Where can you see endangered species like manatees, American crocodiles, and even Florida panthers? Everglades National Park, of course.
Getting there
The Everglades are huge — the park has three entrances in three different cities. For us, the Everglades City Entrance is closest. Plug this address into your GPS: 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City — and expect a ~3 hour drive from the Tampa Bay area. Each entrance can get quite busy, so it’s recommended you buy your passes in advance.
Camping
Check out these camping options for spending the night in the Everglades:
Long Pine Key Campground | $33-$60 per night | Enjoy easy access to Long Pine Key Trail and a fishing trail, plus access to bathhouses and cell service. Note that it’s only available from November through April, and reservations book up fast.
Flamingo Campground | $33-$60 for non-electric, $50-$60 for electric | These campsites have access to amenities like bathhouses, picnic tables, and grills. They’re available year-round and reservations are recommended.
Wilderness Camping | $21 plus $2 per person | Experienced campers can rough it amongst the mangrove trees. For weather reasons, it’s recommended to wilderness camp from December through April. Be sure to grab a permit.
Anhinga Trail is teeming with wildlife.
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Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Hiking
There are plenty of trails to choose from, but here are some of our favorites.
This is the trail for spotting wildlife. If your main goal was to spot a gator, you’re likely to see one right away. The trail is also known for its views of turtles, herons, egrets, and — of course — anhingas.
Enjoy the sprawling open of the prairie or the shade of the buttonwoods. The overgrowth of trees provides a real sense of solitude in the wild. If you want a quicker trip, this trail allows bicycles.
Want to hit the road? Check out our guide to national parks across the country (plus more tips for visiting the Everglades). 👇
Laughing Glass: Stand-Up Comedy Night | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 5-8 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $0-$10 | Enjoy the first-ever live comedy show amidst the museum’s massive collection of contemporary glass art.
Tampa Tarpons vs. Clearwater Threshers | Tuesday, Aug. 8 | 6:30 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa | $2 | Snag a ballpark hot dog and watch two of our local MiLB teams face off.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Restorative Yoga | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 5:30-6 p.m. | Florida Blue Center, 3758 Park Blvd. Ste. 5, Pinellas Park | Free | Get your flow on, clear your mind, and relieve pressure in your body — bring your own mat.
Old Northeast & Coffee Pot Bayou Walking Tour | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 7-8:30 p.m. | 836 16th Ave., St. Petersburg | $10-$20 | A Preserve the Burg member will guide you from Coffee Pot Bayou to notable spots within the Old Northeast + Snell Isle.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Seth Meyers | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 8 p.m. | Seminole Hard Rock, 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa | $45-$165 | The late night host and former “SNL” cast member and writer brings his standup act to TBAY.
Friday, Aug. 11
Bier Fest | Friday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 13 | Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa | $95 | The annual “slice of Bavaria” event is back, featuring more than 60 brews, live music, and German-inspired dishes — included with admission.
The National Weather Service has already issued one heat advisory warning this week, and we’re still in for some sweltering weather. The area is expected to see temperatures in the mid-90s throughout the remainder of the week. Stay safe and cool with these hot-weather tips. (Tampa Bay Times)
Coming Soon
As part of the Tampa Riverwalk Expansion plan, developers expect to break ground on three new residential towers in early 2024. The project is part of Mayor Jane Castor’s vision to create “15 minute neighborhoods” — a walkable community that has everything you need within 15 minutes. (Fox 13)
Biz
Ybor City’s Blind Tiger is set to expand with a move to the former Boneyard Bar location at 1823 E. 7th Ave. The new location will double the café’s current space and add a rooftop speakeasy. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
Yesterday, Place Architecture unveiled plans for the 1700 Central Ave. development. The 19-story, mixed-use apartment building is set to feature 308 apartments, an underground parking garage, and ~10,000 sqft of retail space. (I Love the Burg)
Development
The St. Petersburg Development Review Commission recently approved two redevelopment projects. One project will build a 21-story, mixed-use building next to the Zubrick Magic Theatre, and the other will redevelop the Parc Center for Disabilities + turn it into a new childcare center. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Health
Moffitt Cancer Center’s new inpatient surgical hospital is now open and ready to receive patients. The new hospital features 80 staffed and equipped beds, 860 parking spaces, 19 operating rooms, and 1,000 employees. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a new partnership with PT Solutions, making it the team’s official physical therapy partner. PT Solutions will be onsite for The Buccaneers’ girls flag football tournament and the boys 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 tournaments. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Job
Passionate about storytelling, news, and Tampa Bay? We’re hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.
Sports
We relish being able to wish you a happy National Pickleball Day
Tampa Bay’s pickleball scene
Tampa Pickleball Crew’s indoor facility opened last year. | Photo via Tampa Pickleball Crew
There’s no dill-emma worse than gearing up to play a game, but not knowing where to play it.
That’s why we’re sharing a few spots in the Tampa Bay area where you can play Pickleball, a sport that combines the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
Hillsborough courts
Copeland Park, 11001 N. 15th St. | North Tampa | Four free lit courts
Cuscaden Park, 2900 N. 15th St. | Ybor City | Six free courts, access to lights
Rowlett Park, 2401 E. Yukon St. | Temple Terrace | Eight free courts
Pinellas courts
Booker Creek Park, 2300 13th Ave. N. | North Kenwood | Free lighted court
Hey there, TBAY. My name’s Brianna, and you’ll be seeing me around this week as I help out the Tampa Bay team. I’ll be honest, I’ve never visited the Everglades, but after this story I think it may just make my list of next places to visit — I’d love to casually see a gator while hiking (as long as it’s from a distance).
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