Don’t be alarmed if you see a fawn curled up by itself — mom is probably just out foraging. | Photo via Unsplash
For most of us, summer is a season for sunshine and relaxation. For animal rescue services, it’s also baby season.
Between February and October — but especially in the summer — you’re much more likely to come across baby animals that appear sick, injured, or abandoned. Our advice: Trust the pros.
Meet SPCA Tampa Bay
SPCA Tampa Bay rehabilitates over 7,000 orphaned, sick, and injured animals each year — including wildlife— before releasing them back to their native habitats.
Never guess when it comes to animal care. Read SPCA Tampa Bay’s species-specific care guide, then call (727) 586-3592 and leave a detailed message. But before you do…
Assess the situation
Many animals brought into wildlife rehabilitation centers aren’t actually abandoned. An animal displaying no indicators of distress or injury may just be waiting for mom. If the animal is bleeding or obviously injured, it’s time to get the experts involved.
SPCA Tampa Bay’s wildlife services should be your first stop during daylight hours, but Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists can accept injured wildlife after sunset.
Be mindful of the animal’s well-being
Don’t act immediately when you’ve determined an animal is abandoned. Human contact stresses the animal and could lead to injury and disease (to you and the animal). Human food or improper feeding techniques can also cause harm. Keep a close eye, be patient, and consult SPCA Tampa Bay or another licensed rehabilitator.
At this point, you’re in good hands. Follow their instructions to safely bring in the animal, and go cash in on your good deed for the day. Mother Nature thanks you.
Events
Tuesday, July 18
Reflections of Art: Local Artist Spotlight | Tuesday, July 18 | 5-8 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $0-$10 | Stroll through Rhys Meatyard’s meat-centric illustrations and graphic designs.
Ann Napolitano | Tuesday, July 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $28 | Join Ann Napolitano to discuss her latest release, “Hello Beautiful,” an emotional, familial tale.
Wednesday, July 19
Gallery Grooves: Live Music Broadcast with Radio St. Pete | Wednesday, July 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $0-$5 | Take in Jane Fallon’s award-winning songwriting + acoustic sounds, and a special after-hours view of the exhibitions —beverages available by donation.
Old Northeast Walking Tour | Wednesday, July 19 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 126 11th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg | $10-$20 | Learn the history of one of St. Pete’s first suburbs on a scenic walking tour — reservations recommended.
Thursday, July 20
Orioles vs. Rays | Thursday, July 20-Sunday, July 23 | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $10-$112 | Watch the Rays kick off the series against the boys from Baltimore.
Friday, July 21
Young the Giant with Milky Chance | Friday, July 21 | 7 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $37-$181 | The indie band performs hits like “My Body,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “Something to Believe In” on their 2023 tour.
Bier Fest | Friday, July 21-Sunday, Sept. 3 | Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa | $92 | The annual “slice of Bavaria” event is back, featuring more than 60 brews, live music, and German-inspired dishes — included with admission.
The redevelopment of St. Pete’s Exchange Hotel is a go. Last week, the city’s Development Review Commissioners approved Ally Capital’s plans to demolish the hotel and build a 28-story apartment tower. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Eat
Meet Casa Cami. The Current’s rooftop bar will close later this year + reopen in early 2024 as a Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar. Owners are planning Yucatan cuisine-filled menu. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
Tampa’s incoming pro women’s soccer team, Super League Tampa Bay, just named Christina Unkel as club president + USF’s Denise Schilte-Brown as head coach. The team kicks off their first season in August 2024.
Active
HIIT workout + boxing spot, Rumble Boxing is coming to Downtown Tampa. The heavy-hitting gym will open at 160 W. Tyler St. Subscribe online for updates. (That’s So Tampa)
Opening
Cowboys Dance Hall, a new Western-themed bar + dance floor, is now open in Largo (12333 66th St. N.). Stop by for dance lessons, country tunes, and all-night dancing on Friday + Saturday nights.(St. Pete Rising)
Community
It’s time to stuff the bus at Sparkman Wharf. This Saturday, July 23, bring donations or buy items from a pop-up school supply shop at the Downtown Tampa spot to support the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Plus, score a free Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams scoop after donating.
Listen
Did you know the Rays are in the midst of their 25th season? Florida Matters Host Matthew Peddie reports how the team is stacking up this season + digs into TBAY’s baseball history with local sportswriters and MLB professionals. (WUSF News)
Edu
With Central Florida being one of the top travel destinations in the world, students at Southeastern University are just minutes away from countless tourism and hospitality job opportunities — plus a good dose of travel expertise. See how to kick-start your new career in tourism (with an advantage).*
Featured Deal
#TerraceTabletop: Purchase a $100 gift card from The Terrace Grille for only $75, and use your extra $25 on a bottle of wine, appetizer, or dessert. Savor this sizzlin’ summer deal for yourself or surprise someone special. Must be purchased in person and only available for a limited time.*
The Buy
Our new must-have for concerts and baseball games this summer: this clear, stadium-approved backpack. Psst — It’s also great for football games in the fall.*
Entertainment
💖 If Barbie lived in TBAY...
We asked AI what a Barbie Dreamhouse would look like in Tampa Bay
Which Barbie Dreamhouse are you moving into? | Photo by WOMBO Dream Art
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party — in a Tampa Bay Barbie Dreamhouse.
“Barbie” will hit the big screen on Friday, July 21, and the movie has caught the world’s attention through various trends, collaborations, and even a Mermaid Barbie art show at Coastal Creative this Saturday, July 22 from 7-10 p.m.
We thought we would join the fun and create our own Malibu Barbie-inspired homes by asking WOMBO Dream AI Art Generator:
“What would an AI Barbie Dreamhouse look like in TBAY”?
We used the tool to create Barbie-approved homes in Ybor City, Palma Ceia, Historic Kenwood, the beach, and even a luxe Channelside apartment. Cast your vote on which Barbie Dreamhouse you would move into.
I thought this article from the WSJ on why Tampa is bringing in droves of millennials + Gen Z tourists was interesting. Spoiler: it’s due to our amaze foodie scene and walkability.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.