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Colin Wolf
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The newspaper is produced and printed on Indigenous land belonging to Tampa Bay’s Tocobaga and Seminole tribes.
Last Thursday, Amazon workers affiliated with the Teamsters union launched a strike at seven of the company’s delivery hubs, after the company ignored a Dec. 15 deadline for contract negotiations centered on higher wages, better benefits, and safer work conditions.
The strikes aren’t happening at facilities here in Florida, and instead at delivery hubs in New York, Illinois, and California. But that didn’t stop Tampa Bay’s Teamsters Local 79 from rallying in solidarity with the movement. Dozens of Local 79 members gathered outside at the Amazon fulfillment center in Ruskin.
“Teamsters will launch the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history beginning at 6 a.m. EST on Thurs., Dec. 19. The nationwide
action follows Amazon’s repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain with the thousands of Amazon workers who organized with the Teamsters,” says a statement on Teamsters Local 79’s website.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.
We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it,” continued Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit and now they’re paying the price. This strike is on them.”
—Colin Wolf
Bay's best things to do from Dec. 29-31
Hoppy new year
Long to be in another time zone for New Year’s Eve, but short on plane ticket money? BarrieHaus promises to help, one lager at a time, and have you in bed before midnight if you choose. The brewery’s Ybor City location will serve $5 various selected beers to all that choose to time-travel starting at 3 p.m. A livestream of Berlin’s celebration—with a “ball-drop” will be at 6 p.m. EST (midnight in the German capital)—will be projected on the big screen. As festivities will end early, Florida time, attendees are encouraged to “brew” their next bar stops—or just go home before shit gets wild. Get more ideas for NYE on p. 31. German ball drop: Tuesday, Dec. 31. 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. No cover. BarrieHaus Beer Co., 1403 E 5th Ave., Ybor City. barriehaus.com—Julia Saad
Take care of your shelf
You undoubtedly got some books for Christmas, and here’s a chance to pay it forward. Tampa Bay’s 12-year-old bookish community Wordier Than Thou is a hub for proseminded folks and regularly holds open mics that cater to poetry, music and spoken word. The club’s holiday book swap asks attendees to bring a new wrapped book to trade (and steal!). If you need a list of great work that came out of the Sunshine State over the last year, find links to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s annual Books Issue via cltampa.com/arts.
Wordier Than Though White Elephant Book Swap Holiday Party: Sunday, Dec. 29. 7 p.m. No cover. The Studio Public House , 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. @WordierThanThou on Facebook—Ray Roa
Special delivery
I don’t know about you, “Little stank stanks,” but That One Mailman is ready to bring his shiny grilled smile to the Bay area. Originally from Ohio, Sean Fogelson, known on TikTok as “That One Mailman,” just wants to retire from the United States Postal Services and become a full-time standup. Online, he attracts his following with his “glass-half-full” optimism and questionable pet names for the people on the other side of the screen, his “stanka-booties.” Onstage, attendees should expect similarly witty storytelling and quick jokes from the 32-year-old.
CHECK OUT EVENTS AND GET TICKETS CELEBRATING PRIDE ALL YEAR!
Last dance
The 20 most ‘Tampa Bay’ stories of 2024.
By Colin Wolf
This year will probably go down as the year two back-to-back hurricanes kicked the Bay area’s collective ass. But it was an exceptionally long year, and it’s easy to forget all the other stuff. For example, in just the last 12 months, Temple Terrace had a rogue kangaroo problem, there was a Bloomin’ Onion fight, rich guys tried to block off the beach, and who could forget when Chad Chronister got thoroughly debased by Donald Trump?
Yes, Tampa Bay certainly Tampa Bay’d in 2024. So, here are a few of the more notable moments, good and bad, that helped define our big dumb year. Get links to all these stories via cltampa.com/slideshows.
Tampa strip clubs sprung into action after hurricanes After two back-to-back hurricanes, thousands were without power around Tampa Bay, and the biggest local celebrities were without a doubt the linemen. As a thank you for working tirelessly to turn the juice back on, Thee Dollhouse was one of a few Tampa strip clubs that wanted to make sure these linemen are also turned on... but with strippers.
Dave Bautista’s Trump diss In a segment on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the Tampa resident and “Dune” star did not hold any punches about how he feels towards Donald Trump. “He’s barely strong enough to hold an umbrella,” said Bautista. “He’s got jugs. Big ones. Like Dolly Parton. And you know that little dance he does? He looks like he’s jacking off a pair of giraffes.”
Perry Farrell’s Tampa meltdown eventually led to the entire Jane’s Addiction tour getting canceled Farrell launched into many nonsensical rants about cow pastures, mushrooms, surfing, living in Florida, and arguing with his brother about politics, among other undecipherable topics. Chugging from a full bottle of wine throughout the performance, one almost got the feeling that this wasn’t the first bottle he’d uncorked for the night. At one point, during one of his ramblings, Navarro deliberately cranked out a loud, piercing chord on his guitar, as almost to silence Farrell and get the show back on track.—Gabe Echazabal Democrat pulls a Scooby Doo villain Elected four times to the state House as a Democrat, Tampa lawmaker Susan Valdes on Dec. 9 added to Republicans’ supermajority.
Valdes announced she had become a Republican, saying she expected to be “welcomed and treated with respect” by her new party. The move, which drew a rebuke from House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, came a week after Valdes lost a bid to become chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. In a statement posted on X, Valdes said she didn’t want to “waste” her final two years in the Legislature “being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.” “I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdes said.ing when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdes said.
Someone’s pet kangaroo explored Temple Terrace for a few days A large kangaroo was popping up on doorbell cameras in Temple Terrace last February, before authorities were eventually able to wrangle the loose marsupial. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it responded to an apartment complex near Fowler Avenue and 56th Street, after someone called stating that there’s a kangaroo in the pool area. “Fire or medical?” the dispatcher asked in the video. “I guess police. There’s, uh, a kangaroo in my apartment complex,” said the caller. The good lord blessed us with a dog cruise Typically, only service dogs are allowed on cruise ships, but earlier this year Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando announced the “first-ever dog-friendly cruise,” departing from Tampa in November 2025. The cruise, which be hosted on the Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander ship, will accommodate 250 seaworthy dogs and their parents and include “gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows
and trainings, guest speakers, costume contests, parades, and more,” says a press release.
To the surprise of no one, that ‘Lieutenant Dan’ guy ended up being sketchy The itinerant, heavily tattooed amputee sailor who captured the world’s attention this fall insisting he would ride out Hurricane Milton aboard his small sailboat in Tampa Bay served nearly six months behind bars in Florida recently for punching a police officer and last year was arrested over allegations he tried to set a woman on fire with gasoline.
People were selling the mangled corpse of Tropicana Field Tropicana Field’s demolished roof became a sort of symbol for Hurricane Milton’s wrath on the Tampa Bay area, and people were selling pieces of the venue’s carcass on Facebook Marketplace. There were at least four people selling scraps of the shredded dome, with some posts asking thousands of dollars. “I stopped to pick up a small piece which is continued on page 20
SHRED OF HISTORY: The Trop’s demolished roof became a sort of symbol for Hurricane Milton’s wrath on the Bay area.
the main picture then saw a giant, roughly 20’ x 15’ section further down the road. The whole thing is yours for the price listed,” wrote Tyler de Jong, who had the highest asking price for roof scraps, and was selling his piece for $2,500.
In a span of a couple days, Chad thought he had a new job, got endorsed by an InforWars pastor, and was called a liar by Trump There was plenty of speculation about Chronister’s change of heart this month, but Trump—in a post criticizing the Wall Street Journal’s story about the development—attempted to take charge of the narrative by calling Hillsborough County’s seven-year sheriff a liar. “...he didn’t pull out, I pulled him out because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters,” Trump, a habitual liar, wrote on his Truth social. Besides openly admitting that he isn’t vetting candidates for his administration, the president-elect also did not provide any proof or details on what Chronister may have said to his “pastors and other supporters.”
Judge denies local rich guys who tried and failed to block the pubic from using the beach Last summer, a federal judge sided with the Pinellas County town of Redington Beach in a long-running legal fight with waterfront property owners about public beach access. U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington issued a 53-page ruling that said the town had adequately shown a history of “customary use” by the public of parts of the beach that are privately owned. Covington upheld a 2018 ordinance that sought to protect customary use of what are known as “dry sand areas” of the beach for such activities as walking, sunbathing, fishing and building sand castles. The waterfront property owners argued that the ordinance was an unconstitutional “taking” of their private property.
A major road hazard was removed from the Selmon Expressway Last April, a ninefoot alligator was removed from the Selmon Expressway in Tampa, according to a social media post from the Florida Highway Patrol. “Life is like a box of chocolates - You never know what you’re gonna find!,” wrote the agency. The FHP says a trooper (along with the help of a trapper) removed the gator from the eastbound lanes near the express lanes headed towards Brandon. The gator was relocated to an undisclosed area, says the FHP.
