Plus, a vegan sushi spot to try.
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Today’s Forecast

74º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:49 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 11:16 a.m. + 10:01 p.m. | Low: 2:58 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 6:59 a.m. + 6:21 p.m. | Low: 12:16 p.m.
 

No, we’re not talking about the movie

Tampa Bay book clubs
Shelves of books at Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange’s bookstore stocks new releases, local Tampa authors, stationery, and more. | Photo by Wikimedia Commons
We know we have quite a few literati in the Tampa Bay area. I mean, have you seen all the bookstores around here?

Looking to join a book club or explore a new genre? Here’s a few local groups to check out:
  • Downtown Tampa’s Oxford Exchange boasts a well-stocked bookstore and is a huge literary hub within the city. The store hosts two virtual (and free) clubs: Fiction, Fantasy, and Epics and New & Noteworthy. The bookstore also hosts an in-person Oxford Exchange book club — a ticket gets you entry, wine, and light apps. Check out this month’s selections.
  • St. Pete’s bookstore that’s also a wine bar, Book + Bottle also hosts a variety of reading groups, including Fiction and New + Noteworthy groups, a Lady Leaders + Readers group, and a Genre book club. Plus, the shop also hosts a weekly Writer’s Retreat every Thursday from 12-2 p.m. Explore the picks.
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Tombolo’s romance book club poses with author Alexandria Bellefleur and her book.

