Times signs deal to deliver Creative Loafing

Times Publishing Co. said it has contracted with the alternative weekly publication Creative Loafing to deliver its products in the Tampa Bay area. Starting July 30, independent contractors who deliver the St. Petersburg Times and tbt* will also distribute Creative Loafing in the Tampa Bay area. "This arrangement will benefit both organizations as well as the independent contractors," said Craig Holley, Times and tbt* circulation manager. Creative Loafing writer and blogger Wayne Garcia reported that his paper laid off an assistant circulation director and gave two weeks' notice to 18 independent contractors who delivered print copies of the tabloid after signing the deal with the Times.