“What, like it’s hard?”

What zone are we in?

• Tampa falls under zone 10a, meaning that area sees lows between 30 and 35 °F.
• The bulk of St. Pete addresses fall under zone 10a, while the more coastal areas fall under zone 10b, which means these zones could see lows between 35 and 40 °F.

What kinds of plants should I buy?

• Don’t want to mess with frequent watering? The safest bet is selecting native plants that do well with less rainfall + hot sunshine. The Florida Native Plant Society recommends folks in the West Central region (hey, that’s us) plant varieties like sunshine mimosas, black-eyed Susans, and firebushes. Check out the full pamphlet for tips on creating different types of gardens — from sunny to shady in our slice of the Gulf Coast.
• While you’re wandering the aisles at Lowe’s or your local nursery, make sure to check each plant’s tag for its hardiness zone, plus its ideal sunlight needs to make sure it works for your yard.

• Lantern Making Workshop | Monday, April 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $42 | Get ready for Riverfest by crafting your own beautiful lantern over an included glass of wine and a snack.
• Megan Miranda | Monday, April 15 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $5+ | The bestselling author discusses her latest thrilling novel, “Daughter of Mine,” with TBAY’s own Lisa Unger.

• Artistry in Motion: A Live Painting Demonstration by Tatiana Becklund | Tuesday, April 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $5 | Watch as contemporary surrealist, Tatiana Becklund, leads a narrated painting demonstration — BOGO tickets available.

• Travel Photography Class | Wednesday, April 17 | 5-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | $82 | Learn how to beef up your vacation photos — bring your own DSLR camera, mirrorless camera, or cell phone.
• Lightning vs. Maple Leafs | Wednesday, April 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $69+ | The Lightning take on the boys from Canada in the lead up to the playoffs.

• 2024 Pickelball Expo | Thursday, April 18 | 3-7 p.m. | The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Free | Check out pickleball equipment, apparel, and health and wellness vendors, and pickleball games.

• 3.7%. That’s how much inflation rose in the Tampa Bay area over this past year. That’s higher than the national average of 3.5%. However, our area’s rate is slowing significantly compared with this time last year. (Tampa Bay Times)

• Amalie Arena is celebrating the opening of a new sensory room. The space is equipped to stimulate or soothe different senses. Fans can access the quiet zone at Lightning games + all other events via the Lexus Suites entrance lobby at Gate C. (That’s So Tampa)

• You’re invited. The City of St. Petersburg is hosting its annual Budget Open House at City Hall tomorrow, April 16 at 6 p.m. Mayor Ken Welch and St. Pete City Council will cover the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 + answer questions. You can also watch online. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• Fire the cannons, the NFL Draft is almost here. Head to the mothership — Raymond James Stadium — Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. for a draft day party. Grab tickets to the event featuring a pre-show, appearances by players, tailgate-style games, and a Miller Lite Beer Garden. (That’s So Tampa)

• The Burg’s on the big screen... again. New Lifetime Movie Network flick “Roommate Regret” — filmed mostly in Downtown St. Petersburg — premiered last week. The thriller follows a nightmare owner-renter situation + features spots like Straub Park, Parkshore Grill, Green Bench Brewing, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. (I Love the Burg)

• No. 4. That’s where the Wall Street Journal ranked Tampa on its list of the nation’s hottest job markets. The financially-focused newspaper named Tampa first in wage growth + noted the Cigar City added 12,000 jobs to its economy in the past year. (St. Pete Catalyst)

• Brush up on the Bucs’ roster before the draft. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
  

• Heads up: Head spas have arrived in Lakeland. Skin Thermea is now offering this new, luxurious treatment, which involves exfoliating, massaging, and pampering your roots to promote healthy hair growth.*

• The development comes from Tampa Bay investor Darryl Shaw, who is also behind the incoming Gas Worx project.
• The project team includes engineering firm Stantec.
• Ybor Harbor will be situated east of Channelside Drive and west of North 19th Street on the Ybor Channel.
• The neighborhood would include 800+ hotel rooms and 4,750 new residential units.
• A public waterfront, with boat docks and piers, is a major fixture of the plans.