Sunshine City Magazine
Mailers sent to Florida public workers are rife with disinformation about the state’s new union bill | Florida News | Tampa
Photo via johntfox/Twitter
Recycling common anti-union talking points, the green and orange mailer warns recipients against allowing themselves to be misled by labor unions, which, in Florida, have gone into overdrive in recent months to recruit new members ahead of SB 256’s implementation.
A recent political mailer in Florida tied to an out-of-state think tank is spreading what union leaders describe as “disinformation” surrounding a new union law approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last month.
The mailer, produced by the Freedom Foundation—a conservative, billionaire-backed nonprofit—began making the rounds on Twitter last weekend, showing a bulleted list of items regarding the new law (SB 256).
“What does SB 256 really mean for you?” one section reads. A bigger paycheck, it says. The decision to join or to not join a union (as if workers hadn’t had that choice already).
“Don’t be tricked into giving the union your bank account or credit card number,” the mailer reads on one side, with, “Don’t let the union mislead you” printed on the other.
A lobbyist for the Freedom Foundation, Russell “Rusty” Brown, confirmed to Orlando Weekly that the target of this mailer campaign—dubbed “Union Oversight”—is all of Florida’s public employees, at least a third of whom stand to be affected by the new law. It’s meant to offer transparency, Brown said. To inform.
But the president of Florida’s statewide teachers union, representing over 150,000 school staff, blasted the campaign. “I think the flyer is full of misinformation,” Florida Education Association president Andrew Spar told Orlando Weekly. It’s an insult to teachers, professors and other employees in Florida, he said, “and it’s not going to work.”
Recycling common anti-union talking points, the green and orange mailer warns recipients against allowing themselves to be misled by labor unions, which, in Florida, have gone into overdrive in recent months to recruit new members ahead of SB 256’s implementation.
Just when you thought it was safe to open your mailbox in Tampa, FL…
Elections end, but negative mail endures. pic.twitter.com/vAx6zWsJe0
— John T. Fox (@johntfox) June 10, 2023
The new law, years in the making, has been criticized as a measure designed to weaken Florida’s public sector unions and which could, consequently, hurt working families.
During public testimony, one self-described Republican worker likened the proposal to his ex-wife (not in a good way—the misogynistic tone is noted). Others called it an “anti-freedom” bill, a “union busting” bill, and expressed concern that their union—and, by extension, the benefits it afforded them—could be in jeopardy if it passed.
Among other things, the law bans payroll deductions of union dues effective July 1 (for those who are already voluntarily signed up for union membership). It also requires unions to maintain a membership rate of at least 60% of workers eligible, and requires audited financial statements that are made available to union members.
Unions representing police, firefighters, correctional and probation officers (unions which generally support Republican candidates for office) are excluded from most of the bill’s provisions.
Although a less than ideal motivator, it’s spurred a powerful momentum to organize. Spar told Orlando Weekly that the Florida Education Association’s local affiliates, for instance, have recruited 8,000 new members in the last month.
Amid an ongoing, “massive” teacher shortage, as well as an exodus of teachers from the profession, he said this means in practice, they’re 5,000 union members up from the previous school year.
Education unions, a longstanding political punching bag for DeSantis, were considered the primary target of SB 256. They sued the state shortly after the measure was signed into law.
“There’s no doubt that this legislation is harming our ability to collect dues, it’s harming our ability to represent the interests of our members. It’s undermining our constitutional right to collectively bargain our working conditions,” said Andrew Gothard, president of the state’s full-time faculty union, the United Faculty of Florida. “We are looking forward to our day in court,” he told Orlando Weekly.
Education unions have also long been a target of the Freedom Foundation, which is backed by the likes of the pro-privatization Charles Koch (and his brother David, before his 2019 death) and the family of former U.S Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
Based in the state of Washington, the organization claims to “advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited, accountable government.”
It’s one of several conservative think tanks that lobbied in favor of Florida’s new law, as they’ve done for similar proposals in other states. On its website, the organization enthusiastically describes Florida’s new law as “the most aggressive state labor reform in decades.”
