As far as being a dog goes, Tampa Bay is up there with the best places to live — just ask WalletHub. With plenty of green space, beaches, and pet-friendly businesses, our pups can thrive in their tropical home.
While our dog-friendly guide offers a comprehensive list of things to do with your pet, TBAY’s seasonal weather patterns require some out-of-the-kennel thinking.
Inside fun
While there are dozens of local businesses which welcome pups, not all extend that invitation inside. While shaded Hyde Park patios may feel cool for us, doggos are stuck on the baking pavement — which can reach between 130º and 180º on sunny days.
Speaking of which, dogs’ feet can burn easily on hot sidewalks. These protective dog shoes will help with that.
As for fun — not necessarily in the sun — our area’s dog bars are one way to keep your furry friend socializing while sheltered from the heat. Two Shepherds Taproom keeps the doors to its outside area closed during warm weather, ensuring the renovated warehouse stays cool + provides space to run around.
In St. Pete, Mutts and Martinis offers aquatic fun to keep your dog’s temperature down. If that’s not enough, playtime is split between larger and smaller dogs to keep everyone comfy.
Heads up: Make sure to check vaccination and sign-up requirements before heading to these spots.
Staying safe + happy
The sidewalk isn’t the only challenge during TBAY summers. It might sound obvious, but don’t leave your dog alone in the car. If it’s only 70º out, a car parked in partial shade can reach 99º in only 20 minutes, according to PETA. That number is a lot higher here at this time of year.
Manatee Rescue Story Time | Tuesday, June 25 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa | Free | Listen to manatee rescue stories with ZooTampa personnel — recommended for kids.
Copa América & Euro | Tuesday, June 25-Monday, July 15 | 4 p.m.-3 a.m. | MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Price of purchase | Soccer fans can drink in daily watch parties as two international tournaments take over the summer.
Wednesday, June 26
Beginners Watercolor Painting Workshop: Sunrise | Wednesday, June 26 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Beach House 5317, 2135 3rd Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $39 | Unleash your creativity and transform the beauty of our Florida sunrises into a watercolor masterpiece.
“Sunshine State Mafia” Author Talk | Wednesday, June 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Centro Asturiano de Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Free with reservation | Join Doug Kelly to discuss his recent release which explores the history of Florida’s organized crime rings.
Glenfiddich Scotch Dinner | Wednesday, June 26 | 6-8 p.m. | The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg | $166 | Culinary delights await in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom — all paired with Glenfiddich scotch.
Thursday, June 27
Master Gardener: Edible Flowers | Thursday, June 27 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa | Free | Learn ways to grow edible flowers at home, and use them in cooking — free seeds included.
“Urinetown” | Thursday, June 27-Saturday, June 29 | Times vary | Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa | $28+ | It’s the final weekend of the hilarious musical about a water shortage in a Gotham-like city + a hero’s revolution.
The City of Tampa is planning to splash the cash on the proposed Riverwalk expansion. Officials originally planned for the project to cost $30 million, but that figure is now up to $56.8 million. A final vote on the construction budget is slated for Thursday, July 18. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Concert
Ms. Lauryn Hill and the Fugees are coming to Tampa later this year. “The Celebration Continues” tour will take over the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on Friday, Aug. 9. General ticket sales begin this Thursday, June 27.
Number
99.6 mph. That’s the speed of the pitch which struck Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Amed Rosario in the face this past weekend. Rosario needed two stitches after the incident in Pittsburgh, but suffered no broken bones, possibly thanks to the ball glancing his shoulder first. (WFLA)
Health
A case of dengue fever has been recorded in Hillsborough County, according to health officials. The illness is spread by mosquitoes, and aerial spraying is underway in attempts to prevent further contagion. Symptoms may include sudden high fever and headaches, with most people recovering within two weeks, according to WHO. (WFLA + WHO)
Ranked
Tampa ranks No. 19 among the country’s most competitive rental markets, according to a recent report by RentCafe. Data shows there are nine applicants for every vacant rental property in the Cigar City, and at the start of 2024, Tampa’s apartment vacancy was 6.6%. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Watch
I wanna be like you. We went looking for the Tampa Bay area’s youngest primate, Stella the orangutan. Can you spot her?
Real Estate
A historically significant St. Pete home has hit the market. Built in 1910, the original Roser Park neighborhood property is located at 682 Roser Park Dr. S. The home boasts a unique blend of Craftsman and Key West architectural styles, and is listed for $949,000. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Drink
Kahwa Coffee is kicking off its Summer of Savings event this week. Through Sunday, June 30, visitors to any of the local roaster’s locations can get a free Aloha Latte with any purchase. Pro tip: Save time by downloading the app before you get there.
Sports
Is Steven Stamkos leaving Tampa Bay? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the award-winning Horizon hearing aid. Join 385,000+ people hearing better than ever with a 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Culture
🚀 Spread your wings
Spread your wings: Red Bull Flugtag returns to Tampa Bay
Registration for local daredevils opens on Monday, July 8. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a flying dog. And that can only mean one thing: Red Bull’s iconic Flugtag event is coming back to the Bay.
Flugtag — meaning “flying day” in German — sees competitors take to the skies from a 27-ft platform in homemade contraptions. The catch? No engines allowed: the crafts are human-powered.
Tampa last hosted the event in 2011, and on Saturday, Nov. 9, it will return outside the Convention Center. That’s where 100,000+ people are expected to gather by the Hillsborough River to watch thrill-seekers, entertainers, and engineers alike vie for the coveted crown.
A panel of judges will rate teams based on distance traveled, craft design, and pre-flight skit creativity. Back in 2011, former Bucs player Ryan Nece was on the panel, with this year’s judiciary figures yet to be announced.
For you adventure seekers, keep your eyes peeled for sign up info.
Asked
Do you think you could build a flying machine?
A. Yes, I’d be a welcome addition to the Wright Brothers. B. Yes, but it wouldn’t go very far. C. No, it’s sinking right away. D. No, I’m much better as a spectator.
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