Also called “rain lilies,” you can find these flowers in pink, yellow, purple, and white. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
You love local food, music, business, and art — so while you’re planning your garden, why not choose local plants, too?
Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, provide sustenance to native wildlife, and save water by thriving on normal rainfall. Plus, they’re more visually diverse than, say, lawn grass.
Once temperatures start to cool down, consider planting some Florida flora in the fall. We’ll get you started.
Growing tips: Also called “rain lilies,” these flowers tolerate seasonal flooding and grow best in the shade of taller plants.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees
Yellow jessamine is the state flower of South Carolina. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Carolina Jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens
Water needs: Moist
Light needs: Sun, part-shade
Bloom time: March-May; may bloom again in early fall and December
Growing tips: Make sure your soil is never completely dry. Use elastic stretch ties and prune Jessamine early in its blooming season to train and maintain your desired shape.
Pilates with The Pilates Krewe | 6-7 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Tow the yoga mat along for a challenging outdoor mat Pilates class using open-ended resistance bands — plus, new attendees score a free pass for a studio class.
“One to One: John & Yoko” | Monday, April 21-Thursday, April 24 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre | $10+ | Transport back to the One to One Charity Concert, John Lennon’s only full-length concert between the final Beatles concert in 1966 and his death.
Tuesday, April 22
Channel District: Paw-Fee Break | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Washington Street Park | Free | Paws for a moment during the workday to take the pup for a stroll, grab some java, and mingle with your neighbors.
Earth Day Block Party | 5:30-8 p.m. | The Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg | Free entry | Rock the block in Mother Earth’s honor with live music + entertainment, DIY upcycling workshops, plant-based eats, sustainability activities for all ages, a scavenger hunt, and nature walk.
Wednesday, April 23
Lantern Making Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Armature Works | $40 | Tampa Riverfest’s Lantern Parade is approaching — make sure you have your paper lantern creation prepared.
Thursday, April 24
Women of Wellness | 6-9 p.m. | Hyde House Public Studio | $10+ | Kickoff your wellness journey with a mini sound bath, mocktails, mini hydrafacials with Elase Med Spa, and advice — plus, check out the bloom bar and permanent jewelry station.
Buccaneers Draft Party | 8 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium | $30 | Join Bucs past and present to sip on brew, take pics with the Vince Lombardi Trophies, and take part in a keg competition as the Bucs make their First Round pick.
Tampa General Hospital just paid $9.1 million for a Hyde Park office building. The space will house a women’s health center + a men’s health center. Residents can expect primary and preventive health care services, personalized health navigation services, acupuncture, and massage. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Soon, you’ll be able to take in Bayshore views from a new rooftop perch. Maru, a new Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, will open atop Bayshore Gardens next month. What’s on tap? Think handcrafted cocktails, sparkling wines, and champagne. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
TBAY restaurants might not have earned any new Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand distinctions, but there’s still reason to celebrate. Tyler Wolff, Ponte’s beverage director and sommelier, scored the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award. The other good news? Tampa’s spots held onto their accolades. (Tampa Bay Times + That’s So Tampa)
Number
$4.5 million. That’s how much St. Pete City Council just loaned to finance the construction of Sky Town, a mixed-use development. The money will go toward adding 401 rental units (121 units for affordable and workforce housing) to the Skyway Marina district. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Try This
Saddle up for a big party. Head to EMOTO Saloon’s Water Street Tampa location on Saturday, April 26 + Sunday, April 27 to check out their latest vintage collection: LOST: Florida’s Western Coast. Plus, enjoy some craft cocktails, fresh oysters, and custom hats. (That’s So Tampa)
Outdoors
A 2,700-year-old astronomical phenomenon will light up our skies tonight and tomorrow. Here’s how you can view the Lyrid meteor shower, which is known for producing bright fireballs. (WISH)
Mansion Monday
Imagine decompressing after work in the Jacuzzi with waterfront views. A 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom contemporary home is on the market in Beach Park. Take a tour of the 7,250-sqft build that is situated off Culbreath Bayou and features a pool, home theater, sauna, gym, and elevator.
Sports
Was this year a success for Tampa Bay hockey? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
A pair of versatile men’s pants that offer a stylish, yet relaxed fit. Whether it’s for work, on the golf course, or a date night, these straight fit pants are crafted with premium, four-way stretch fabric for a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
The beaches are back, but spring break definitely looked a little different this year. I can’t stop looking at these pics by Zack Wittman — who perfectly captured the strangeness.
And now, here’s your reminder to pay your favorite waterfront spots a visit — and maybe pick up some trash or debris in honor of Earth Month.
Answered
Answered
Last week, we asked “What’s your favorite Oxford Design restaurant?”
The bookstore stocks new releases as well as classics + regularly hosts signings.