Colin Wolf
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Digital Editor @cl_tampabay, Roger Stone once called me a “pinko scribe.” Opinions own, ask for Signal, tips: cwolf@cltampa.com, cltampabay_tips@protonmail.com
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Articles by Colin Wolf
New St. Pete modern asian restaurant Kojo opens this weekend
It’s been nearly five years since it was first announced, but St. Pete’s new modern asian restaurant Kojo is finally ready to make its debut this weekend on the third floor of the Central Park Food Hall. Located at 551 Central Ave, Kojo will start seating customers at a soft-opening starting this Friday, Nov.13 at 5 p.m. Reservations can be made on Resy.
Ron DeSantis Archives
Posted inRon DeSantis Ron DeSantis calls Texas’ historic GOP loss an ‘extinction-level event’ by Stephanie Koithan November 4, 2026November 4, 2026 During a Wednesday morning press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called losing Texas “an extinction-level event” for the national Republican Party.
Ybor City restaurant Lara will permanently close
After nearly two years in Ybor City, Tampa chef Suzanne “Suz” Lara says she will close Lara Apothecary Bar & Bazaar (stylized “LARA”). In a Wednesday afternoon social media post. Chef Suz did not give an exact closing date or reason for the closure, but did point to a lack of a regular dinner crowd as a factor. “The reality is that we haven’t seen the consistent dine-in business needed to sustain a place like LARA,” wrote Chef Suz.
Daniela Simic wins race for Hillsborough County District 2
In the race for District 2 school board, Hillsborough County chose the candidate with an immense educational background. According to the Hillsborough Election Supervisor website, Daniela Simic has won with 52.22% of the vote with 85 of 92 precincts reporting, defeating Republican challenger Brittany Lyssy.
Florida voters approve property tax-cutting Amendment 3
Florida voters have passed property tax-cutting Amendment 3, a proposal that critics say will have devastating impacts on funding for public services, including first responder services. With 96% of precincts reporting, Fresh Take Florida’s election dashboard shows the controversial amendment with nearly 62% of the vote, well above the 60% threshold needed to pass.
Florida elects Byron Donalds, the state’s first Black governor
Despite intense ridicule for his support of data centers and his wife’s $30 million tax-payer funded charter school empire, Florida voters have elected Republican Byron Donalds, who has made history as the state’s first Black governor.
Ashley Moody defeats Angie Nixon, winning Florida’s U.S. Senate seat
Despite being dogged by a $10 million Hope Florida scandal, Republican incumbent Ashley Moody has defeated her Democratic opponent Angie Nixon. According to AP, Moody has won with 50.8%, with 97% percent of votes counted at 8:34 p.m. The 42-year-old Nixon stunned Democratic party lifers with a resounding victory in a primary race where she defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman despite being outspent 16-to-1.
Republican Gus Bilikrakis wins race for Tampa Bay’s U.S. House District 12
Republican incumbent Gus Bilikrakis has managed to hang on to his seat, defeating Democrat and former Hillsborough County commissioner Kimberly Overman in the race for U.S. House District 12. According to polls, Bilikrakis secured 60.03% of votes from Pasco County and 45.05% of votes from Hillsborough County, as of 8:35 p.m. “Though this isn’t the result we hoped for, our message remains.
Democrat Kathy Castor wins Tampa Bay’s U.S. House, District 14
Democrat incumbent Kathy Castor has hung on to beat “MAGA Mike” Beltran and win her newly gerrymandered congressional seat in U.S. House, District 14. According to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Election’s Office, Castor has won, with 51.19% percent, with results from 222 of 234 precincts reporting at 8:14 p.m. Though she served for the last 20 years, Castor’s biggest challenge in this race was her newly redrawn district.
The Bucs played their ugliest game in years, and now they’re back in the division race
In what could be described as one of the ugliest games of football played in the past 5 years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated in a 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Following the theme from last week’s victory over another division rival, the Carolina Panthers, the Bucs pounded the ball the entire afternoon, setting a new franchise record for team rushing yards in a single game with 324. The previous record, set in 2015 in a November victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, was 283.
