Use your completed bouquet to festoon your table or your desk. | Photo via @theroamingpetal
We’ve all been there. You pick up way too many fresh peonies and eucalyptus at Trader Joe’s, then get home and have zero ideas on how to form the blooms into an Instagram-worthy arrangement.
Luckily, there are lots of local shops + businesses that offer classes and parties to improve your floral wizardry. We put together a bouquet.
Odds are you’ve peeped some of 2Birds Events’ incredible floral designs at your bestie’s wedding. The luxe local florist offers classes for groups of up to eight people. You choose the color scheme and style of arrangement, and they’ll bring unusual + jaunty stems out at their studio for a crash course. Then the team will deliver the centerpieces to your event.
Not into cut flowers? Tampa’s Cactus Moon hosts “Succulent Saturdays” every third Saturday of the month. At the event, you make your own box and fill it with long-lasting plants. Pro tip: The local spot also offers workshops at Armature Works, so you can grab a brew at Bar AW or pie at Ava with your new pals.
Make beautiful arrangements, and maybe even some new local friends at a Florafête Bouquet Bar class.
St. Pete’s Florafête Bouquet Bar offers tutorials on creating everything from flower crowns and wreaths to statement pieces. A “Bouquet Bartender” will come straight to your home for a two-hour private group class.
Whether you want to learn how to style seasonal blooms or just want to take better care of your house plants, Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft has tons of great workshop options. Next month, the studio is offering sessions on creating vibrant, tropical bouquets.
Looking to impress your bridal shower or happy hour guests? Book The Roaming Petal for a bouquet bar or arrangement class with seasonal blooms — they handle the entire setup. Plus, the shop offers workshops at Toast the Hostess (2635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg), St. Pete’s adorable bungalow gathering space.
Did we miss your fave floral studio? Let us know, and we’ll share with the class.
Events
Friday, June 16
Tampa Bay Restaurant Week | Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | Across Tampa Bay | Price of purchase | Take advantage of prix fixe menu items and drink specials at participating restaurants — just mention Tampa Bay Restaurant Week.
Saturday, June 17
Father’s Day at Tampa Bay Automobile Museum | Saturday, June 17-Sunday, June 18 | Times vary | Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park | $5-$14 | Roam vintage vehicles from Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the US — dads get in for $5.
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration: Arts, History & Equity | Saturday, June 17-Monday, June 19 | Times vary | Locations vary | $0-$30 | Take on the R.O.C. the Block festivities, shop vendors at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and enjoy free admission to Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Bay History Center on Juneteenth itself.
Duran Duran | Saturday, June 17 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $51-$1,435 | The legendary alt-rock band takes the stage on its “Future Past” tour.
Sunday, June 18
Father’s Day Glass Blowing | Sunday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Gott Glass Studio and Gallery, 811 E. Knollwood St., Tampa | $220 | Spend a day with dad learning how to shape hot glass into two pieces of glass art — each ticket is good for two people.
Father’s Day Beer Release | Sunday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Various locations | Price of purchase | Pull on those New Balances and stop by to try out the new “Big Dad Energy” Helles lager — plus take advantage of Father’s Day specials.
Bay Area Riders Father’s Day Celebration | Sunday, June 18 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa | Free | Stop by for the club’s 9th anniversary party with barbecue, a bouncy house, and plenty of bikes.
Monday, June 19
Arts Legacy Remix: Third Annual Juneteenth Commemoration | Monday, June 19 | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | Free | This Juneteenth commemoration features spoken remembrances and a special performance of music, poetry, and dance — weather permitting.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Addison Davis announced he will step down from his role. The leader has been at the district’s helm since January 2020 and will serve his last day on Friday, July 14. (WUSF News)
Civic
Tampa city officials will raise a flag in honor of Juneteenth this morning. Head over to Old City Hall (315 E. Kennedy Blvd.) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to watch the ceremony + enjoy a festival at Lykes Gaslight Park. The event features a SoulWalk story-sharing station, 24 arts and cultural exhibitors, and eateries.
Development
Pinellas County will spend $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars on community projects with the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Inc., and nine other organizations. The city commission approved the funding use earlier this week. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Transit
So long, farewell. St. Pete is likely saying goodbye to the Central Avenue Trolley. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority leadership plans to cut trolley services and some late night bus services in hopes of trimming down expenses. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Health
The Bayfront Health Emergency Room & Medical Pavilion – Crossroads celebrated its grand opening earlier this week. The new medical center broadens access to emergency medical care in West St. Pete. The $37 million facility includes a 14,000-sqft emergency room, 12 exam rooms, and two resuscitation rooms. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Plan Ahead
Pridetopia takes over the Edge District next Saturday, June 24 starting at 8 p.m. The district’s shops and eateries will serve up special deals, later hours, and live music. (I Love the Burg)
Open
Welcome to town, Dirty Shirley. The new restaurant and bar opened up this week in the old 2nd & Second location (201 2nd Ave. N., St. Pete). Stop by for alcoholic milkshakes, cocktails, and eats with retro flair. (I Love the Burg)
Announced
Bookmark this spot for your next rainy day. Eleven8 Fun, a massive adventure land, just opened in the Citrus Park Mall. The 125,000-sqft center is open seven days a week + features glow-in-the-dark mini golf, rock climbing, and go-karts. (That’s So Tampa)
Drink
It’s time to spread your wings. Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen just opened up near the USF campus (11109 N. 30th St.). The 42,000-sqft space boasts a beer garden, five bars, and an indoor and outdoor dining space. Check out the menu. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Real Estate
Key’s in the conch shell; come on in.Coquina Cabanas, a new townhome community in Southeast St. Pete, is now taking reservations. The brightly colored, three story homes start at $749,000. (St. Pete Rising)
Kids
School may be out for the summer, but there are still places for kids to get a healthy, free lunch. No Kid Hungry’s interactive map and texting service lets you pinpoint the closest food bank. (WUSF News)
Award
Roost in Water Street recently stole the No. 1 spot on Trip Advisor for hotels in Tampa. Bask in the perks of this boutique hotel combined with the comforts of your own apartment (think: coffee curated by La Colombe, Le Labo bath products, lush SFERRA linens), plus weekly housekeeping + 24-hour concierge service.*
Edu
At Indiana University, they see potential, not scores. (Read: Choosing test-optional admissions can give your aspiring college student more confidence and lead to stronger outcomes.) Discover how your student can succeed in Bloomington, IN (AKA the best college town in America). Learn more.*
Wellness
Looking to boost focus? Try NativePath’s Antarctic Krill Oil — a powerful blend of Omega-3s and antioxidants that can support energy levels and overall wellness. Learn more.*
We know, we know. You might be experiencing a little decision fatigue after checking out our robust events lineup for this weekend. We apologize, but we have just one more idea to toss in the hat.
This month, the Market at Water Street is hosting a Pride Month Celebration Sunday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Now for the hairy stuff. A Florida black bear was spotted trailing the fence at Tampa International Airport earlier this week. Authorities trapped the bear late Wednesday night, and he’s now living it up in Ocala National Forest.
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