06.20.2024

Today’s Forecast

Pack the camera and boots

Trekking through the history of St. Pete’s Jungle Prada

An old hand-drawn map showing the park’s makeup. | Photo via State Archives of Florida

Keep on drivin’ past Walter Fuller, down the brick-paved streets of St. Pete’s waterfront, through the ultra funky Jungle Prada neighborhood, and turn into the Jungle Prada Tavern. Nestled next to the laid-back pizza joint and right before the pier lies some of Tampa Bay’s oldest history: Jungle Prada de Navaez Park.

Dig into the history

Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the tree-surrounded site is made up of midden mounds. The Tocobaga tribe (part of the Safety Harbor Culture) built the structures using shells somewhere between 1000 AD and the mid‐16th century, according to St. Pete Parks and Recreation.

The plot of land beside Boca Ciega Bay was home to the tribe for some 600 years, according to Discover Florida Tours.

A trail leads to a mound, trees, and more vegetation. — Follow the trail up the mound.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

And, Jungle Prada is rumored to be the landing point for the Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez’s Sunshine State expedition — there’s even a sign proclaiming it at the park. However, there is no archaeological data to confirm this, according to St. Pete Parks and Recreation. Researchers have found artifacts at the site that could be linked with another expedition, the 1567 trip by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.

msf-pi54-012 — See artifacts from the land in the virtual tour.
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Photo via State Archives of Florida

Time to explore

The best part? You can take a tour whenever you want — as long as the park is open that is. Use your smartphone to scan the QR code at the park’s entrance and follow the arrows and guided tour.

The USF Center for Digital Heritage and Geospatial Information’s guided tour shows you 3D renderings of the artifacts found at the historical spot — like an ornamental bone carving that dates back to 1200-1400 AD (otherwise known as the Safety Harbor Period).

Pregame your trip to the park with this Jungle Prada botanical tour — so you can impress your fellow hikers by knowing all the plant species.

Where does the name come from?

Asked

Do you think the mounds protect the Tampa Bay are from hurricanes?

A. That’s the only explanation
B. Definitely not
C. I still haven’t made up my mind

There's no wrong answer

Events

Thursday, June 20

Thrive’s Tea with Bea | Thursday, June 20 | 3-4 p.m. | Thrive DTSP, 136 4th St. N., Ste. 201, St. Petersburg | Free with reservation | Beat the afternoon heat with a spot of tea and socialization.
“Paradise ǀ Paradise Layered” Opening Reception | Thursday, June 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | $10-$12 | Celebrate and peruse the new exhibit from Thomas Sayers Ellis which documents his photos and poems from his first year as photo laureate.
“The Art of Catching Feelings” | Thursday, June 20 | 7-8 p.m. | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg | $25 | Meet at Lower Ballpark & Rec for the launch of the baseball love story by local bestselling author Alicia Thompson — baseball snacks and soda provided.

Friday, June 21

Amy Silverberg | Friday, June 21 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $22+ | Head to Coastal Comedy Night for a stand-up set from the Los Angeles-based writer and comedian.
Peso Pluma: “Exodo Tour” | Friday, June 21 | 8 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $36+ | The Grammy-winning artist brings his latest album with regional Mexican, Latin trap, and reggaeton songs to the stage.

Saturday, June 22

“Feel Good Mornings” | Saturday, June 22 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Hyde House Public Studio, 1646 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | $9 | Start your morning with an invigorating yoga flow — bring your own mat and towel.
SIP. SNIFF. BRUNCH | Saturday, June 22 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $14+ | Join the Black Women Dinner Society for their three-year anniversary with a “Ladies Only Summer Series” brunch hosted by Anjali Queen B. from 95.7 The Beat.
Massive After-Pride Superdance & Celebration | Saturday, June 22 | 6-11:30 p.m. | Jannus Live, 200 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $11 | Keep the St. Pete Pride celebration going by boogying on the block-long dance floor all night long.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Biz

Owners of La La’s Sangria Bar just filed for bankruptcy. The Channelside District bar fell behind on its debts due to pandemic-related issues, food inflation, and rising supply costs. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Sports

After crushing Kentucky 15-4 yesterday, the Gators fell to Texas A&M 6-0, which knocked Florida out of the Men’s College World Series. Thanks for a great run, boys.

Try This

Yesterday, we told you Tampa locals can take part in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson at four area pools. Pinellas residents can get in on the fun this morning at one of the Burg’s local pools like Walter Fuller or the Shore Acres Pool. Find one near you. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Giveaway

Yes, this could be you. Sparkman Wharf’s Hampton Chocolate Factory is giving away a truly massive ice cream cone — first filled with chocolate glaze — on Instagram. Enter by 6 p.m. tonight.

Community

Every summer needs a block party. Head to the Warehouse Arts District to celebrate the kickoff to summer on Saturday, June 22. The Beach Blonde Block Party at 3 Daughters Brewing runs from 12 to 6 p.m., featuring a market, live tunes, and new beers. (I Love the Burg)

Number

900. That’s how many homes Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties has built for residents in need. The organization celebrates its dedication ceremony tomorrow, June 21 at 10 a.m. at the new home, located at 1231 Gooden Crossing in Largo.

Sports

Check in on the Rays’ 2024 performance so far. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Development

What’s going on with the West Riverwalk plans?

Taking a peek at the upcoming West River District build

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One of the renderings shows part of the path. | Rendering via City of Tampa

Plans for the West Riverwalk are coming into view.

Earlier this week, the City of Tampa released renderings for the highly anticipated project, which will add five miles of walking, biking, and running space along the west side of the Hillsborough River. Think: Opposite the Riverwalk. Construction will kick off in the next few months.

The city notes that the project is the “centerpiece of Tampa’s walk-bike network, connecting the East-West Green Spine to South Tampa and Seminole Heights.”

Beyond the path, the project will also:

Incorporate a living shoreline
Add enhanced crosswalks
Make major safety upgrades to roads
Connect residents from 12 neighborhoods to downtown

A note: The project still needs additional funding due to increased construction costs. We recently told you that United States Rep. Kathy Castor has requested $3 million in funding from the federal government for the project. Stay tuned.

The Buy

The Buy 6.20.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A dependable, comfortable running short — like Lululemon’s Hotty Hot High-Rised Lined Shorts (are those fun summer colors we see?).

Answered

Earlier this week we asked you “Which weekend getaway is calling your name?”

10 new and coming soon Tampa Bay area hotels

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Picture yourself stopping in for a Hugo spritz or old fashioned before heading to dinner. | Photo by Palisociety

When it comes to staycations, our readers do it right.

Half of you are pumped to stay at the Moxy St. Pete when it opens come August. While the rest of our readers are hoping for a stay at Palihouse Hyde Park Village. I mean the proximity to Goody Goody and On Swann can’t be beat.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

Happy Summer Solstice, TBAY. I hope you’re celebrating in our signature style with a nice sunset drink at one of our waterfront spots.

I’m headed out of town for a trip to Munich — not for Euro 2024. My lovely colleague Dayten Rose will be stepping in while I’m away, and I’m sure you’ll love him.

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