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Rape Survivor Writes Spoken Word Poem

Tiffani Barner, a New Tampa Zumba instructor, wrote ‘I Am,’ which touches on rape culture.

“I Am” By Tiffani Barner Before I was able to walk again I had to crawl out of this ratchet thing you inducted me into See I was already aware of its initiation process because a friend of the family took it upon himself to quote unquote “school” me during my elementary years. I was told I had to give my sweet body to one after the other so I could graduate into this thing called Life if I were to be popular. I had managed to avoid the unwanted pregnancies and demonstrative jeers but how could I defend my young life from this burglar? I found it unbearable the activity so many overlooked, supported or even approved. I had been given all the wrong lessons in this growing curriculum of rape culture. I innocently danced eagerly to Too Live …

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First Ever Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is May 25

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Students in Free Enterprise, a University of South Florida nonprofit.

Margarita fans: Unite! The inaugural Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is headed to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 2-10 p.m., on Saturday, May 25. In addition to top shelf margaritas, attendees can expect a fireworks show, beach volleyball and the sounds of four local bands. Admission is $10, but goes up to $15 on May 10. Margaritas range in price from $6 to $8. A portion of proceeds benefits a University of South Florida nonprofit called Students in Free Enterprise, said Monica Varner, who is helping organize the festival. Fresh lime juice, tequila and fresh agave nectar are some of the ingredients included in the margaritas. No mixes are allowed. Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or …

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Add Your Photos To The New Tampa Digital Scrapbook

Did you take some great photos over the weekend? Make sure you upload them to our Pics & Clips gallery.

Jonas Brothers: Are They Still ‘Hot’ with Your Teens?

The trio has announced a Tampa stop on its summer tour – a first for the brothers in three years. That has us wondering: Are these guys are still “in” with your tweens and teens?

Back in 2010 there was no question that an announcement of a Jonas Brothers’ Tampa stop was a big deal. After all, Nick, Joe and Kevin were at the top of their game with hits like “Love Bug,” “Got Me Going Crazy” and “Hey Baby” “Burnin’ Up” the charts. They even broke hearts on their own television show and guest appearances on others. Tears flowed harder than the rain when flooding forced the brothers to cancel their Sept. 8, 2010, tour date at what was then known as the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre in Tampa. Why would I know about or even remember that? No, I’m not a huge fan, but as it turns out my daughter was and she was there for her 11th birthday. To me, it seems like just yesterday that my sister-in-law called to say she had picked …

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Relay for Life to Host Next Great Vocalist Contest

Entries will be accepted until April 5.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Wiregrass and The Next Great Singer, a web-based talent search for professional singers, are organizing a vocal contest as a fundraiser. Vocalists discovered by The Next Great Singer have gone on to be featured in national television shows like America's Got Talent, The Glee Project, The Voice, HBO and Nickelodeon. The contest is open to everyone age 13 and above. The grand prize is $300 in cash and a personal website package valued at $2,500. The highlight of the contest will be live performances by finalists on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Quail Hollow Country Club in Wesley Chapel. Vocalists interested in competing should fill out an entry form and submit a video of their vocal performance…

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Library to Host Tribute to Cole Porter

The performance will take place Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library.

Enjoy the musical stylings of the Sonny Daye and Perley Rousseau as they present a selection of music from Cole Porter’s vast library of popular songs Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa. Porter was a celebrated Broadway composer of the 1920s and 1930s, known for his sophisticated wit and playful style. For more details, click here. Got an event of your own? Post word of it for free in the New Tampa Patch events calendar. ______________ New Tampa Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved. Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share your news, or add an Event to our …

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New Tampa Players Looking for Permanent Home

This "gypsy" theater group wants to settle down in the near future.

Since 2002, the New Tampa Players have brought three to four shows a year to the New Tampa area. The theater group has performed its musicals and non-musicals in and around the New Tampa area at the Hunter's Green and Tampa Palms Country Clubs, Benito Middle School, Grace Episcopal Church, Carrollwood Cultural Center and the UACC, according to Lydia Massias, who is directing the upcoming production of "Meet the American Girls" in April. But the group is hoping to settle down soon, according to Massias. "We are a gypsy theater group and are looking to find a permanent home in the near future," she said. Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. …

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