Tampa Bay Rants and Raves is a weekly airing of national and local politics, sports, lifestyles and historical notes from a very politically incorrect viewpoint. As always, beware - some of what is printed here should not be taken literally.

First thing on our mind (compliments of Charles Schulz’ Snoopy):

I’ve reached the age when my train of thought often leaves the station without me.

Leading off: Message not received

A brief history lesson: Some 30 years ago, the Clearwater City Commission sent a very unofficial message to the management of Ruth Eckerd Hall that programming like Angels in America probably wasn’t the best choice for the venue that received support from city government. Message received – a shot across the bow, if you will. Now an even more conservative village, Pensacola, is grappling with its community venue, The Saenger Theatre, also publicly funded, over programming. The theatre, which does its own programming, has chosen to present A Drag Queen Christmas two days before Christmas, and, worse, during the city’s family friendly Winterfest celebration. Turns out, the city’s agreement with the theatre does allow for city oversight of programming. As of now, 14 weeks before Christmas, the situation remains unresolved. Stay tuned.

Tampa Bay, politics and notes:

Father Ray Lettre, who passed away late last month, was a remarkable man. A successful business man who at mid-life, following the passing of his wife and their children grown, turned to the priesthood and served the Diocese of St. Petersburg for many years. He was 95.

Also passing last week was long time friend Bob Jill. Bob was a stalwart in his community and his church. His wife, Sharon, and our Saintly Wife were colleagues of many years at St. Cecelia Interparochial School. Our condolences to Sharon and their children, Jennifer and Brian.

The last two editions of TBRR have totaled nearly 2000 words, far above the 800 or so per week, for which we strive. This week, we promise a leaner, meaner edition.

A tip of the cap to the Double Eagle fishing crew who plucked a distressed fisherman out of the Gulf last week, saving his life. It’s not the first time this fleet has come to the rescue of a stranded boatman.

The 5:05 Newsletter’s Sacramento Bureau reports: California legislature has issued a commercial truck driver’s license to Stevie Wonder under a new law passed to combat discrimination against visually impaired people among truck drivers. 

This week in 1908 (Sept. 16) The General Motors Corporation is founded.

Sports, media and other notes:

Someone we’d like to meet: Vanessa Williams who captained the renovation of the stately Vinoy in St. Pete.

He was kind of Billy Martin Light, a scrappy second baseman turned successful manager who could win everything – except frequent arguments with front offices. Davy Johnson, the last man to skipper the Mets to a World Championship, died last week at age 82.

Many fear the release of veteran shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (immediately snapped up by Atlanta) is a harbinger of cost cutting under the new Rays’ ownership.

Is it just our imagination or do the Phillies play like 125 games at home every year?

Get used to hearing the name Emeka Egbuka.

USF jumps to #15 after their win over the Gators, who go from #18 to 37 in the latest Athletic 136. FSU and Miami stay at #3 and 4. Other state schools, UCF #81despite a 2-0 start. Florida Atlantic is #117 while FIU is #124. In the basement this week, UMass after getting blown out by Temple.

So, does anyone miss Ellen?

You’ve lived in Clearwater a long time if you remember Smith’s Finger and surrounds with Pierce 100, the Municipal Auditorium, Al Jones’ Bait Stand, the Sea Fever and WTAN AM/FM. Only Pierce 100 remains there today.

One last thing: World Series droughts

The Dodgers, Brewers and Yanks are the top three betting choices to win the 2025 World Series. Should the Brewers win, it would be their first ever World Championship going back to their founding (as the Seattle Pilots) in 1969. Their drought is matched by the San Diego Padres. The Mariners, founded in 1977, have never won the Series. Other lengthy droughts among this year’s contenders are the Mets (39 years); Blue Jays (32years); Phils (17 years) and, surprisingly, the Yanks (16 years). All the other contenders have won within the past ten years.

UP NEXT: Nixon-JFK; Three Days in January; Life’s lessons

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