the truth? Or do I take this to the grave? The older I get, the harder it is to hide. My girlfriend is very supportive of the LGBTQ community. But I don’t know if she would be open to actually bringing another man into our bed or letting me experiment with another man on my own. I would love to hear your thoughts.—Truth Or Lying Daily
First, you’re bisexual—you’re heteroromantic (only attracted to women romantically), TOLD, but you’re attracted to both men and women sexually.
Second, one of the reasons bisexual people have worse mental health outcomes than straight or gay people—right up there with their own internalized biphobia and the sometimes galling ignorance of monosexuals—is not being out to their romantic partners (and constantly having to hide) or having romantic partners who openly hostile to their bisexuality (and constantly having to apologize). So, for the sake of your own mental health, HOSED, you need to tell your girlfriend the truth before you marry her.
And you owe your girlfriend the truth. When you ask someone to marry you… when you ask a person to enter into an open-ended-and-hopefullylifelong romantic and sexual relationship with you… your sexual orientation is a highly relevant data point. Your girlfriend can’t meaningfully consent to marrying you—she can’t offer you her informed consent—in the absence of this information. And if what you want most is a woman who’ll let you “experiment” with other men (read: fuck and suck other men) with or without her, HOSED, there are two way to find that person: you advertise for a woman like that—and there are women who wanna watch their boyfriends and/or husbands suck dick—or you ask the woman you’re already dating if she’s a woman like that.
Finally, TOLD, if you’re watching gay porn and fantasizing about having sex with men—and your dream woman is one who would welcome another man into your bed—you aren’t going to be able to take this to the grave. You might lose your girlfriend by doing the right thing and coming out to her now, TOLD, but you stand to lose a lot more if you get caught cheating on your wife with a man a decade from now.
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