Best of the Bay 2026
In 2026, CL readers cast roughly 1.6 million votes and selected winners and finalists in 555 categories. Our writers picked 128 critics awards. New this year are 37 honorees in the inaugural Best of the Bay All-Stars, which recognizes individuals and/or institutions that’ve won a shitload of awards over the years and made indelible positive contributions to the cultural fabric of the Bay area.
Column: Stepmother of Brian Pepal remembers her stepson, who was killed by St. Pete police
Lanette Cruz said Pepal loved and was loved by his family and dog.
Seven things Tampa residents should probably know about ‘Princess Ulele’
The woman we know as ‘Ulele’ is mentioned in only two of the five firsthand (or partially so) accounts of the expedition of Hernando de Soto, which landed in Tampa Bay in 1539.
UNPROMPTED: A Live Comedy Game Show
Third Friday of every month, 9-10 p.m.
![[Photos] Everyone we saw at Creative Loafing’s 2026 Best of The Bay party](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20261007-0437-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