Some absolute turd left his dog tied to a pole during Hurricane Milton While Hurricane Milton barreled toward Tampa Bay, an abandoned dog was rescued in Tampa, after its owners presumably left the animal to die alongside the road. The Florida Highway Patrol shared a video to social media showing a trooper approaching a white dog, left alone, tied to a pole alongside Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in the New Tampa area. “FHP Troopers rescued a dog left
tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd. this morning.” wrote the agency. “Do NOT do this to your pets please…
A Tampa man roasted Trump on live TV “I want to give you the opportunity to try and win back my vote,” said the 56-year-old construction worker to Trump during an October Univision town hall, “your action and maybe inaction, during your presidency and maybe the last few years, sort of, was a little disturbing to me. What happened during January 6 and the fact that you waited so long to take action while your supporters were attacking the Capitol? Coronavirus — I thought the public was misled during the coronavirus.
goes up must come down...bullets can reach as high as 9,000 feet, and you don’t know where they’re gonna land. So while we’re keeping you safe, do your part and keep bullets out of the sky.”
removed from the runway and relocated to a nearby pond, says the base.
LOCAL NEWS
Temple Terrace residents fattened up a gator and named it Coca-Cola Last March, a 450-pound, nine-foot-long gator was raising concerns from Temple Terrace residents after someone tore a hole in the retention pond fence where it lived. The gator, a male named “CocaCola” since it was found near the Coca-Cola plant on Fowler Avenue, was spotted being fed ham and chicken by people, which is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous.
And I feel many more lives could’ve been saved if we had been informed better.”
Tampa’s biggest idiots had to be reminded not to shoot anyone Thanks to 20-plus years of Republican control, Florida is flush with untrained morons with firearms, so it makes sense that last July the Tampa Police Department (TPD) felt compelled to share a public service announcement video across social media, pleading with locals to not commit manslaughter over the holiday weekend. “We want to remind you that celebratory gun fire is not permitted,” said an officer in the video. “What
A murder log held up some planes at MacDill Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base is home to quite a few alligators, and apparently keeping them off the runway is just part of the job. Last April, MacDill shared photos and video of a large alligator camped under the wheels of a tanker plane. “Our newest toothy Airman has been relocated to a more suitable environment off base,” said the base in the post. “Special thanks to FWC for the assist.”
Video footage shows officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) helping to capture the apex predator, which was safely
There was a Bloomin’ Onion fight in Tampa Bay for a few days The local onion controversy came to light in June, when Outback’s parent company, Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands, sent a cease-and-desist to St. Pete’s Good Intentions for offering a three-course, $59.99, plant-based special that included a “Blooming Onion.” “Your use of the term ‘Blooming Onion’ is in direct violation of the Company’s trademark rights, as it is confusingly similar in sight or sound with a registered mark, simply adding one letter. It has been widely held that similarity in sight of sound with a registered mark for a similar product constitutes trademark infringement.” read the letter.
The Tampa By Times forgot it was a newspaper for a minute In a column leading up to the November presidential election, “Florida’s Best Newspaper” chose to explain to its readers why it won’t give an endorsement (though they call it a “recommendation”) to either Vice President Kamala Harris or former president Donald Trump. Despite decades of precedent, the Times now says they will not endorse a candidate because they never planned to, and that it’s also not the best use of their limited resources. This reasoning is reminiscent of a 10th grader, saying they didn’t actually get an incomplete on their homework, they just chose not to do it.
Local Republican wanted a redo after getting thoroughly cooked by Kathy Castor Since Donald Trump’s victory in both the Electoral College and the popular vote last month, there haven’t been as many complaints about a “rigged election” as there were at this time in 2020. That doesn’t mean that every Republican in Florida believes everything was on the up and up when it came to counting all the votes. Take Robert “Rocky” Rochford, a U.S. Navy veteran who was the GOP candidate in Florida’s 14th Congressional District. He lost decisively on Nov. 5 to Democratic incumbent Kathy Castor, who won her 10th term in office by more than 15 points. The district encompasses parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas County. New College of Florida went full-blown racist According to Steve Sailer— invited to speak at one of the college’s “Socratic Stage Dialogues”—Black men are in thrall to a “primal African cult of fertility,” and all Black folks, being not terribly bright, “possess poorer native judgment than members of better-educated groups. Thus, they need stricter moral guidance from society.” White people, being better at stuff like morality, book-learning, and hair, must help these poor benighted African Americans. This kind of talk puts him on the lunatic fringe of the lunatic fringe: Even the dinosaurs at The National Review, not exactly friends of racial equality, declared such statements beyond the pale.—Diane Roberts/Florida Phoenix
YES, CHEF: Kathy Castor won her 10th term in office by more than 15 points—but her opponent wanted a redo.
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Bear down
Pinellas’s Rep. Lindsay Cross predicts a Florida bear hunt in 2025 would be ‘wildly unpopular.’
By Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix
Might the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approve a hunt on Florida’s black bear population next year? That idea is on the table following an update by FWC staffers on the agency’s Florida Black Bear Management Plan at a meeting earlier this month in Lakeland.
Michael Orlando, bear management coordinator in the division of Habitat Species Conservation with FWC, said at the meeting that the population estimate of black bears in Florida going back to 2015 was just over 4,000. He added that “almost 300 bears are killed by vehicles yearly, and on average, one person per year is injured by a bear.”
The last black bear hunt in Florida took place in 2015. It was shut down at the end of just its second day after nearly 300 bears had been killed.
Speaking to commissioners this week, Kate MacFall, Florida state director for The Humane Society, said she remembers when that last bear hunt took place, and says the commission should beware of the fallout. “It created a great deal of negative PR, which gave a lot of us heartburn for the FWC, and the agency lost some public trust. And most importantly, black bear hunting is wildly unpopular among the majority of Floridians,” she said.
A January 2022 national survey conducted on behalf of The Humane Society by the Remington Research Group found that 76% of “likely 2022 general election voters” opposed the “trophy hunting” of black bears.
Pinellas County Democratic state Rep. Lindsay Cross also disapproves of the notion of the agency approving a new bear hunt.
“The proposal by the FWC earlier this week by the commission to look at having a hunt of black bears I believe is going to be wildly unpopular with the people of Florida,” Cross said on WMNF88.5 FM in Tampa on Dec. 13. “And I don’t think that the science will bear it out, and that’s the job of FWC is to look at what the science is telling them: What is the population? What should the population be in Florida based on the conservation and accessible lands that they have right now. And if we’re not at those numbers, there’s no way that they should be allowing a hunt.”
Right to hunt
environmental groups such as the Florida Sierra Club in supporting Amendment 2 on the November ballot, which enshrined the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution.
“The idea behind having a right to hunt and fish is to continue to be able to give people access to the resources and to do things that help to support a broader conservation mission, but killing animals for trophy hunting in a population that may already be strained is not consistent with that,” she said.
“ ...if we’re not at those numbers, there’s no way that they should be allowing a hunt.”
Cross, re-elected last month to a second term in the Florida House in her District 60 seat, which encompasses St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park, said she intends to focus on hurricane recovery, environmental protection, and support for public safety during the 2025 legislative session.
LOCAL NEWS
Party switch
Florida Democrats remain in super-minority status in the state House of Representatives, and they lost another member this month when Hillsborough County Rep. Susan Valdes stunned the political world by announcing she was changing her party registration to Republican, despite having just being re-elected as a Democrat last month and losing a bid earlier this month to chair the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. Cross calls the move “disingenuous.”
Cross, an environmental scientist and a former official with the Florida Wildlife Corridor and Florida Conservation Voters, went against
“Last year I sponsored a bill to expand the My Safe Florida Home program to not just be for wind mitigation but to expand into flood mitigation, and I think that it’s still an important and relevant bill that we provide some support for homeowners to make proactive improvements to their properties, to reduce their risk of flooding,” she said.
“Susan has been part of the community and there are people on both sides of the aisle that voted for her,” she said. “But they voted for a person that they believed was consistent with the Democratic Party. And there are some very fundamental differences between the Republican and the Democratic parties. And so, to say, ‘Oh, I got elected as a Democrat, but I’ve got two years, and I want to get a little bit more done’ — I think first and foremost when you enter the political process you need to be clear about who you are and what your values are. Communicate that to the voters and then vote in a way that’s consistent with that.”
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit network supported by grants and a coalition of donors.
CROSSING LINES: Cross went against environmental groups in supporting Amendment 2.
RAY ROA
Mass migration
Florida’s population topped 23 million people this year.
By Jim Saunders/News Service of Florida
Growing faster than almost any other state, Florida’s estimated population topped 23.3 million people this year, according to data released last Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Census Bureau estimated that Florida had 23,372,215 people as of July 1, up from 22,904,868 a year earlier. Florida’s increase of 467,347 people was second only to Texas, which gained 562,941.
Also, Florida’s 2% growth rate trailed only the District of Columbia, which had a 2.2% rate, according to the Census Bureau. Texas and Utah each had 1.8% growth rates. The estimated national population increased 1% to 340.11 million.
Florida’s growth reflected two key issues in the Census Bureau data: international migration and population increases in the South.
residents. The South was the only region with positive net domestic migration, where the number of people entering the region exceeded those leaving. Natural increase also contributed 218,567 to the growing region.”