Brown, the Freedom Foundation lobbyist, told Orlando Weekly his organization is “pro-worker,” and said he prefers that term to “anti-union.”
“Everything that we advocate for, it’s for employees’ rights,” Brown said.
Well, the right to opt out of union membership, that is (which workers in Florida can, and have been able to do even prior to this new law’s implementation). Their group’s Twitter profile, which says they’re “fighting public sector unions,” leaves little doubt as to which side they’re on.
Spar had his own choice words to describe the nature of the organization’s work.
“This is an organization that’s made it clear they’re trying to hide who they are,” he said. “They are not transparent. This is an organization that is funded by dark money.”
Gothard added that it’s telling that the only organization “sending out this nonsense” isn’t even based in Florida.
A deliberate attempt at spreading ‘disinformation’
The Freedom Foundation mailer, first sent out to households this month, with another round expected to hit mailboxes within the next week, offers several examples of misleading information about the new law—or “disinformation” (that is, a willful attempt to mislead), according to the FEA.
One bullet point, explaining the new law, reads, “If you are paying dues, you are going to see your check go up!”
When questioned about this line, Brown said this was a reference to the law’s ban on automatic payroll deductions of union dues.
Meaning, sure, your paycheck will be a smidgen fatter if your dues aren’t being taken out of it. But, if you’re a union member who wants to remain a union member (something that is completely voluntary and intentional), you’ll still be paying those dues in some way regardless, even if it’s not coming directly from your paycheck.
The Freedom Foundation has a years-old tradition of sending anti-union mailers to public employees in various states, characterizing unions as greedy businesses. In a Halloween mailer they send out to public sector workers annually, the organization describes unions as “money-sucking vampires.”
The Freedom Foundation itself reported nearly $10 million in total revenues in 2021, and $8.3 million in expenses according to a tax form obtained by ProPublica. Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe reported a total compensation package of $417,638 in 2021, and the group itself “sucked” $10.1 million in contributions and grants from donors last year.
It’s received over $33 million in contributions since 2017. But the group likes to point fingers at labor unions’ coffers. Within their new mailer, they warn recipients not to be “tricked” into giving their credit card or bank account information to a union.
This is likely a reference to a new dues payment system (“eDues”) that unions across the state have rolled out in order to comply with the law’s ban on automatic payroll deductions. Unions statewide have been urging their members to sign up for the alternative electronic dues collection system ASAP to avoid being kicked off the membership rolls.
Utilizing anti-union language that might be familiar to Orlando Weekly readers, the mailer also paints unions as a “middle man,” a third party. It demonstrates a misunderstanding about what unions are: workers coming together, as a collective, to advocate for a voice on the job and the conditions under which they labor.
“Unions are run by the members,” said Spar, the teachers union president. Referring to the union as a “middle man” is blatantly untrue, he added. “The members are the union.”
A teachers union in Minnesota also recently warned their members about a Freedom Foundation mailer distributed there, where state leaders recently passed major pro-union legislation.
Brown confirmed his organization is targeting public employees in several states that have similarly advanced measures affecting organized labor and labor relations.
Florida’s measure this year, however, was the biggest deal—a major reform package. And that hasn’t been lost on the state’s union leaders, who’ve been fighting similar proposals in the state legislature for years.
“Folks in Florida, particularly in Florida higher ed, we’re not dummies,” said Gothard. “We know when individuals and groups are trying to manipulate us and mislead us, and try to harm us for their own political gain.”
“We’re not having any of it,” he added.
This story first appeared in our sibling publication Orlando Weekly.
Sunshine City Magazine
Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa
Kicking off Shuffle’s weekend-long, six-year anniversary party, Seek the Light Media—a woman-owned media company run by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay contributor Yvonne Gougelet—is hosting its first-ever Women In Music Showcase this weekend.
A press release notes that along with March being National Women’s Month, the acoustic-based event—which includes a set from uke-weilding songwriter Ari Chi—was partially inspired by the need to raise awareness around a constant lack of diversity on gig lineups.
