Legislators grappling with gambling reform in Tallahassee said last week they want to phase out greyhound racing.
A Derby Lane spokeswoman said the track still wants to run dogs while offering poker and slot machines, but if the track's days are numbered, I can't help but think the Gandy Boulevard location could be the home of a new Rays stadium. It would put the team closer to Tampa and Clearwater, and the elevated six-lane roadway under construction on Gandy from Interstate 275 to Fourth Street will improve traffic. Talk has centered on moving the team to Tampa, but keeping the stadium in Pinellas County allows for an easier political solution. …
Once again, Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST) will draw attention to challenges facing juveniles tonight with a rally at 7 at Tropicana Field. The group is pushing for law enforcement to use more civil citations to keep youth who commit non-serious offenses from ending up with criminal records. Do kids really have a second chance if we tie an anchor around their necks? …
Seen on a bumper sticker: My Life Is An Endless Battle Against Maturity. …
So the U.S. Supreme Court wipes out limits on aggregate political contributions and state House Speaker Will Weatherford champions the decision as a free speech protection. I guess he's not familiar with the great American philosopher P. Diddy, who once eloquently stated, "Mo' money, mo' problems." The decision invites corruption. …
From 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, I'll appear on a panel at the Ruskin Firehouse Cultural Center with fellow Tampa Bay Times columnist Dan Ruth and the Tampa Tribune's Steve Otto. Nothing but a party.
That's all I'm saying.