Natural increase is a measure comparing births and deaths. While Florida saw large overall population growth, it was one of 17 states that had more deaths than births, with a 7,321 “natural decrease,” the Census Bureau said.
State economists also pointed to such a decrease in a July report that projected Florida’s population over the coming decade.
STATE NEWS
A news release accompanying the data said net international migration “was the critical demographic component of change driving growth in the (U.S.) resident population. With a net increase of 2.8 million people, it accounted for 84% of the nation’s 3.3 million increase in population between 2023 and 2024.”
The Census Bureau said Florida, California and Texas had the largest gains from net international migration, with Florida showing a 411,322-person increase.
The news release also said the South added more people from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, than all other regions combined. It said the overall population in the South increased by nearly 1.8 million people.
“The largest contributing component to this growth was international migration, which added 1.1 million people,” the Census Bureau said. “Domestic migration netted another 411,004
“Natural increase is expected to remain negative throughout the forecast horizon as deaths continue to outpace births,” the report by a state panel known as the Demographic Estimating Conference said.
The state report estimated Florida had a population of 23 million people on April 1, with the total estimated to increase to 25.7 million in 2034. State and Census Bureau estimates have differed in the past, at least in part because of their methodologies.
The state report estimated Florida would add 319,109 net new residents from April 2024 to April 2028, saying such increases “are analogous to adding a city slightly smaller than Orlando, but larger than St. Petersburg every year.”
The new Census Bureau data showed Florida solidly in third place behind California and Texas in overall population. Florida is followed by New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan.
The Census Bureau said three states, Vermont, Mississippi and West Virginia, had slight population decreases from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024.
WE’RE NO. 3: Data showed Florida in third place behind California and Texas in overall population.
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RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES
3s company
Carolyn Wilson’s new downtown venue tops list of NYE happenings.
By Ray Roa
Seven years after opening, C.W.’s Gin Joint is ready to introduce Tampa to another member of the family, and it’s three stories up. C.W.’s On 3 is a brand-new venue located on the third floor above C.W.’s Gin Joint on the 600 Block that is home to the historic Franklin Exchange and Wilson building.
The aesthetic at C.W.’s on 3 will be familiar to fans of Gin Joint, owned by Carolyn Wilson (aka C.W.), who helped transform the 1923 Exchange National Bank into The Vault at Franklin Exchange. Her Best of the Bay-winning Gin Joint restaurant and lounge opened in 2017.
Guests can get a first look at the new space on New Year’s Eve when it hosts a ticketed New Year’s Eve after party on Tuesday, Dec. 31. General admission to the soiree ($225) includes access at 9 p.m. to both Gin Joint and C.W.’s on 3, an open bar with premium spirits and signature cocktails, charcuterie and fresh raw oysters, plus a midnight champagne toast. A VIP option grants access at 8 p.m. that includes the above, plus a prix fixe at the Gin Joint, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and complimentary gift bag ($1,300 for a table of four). A two-person VIP experience is also available for $650 See more NYE happenings—including many submitted by readers to the Creative Loafing Tampa Bay event calendar—below. All events on Tuesday, Dec. 31 unless noted otherwise.
he did a Halloween DJ set at the Hard Rock, and this year he’s the headliner for a shindig on this pier on the Hillsborough River. The venue promises fireworks, dancers and dubstep. 8 p.m.
$95-$200. Pier at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa. piedpiperproductions.com
Independent Bar & Cafe DJ Cub spins old school hip-hop, and while there’s a free midnight champagne toast, the star of Indie’s end-of-year throwdown is the free hot dog bar. 9 p.m. No cover. Independent Bar and Cafe, 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa. independentbartampa.com
Jackson’s Bistro A classic Tampa NYE spot, with the best views of downtown fireworks, Jacksons offers multiple dancefloors, photo booths, prosecco toasts and more. 9 p.m.
$50-$225. Jackson’s Bistro, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa. jacksonsbistro.com
DINING GUIDE
Jerk Hut If you want to gwan your NYE up, Jerk Hut’s Pour Decisions party always throws down at its University Area location. Live music (DJ Kirky C, DJ Spice) is on tap, along with a midnight buffet. 10 p.m. $25. Jerk Hut Island Grille & Beach Club, 1241 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. jerkhut.com
New year pre-party hospitality night at Club Prana BOGO bottles and $4 top-shelf drink specials. Monday, Dec. 30. 10 p.m. Call/ text 813-544-5144 for VIP table reservations or fill out an online VIP reservation form. Club Prana. 1619 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. clubprana.com
13 Ugly Men One of the Bay area’s longestrunning red carpet charity parties returns, this time in South Tampa where proceeds will benefit hurricane relief. 9 p.m. $150 & up. Hyde House Public Studio, 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa. 13UglyMen.com
Boo-yah! Special prix fixe menu, including a complimentary toast at midnight, plus save 25% off selected bottles of sparkling wine. $65 & up. Bulla Gastrobar, 930 S Howard Ave., Tampa. bullagastrobar.com
DJ Diesel Shaquille O’Neal apparently likes to do holidays in the Bay area. Last year,
Juno & The Peacock One of St. Pete’s new hotspots hosts a tasting menu, caviar hour, optional wine pairing, four-course dinner, plus live jazz and complimentary Taittinger champagne toast. It’s neighboring Pluma Cocktail Lounge kicks its party off at 5 p.m. with a $50 party complete with champagne toast. 3 p.m. $$70 & up. Juno & The Peacock, 400 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg. junoandthepeacock.com
La Sétima Club The finest vegan restaurant and wine bar just outside Ybor City stays open late for a no-cover party featuring an encore performance from the band Mestaurant featuring heavy-hitters of the Bay area beat scene. Free champagne at midnight. 8 p.m. No cover. 815 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. lasetimaclub.com
Ludacris If you pop ass like you do bottles, then it’s Ybor City for you on Dec. 31 thanks to Ludacris, who invites fans to do some dirty dancing in the historic district. All tickets comes with a one-hour open bar, with VIP options extending the free-for-all boozefest to four hours. 8 p.m.
$89-$149. Cuban Club, 2010 Avenida República de Cuba, Ybor City. rockstarbeer.com
NYE Party on the Rooftop x Natasha
Diggs Tickets include access, curated canapés, select cocktails, and exceptional entertainment against panoramic views of the city skyline. Premium drinks available to purchase a la carte. To sweeten the celebration—the first 100 to book receive exclusive access to a preview sale of new release sneakers by John Geiger. Come dressed in your most high-fashion attire as we step into the new year in style. The soundtrack of the night will be compliments of headliner Diggs, a staple of the NYC club scene known for giving fabulousity and spinning 45s. 8 p.m. $225. Azure at Tampa Edition. 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa. opentable.com
Neon Bark Ball Bring your favorite pup to kiss. Dog Bar turns the black lights on and throws a one of a kind glowing foam party in the off leash park. Champagne toast for the humans and a ball drop at midnight for the dogs. If this is your first visit to Dog Bar please register online. 8 p.m. $7 (Free for members). The Dog Bar, 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. @DogBarStPete on Facebook
Red Mesa Cantina’s 15th Anniversary NYE Quinceañera St. Pete’s beloved Mexican hotspot celebrates a milestone anniversary with live DJs, photobooths, tapas, cocktails and more. 9 p.m. $125. Red Mesa Cantina, 128 3rd St. S, St Petersburg. rmcantina.com
Rooster & the Till A tried and true, Michelin-bib NYE experience, Rooster promises a five-course dinner over two hours, max. Optional wine pairing ($55-$90) and champagne greeting ($23) available. 5:45 p.m.-9 p.m. $155. Rooster & the Till, 6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa. roosterandthetill.com
Quantum Countdown Learn about particle physics, experience interactive exhibits and mind-bending demonstrations, and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m. $20-$30. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. mosi.org
See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/food-drink.
NEW JOINT: Fans of Gin Joint will feel at home in this new venue.
Florida flavors
The best Bay area restaurants for out-of-towners—and what to order.
By Brandalynn Nuñez Cepeda and Sofía García Vargas
If you have a house full of guests, feeding them all can be tough. However, Tampa Bay has something for everyone. So, whether you’re just visiting or you’ve been here for generations, here are a few local staples you should get to know. See an even bigger version of this guide via cltampa.com/slideshows.