There’s no cover to get into the Women In Music Showcase happening on Friday, March 15, but donations to keep Tampa’s beloved woman-owned shuffleboard hotspot up and running will be greatly appreciated.
To close out its anniversary weekend, Shuffle—located at 2612 N Tampa St.—welcomes Lauris Vidal, his one-man band, a special “Tom Waits giving a hug to Paul Simon” vocal style, along with Tribal Style—the reggae roots outfit that came up in the Southern California scene before becoming a staple in the Bay area.
There’s no cover for any of the Shuffle six-year anniversary concerts happening Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 at Tampa Shuffle.
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Six local projects that encompass everything from uplifting South St. Petersburg communities to clean energy initiatives will benefit from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s federal appropriations success.
The congresswoman recently secured $14 million in area Community Priority Grants, with $5.5 million directly benefitting St. Petersburg organizations. Castor was particularly proud of receiving $1.5 million – her full ask – for the Enoch Davis Center.
The facility at 111 18th Ave. S. is named after a prominent local civil rights activist. Mayor Ken Welch called the center “vital but dated” when he announced plans in May 2023 to transform it into a state-of-the-art community hub.
“I love that one because I’m at the Enoch Davis Center a lot,” Castor told the Catalyst. “Those modern, up-to-date community centers are more important than ever.”
The federal grant will fund assessment, pre-construction and energy-efficiency costs. Welch previously noted the facility’s expansive upgrades will support neighborhood health and safety and provide “technology and tools to excel in our competitive 21st-century economy.”
Castor explained that the Inflation Reduction Act also allows local governments and organizations to receive rebates for sustainability efforts, like solar panels. “When you help the city save money, you help our neighbors save money, too,” she said.
“So, you’re going to see those kinds of investments … really ramp up,” Castor added. “And boy, do we need it – because our electric bills are out of sight.”
She also secured over $1.1 million for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The agency will use the money to convert its bus fleet to electric motors.
The federal funding will also help PSTA electrify its St. Petersburg Pier tram system. Castor called it a “great demonstration” of clean energy benefits due to the vehicles’ “high profile.”
“I was out there on The Pier about a week and a half ago, and they run all the time,” she said. “They’re gas-powered. And if you’re sitting behind the engine, it’s not great.”
From left, PSTA CEO Brad Miller and Congresswoman Kathy Castor discuss the SunRunner service with local resident and frequent rider Christopher Winters. Photo by Ashley Morales.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg emerged as a big winner in the grant cycle. The Coastal Resilience Data Visualization Center at the College of Marine Science and the Disrupt Human Trafficking Data Project will each receive $963,000.
Coastal Resilience Center officials will use the funding for scientific planning, threat simulations and public outreach activities. Castor noted the city and state are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense storms and sea-level rise.
In addition, the nation experienced the hottest February in recorded history. Castor said people need up-to-date information on where to build and live safely.
“Hopefully, this informs policymakers to help them steer development away from the most dangerous areas,” she said. “It comes back to how people are feeling in their pocketbooks, with insurance costs. We really have to give people better tools and a better understanding of what a changing climate will mean for them.”
USFSP’s Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab will use the Community Grant funding to develop a statewide data repository called TIPSTR. The program will assist law-enforcement investigations, mitigate gaps in victim services, develop prevention programs and help discern the problem’s magnitude.
An $850,000 grant will support the Deuces Rising development, formerly the Sankofa project. It will provide 24 homeownership opportunities along the 22nd Street South (the Deuces) corridor for those earning below 80% of the area median income.
The public subsidy for each unit in the long-discussed development is just under $500,000. Castor said she “thought it was worthwhile to try to help lower the cost of the affordable housing portion.”
“This may turn out to be a one-two punch,” Castor added. “It (funding) is not at the level I sought. If it will qualify next year, I may come back and try to do another tranche for that.”
The Pinellas County Urban League will receive $81,130 for new computers and updated technological infrastructure. The goal is to increase reliable digital access to bolster economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Castor called the Urban League one of her “most valuable partners” in St. Pete. She said organizational leadership relayed their struggle to keep pace with continuously evolving technology.