Tampa’s Kathy Castor among Democrats who did not sign letter condemning Ilhan Omar investigation
Tampa Bay’s Kathy Castor was among 40 House Democrats who did not sign a letter condemning the early morning raid and ongoing investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar over alleged “immigration fraud.” Sent on Oct. 26 and signed by 175 members of congress, the letter criticizes the Oct. 12 raid on the Minnesota Democrat’s Washington, D.C. home, and demands the Trump administration avoid further action that could impact the election.
Chad Chronister has been noticeably silent about Amendment 3—he also received more financial support from Florida Realtors than any other Tampa Bay sheriff
Last Monday, over 40 public safety leaders, including local police chiefs and three sheriffs, gathered at the Tampa Firefighters Museum to urge voters to reject Amendment 3. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, an elected official who leads the area’s largest law enforcement agency, was noticeably absent. “Amendment 3 slashes and cuts and burns,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Over a year after his death, Hulk Hogan’s Florida mansion sells for $6 million
The primary residence of the late WWE legend Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, has sold. Located at 1040 Eldorado Ave. in Clearwater Beach, the waterfront home was originally purchased by Bollea back in 2012 for $3.3 million, and was initially listed for $10,989,000 on Jan. 30, of 2026. A few months later, the asking price was slashed by nearly $2 million, with a new price tag of $8,999,999.
Over a year after his death, Hulk Hogan’s Tampa Bay mansion sells for $6 million
The primary residence of the late WWE legend Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, has sold. Located at 1040 Eldorado Ave., in Clearwater Beach, the waterfront home was originally purchased by Bollea back in 2012 for $3.3 million, and was initially listed for $10,989,000 on Jan. 30, of 2026. A few month’s later, the asking price was slashed by nearly $2 million, with a new price tag of $8,999,999.
St. Pete’s iconic Coney Island Sandwich Shop has been closed for years, now its available for lease
After first opening in 1926, the Barlas family permanently closed Coney Island Sandwich Shop in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Since then, there have been a couple attempts to re-open the iconic restaurant, but now the Barlas family is ready to become a landlord and give someone else a shot.
Wicked Oak Barbeque is getting the Guy Fieri treatment. The popular Seminole Heights spot, located at 6607 N Florida Ave., announced on social media yesterday that it will be featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” “We’ve been keeping a bit of a secret y’all. Wicked Oak is going to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!,” wrote founder and owner Felix “Bubba” Flores.
Fundraiser for Rene’s will include free food and beer from Tampa favorites like Mise en Place, Streetlight Tacos and more
Last month, popular V.M. taco spot Rene’s Mexican Kitchen was heavily damaged in a fire due to issues with a circuit breaker, and since then the community has been rallying to help owner Rene Valenzuela get back to business. On Friday, Nov.
The Trump-Epstein bookmobile is coming to Tampa Bay next week
President Donald Trump is mentioned in the Epstein Files over 38,000 times, so it makes sense he tried his best to block the release of documents that show him rubbing elbows with the worst sex pests on the planet. To further educate the public on this topic, the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Bookmobile is currently on a national tour, and will make two stops in the Tampa Bay region next week.
New pinball bar The Lucky Flipper coming to downtown St. Pete this winter
That deaf, dumb and blind kid is probably old enough to enjoy a beer. So if you’re looking to play a “mean pinball” in The Edge District (stylized “EDGE”), then The Lucky Flipper might be your new spot. The new St. Pete pinball bar will open at 915 Central Ave., within the former 1,600-square-foot venue Machine Shop Barber Company space.
Creative Loafing voting guide 2026: Hillsborough and Pinellas congressional seats
It was a bit of a surprise to see The Tampa Bay Times recently “recommend” incumbent Republican Gus Bilikrakis over Democrat and former Hillsborough County commissioner Kimberly Oveman. In the write-up, the Times referred to Bilikrakis as “effective,” “measured” and “reasonable.” We’re wondering if the Tampa Bay Times editors even read their own paper.