Al’s Finger Lickin’ Good BBQ: Doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a collard green day From concession stand to sit-in staple, Tampeños hold nothing but high praise for the Tennesseestyle BBQ joint. From ribs, and pulled pork, you really can’t go wrong here, but a safe bet is always the daily specials. 1609 Angel Oliva Senior St., Ybor City. alsybor.com
bourbon creole reduction served with toasted ciabatta bread. The Baithouse also offers other specialties like catch of the day, tavern fare and a wide selection of beer and drinks. If you want some hands-on action, the restaurant offers the space and materials to catch your own fish in the Mandalay Channel. 45 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater. clearwaterbaithouse.com
Bandit St. Pete: Chorizo breakfast burrito Pack your bag and get work done at Bandit while enjoying one of their seven signature coffees, beer, natural wines and a mouth watering selection of meals and baked goods. 2662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. banditcoffee.co
DINING GUIDE
Antojitos Latin Cravings: Buñuelos Antojitos features classic Colombian dishes and treats like a breakfast “calentado,” a main course “bandeja paisa” and baked goods impossible to resist, like its “buñuelos.” Break the little cheese balls apart and dip them in your coffee or hot chocolate to have them the true Colombian way. 2302 W Columbus Dr., Tampa. mantojos.com
The Baithouse: Drunken Shrimp Enjoy the ocean air while peeling back drunken shrimp––tender shrimp sauteed in a creamy
Big Ray’s Fish Camp: Grouper sandwich While striding down the Tampa Riverwalk (or driving South of Gandy) make a stop for hearty grouper sandwiches and a side of garlic parm fries at this Bay area gem. Multiple locations. bigraysfishcamp.com
Brocato’s: Gargantuan devil crab Family-owned and unmoved since 1948, the eatery (which saw a Dodge Neon crash though it in 2006) specializes in bold-in-size sandwiches and bolder crustaceans. Really, everything here is great, but arguably its signature dish is the
homemade devil crabs “just like Aunt Nina used to make.” 5021 E Columbus Dr., Tampa. brocatossandwich.com
Carmine’s: Baked chicken A tri-cultural experience, one of Ybor City’s iconic 7th Avenue restaurants has an eclectic range of choices from bistec de palomilla to baked ziti for the cultured foodies of your group. The baked chicken is a family table staple served with black beans, rice and Spanish house salad. 1802 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. carminesybor.com
Columbia: Paella, deviled crab croquet Dive into the history of Ybor City with food that commemorates the Cuban culture the city was built upon. Get an authentic experience, and don’t forget the paella at the oldest restaurant in the U.S. (Ybor City location), then scoot over to the Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center where the devil crab croquettes are a must-get. Multiple locations. columbiarestaurant.com
Dunedin Brewery: Wings As one of Tampa Bay’s many breweries, Dunedin Brewery is the oldest microbrewery in Florida and hand-crafts its brews 14 barrels at a time. The part-time music venue also offers some of the Bay area’s best wings, served with two out of nine inhouse crafted dipping sauces. 937 Douglas Ave, Dunedin. dunedinbrewery.com
El Cap: World Champ Burger Located on busy 4th Street N in St. Petersburg, El Cap’s “World Champ Burger” has been voted as the Bay area’s no. 1 hamburger. Plastic plates, cold beer, and warm American cheese—can’t lose.
3500 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. @ElCapStPete on Facebook
Florida Bakery: Colada, one of the most Florida coffees you can drink Share a round of colada (Cuban espresso) at this homegrown bakery. A caffeine buzz and a sugar rush from cheap churros is all you need before taking on the Bay (pack a Cuban for lunch if you’ve got a long day ahead). 3320 W Columbus Dr., Tampa. floridabakerytampa.com
The Getaway: View and a cocktail With a sandy beach for the kiddos and a tiki hut to match, there’s big time tropical vibes at St. Pete’s The Getaway. Grab a cocktail and lookout for dolphins on Tampa Bay’s “Redneck Riviera.” 13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg. thegetawaytampabay.com
Jo-EL’s Kosher Deli: the reuben This family-owned, authentic Jewish deli focuses on kosher food and drinks, including its main deli sandwich, the reuben, made of thin sliced corned beef with sauerkraut and Russian dressing on freshly baked rye. 2619 23rd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. stpetedeli.com
La Segunda Bakery: Cuban sandwich and a guava pastry Sorry but guava pastelitos like abuela used to make and a cafe con leche to warm the soul is a necessity if you’re going to show anyone around Tampa. The mothership is in Ybor City, but you’ll do fine at the Kennedy Boulevard and recently-opened St. Petersburg spot, too. Multiple locations. lasegundabakery.com
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IF YOU LIKE COLADA: Florida Bakery’s busy counter is a gateway to classic Cuban coffee.
RAY ROA
La Teresita: Any daily special The twostory Cuban restaurant serves traditional dishes of the family’s roots, which carry a rich background of resilience through a time of turmoil for their home country. Catch the Tuesday special for the crowd favorite “ropa vieja” (shredded beef). Bonus points if you can find the spot Bourdain sat at when he was at the adjacent cafeteria. 3248 W Columbus Dr., Tampa. lateresitarestaurant.com
Mazzaro’s Italian Market: Anything in the bakery case There’s not a lot you can’t find at Mazzaro’s. From fresh cut meats to hand-made pasta, produce to wine, this market offers everything and anything a foodie could ask for. And don’t drool on the bakery case. Colorful cupcakes, cookies and cakes compose the display, such as its yellow cake with Italian rum cake. 2909 22nd Ave. N, St Petersburg. mazzarosmarket.com
Mel’s Hot Dogs: Mighty Mel Arguably one of Tampa Bay’s most famous hot dog spots, Mel’s, under new ownership in 2024, is a classic go-to staple for Chicago dogs and reuben glizzies. 4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa. melshotdogs.com
Red Mesa Cantina: ahi tuna tacos With an enclosed courtyard dining area showcasing mostly Mexican culture, Red Mesa’s mostly al fresco cantina serves classic dishes with a twist, just like its ahi tuna tacos––seared tuna, soy orange coulis, wasabi aioli, pico de gallo and
mixed greens. If dinner wasn’t enough, you can relocate to its rooftop bar overlooking downtown St. Pete to enjoy the rest of the day. 128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg. redmesacantina.com
Rick’s on the River: A cold beer and a cover band Whether you pull in by boat or car, this no frills waterfront staple on the Hillsborough River is the perfect place for you and the gang to share a pitcher, and grab a tray of oysters, or just take in some local cover band since the bar has live music daily. 2305 N Willow Ave., Tampa. ricksontheriver.com
Saigon Deli: Banh mi and a Vietnamese coffee This extremely busy deli is nothing short of a haven for Vietnamese cuisine. The Banh Mi is packed perfectly inside the French baguette and affordable enough to have three. Don’t be afraid to get a steaming hot bowl of pho, too. 3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa. @saigondeli on Facebook
Southern Fresh: Pan-fried chicken Shrouded by mossy trees in a Safety Harbor bungalow, the mom-and-pop holds quintessential southern charm in its warm interior. A simple menu leaves the choice-fatigue to a minimum—but your senses will naturally be drawn to the pan-fried chicken from the moment you enter. 122 3rd Ave. N, Safety Harbor. @ SouthernFreshRestaurant on Facebook
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish: Smoked fish Ted Peters is, well, famous for a reason. Its four to six hour process cooks and smokes fish to perfection. The fantastic flavors have been featured in Guy Fieri’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives’’ and The New York Times’ “Taste of America.” 1350 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg. tedpetersfish.com
DINING GUIDE
Si-Am Thai American Restaurant: Basil chicken Mixing the best flavors of both Thai and American cuisine, a Si-Am dinner is arguably a great pairing to a night out at Tampa Theater or a bender at The Hub. Create your own specialty meal with stir fries, curries, fried rice or noodles, but the basil chicken is a star. 713 N Franklin St., Tampa. si-amthairestaurant.com
SuperNatural Food & Wine: BEC and sour doughnuts Offered from 7:30 a.m.-2:29 p.m., SuperNatural’s breakfast menu and doughnuts are its staple, along with its selection of mighty wine available any time. The bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich, which celebrity chef Alton Brown recently called the “best I’ve ever had,” is made with fresh focaccia is where it’s at. The doughnuts are made with cinnamon sugar, organic flours and single-origin spices, but most importantly, they’re vegan. 305 E Polk St., Tampa. supernaturaltpa.com
TBBC: Greek salad and wings With its flagship is located in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company (TBBC) not only creates flavorful and hop-centric IPAs, APAs, expressive sours, and juicy, fruit-forward Florida-weisse, but also amazing dishes to complement the drinks, such as their Tarpon Springs Greek salad and red eye cider wings. 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City. tbbc.beer
Ulele: Oysters The view of the Hillsborough River from Ulele’s Astroturf lawn almost beats the taste of the riverwalk restaurant’s fresh oysters—heavy emphasis on almost. Seriously, grilled oysters here are mandatory. And you can walk it all off with a to-go-drink in hand. 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa. ulele.com
Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple: Beef pho The temple’s Sunday morning market features the must-have staples of Thai meals, especially the soups. Pair your broth with Thai tea and shrimp fresh rolls. 5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa. /wattampainenglish.com
West Tampa Sandwich Shop: Obama Cuban If it’s good enough for the former president, then it clearly holds a standard that will impress your out-of-towners. The house-special classic Cuban or the honey-topped “Obama Cuban” will make their trip something close to presidential. 3904 N Armenia Ave., Tampa. @WestTampaSandwichShop on Facebook
HOLY GROUND: Some of the best Thai food in Tampa is off Palm River Road.
RAY ROA
Wala na
Beloved Filipino restaurant closes after five years.
By Kyla Fields
There may be dozens of Filipino restaurants in the greater Tampa Bay area, but a fan favorite has unfortunately closed. After five years at 4350 W Waters Ave #102, the familyowned and operated Mata’s Philippine Cuisine served its last customers on Sunday, Dec. 22.