Castor said securing the funding was easy as it aligned with congressional economic development initiatives. She also noted that the Urban League plays a prominent role in lowering local electricity costs by helping low-income residents weatherize their homes.
“The summers are so hot and go on for a longer period of time, and that impacts you if you work outside and want to enjoy our beautiful Sunshine City,” Castor said. “I don’t hear the climate skeptics that I used to … because the economics of it are right in front of them.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor was named the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Champion in March 2023. Photo provided.
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner once again, and it’s always the best excuse to get a little buck-wild in between the forced romance of Valentine’s Day and the moral obligation of Easter and Mother’s Day. Dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues throughout Tampa Bay are throwing a wide range of parties, street festivals, brunches and even kid-friendly festivities to celebrate the beloved drinking holiday—and here are the best 20-ish celebrations we could find.
Did we miss your St. Patrick’s Day party? Submit your event to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s calendar, then email [email protected] to be added to this event roundup.
The ‘Biggest’ St. Paddy’s Day Party Palm Harbor’s go-to deli hosts a full week of food specials and live entertainment to commemorate its favorite holiday—from drinking tunes from The Irish Ramblers to bagpipe performances and traditional Irish step dance. Indulge in classic Lucky Dill dishes like its reuben egg rolls, hot pastrami sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage, plus whiskey tastings and giveaways on select days. Tuesday-Sunday, March 12-17. No cover. Various times. Lucky Dill Deli, 33180 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor. @LuckyDillDeli on Facebook
21st Annual MacPatrick Fest South Tampa hotspot MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been hosting its multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past 21 years, and that just may be the median age of partygoers at 2024’s installment this weekend. Each day features its own drink specials, themes and giveaways, but Sunday’s “Green Kegs” breakfast, open bar and live entertainment is certainly the fest’s finale. Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. $15 & up. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. macdintons.com
St. Paddy’s Punk & Roll Cage Brewing hosts its own mini-fest featuring over 15 local musicians that will take turns sharing its outdoor stage this weekend, plus booze-friendly eats courtesy of Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover (RSVP encouraged.) Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend & Irish Coffee Stout Release Move over green beer, there’s a new holiday brew in town. Crooked Thumb Brewery releases its exclusive Irish Coffee Stout, plus live music and food trucks all weekend-long. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, 555 10th Ave S, Safety Harbor. crookedthumbbrew.com.
Sips & Shenanigans Brunch Get some grub before Tampa’s River O’Green festival at Melting Pot Social’s special holiday brunch, complete with bottomless green mimosas, corned beef and cabbage and other classic brunch fare. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. Melting Pot Social, 105 West Tyler St., Tampa. meltingpotsocial.com
Corey Avenue Street Party 2024’s rendition of this annual block party coincides with one of its longtime sponsors, Swigwam Beach Bar, but this all-day St. Patrick’s Day gig will definitely continue throughout Corey Avenue’s 300 Block. Soggy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats and Full Throttle provide entertainment. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. 300 Block of Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. @SwigwamBeachBar on Facebook.
St. Patrick’s Day Party & Mini-golf Tournament Largo’s resident farm and petting zoo hosts way more than kid’s birthday parties, as evidenced by its debut St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. Flex your putting skills at its mini-golf tournament or relax with a beer and plate of corned beef and cabbage. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover (farm tours cost $10 per person). DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. dkfarmsandgardens.com
Get Lucky Block Party Whiskey shots out of an ice luge and an open bar from 5 p.m.-7p.m. are the main draws of Bar HWRD’s holiday banger, which can either be a launching pad or end cap for a night of partying in South Tampa. Saturday, March 16. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $10-$20. Bar HWRD, 302 South Howard Ave., Tampa. barhwrdtampa.com
River O’Green The City of Tampa’s family-friendly river-dyeing party returns to Curtis Hixon Park this weekend with kid activities, live entertainment, food trucks and green beer (for the parents.) Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. No cover. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampasdowntown.com
St. Patrick’s Day Bash by the Beach This beach-adjacent hotel hosts a night filled with whiskey tastings, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, live music and Irish-themed cocktails. 7Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-8 p.m. No cover, Eventbrite RSVP recommended. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Dr.,Clearwater. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com
2nd Annual Paddyfest Perhaps one of the most—if not the most—kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations returns to the heart of St. Pete this weekend, with tons of activities and entertainment in tow. Paddyfest St. Pete hosts a multitude of festivities including dozens of local vendors, food trucks slinging both Irish and American fare, whiskey tastings, a dedicated kids zone, live music and dancing, a wide variety of brews on tap and athletic performances from FSA Highland, a Florida-based organization that specializes in traditional Scottish sports like shot put, caber toss and sheaf toss.
Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-9 p.m. No cover. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. paddyfeststpete.com
Mary Margaret’s St. Patrick’s Weekend This Central Avenue-adjacent bar offers Irish vibes year-round, but they’re usually kicked up a notch during its weekend-long party, which includes live music, bagpipers, specials like corned beef and cabbage and tons of Guinness to wash it all down. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. 29 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend Both days of Slizzy Mcgees’ annual party features live music from Flo-Raw and Stealing Crowns, local food trucks, specials on traditional Irish fare and of course, tons of booze. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. Slizzy Mcgee’s, 1159 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. @Slizzymcgees on Facebook
St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl This bar crawl throughout The ‘Burg kicks off at Welcome to the Farm and continues at various neighboring bars in downtown St. Pete. Ticket holders get drinks at each stop, access to food specials and specialty, holiday-themed cocktails. Sunday, March 17. $9.99 & up. Welcome To The Farm, 242 1st Ave. N St Petersburg. pubcrawls.com
St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic Night A nice, sober or low-key option for St. Patrick’s Day if barhopping and late nights isn’t your jam. RSVPs are recommended for this free-to-attend open mic night with craft beer, wine and kava available for purchase.
Sunday, March 17. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. The Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard South Gulfport. @villagecourtyard on Facebook
Flanagan’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Billed as one of the “largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Florida,” Flanagan’s annual party features a full lineup of music and entertainment from noon-8 p.m. and lots of flowing green beer. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin. @flanagansirishpub on Facebook
8th Annual Block Party If you aren’t ready to stop drinking after Paddyfest at Williams Park, then head to The Galley’s annual festivity complete with live music, plenty of Guinness, whiskey and Irish food specials. Sunday, March 17. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. The Galley, 27 4th Street N , St. Petersburg. @TheGalleyDTSP on Facebook
Sober St. Patrick’s Day No hangover, no problem. This Clearwater kava house hosts a laid-back holiday party filled with N/A drink specials and screenings of St. Patrick’s Day-themed movies. Sunday, March 18. 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. Kava House Brand, 11141 US Highway 19 N #408 Clearwater. kavahousebrand.com
St. Patrick’s Day at Caddy’s on the Beach Caddy’s locations on Indian Rocks Beach (20025 Gulf Blvd.), Madeira Beach (14080 Gulf Blvd.), Treasure Island (9000 W Gulf Blvd.) and Johns Pass (190 Boardwalk PI.) all host their own holiday parties with cheap drinks, raffles, giveaways, live entertainment and free green tea shots for anyone rocking the color of the evening. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Various locations. caddys.com
O’Briens Irish Pub’s annual St. Patrick’s Event Step dancers, bagpipers and local acts like Noodles Magoo, The Headbang, Wyndbreakers and Nicaea provide the entertainment this weekend at Carollwood’s O’Briens Irish Pub, which just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. $20. O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. obrienspubstampa.com
O’Maddy’s Annual Waterfront Party Waterfront gulfport pub O’Maddy’s hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parties each March, and 2024’s rendition offers plenty of flowing green beer, Irish fare and music from Pete & Dean Trio, Horses Wild and The Horny Toads. Sunday, March 17. 10 a.m.-midnight. No cover. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, 5405 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. @omaddys on Facebook
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