Ugh Christmas tree

Recycling your Christmas tree in Tampa Bay

When the only thing decking the halls is pine needles. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later, you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner. That doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound. Instead, we have some tips on how to put an old tree to good use.

Curbside pickup 🛻

Both Hillsborough and St. Pete will recycle your tree for you: all you have to do is bring it out to the curb for your neighborhood’s usual pick-up day. To make sure it gets properly recycled, you’ll need to remove the tinsel, garland, tree stand, and ornaments before bringing it out.

Drop-off recycling ♻️

Maybe you just can’t wait for curbside pickup. Drop the tree off yourself at one of Hillsborough County’s solid waste centers (8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa or 13000 U.S., Gibsonton) Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex (3095 114th Ave. N., St. Petersburg) or one of the county’s other locations. Be sure to properly secure the tree to your car if you opt for this route. Bonus: your holiday boxes, tissue paper, and non-foil-lined gift wrap can be dropped off at these same recycling centers.

Natural feeders 🐦

Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat + take shelter. If your property includes a pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef, giving local fish a home.

Make your own mulch 🧑‍🌾

When you take a tree to a recycling center they turn it into mulch anyway. So, why not use it for your own yard + spring garden? Ideally, you could shred the tree (for example, Home Depot has mulchers for rent), but usually by the time the holidays are over, the needles will already be falling off. You can spread them in garden beds or over the lawn.

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Today, Jan. 4

Animation Art Explorer | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tampa Museum of Art, 120 Gasparilla Pl., Tampa | $66 | Perfect for your technology-loving young artist, this one-day camp will sample a variety of ways to use the computer to make art.
Florida Heat: Wood Fire Ceramic Workshop | Wednesday, Jan. 4-Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Morean Workshop Space, 2025 3rd Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $750 | The nation’s top wood fire artists, John Balistreri, Brad Schweiger, Matt Long, and Denny Gerwin, lead participants in loading, firing, and unloading an anagama kiln.
Jubilee Celebration | Wednesday, Jan. 4-Saturday, Jan. 7 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater | $0-$35 | Enjoy extended hours filled with family fun activities, entertainment, and special moments with the resident animals.
Empire of Light (2022) | Wednesday, Jan. 4-Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | ‘Empire of Light’ is set in the waning months of 1980 in the English seaside town of Margate.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Pirates of the Florida Coast - Truths, Legends, and Myths | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7-8 p.m. | Hammock Hall Banquet Room, 3010 31st St. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Separate myth from documented historical accounts of actual Florida pirates.
Tampa Audubon Blue Bird Trail | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa | Free | Hear from local bird enthusiasts about their experiences as Bluebird Monitors at Flatwoods Park Bluebird Trail and other trails.

Friday, Jan. 6

January Vintage Market | Friday, Jan. 6-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 4-8 p.m. | Vintage Marché, 2906 34th St. S., St. Petersburg | $0-$5 | Check out 30+ vendors with thousands of square feet of treasures: vintage decor, furniture, clothing, and more.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Live & Local | Saturday, Jan. 7 | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | Free | Jam out to Proud Miranda with special guests Hovercar under the stars.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

80º | Mostly cloudy | 24% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:21 a.m.
Set: 5:47 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

Low: 8:03 a.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 11:58 a.m. + 9:19 p.m.
Low: 4:23 a.m. + 3:21 p.m.

Outdoors

An Eckerd student researcher found higher-than-normal levels of radium near oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Silje van Mierlo took the soil samples in May on an excursion through the Scientist at Sea program. The ocean’s sediment health has a direct effect on the water column and water quality. 🚰 (WUSF News)

Community

There’s now a place where all kids can play in Tampa Palms. The All-Abilities Playground opened in late December at the New Tampa Recreational Center and features rubberized + wheelchair-accessible play pieces, inclusive art, and a massive xylophone, among other things. Officials hope the space encourages kids to learn about each other’s differences. (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

The Barnes & Noble on Dale Mabry is movin’ out. The massive bookseller is starting a new chapter in Tampa by opening a significantly smaller store this February at Westshore’s Town Square Shopping Center. 📚 (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Get ready to zoom. Starting in March, drivers will be able to race up to 168 miles per hour at Tampa’s new racetrack, the Motor Enclave. The 200-acre park will offer a 1.6-mile paved track, off-road courses, an events center, and more. 🏎️ (Tampa Bay Times)

Contest

TPA’s pink lady is one step closer to being named. Judges narrowed down the 65,000+ submissions to three standouts: Cora, Finn, and Phoebe. Read up on the meaning behind the names + cast your vote for the flamingo’s forever name. 🦩

Biz

Looking for a new gig? CRU Hospitality Group is opening three new restaurants this year across Tampa + needs servers, hosts, retail workers, and bartenders. Apply online to work at Bouzy, Small Giant, or Wine on Water. (That’s So Tampa)

Plan ahead

Yer’ not gonna want to miss this. Everyone’s fave wizard and his magical friends take over the Straz Friday-Sat., March 3-4. Make a plan to see The Florida Orchestra perform the score for “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” while watching the movie on a 40-ft screen. Tickets start at $52.50. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

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What’s in and out for 2023

business happenings in Tampa bay

So long, Vineyard Vines. You will be missed. | Photo by TBAYtoday

The new year has already brought a ton of change to Tampa Bay’s business landscape — from a new waterfront spot to grab drinks to a new trendy place to get buff. But with yin comes yang; a handful of closings around town this month.

Here’s our not-so-comprehensive roundup of what’s coming to and leaving our area as we kickstart 2023.

Out: Munch’s Restaurant and Sundries | 3920 6th St S., St. Petersburg
In: The Peach Cobbler Factory | 5003 E. Fowler Ave. Suite A, Tampa

Out: Dr. BBQ | 1101 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg
In: La Cabana | 13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg

Out: Body Electric Athletic | 3015 7th St North, St. Petersburg
In: Barry’s Red Room | 1514 West Swann Ave. Tampa

Out: Elmer’s Sports Cafe | 5206 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
In: PopStroke Mini Golf | Wesley Chapel

Out: Vineyard Vines | 1623 W. Snow Ave., Tampa
In: Bouzy |1640 W. Snow Ave., Tampa

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: I love beginnings. One of my resolutions is always to spend more time outside. And with that, I recommend a visit to Walter Fuller Park (the trees are changing color).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Find a way to engage with your community or choose another 2023 resolution.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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