The Mafia—Not Forgettinaboutit II

Mafia Part II Perhaps the best trailing nugget from this week’s column is Joseph Petrosino. Here, we have an Oscar-worthy narrative replete with a tragic, unlikely, and fortuitous embryogenesis. It was followed by a plucky and eccentric career at the infancy of modern law enforcement. Although parts of Joe’s Mafia-busting undertakings have been featured long…… Continue reading The Mafia—Not Forgettinaboutit II

Not Forgettinaboutit—The Mafia

My father’s memory of his days scrapping with elements of Tampa’s mafia remain a frequent topic at family dinner conversations and other moments when something or someone suddenly prompts him. Lately, this occurs when either one of “those people” from that era, or perhaps a colleague from the police department, is featured in the Tampa…… Continue reading Not Forgettinaboutit—The Mafia

Kiss Me Nots

Kiss me? Um … More from the vaults of Prof. Alex Taylor: As it appeared in the January 19, 1988 Gainesville Times, the NE Georgia page exhibits the my father discussing the history behind the mob’s “Kiss of Death.” For those not aware, Dad endured his own “examinations” by organized crime while serving in Tampa…… Continue reading Kiss Me Nots