Established in 2014, Tampa Bay Rants and Raves is a weekly airing of local and national news, sports and historical notes from a politically incorrect viewpoint.

First thing on our mind:

Early voting for November is upon us. On the national level, the choice is clear: Socialism vs. Democracy.

Leading off: Prospect Towers

There’s good news (mostly) in the city of Clearwater and Pinellas County’s decision to revert Prospect Towers to affordable housing. The good news, of course, is that a couple making under $50,000 will have a chance at a decent residence in today’s troubled economy. Some 200 units will be available at the landmark building on Chestnut Street downtown. The bad news is nearly a third of the people currently living there make more than the guidelines and will have to move. Here, the parties involved need to step up and make that move as painless as possible. The other bad news is the change back to affordable housing comes too late for the people, one an acquaintance, who were cast adrift four years ago.

Tampa Bay, politics and notes:

We just learned this past week of the passing of Merrett Stierheim, who had a significant impact on Pinellas County as the City Manager of Clearwater and later Pinellas’ County Administrator. Merrett, who later distinguished himself in several South Florida positions, died in July at 90.

A non-partisan study shows that Professor Kamala’s economic plan will cost the U.S. 800,000 jobs. It would be fitting if all 800,000 of those jobholders vote for her.

To the list of wackadoos in the Democratic Party (Dr. Jill, Hilary, Kamala, Nancy) add Gwen Walz. Her recent antics take the cake – perhaps a cake laced with Xanax

Speaking of Democracy (see very top item), the largest democracy in the world is not the U.S., but India (thanks TL).

We know this will shock you, but last week, a 62-year-old Philadelphia resident pleaded guilty to four counts of casting multiple ballots in a federal election.

Interesting headline in the Atlanta Journal Constitution last week: It read “Will abortion be the deciding issue?” In a realm much larger than the 2024 election, the answer is without question, yes.

Add the iconic heavy equipment maker Caterpillar to the list of companies putting DEI policies in the circular file.

This week 100 years ago (Oct. 1) the 39^th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter was born in Plains, Ga.

Sports, media and other notes:

From the 5:05 Newsletter: The Boeing Starliner astronauts stranded in space for 80 days will not return home until February, 2025. For their return, I think it would be fun for every human being on earth to purchase an ape costume for the best prank ever!

Our local stations, particularly Channels 9 and 13 did a bang-up job covering Hurricane Helene.

And we reward a B to Duke Power and Spectrum for their responses to wide spread outages.

Idle thought: Helene (and Helen) are nice names that seem to have gone away. Our Mom’s best friend was a Helene – and a lovely lady.

Number of the week: 400 – the number of consecutive sellouts for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team – a NCAA record.

The Athletic 134 still has Texas at the top and Kent State at the bottom. Florida schools – Miami (6); UCF (up to 33); UF (66); FSU (75); USF (slips to 78); Florida Atlantic and FIU (114-15 respectively). And the team we have our eye on, James Madison up to 44.

The Reds’ David Bell became the first offseason managerial casualty (actually six games prior to the offseason). Oddity – Bell is the only Reds manager any of his team has ever played for.

Have you ever noticed how much the Mets’ and Phils’ lead announcers sound alike? And both are just as annoying as the other, reflecting their fan base. The best today remains the Giants’ Jon Miller.

Factoid: Four NFL teams have not made the playoffs in this decade. They are the Broncos, Falcons, Jets and the Panthers.

Sign in the 50s style Hwy. 441 Diner in Tavares: $5.00 Charge For Whining.

One last thing: The postseason

One thing for sure, this will be the 24^th year in a row with no repeat World Series winner.

Of the 12 teams who qualified for the playoffs – who won’t win – Arizona*, Detroit, Kansas City and New York Mets*. Those who could win: Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston and San Diego. Who should win – LA, Milwaukee, Philly and the Yanks. Who will win – Philly.

*= Assuming they make it.

MVPs – Judge and Lindor. Cy Youngs – Sale and Skubal.

Pitchers and Catchers report – Feb. 10, 2025.

NEXT UP: Putin & laughing girl; Space junk; A non-vote

092924/528

Sorry, time does not permit replies to comments.