Creative Loafing voting guide 2026: How to vote in Tampa Bay, and who we’re voting for
Some people don’t do politics, choosing instead to let politics do them (and their neighbors). Many don’t have that privilege and that’s why you’re here. The 2026 general election ballot is a doozy that’ll take stamina, but use this voting guide to warm up. These picks come after Creative Loafing Tampa Bay skipped endorsements for the summer primary, partly to staff limitations, but also because we weren’t sure readers wanted them.
New Mexican restaurant La Victoria opens in downtown Tampa
The absence of margaritas isn’t going to stop downtown Tampa’s latest coastal Mexican restaurant from opening. La Victoria, located at 105 W Tyler St. in the former Melting Pot Social spot, announced on social media Monday afternoon that it will finally open its doors, despite the fact it’s still waiting on approval for a liquor license from the City of Tampa. “A little patience on the pours, but absolutely no compromise on the plates,” wrote La Victoria on Instagram.
Florida announces massive data breach weeks after ‘malicious actor’ accessed DMV driver license records
Driver license and motor vehicle data was access by a “malicious actor,” the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported Friday. The unauthorized breach occurred Sept. 4 by an individual using “compromised credentials,” the department stated, adding that immediate steps were taken to contain the activity and secure its systems. “At this time, FLHSMV has no evidence indicating that information has been misused,” the department stated.
Florida’s pro-Amendment 3 PAC spent millions on GOP operative connected to ‘ghost candidate’ election fraud scandal
Credit: Shutterstock Funded almost entirely by Florida Realtors, the Vote Yes on 3 campaign is hoping to get Amendment 3 passed this November and has raised over $21.5 million to make this happen. Campaign finance records show that over 98% of the political committee’s expenditures are going to a political operative tied to one of Florida’s biggest election fraud scandals in the last decade.
Joe Redner, Tampa free speech advocate and ‘strip club king,’ dies at 86
Tampa free speech icon Joe Redner has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed. Joy Lynn Redner, one of Redner’s children, announced his death on Facebook last night. “We love you. You will be missed Dad. Joe Redner passed away this morning. He died peacefully in his sleep,” she wrote. Originally from New Jersey, the strip club mogul moved to Tampa when he was 8-years-old and attended Chamberlain High School, though he never graduated.
The Savannah Bananas will bring world tour to St. Petersburg
After years of viral success and even an ESPN series, Banana Ball is headed on a 74 city world tour and it’s coming to Tampa Bay next spring. The 2027 Banana Ball World Tour will see the Savannah Bananas take on the Loco Beach Coconuts at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on May 7 and May 8.
Florida’s pro-Amendment 3 PAC spent millions on GOP operative connected to ‘ghost candidate’ election fraud scandal
Funded almost entirely by Florida Realtors, the Vote Yes on 3 campaign is hoping to get Amendment 3 passed this November and has raised over $21.5 million to make this happen. Campaign finance records show that over 98% of the political committee’s expenditures are going to a political operative tied to one of Florida’s biggest election fraud scandals in the last decade.
Donald Trump will reportedly be in Tampa for the Bucs-Steelers game this weekend
President Donald Trump, who recently stated the NFL should change its name so that soccer is the only sport that uses a “football,” is headed to Raymond James Stadium for this Sunday’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to reports.
Uhuru Movement says it will investigate hanging death of Black St. Pete woman as a homicide
The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement announced today that it is investigating a local death as a homicide. Syriah Henderson, a 29-year-old Black woman and mother of three, was found hanging from a tree behind a St. Petersburg Dollar Tree on July 1, 2026. The St. Petersburg Police Department and medical examiner said the death was a suicide, stating there were no injuries inconsistent with suicide or signs of a struggle.
Isaias strengthens to Category 1 hurricane, expected to hit Florida this Friday
Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday night and has officially become the first Atlantic hurricane of the season. According to the 11 a.m. advisory report from the National Hurricane Center, the Isaias is located about 170 miles north of Progreso, Mexico and 380 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm is moving east-northeast at 10 mph with sustained winds of 85 mph.
