07.05.2024

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💧 Water, water, everywhere

How to save water and money with rainwater harvesting

Make the most of the wet hot Tampa Bay summer. | Photo courtesy of Canva

Whoever said “when it rains, it pours” was probably talking about Tampa Bay. Now that hurricane season has arrived, afternoon showers quickly become downpours, making our backyards happy + our mowers tired.

With over seven inches on average in June and July, and more than nine in August, there’s plenty of water to take advantage of rainwater harvesting.

What’s rainwater harvesting?

Building a rainwater harvesting system is an easy way to provide non-potable water for your plants. The best part: After some small start-up costs, it’s free — and we love free.

The system collects water off non-permeable surfaces like your roof and funnels it into a storage chamber like a rain barrel or cistern to be used when rain isn’t in the forecast. A general rule of thumb: One inch of rain produces about a half gallon for every sqft of roof.

Why harvest rainwater?

During the summer months, grassy areas can become sodden + flooded. By collecting rainwater, it’s easier to disperse it more evenly throughout yards and can even protect plants from becoming overwatered. The water can also be used to wash cars + fill pools.

Rainwater harvesting becomes an entirely different practice during our dryer winters. For instance, watering restrictions were introduced in the Tampa Bay area last December to reduce the strain on local infrastructure + help conserve water.

Rainwater drips down an up-close rain chain. The background is blurry and the chain is vertical and pointing toward the ground. Blurry greenery and rain drops are visible. — Have you heard of rain chains?
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Photo via Canva

How do I start?

Barrels are commonly placed below downspouts to collect roof runoff. They are typically 50-60 gallons in size.
But at this time of year, a barrel could fill up quickly. That’s why cisterns may be your best bet — they can contain up to 1,000 gallons.
Rain chains take water from gutters and direct them toward the ground. Not only can this control how much water your plants get, but can also prevent barrels/cisterns from filling as quickly and prevent flooding in your yards — plus they can be cute.

More tips and tricks

Events

Friday, July 5

Dome Night: Dalí Alive 360° | Friday, July 5 | 6-8 p.m. | The Dalí Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg | $15-$20 | Immerse yourself in Dalí’s whimsical world at this new event at the spherical exhibit.
Red, White, and Brews | Friday, July 5-Sunday, July 7 | Times vary | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa | $60+ | It’s the last weekend to savor culinary creations at the theme park, including fried Oreo cupcakes and mini corn dogs.

Saturday, July 6

Resin Cutting Board Workshop | Saturday, July 6 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Beach House 5317, 2135 3rd Ave. S., St. Petersburg | $55 | Unleash your artistic side by creating a resin cutting board of your own.
“Son Sign” Opening Night | Saturday, July 6 | 5-8 p.m. | FloridaRAMA Gallery, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | It’s the first night of local artist iBOMS’ new exhibit in which he explores his personal spiritual journey.

Sunday, July 7

Sunday Tour July | Sunday, July 7 | 1-1:45 p.m. | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $9-$12 | Tour the historic museum, led by a docent sharing stories from Henry Plant’s life and his influence on our area.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

A date is set for the final vote on the proposed Rays stadium. St. Petersburg City Council will meet for one last discussion on the ballpark and surrounding Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment on Tuesday, July 16 before the deciding vote two days later. (Tampa Bay Times)

Number

29. That’s how many Tampa Bay area restaurants were recognized for their wine programs in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards. Included were some recognizable names such as Allelo, Bern’s, Boulon, Columbia, Lilac, Meat Market, Timpano, and Ulele. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Real Estate

A South Tampa home just sold for $9.2 million. The 6,600-sqft property sits on the 17th hole at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and was designed by architect Meyer Weitzman. The location is accompanied by luxurious interior + exterior spaces, five beds, and a pool. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Shop

Keel and Curley Winery is hosting its first Night Sip + Shop of the summer tomorrow, July 6. At this time of year, the winery invites local artists, small businesses, and bakers to sell their goods from 5 to 9 p.m. to avoid the heat.

Watch

Free movie, anyone? The Tampa Theatre is screening films at no cost this weekend as part of Pluto TV’s Summer of Cinema campaign. The lineup includes “Kinds of Kindness,” “MaXXXine,” and the sci-fi classic “Apollo 13.” Get tickets. (That’s So Tampa)

Holiday

The Independence Day celebrations aren’t over yet. Buchette Spritz Bar — Davis Islands’ newest slice of Italy — is serving the “Freedom Spritz” in honor of America’s 248th birthday. The walk-up window is located at 236 E. Davis Blvd.

The Buy

The Buy 7.05.24 (Affiliate)

Cornbread Hemp’s CBD Sleep Gummies, which help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed (without grogginess). The organic ingredients include valerian, chamomile, and lavender. Get 30% off site wide when you spend $55 with code CBDSLEEP30.

Answered

This week, we asked if it was the right decision to let Steven Stamkos leave the Lightning.

The back of Steven Stamkos at Amlie Arena. A "Bolts Win" flag flies ahead of Stamkos, who is facing the crowd following a victory. — Is this the end?
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Photo by Tampa Bay Lightning

You aren’t happy, Bolts fans. The overwhelming majority — almost 80% — believe the team should have done more to keep Stammer and ensure he retires in Tampa Bay.

While ~20% believe it’s time to move on, it’s likely to be a conversation surrounding the Lightning for years to come.

Have your say

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Patrick

From the editor

While I love Independence Day celebrations, I can’t help feel disturbed by the 120 million pounds of food waste expected from this year’s celebrations.

Luckily, our friends at Feeding Tampa Bay have some great tips for reducing food waste in your life.

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