The restaurant’s ownership took to social media earlier this month to announce its imminent closure, but didn’t share any reasons that led to it. However, Lena Mata—who runs the eatery with her parents and sister—told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that her parents, Delio and Ellen Mata, are simply retiring since they are both in their early-70s.
“My parents actually retired like a decade ago, but they came out of retirement to open the restaurant in 2019. They always had a passion for cooking—and cooking has always been a family affair with us,” Mata says. “At that time, we were actually one of the first full-service Filipino restaurants in Tampa.” Before the brick and mortar iteration of the restaurant, there was Mata’s Carinderia, a family-run pop-up that hosted an uber-popular stall at Tampa’s annual Philfest, a multi-day cultural festival held each spring. After 2019’s festival, with another year of customers waiting hours to purchase their food in the books, Lena proposed the idea of opening a standalone restaurant.
“The reason why we never hired anyone from outside the family was to keep our recipes sacred—no one knows our recipes except me, my parents and my sister,” Mata tells CL. “Throughout the years, I’ve really realized that our customers—young and old—want authentic, traditional food that reminds them of their Lola.”
Over the years, Mata’s Philippine Cuisine has reached non-Filipino audiences as well, through popular events like the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Fest.
Following 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, the Mata’s even stopped their cafeteria-style set-up to ensure the freshness and quality of their food.
CLOSINGS
Mata’s will continue to do catering throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. Lena also plans to keep her and her parent’s legacy alive by hosting popups around town, selling Mata’s branded food in local stores, or doing “ulam” meal prep-style orders. A cookbook filled with their tried and true family recipes may also be in the works. There’s also a possibility that Mata’s Carinderia may return to future iterations of Tampa’s Philfest.
“No one knows our recipes except me, my parents and my sister.”
“Even after COVID, through every hurricane season, the Tampa Bay community has supported us since literally day one, and we are very thankful for that. Family, prayer and hard work has gotten us this far,” Lena adds.
Mata’s is known for its Philfest favorites— lechon kawali, the beloved fried pork belly, as well as sisig, with their version consisting of diced kawali (instead of the traditional ear and nose), chilies, onions and calamansi.
Other popular menu items include pork blood stew dinuguan, noodle dish pancit, the ubiquitous chicken adobo, peanut and oxtail stew kare kare, pinakbet, fried bangus, BBQ skewers and more. Mata’s also serves a variety of traditional Pinoy desserts like bibingka, halo halo, ube ice cream sandwiches, puto, sapin sapin, ginitaan bilo bilo and ube flan.
The Matas hail from the Rizal province outside of Manila, but have been in the U.S. since they were teenagers. While Delio and Ellen always had 9-5 jobs and other business endeavors, their daughter says that cooking was always their passion and side hustle. Till this day, Lena says that her parents insist on dicing vegetables by hand instead of using a food processor—adding a comforting, home-cooked feel that many other restaurants simply cannot harness.
Follow @matasphilippinecuisine on both Facebook and Instagram for updates on the continuation of Mata’s brand throughout Tampa Bay.
Seminole Heights’ 3 Dot vegan kitchen will close this month
After six years slinging community-craved fake chicken sandwiches, 3 Dot Vegan Kitchen will say goodbye to Seminole Heights. The vegan kitchen at 6203 N Florida Ave. is located inside of Jug & Bottle Dept, which announced a search for a new owner last July. With Jug & Bottle’s end coming at the end of this month, 3 Dot (formerly known as 3 Dot Dash) is also moving on, but expressed gratitude to its followers.
“It was all of you lining up around the block for a fake chicken sandwich that pushed us into Jug, running a line to the door every night once we opened up. Even when the pandemic took that from us you continued to deal with remote ordering & obnoxious food delivery fees through all of it. Thank you for that,” 3 Dot wrote on social media.
OUT OF THE BOX: Mata’s was known for its sisig with diced kawali (instead of the traditional ear and nose), chilies, onions and calamansi.
Jug & Bottle is a community staple, known for its great beer, snacks, service and events like its Krampus’s holiday party. 3 Dot opened just before the pandemic, bringing plant-based comfort food to the neighborhood.
Fans of the vegan restaurant fawned over its Impossible meat subs and sandwiches. The menu includes a variety of “Burgers, Wieners and Chick’n” as spelled in their staple brown bag, accompanied by fries or tots.
3 Dot, in part, blamed its closure on the downturn happening at many food and beverage concepts post-pandemic. “ ...we are no exception. Combine that with the end of Jug’s time here (as
we know it) on Florida Ave + the economic demands of our own lives and it all signs point to us winding things down as well,” the restaurant added. The end of December now marks the end for both Jug’s and 3 Dot vegan kitchen. Until then, owners wrote on Instagram that they will accommodate orders until the end of the month, with their menu as is.
“We’ll keep the menu as is as long as we can, but will of course be running out of everything by the end,” the shop said, encouraging followers to support other businesses operated by Jug & Bottle and 3 Dot employees and owners.—Julia Saad
Sullivan King presents Reckless RITZ @ The Ritz Ybor
1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa GA - $40 bit.ly/recklessritz1226
Friday, December 27 - Sunday, December 29
Steve Brown @ Funny Bone Comedy Club
1600 East 8th Ave, C-112, Tampa Tickets start at $17 https://tampa.funnybone.com/shows/
Friday, December 27 - Sunday, December 28
Pop Punk Emo Night TAMPA @ Funny Bone Comedy Club 1909 N 15th St Suite A Tampa Tickets start at $10 https://www.spookeasylounge.com/catacombs
Saturday, December 28 / 9:00pm - 2:00am
Noizu • NYE Weekend @ The Ritz Ybor
1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa GA - $25, VIP packages available hive.co/l/noizu1228
Saturday, December 28 / 9:00pm - 2:00am
Claptone • New Years Eve @ The Ritz Ybor 1503 E 7th Ave, Tampa GA - starts at $30 VIP packages available hive.co/l/claptone1231
Sunday, December 29 / Doors @ 4:45pm, Show @ 6:00pm
That 1 Mailman & Friends @ Funny Bone Comedy Club 1600 East 8th Ave, C-112, Tampa Tickets start at $42 https://tampa.funnybone.com/shows/
Tuesday, December 31 / Doors @ 4:45pm, Show @ 6:00pm
NYE with Jake Iannarino & Ambrose Jones! @ Funny Bone Comedy Club 1600 East 8th Ave, C-112, Tampa Tickets start at $27 https://tampa.funnybone.com/shows/
Tuesday, December 31 / Doors @ 4:45pm, Show @ 6:00pm
NEW YEARS at Rosenheim with Lolo Mayhew @ Rosenheim
2001 N 22nd St, Tampa Tickets start at $27 https://rosenheimrestaurant.com/
LARA - Opening Soon
1919 East 7th Avenue https://www.tampalara.com
Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour
1930 East 7th Avenue C, Tampa @MadameFortuneTPA on Instagram
Acropolis Greek Taverna
1833 East 7th Avenue, Tampa (next to Barterhouse) https://www.candleroomtampa.com/
Cheeseology
1527 East 7th Avenue
Bringing people together through the art of cheese-making https://www.cheeseology.net/
Tempus Projects
1624 East 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Ybor City
TEMPUS PROJECTS is dedicated to nurturing established and emerging local, national, and international artists through exhibitions, collaborations https://www.tempus-projects.com/
Spookeasy Tours
A Haunted Walking Adventure
1909 North 15th Street
Explore the Eerie Secrets of Ybor’s Historic District in this Spooky Historic Ghost Tour! https://www.spookeasylounge.com/about-8
MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE
Big things
Some of the most anticipated happenings over the next 12 months.
By Colin Wolf
Big things are on the horizon for Tampa Bay, and the area has a slew of exciting things to look forward to, including new theme park attractions, Michelin-starred chefs, a dog cruise, a completed Howard Frankland Bridge and more. Here are some of the most anticipated new things coming to Tampa Bay over the next 12 months. Get links to all these stories via cltampa.com/slideshows.
Tampa is getting the country’s second largest planetarium Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) announced a multi-million-dollar upgrade that investors say will improve the STEM learning experience for students in Tampa Bay. Part of the upgrade brings the second-largest planetarium in the county to Tampa when the museum’s domed theater reopens with almost seven-times more capacity and new projection technology. MOSI’s upgraded dome at the new Saunders Planetarium is expected to open in the first half of 2025, and will now be 82 feet in diameter, second only to the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium in New Jersey, which has a diameter of 88.5 feet. It will feature an eight-story NanoSeam perforated metal screen and seat more than 300 people (compared to the 46 it currently accommodates).—Riley Benson
New realm Wild Oasis will debut at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay An all new kid-friendly area is coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay next year. Back in September the theme park unveiled plans for the new “Wild Oasis” realm, which will replace the Treetop Trails attraction in the Jungala area of Busch Gardens.”It’s been five years since guests last stepped foot in the tucked away realm of Treetop Trails in the Jungala area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and we are thrilled to breathe new life into this corner of the park with the development of this realm,” said Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in a statement. “The all-new Wild Oasis truly offers something for everyone – whether you love the thrill of the ride or learning about animals, getting wet or climbing high, or just cooling off under the shade of the rainforest canopy.” Not too many details were released by the park, but the new Wild Oasis realm will include a “newly reimagined” drop tower
ride featuring digital and sound effects, a new interactive water play area, a new “multi-level climbing canopy,” and a new multi-species animal habitat.