New restaurant from Food Network star Ray Lampe coming to Clearwater Beach
Ray Lampe, also known as “Dr. BBQ,” is back. After selling the real estate that was home to St. Pete’s Dr. BBQ and Burnt Ends Tiki Bar in 2022, the Food Network star is back behind the grill, this time in Clearwater Beach at his latest concept Squiki Tiki with Dr. BBQ.
V Modern Italian, led by Michelin-starred chef, opens in North Hyde Park
NoHo will finally get a glimpse of Michelin-starred Chef Stefano Ciotti’s latest concept, V Modern Italian. Located at 1701 W North A St. in a 7,400 square-foot space within the new Rome Collective development, V Modern Italian will officially start taking reservations this Thursday, Oct. 8. “Guests can expect a menu rooted in authenticity, featuring antipasti, fresh-made pastas, signature entrées, and fun twists on classic Italian desserts.
Tropical Storm Isaias forms in the Gulf, expected to strengthen to hurricane and impact Florida, say officials
Tropical Storm Isaias formed early Wednesday morning in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by Thursday, says forecasters with the National Hurricane Center. According to the NHC’s 5 a.m. advisory report, the eye of Isaias is about 285 miles west of Progreso, Mexico moving east-northeast at 8 MPH, with maximum sustained winds of 40 MPH.
Tony Dungy to speak at Tampa’s controversial Life Surge seminar, which was recently accused of scamming attendees
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy will be among the many keynote speakers at an upcoming Tampa stop for Life Surge, a Christian-based financial seminar that recently came under fire for its high-pressure sales tactics, often resulting in attendees occurring tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
Here are renderings of Matilde, a new Mexican steakhouse coming to downtown Tampa
A few months ago, local restaurant group Next Level Brands announced the coming of its latest concept to downtown Tampa, “an elevated coastal Mexican steakhouse,” called Matilde. This afternoon, the company behind popular local spots like Boulon Brasserie, Forbici Modern Italian, and Union New American, released a few renderings of what guests can expect before Matilde’s spring 2027 debut.
Pete’s Bagels will move into former Good Intentions space in St. Pete
It came as a bit of a shock last summer when St. Pete vegan restaurant Good Intentions announced it was closing after four years, but the space will soon have another popular tenant. On Sunday, Pete’s Bagels said it was clearing out of its current space at 2361 1st Ave. S, and moving four blocks down the street to the old Good Intentions building at 1900 1st Ave. S.
Hillsborough County declares state of emergency over dengue fever
This afternoon, Hillsborough County officials declared a state of emergency due to rising cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever. The order, which was signed by Hillsborough County administrator Bonnie Wise, allows the county to take emergency measures and opens up the possibility of federal reimbursement for certain expenses. The order takes effect immediately and lasts for seven days unless it is rescinded or extended.
The Tampa Edition will soon debut an Ammortal Chamber
The Tampa Edition (stylized “EDITION”) now has an Ammortal Chamber, a $160,000 vibrating light table that looks like it belongs in a Dune movie, and it will debut to the public this weekend. The human-sized rotisserie chicken table combines “non-invasive technologies,” including photobiomodulation, pulsed electromagnetic frequency, molecular hydrogen, guided meditation, and vibroacoustic therapies into a single treatment, according to a press release from the luxury hotel.
A Florida property featured prominently in the popular Netflix series “Bloodline” is now for sale in the Keys. Located at 130 Palm Ln., in Plantation Key, the property was the fictional home of Kevin & Belle Rayburn, played by actors Norbert Leo Butz and Katie Finneran. Originally built in 1958, the 2,796-square-foot home comes with three bedrooms and three bathrooms , as well as a chef’s kitchen with Wolf, Sub Zero & Miele appliances, access to a nearby boat ramp, dockage and more.
Taco Dirty’s Riverview location is now permanently closed
Popular South Tampa Mexican eatery Taco Dirty expanded to Riverview about a year ago, but abruptly closed this week. The Riverview outpost, located just off 301 at 10460 Stelling Drive, was the fast-casual concept’s second location from parent company Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG).