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Photo by @tombolobooks

  • Armature Works also offers a monthly book club (fittingly in collaboration with OE). The group meets monthly to discuss novels selected by the bookstore at the Heights Public Market. And, your ticket includes local fare and wine from Bar AW.
  • Tombolo Books, St. Pete’s indie bookstore, offers a wealth of niche book clubs, from a Crime Travel group to a Gabber group (which focuses on Florida authors) that meets at Habana Cafe in Gulfport. In addition, the Central Avenue hub is always hosting author release parties and conversations with local authors. Check out the full list of clubs here.
  • Keep St. Pete Lit, a local nonprofit celebrating the area’s literary community, naturally hosts a monthly book club at the Factory. The nonprofit promises the meetups are “exciting, engaging, and slightly different takes on the usual book club discussions.” Check out upcoming books.
  • Want to grow your own club? Tampa’s Mojo Books & Records books its space for small book clubs. Reach out via email.
And if you host your own club, we have a treat for you too. Check out our roundup of local authors and books penned in Tampa Bay for next month’s selection.
Events
Today, May 11
  • Poetry at The Dalí | Thursday, May 11 | 6-7 p.m. | The Dalí Museum, 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg | Free | Join guest host Sheree L. Greer for a reading and conservation with local poets.
  • A Night at the Brewseum | Thursday, May 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg | $25-$800 | Sample beers from local breweries and compete against the squad in a series of minute-to-win-it games for a chance to win prizes.
  • 7th Annual Tampa International Fringe Festival | Thursday, May 11-Sunday, May 14 | 6-10:30 p.m. | Ybor City, 1700 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa | $0-$15 | Prepare for more than 30 one-hour performances like “Big Dad Energy” — plus comedy, indie music, and shows for kids.
  • Sarah Penner | Thursday, May 11 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Safety Harbor Library, 101 Second St. N., Safety Harbor | Free | Meet the New York Times bestselling author and hear about her latest book, “The London Séance Society” — book signing to follow.
Friday, May 12
  • Fashion Funds The Cure | Friday, May 12 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $125 | Take in fashion and live entertainment, and munch on great eats at this fundraiser in support of cancer research efforts.
Saturday, May 13
  • Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | Free | Head to Downtown Tampa for cultural performances, delicious delicacies, and informational exhibits.
  • Millionaires and Bootleggers: Old Southeast Walking Tour | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lassing Park, 2042 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg | $10 | Learn the history of the Bayboro House, the Polish American Club, the Coast Guard Station, and other spots in the neighborhood.
  • Pups and Pops 2.0 | Saturday, May 13 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa | Free | Bring the pups and pals along for adoptions, doggy yoga, pops, plants and flowers, cornhole, and Frisbee.
  • Mother’s Day Succulent Wreath Workshop | Saturday, May 13 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cactus Moon, 4206 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | $75 | Design and learn how to care for your own living wreath — ticket includes all supplies needed.
  • Mommy, Me, and Mimosa’s | Saturday, May 13 | 1-5 p.m. | Procure by the Women’s Creative, 734 S. Village Cir. Suite F #734, Tampa | Free | Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with mimosas and mini photo shoots.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
News Notes
Outdoors
  • Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose. Today, state environmental officials will decide on potential new boating restrictions for the legendary Weeki Wachee River. Local residents and advocates want changes before the park is “loved to death.” Listen here. (WUSF News)
Edu
  • West Tampa’s Just Elementary will close its doors. Earlier this week, Hillsborough County School Board voted 4-3 to shut the school down, citing low student reading proficiency + a high number of subs as key issues. (Tampa Bay Times)
Development
  • Valor Capital, a Clearwater-based real estate group, aims to construct more affordable luxe condo units near the Dalí Museum. The group hasn’t shared a location or timeline for the project. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Award
  • Three cheers for the Burg. Forbes just named St. Petersburg one of the best travel destinations in America. Reviewers took note of the city’s LGBTQ+ friendliness, beaches, arts, and nightlife. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
  • House of Vegano is now open on St. Pete’s Central Avenue. The eatery serves plant-based sushi, ramen, and dumplings. Check out the menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
  • The St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival takes over Vinoy Park this weekend. The waterfront event features more than 30 taco vendors, margaritas, and live music. Tickets are $12 in advance. (I Love the Burg)
  • A new pizza food truck, Cipriano Zonin, is hitting the road in Tampa starting Friday, May 19. Head to the Tiny Tap Tavern (2105 W. Morrison Ave.) from 5-8 p.m. for a free slice of za . Or stop by at Water Street Tampa’s Pawty in the Plaza Saturday, May 20 from 3-6 p.m. for another free slice. (That’s So Tampa)
For Family
  • We’ve got a Mother’s Day gift and outing all-in-one idea: Pay for a Day at ZooTampa. Plan to take mom and the fam to ZooTampa, Pay for a Day, and get Zoo entry that day — plus free access for the rest of 2023. (Yep, you read that right.)^
Shop
Travel
  • How does Going work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and get notified when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a ~$575 round trip to Fiji).*
Feel Good
  • In recognition of May encompassing National Stroke Awareness Month and National Nurses Week, we’re sharing the story of Ruth — a 59-year-old who made a childhood dream of becoming a nurse come true… until an unexpected stroke halted everything. See how Tampa General Hospital saved Ruth’s life + helped her make a remarkable recovery.^
 
Education

🎉
A toast to the teachers

How to celebrate Teacher Appreciation week in Tampa Bay
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The Rooster & the Till serves up crispy chicken thighs, gnocchi, and tons of festive drinks. | Photo via @sippinstpete
As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to thank the folks that teach Tampa Bay’s best and brightest every day — including some of you + your loved ones.

A range of Tampa Bay restaurants and coffee shops are hosting giveaways to honor educators.
  • What says appreciation quite like a free, bougie dinner? Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winning restaurant Rooster & the Till is giving away five $100 gift cards to local teachers. Enter by tagging your favorite teacher and “why you think they deserve to be wine and dined” on the restaurant’s Instagram post.
  • Kahwa Coffee is also hosting a giveaway in honor of the holiday. Nominate your favorite school on the brand’s Instagram page + they could win free coffee for all teachers and staff. Leave a comment here.
Did we miss any specials or giveaways? Let us know, and we’ll share with the class.
The Wrap
 
Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

Today’s edition by:
Bailey
From the editor
I’m still looking to share stories of the teachers and educators that have inspired you. Share your story, and it may just end up in the newsletter.
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