Epic Universe will finally open Technically this is happening in Orlando, but it’s too epic not to include. After years of development and construction, Universal’s Epic Universe will open on May 22, 2025. Five immersive worlds come to life inside Epic Universe, Universal’s fourth park in Orlando.
Sports
Messi is coming to Tampa On Feb. 14, Orlando City Soccer Club and Inter Miami CF will compete in a preseason edition of the Florida Derby at Raymond James stadium, which means Lionel Messi will be in town. The GOAT—who isn’t necessarily guaranteed to hit the pitch—is supposed to also be joined by other superstars like Sergio Busquets, and Drake Callender (Inter Miami CF) as well as Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese, and Duncan McGuire (OCSC).
The Rays will finally play in Tampa A press release from the team says the Tampa Bay Rays will play its 2025 home games at Tampa’s dome-free George M. Steinbrenner Field. The venue, located at 1 Steinbrenner Dr. across from Raymond James Stadium, is
Towering portals will transport guests to Super Nintendo World, Ministries of Magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the monster-filled Dark Universe, an island of dragons inspired by “How to Train Your Dragon” and a futuristic steampunk realm known as Celestial Park. The new park also brings three new hotels to Orlando—the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, and the twin Terra Nova and Stella Luna resorts. The Helios Grand is an anchor hotel with a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe.
the Spring Training home of the New York Yankees, and home turf for New York’s Single-A affiliate, Tampa Tarpons (who are expected to play at nearby fields according to WFTS).
In a statement, Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg thanked the Yankees for the loaner.
“The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps, just as Hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses in our community to adapt to new circumstances as we all recover and rebuild,” Sternberg—a
multi-millionaire with a team worth more than a billion dollars—wrote.—Ray Roa
The NCAA Women’s Final 4 returns to Amalie Arena Women’s NCAA basketball has never been more popular, and so it’s pretty exciting that Tampa gets to host the Final Four next year when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes back to Amalie Arena, beginning April 4. Tampa actually has a long history with the tourney, and has hosted the Women’s Final 4 in 2008, 2015 and 2019.
The Savannah Bananas will play at Raymond James Stadium Hurricane Milton ripped the roof of Tropicana Field, so now the Savannah Bananas will play RayJay instead on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball are usually pretty hard to come by (it’s just a lottery system), and this will be the first time the Bananas and the Party Animals play at an NFL stadium.
The St. Pete Athletic, Paddle & Social Club will open Debuting inside the former Factory location, a new pickleball facility and restaurant will debut in early 2025. The St. Pete Athletic, Paddle & Social Club will feature 14 pickleball courts, two paddle courts, six table tennis tables, and a restaurant and bar, as well as a craft beer concept.
Food & drink
Outback founder and Chef Chris Ponte’s new waterfront concept Two prominent Tampa restaurateurs have teamed up for a second time to create a brand new concept waterfront restaurant, which should debut by fall of 2025. According to Tampa Bay Business Journal, The still-unnamed concept will open right next to Rattlesnake Point’s Salt Shack on the Bay, which appeared on the New York Times’ 2023 list of “America’s Best Restaurants.” Bob Bashman, known for founding Outback Steakhouse and PDQ chicken tender shacks across the Bay area, has teamed up with Chris Ponte, who created the Michelin Guiderecommended Ponte in Tampa. The duo previously teamed up in 2022 to open Bare Naked Kitchen, a fast-casual-style restaurant, in South Tampa, The 8,000-square-foot project—which sits near the site of a forthcoming nearly-500 unit apartment complex—will seat more than 300 people, and serve “coastal fare” cuisine, including fresh seafood, TBBJ reported.—RB
The new bigger Dead Bob’s will open One of Tampa’s Bay most storied dive bars is finally getting a big upgrade. Dead Bob’s is moving down the street to 6475 Central Ave., and looking at a continued on page 44
OUT OF THIS WORLD: Only New Jersey will have a larger planetarium.
CATALYST COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Jan. 1 open date. Opening out of the former, 2,030 square-foot home of Kay’s Family Restaurant, Dead Bob’s 2.0 will offer more seating and parking than its flagship plaza location, although its affordable selection of beer, wine, cocktails and classic bar fare isn’t going anywhere.
Michelin-starred chef opening new restaurant at St. Pete’s Vinoy hotel A Chicago-based Michelin-starred chef is headed to St.Petersburg. Chef Lee Wolen, along with the Boka Restaurant Group, announced plans to open their latest concept “Elliott Aster” early next year at the historic Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, located at 501 5th Ave. NE. Wolen has worked at a number of renowned restaurants around the globe, including El Bulli in Spain, Eleven Madison Park in New York City, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford and the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, Florida. However, he earned his Michelin star while at his Italian eatery, Alla Vita, in Chicago. He was also behind the popular Chi-town neighborhood spot GG’s Chicken Shop.
News
The Howard Frankland Bridge Project should finally be over Construction on the new $865.3 millionHoward Frankland Bridge Project is expected to wrap up in early 2025. As of now, drivers should expect to start crossing the newly widened bridge as early as this coming January or February.
TPA’s new $320 million express curbside expansion should be complete next summer With a $320 million price tag, Tampa International Airport’s new red express curbside expansion is expected to be wrapped up by the summer of 2025. Similar to the newer blue express curbside, which opened in late-2021, the upcoming red express expansion will allow passengers with carry-on only bags direct access to the transfer level.
The Florida Aquarium expansion will begin Florida Aquarium’s upcoming $40 million campaign, called Sea Change, will include a changing exhibits gallery, and a two-story, multidimensional habitat that includes puffins. It will also feature an outdoor California sea lion exhibit that will be the only such exhibit on the West Coast of Florida. A significant African penguin habitat will also be part of the outdoor expansion to increase the Aquarium’s impact on the survival of the species.
Concerts
AC/DC will perform at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium this spring 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 May. AC/DC plays Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Friday, May 16. 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.—Josh Bradley
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic will close 2025 tour in Tampa Bay Tampa Bay’s not in the express lane, but it is on the itinerary for a new tour by five-time Grammywinning parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic. The 65-year-old kicks off his “Bigger & Weirder” 2025 in June and will wrap it right here in Florida by the fall. Yankovic promises “iconic hits as well as some never-performed-live-before fan favorites” for the show where his longtime band will be “joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert experience.”—RR
LOCAL NEWS
launched back in 2023, and now the nine-time Grammy Award winning metal outfit has added more dates, with Tampa in the mix next summer. Last September, the group behind hits like “Enter Sandman” and “Fade to Black” added 21 more North American dates for the M72 World Tour, and shared plans to bring their massive “in-the-round stage” to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium for two nights on Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 8.
Willie Nelson is coming to Clearwater Don’t let the name of his 152nd album fool you, Nelson is on the road again and headed to Florida for seven dates in the spring.
The 91-year-old country music icon released Last Leaf On the Tree to kickoff November and is coming to the Bay area to support it.
Orlando, two stops in St. Augustine, Key West, Immokalee, and Pompano Beach. The 13-track outing, produced by his youngest son, Micah, Leaf features more Trigger than Nelson’s recent outings and includes covers of Tom Waits, Neil Young, Nina Simone, the Flaming Lips, Beck, and more.—RR
Metallica’s giant ring of fire is coming Tampa After 15 years away, Metallica is coming back to Tampa. Metallica’s M72 World Tour
Willie Nelson will play the BayCare Sound in Clearwater on Saturday, Feb. 15. Other Florida dates on Nelson’s 2025 tour include
Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Blake Shelton and more headed to Tampa for Country Thunder Florida festival Apparently, the popular Country Thunder Florida musical festival has outgrown its home in Kissimmee, and is instead headed to Tampa this spring with a lineup packed with some of country’s biggest names. Last month, the three-day music festival, which also hosts similar events across the country, announced it was headed to Raymond James Stadium from May 2-4. Some of the big names include Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Ella Langley, Jake Owen, and Ashley McBryde, and more.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD: Announced in 2022, Florida Aquarium’s expansion is finally starting.
DISCOVER PEACE ON EARTH
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through beautiful displays of poinsettias, begonias, evergreens, and other seasonal greenery throughout the Olmsted Gardens. Ring in the season with daily holiday carillon concerts.
MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL
December 14 & 15
YULETIDE: A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION W/ THE BYRNE BROTHERS December 21
HOLIDAY CHARCUTERIE BOARD DECEMBER 21
PEACE INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH PAISLEY CRAZE January 4
CAMELLIA TOUR January 7 & 21
PEACE INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH MOONFLOWER January 24
WINTER GARDENING: OUTDOOR KITCHEN GARDEN TOUR January 28
STARRY NIGHT: AN EVENING OF
January 31
ON VIEW THROUGH FEBRUARY 16
ANSEL ADAMS
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE MFA COLLECTION ON VIEW THROUGH MARCH 16 Installation of Ansel Adams: Photographs from the MFA Collection
THE ART OF NEW GUINEA ON VIEW THROUGH APRIL 12
Photo by Tracy May
By Josh Bradley & Ray Roa
FRI 27
C Brokenmold Entertainment’s Annual Holiday Party: Barely Legal w/Justin Depth/Perception/Shevonne/Zanzibean
The late addition of absolutely bonkers hip-hop collective Barely Legal makes this edition of the long-running Brokenmold holiday party one of the best in years. The boys are supported by producer Justin Depth, along with Tampa rapper Perception, rock and roll songwriter Shevonne, plus Englishborn emcee-producer and Sector.FM DJ Zanzibean for what is one of the last shows ever at this beloved, soon-to-close venue. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
Candi Carpenter Clutch your pearls, because this Ohio-based singer-songwriter is the epitome of a Gen-Z’er who has been through some pretty heavy shit from an early age. Their indie-inspired debut album Demonology pretty much serves as the venting session they would spew if provided the intensive therapist they desire on opening track “Exorcist.” On it, Carpenter tackles the effects of a religious, Midwestern upbringing, while rhyming “pagan” with “Carl Sagan,” and expressing how they feel like a “corpse in training.” There’s even a love letter to Amy Jo Johnson, aka the pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, who triggered a queer awakening. (Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, Safety Harbor)
C Little Stranger w/Andy Frasco and the U.N./Damn Skippy As excited as we are for a two-night headlining stint from Little Stranger—self-described as “hip-hop Simon and Garfunkel”—no one is more excited than Alex Veazey, whose hip-hop project Damn Skippy opens night one. He recently took to social media to present his one-of-a-kind “BuzzBall Christmas tree for Jannus Live,” just to pass out seconds later, and while the red and green balls of happy sauce are either back in the fridge or resting in the recycling bin, Veazey will most likely plug a new album The Kickflip , which modernizes the record scratches and clarity of pre-Soundcloud, ‘90s hip-hop while completely turning a blind eye to the newer trap movement. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
C Plague Spitter (final show) w/ Horsewhip/Meatwound/Thrull/ Hysteresis/Dead Mirrors There’s not a specific reason for the breakup of Tampa hardcore quintet Plague Spitter, but frontman Eliot Mayo has nothing but gratitude for the year-and-a-half experience. In a farewell message, he admitted how he never would have guessed that he’d get to perform with Weekend Nachos, record an EP he’s proud of, and make as many friends as he has. On the other hand, all five of the guys Spit in other bands, and some of them are
even talking about forming something new. Until that day comes, the band’s last show is gonna be stacked, with most profits going to the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund. (Deviant Libation, Tampa)
SAT 28
C Last Things, Years End II: Adam Randall w/Liam Bauman/Emilio Gonzalez/Taylor Raynor Don’t let the perpetually positive people in your life fool you, there’s a lot to learn—and love—about melancholia. Two stalwarts of the Bay area songwriter scene, Adam Randall and Liam Bauman, come together with friends in the Shuffle backyard for a night of folkie reflection. (Shuffle, Tampa)
C Fader Warehouse Series: Jesse Scotto w/Jovan/Abeielle/DJ Prim/ Glenn Antle/Meghan Lee/Rat Galactic/ more Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolution to attend more all-night raves. The location is only available to ticketholders, but the gig runs for 12 hours and kicks off at 7 p.m. The bill includes longtime local favorites like Jesse Scotto along with emergent homegrown acts like Rat Galactic, plus international talent like Istanbul techno artist Melis Eser (aka Abeille) who plays a B2B set alongside Bonnie Sue. (Secret location, St. Petersburg)
C Late Night Radio w/Artifakts Motifv/ Side Trakd For the non-all-night rave set is this comparatively-traditional club set from Artifakts, the EDM project of Wisconsinite DJ and producer Garret Meyer who samples hiphop in his hybrid brand of heavy electro and dubstep. Festival scene favorite Side Trakd, who just opened for Perpetual Groove in Tampa, plays support on this one. (Floridian Social, St. Petersburg)
C Soft Cuff w/Brother Cephus/9henom It’s been a bittersweet week for Mikey Bostinto. Last weekend the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist—together with his partner Jayda Abello, a DJ and Sector. FM resident—held a farewell party inside Webb’s City Cellar. This weekend, Bostinto is behind the kit for a birthday and going away show alongside his bandmates in instrumental outfit Soft Cuff. The homies are coming out to say goodbye, too, thanks to Bay area rapper 9henom, who’s opening, and a rare appearance by formidable Tampa indie-rock favorite Brother Cephus. (Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg)
SUN 29
C Choking on the Revelry w/Miller Low Lifes/Moonthing Local singer-songwriter Jeff Brawer’s newish band—which shares a name with his 2016 album—held a gig at Ybor City’s Crowbar last year that must have been well-received enough for Tampa’s
FRI DEC. 27–THU JAN. 02 Barely Legal
Hooch and Hive to host the supergroup for the venue’s last-ever proper concert (not counting its final, NYE event a few days later) before closing up shop on Jan. 1. There’s no better style to go out in than with some punk-rock-meets-Americana from an old friend. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
TUE 31
Donna The Buffalo In 2024, everyone’s cutting back—even Donna the Buffalo. The famed New York rock-folk-jam outfit is known to play two-night stands under the Skipperdome to close out the year, but is doing just one sohw to ring in 2025. Per usual, however, admission to the gig includes party favors, a midnight champagne toast and a breakfast buffet. (Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa)
C Last night at Hooch: DJ Gonzo w/ Figgy/DJ Knox Knox has thrown many a rowdy dance party in Ybor City, but this one might take the cake. On the last day of its six-year run near downtown Tampa Hooch and Hive closes with this DJ night where we guess the guests will do their best to drink every last drop of booze in the building. (Hooch and Hive, Tampa)
C Papadosio w/Thought Process/ Vinja/Hwoofer The latest release from this jazztronica jam band throws in some classic jazz influence and a couple of tasty bass licks and synth riffs, complete with dialogue from the late spiritual teacher Ram Dass. The five-tracker, aptly titled Improvisations with Ram Dass would make for an interesting opening set for a band cut from a similar cloth as Lettuce or Goose, but until then, Papadosio warms up for a brief, 2025 east coast run by spending New Year’s Eve by standing on the same stage that has been graced this year alone by the likes of Buckethead, Chappell Roan, and LS Dunes with My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
Reflections—A Quarter Century NYE Celebration: Shoeless Soul w/Mr. Whiskers & The Nine Lives/What the Funk/HarlowGold/Dandy Lush/Jask/ Austen van der Bleek/more When something reaches a multiple of five, it’s satisfying as hell. The venue (which turns five in 2025) has hosted not only countless of our favorite local singer-songwriters, rappers, and bands, but also international acts like Midge Ure (the Ultravox guy who co-created Live Aid), and in honor of the 21st century celebrating the big 2-5, it’s hosting one of the biggest art-centered shindigs in town on New Year’s Eve. A plethora of bands, artists, and DJs will fill every indoor and outdoor crevasse of Bayboro possible for one last music festival before we bid 2024 good riddance. (Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg)
C Samantha Fish Nary a year goes by where blues lovers aren’t graced with a show from 35-year-old blues goddess. In the last few years alone, Fish has stolen the show at Tampa Bay Blues Festival, opened for Steve Miller Band, and even made the historic Tampa Theatre feel like a gritty blues bar. Her latest album Death Wish Blues (made with honorary Highwayman Jesse Dayton) is a crisp, rollicking collection of skittish duets and plenty of Double Trouble influence leaking through. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)
THU 02
Rock The Park: Cozy In The Black w/ Prabesh Khanal To kick off the new year, downtown Tampa’s free outdoor monthly music series is getting loud with Cozy In the Black. The duo plays a rocking style of punk and new wave, and if you need an appetizer, the show opens with a set from soft-rock songwriter Prabesh Khanal. (Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa)
See an extended version of this listing via cltampa.com/music.
C CL Recommends
HAPPY HOUR AT AMSO
Monday - Friday, 4pm-7pm
Saturday 3pm-6pm
$4, $5 & $6 Liquor, Beer & Wine
$8 Hand-Cra ed Cocktails
Famed B-52s party-starter Kate Pierson is heading out on the road solo next year, and she’ll be banging on the door in downtown Clearwater
Pierson will peel away from The B-52s’ ongoing Las Vegas residency to dance this mess around the country on a string of solo dates in early 2025. That includes three Florida shows in February, including one at The Cap. Tickets to see Kate Pierson play Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on Feb. 26, 2025 are available now and start at $44.50.
See Josh Bradley’s latest roundup of the best new concerts coming to Tampa Bay below.—Matthew Moyer
Rick Springfield w/Richard Marx Thursday, Feb. 27. 8 p.m. $42.75 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Infekt w/Distinct Motive/Inaktiv Friday, Feb. 28. 10 p.m. $15 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City
Knock2 Saturday, March 1. 8 p.m. $35 & up. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
The Stews Saturday, March 8. 8:45 p.m. $15. Crowbar, Ybor City
Il Volo Monday, March 10. 8 p.m. $58.75 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Inhaler Saturday, March 15. 7 p.m. $28.50. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
Missio w/Layto Tuesday, March 18. 7 p.m. $22.