St. Pete’s Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will giveaway 3,000 Florida native plants in November
Florida Native Plant Society is giving away thousands of plants to green thumbs. Hosted by the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, the annual Backyard Plant Giveaway returns to the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in November. Guests can expect expert tips from local Tampa Bay area nurseries, presentations on water-wise landscaping, free seedlings, youth activities and opportunities to learn more about Florida’s native plants.
After a long summer packed with political controversy for the Tampa Sports Authority, the tax-payer funded organization that books Raymond James Stadium is now making a safe, non-political pivot to Kenny Chesney, a guy who says it’s “not his place to tell people how to think or how to vote.” Yesterday, TSA announced that the 58 year-year-old country singer will kick off his “Original Vibe Room Tour” at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium this spring.
Tampa‘s La La’s Sangria Bar closes in Channelside District
After a little more than six years, La La’s Sangria Bar abruptly closed its doors last weekend. The Channelside District watering hole took to social media on Sunday, Sept. 13, to announce that both La La’s Sangria Bar and the La La’s Sports Lounge would officially close that evening. “With heavy hearts we’re saying goodbye,” wrote La La’s. “After 6 incredible years, today, September 13th – marks the final day that La La’s Sangria Bar and Sportslounge doors will be open.
Safety Harbor’s The Tides Market listed among ‘America’s Best Restaurants’ by New York Times
The New York Times released its annual “America’s Best Restaurants” list today, and local seafood favorite The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions was the only Tampa Bay restaurant to make the cut. Tin Tin in Miami was the only other Florida restaurant featured. Located at 305 Main St., The Tides is no stranger to praise. In 2025, the half grocery store and half counter service spot was listed among Michelin Guide’s recommended restaurants, and remained on the list again in 2026.
Tampa’s historic Maas house is now for sale on Bayshore Boulevard
The century-old home of Isaac Maas, co-founder of “Greater Tampa’s Greatest Store,” is now on the market in Old Hyde Park. Located at 907 Bayshore Blvd., the estate was completed in 1923 for Maas, who along with his brother Abe, founded Maas Brothers Department stores, which at its peak was Florida’s largest department store south of Jacksonville. The Maas home was designed by architect Franklin O.
Macklemore removed from Tampa show with Ed Sheeran following ‘Free Palestine’ statements
Credit: Macklemore/Facebook Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is among a handful of venues that will not feature Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s current “Loop Tour,” after the “Thrift Shop” artist made a series of statements at recent shows in support of Palestinians and called for a “free Palestine.” In a Monday morning statement shared with Rolling Stone, the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, told the publication that they “have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that...
Former Tampa Bay Lightning star Alex Killorn is selling his Davis Islands home
It’s been roughly three years since Alex Killorn left the Tampa Bay Lightning, and now the waterfront home where the star forward launched his popular jet-ski-based podcast Dock Talk with Killer is for sale on Davis Islands. Located at 603 Marmora Ave. the home was purchased by Killorn in 2018 for $2.8 million, according to property records.
Macklemore removed from Tampa show with Ed Sheeran following ‘Free Palestine’ statements
Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium is among a handful of venues that will not feature Macklemore during Ed Sheeran’s current “Loop Tour,” after the “Thrift Shop” artist made a series of statements at recent shows in support of Palestinians and called for a “free Palestine.” In a Monday morning statement shared with Rolling Stone, the tour’s promoter, Messina Touring Group, told the publication that they “have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a...
There are ‘$10 million reasons’ not to vote for Ashley Moody, says Angie Nixon
Three weeks after her double-digit victory in the Florida Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Angie Nixon is making her case to general election voters by linking GOP incumbent Ashley Moody to Donald Trump, saying she “rubber-stamps everything he does.” The Jacksonville state representative is also referencing Moody’s involvement in the Hope Florida saga.
New café Pura Vida Miami opens in downtown Tampa this week
Is Tampa the next Miami? Well, the verdict is still out, but a popular South Florida restaurant chain is about to debut in Tampa’s Water Street neighborhood. Fast-casual well-ness café chain Pura Vida Miami will officially open this Thursday, Sept. 10 at 1038 Water St., in the former Dwell & Company location.
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