Quickies
By Dan Savage
What’s the sexiest holiday food to eat off someone’s body?
While food can be sensuous, you don’t eat food off someone’s body unless you’re fucking or about to fuck… and fucking on a full a stomach is uncomfortable, which is why I’m always urging people to #FuckFirst” on Valentine’s Day (and their wedding days, birthdays, anniversaries), and fucking on a slowly filling stomach really isn’t much better.
Like many people, I made the mistake of incorporating food into foreplay when I first became sexually active. Putting whipped cream on our tits made me and my first boyfriend feel like we were doing something naughty and sophisticated without either of us having to make ourselves vulnerable, e.g., without either of us having to open up about our actual kinks. And as we both quickly learned, whipped cream quickly liquifies as it rises to body temperature, and then you look and smell like an infant barfed all over you—which is not something anyone you wanna fuck could find sexy. Anyway, everyone should enjoy holiday food and holiday sex—but not at the same time, and not in that order.
You offer to do a coffee run for the whole family, you head to the nearest “drive-through” Starbucks in the miserable suburb where you were raised, you park your car and go inside. You place your order at the counter, you head for the restroom—which is empty and clean, as very few people get out of their cars—and then you have sex (quickly!) standing up while your family’s enormous coffee order is being prepared.
Please keep this anonymous: I’m a gay 41-year-old man. I enjoy hookups but lose sexual interest when there’s affection and a connection. Am I doomed?
SAVAGE LOVE
No question here, Dan, just wanted to say we fucked first and ate later. Thanks for that great piece of advice! You’re welcome!
How can I come hands-free? I’m a cis male. Like squirting or rolling the edges of your tongue to make a little tube, coming “handsfree” is not something everyone can do. And most of those “hands-free” orgasms you’ve seen in porn? They weren’t entirely “hands-free.” Most of those guys are brought to the edge of orgasmic inevitability with a hand—their own or someone else’s—before being fucked over the edge.
Any tips for quickly preparing your butt for anal?
You could do what we used to do before douching became standard: take a dump and cross your fingers. It wasn’t a perfect system (douching caught on for a reason), but it worked reasonably well—meaning, it succeeded more often than it failed. You should also prep with lube—lots of lube—and prep with PrEP. And remember: in addition to protecting you from all the sexually transmitted infections PrEP doesn’t (PrEP only protects you from HIV), condoms also keep shit off your dick!
How do we sneak in some quick sex while we’re staying with the whole family?
If you want a committed relationship that’s romantic and sexually exclusive—or romantic and sexual but not necessarily sexually exclusive—you’re probably doomed, as it doesn’t sound like you’re wired for that. You could attempt to rewire yourself, of course, but the attempt could take years and there’s no guarantee the attempt would be “successful.” (And if you’re not broken—if this is just how you’re wired, i.e., how your sexuality functions— then there’s nothing about you that requires fixing.) But if could be happy in a committed romantic relationship that’s intimate and loving but not sexual—because the man you’re with is wired the same way you are or he’s asexual but homoromantic—then you’re not doomed.
What are the best Christmas-themed positions?
Christmas isn’t sexy. You can have sex on Christmas—because of course you can (and not just in the bathroom at Starbucks) but mistletoe shouldn’t be hung over ballsacks and Santa hats shouldn’t be worn at swingers’ parties. And just as we all eventually learn that whipped cream isn’t a sex toy, we all eventually learn that mixing up “positions” isn’t adventurous or kinky. We find the positions that work for us and our partners—the ones that hit just right—and they become our gotos. (Ideally, they become our work-up-towards after a lot of foreplay.) So, whatever positions work for you and your partner when it’s not Christmas are the same positions that will work for you and your partner when it is Christmas.
P.S. When people talk about “positions,” they mean positions for penetrative sexual intercourse (usually PIV, sometimes PIB), e.g., missionary, doggy, wheelbarrow, cowgirl/boy/ hand, etc. So, if you’re the kind of person who thinks about sex as a range of possible “positions” for penetrative sex, taking PIV and PIB off the menu—doing something else for once—is the single best way to discover something new.
My partner has a fantasy of us with a trans woman. We want to be totally respectful but it’s not a dating situation. (He wants to try it, but only as a one-time thing.) So, we thought it would be best to do this with a professional. A friend suggested we might have some luck by posting on Grindr. We have no real idea how to make this happen without being jerks or getting arrested! Help! Please don’t approach random trans women on Grindr and offer to pay for sex. There’s nothing wrong with doing sex work, of course, and there are trans women out there who do it, but trans women—even some trans sex workers— resent the assumption that all trans women are sex workers. Instead, follow trans women who are open about being sex workers on social media and then, after getting a sense for who they are as people, respectfully approach them— as people—and inquire about their availability and interest.
A sub wants to drink allllll of my pee. And not just a little taste, he wants to drink every drop, over a few hours. I’m on an SSRI and while I assume he’d be getting a negligible dose of my meds, I don’t actually know that for sure because WebMD just isn’t cutting it this time. Can you help?
I don’t know for sure that your sub has nothing to worry about—trace amounts of SSRIs can be detected in urine samples—but I feel confident stating that if trace amounts of SSRIs in urine posed a health a risk to piss drinkers… yeah, I would’ve heard about it by now. Also, you’re not talking about that much piss which makes your sub about as likely to overdose as he is to drown.
Can you get hemorrhoids from rough vaginal sex?
“Hemorrhoids are a natural part of our anatomy and it’s only when they become inflamed or start to protrude that they become noticeable,” said Dr. Rachel Gelman. “Typically, things like constipation or anything else that places a lot of downward pressure on the pelvic floor is associated with hemorrhoid dysfunction. And while linking vaginal sex with hemorrhoids is bit of a stretch pun intended—if someone had underlying pelvic floor dysfunction and penetrative sex was aggressive enough, that could over time result in rectal issues or bowel dysfunction and lead to hemorrhoids.”
Dr. Rachel Gelman is a pelvic floor specialist and a sexuality counselor. You can follow @ pelvichealthsf on Instagram and Threads and learn more about her work—and pelvic health in general—at her website pelvicwellpt.com.
Being around family is a turn-off for me. Any suggestions?
Don’t move back in with mom and dad, if you can help it, and head to the nearest drive-through Starbucks when you’re feeling desperate.
How do I get my boyfriend to eat out another girl in front of me? He says he doesn’t think he can do it unless we do it together. But that’s not exactly what I’m looking for.
I’m guessing you’re a straight woman— you wanna watch your boyfriend go down on “another woman” but you don’t wanna go down on that woman yourself—which means there’s a chance your boyfriend doesn’t wanna go down on another woman and setting “after you” as a condition allowed him to say no without seeming like an unadventurous prude. There’s also a possibility he thinks this is a trap—he might worry you’ll be angry if he seems too eager to take you up on this offer—and he’ll modify his position if you keep asking.
How do you navigate dating exes for friends or friends of exes in a healthy and respectful way?
You owe a friend the courtesy of a heads up after you start dating one of their exes. If you’re friends with an ex, you owe your ex—as a friend—that same courtesy. But that’s all you owe them.
Ball punching and squeezing: At what point does it get dangerous?
When a guy says he wants you to punch him in his balls as “hard as you can,” what he means is, “I want you to punch me in the balls as hard as my balls can take it while we both pretend you’re punching me in the balls as hard as you can.” Ball punches are always pulled bunches. As for squeezing, increase pressure gradually and ease up when he really starts to squirm. There’s always a risk of a testicular rupture when you get rough with someone’s balls.
How do you dispose of used poppers? What am I supposed to do with all these little bottles?
You’re supposed to take your used and/or expired poppers to a waste disposal site that processes household chemicals that shouldn’t be poured down the sink or leach into a landfill when the bottles break. Or you can do what most gay men do and let those little brown bottles accumulate in your nightstand until you die and stick whoever has the sad task of emptying your apartment with figuring out how to dispose of them.
How do I explain being poly to my rural Kansas (but Midwestern nice!) family?
Matter-of-factly—and if any of your relatives have divorced or been widowed and remarried, they already understand that a person can have more than one committed romantic partner over the course of their life. You’re doing it concurrently instead of sequentially, but you’re not doing anything most of them haven’t done. In other words: serial monogamy is a form of polyamory.
Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love!
71 Evil alter ego of fiction
GM make until 2004
Name for a massage parlor?
Like an SASE, often
Ground-based weapon launched at a ground target: abbr.
Dict. entries
Assay subject
Rockfest request
Son of Sarah
Fifth and Park: abbr.
Name for a vintage clothing store?
Didn’t miss
Harmlesssounding bingo call
Name for an ice cream shop?
Like Tucson’s outskirts
The last 72 Across
Name for a crossword store?
Is lucky enough (to)
Swinelike mammal
Boxing setting
“The Auld Sod”
Fla.’s summer hrs.
Sandwich type
Like an Eskimo dog’s ears 63 Name for a pet shop? 70 In a safe place
Sledding site
Before thou knowest
Make, as money
51 Eldest of four
Contrived
72, at Pebble Beach
58 Abbr. on a stereo 59 Sewing need 60 See 90 Down
