The flat paths and shade make North Shore Park a dream to bike. | Photo by TBAYtoday
Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, the Tampa Bay area has dozens of parks to choose from.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Tampa + St. Pete’s best:
Nature parks
Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa
Partly located in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, this Old Florida paradise is a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing and hikes.
Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa
A true Tampa bay gem, this state park takes you back to Old Florida. Adventurers can take in the Class II river rapids, canoe the Hillsborough River, walk the trails, and picnic.
Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg
Home to one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast (according to the city), this 400-acre park is chock full of observation towers, boardwalk trails, and benches for taking in the landscape (and maybe some turtles, too).
The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners just approved nearly $18 million for George M. Steinbrenner Field renovations. What’s on the docket? Improvements like new security cameras, networking to host Wi-Fi and data, a scoreboard, extended concourse concessions, and new seat replacements. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Development
What’s going on with the Jim and Heather Gills YMCA redevelopment project? The YMCA renovation + new apartments/parking garage are well underway. Check in on the St. Pete project. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Calling all Ceviche fans. The Spanish tapas restaurant is reopening, but on the other side of the Bay. Where at? The eatery will fill out a two-story spot at International Plaza and Bay Street with a full bar and outdoor patio. (That’s So Tampa)
Opening
The founder of SOHO Juice Company and Plant Life is opening a new venture. Urban Jungalow, a vegan and gluten-free cafe, opens its doors in downtown Tampa on Sunday, Oct. 19. What’s on the menu? Expect pizzas, mocktails, and other grab n’ go options in a “warm, nostalgic” space. (That’s So Tampa)
Active
We — Editor Bailey — like our yoga studios woman-owned. So she’s appropriately amped that SHACK Yoga + Fitness is setting up shop in Hyde Park Village. The Florida-based studio opens early next year, offering Sculpt, Sweat, Power Flow, Flow, Align, Sweat + Chill, and a multitude of other experiences.
Show
Catch up with the folksy, rock and roll star that is Matt Nathanson before he plays the Pig Jig stage this weekend. Creative Loafing chatted with the singer-song-writer about his discography and barbecue opinions, duh. “All We Are” is excited. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Community
As they say, “don’t boo, vote.” Now’s your chance to weigh in on the future of Port St. Petersburg. Review the draft master plans and take this short survey to help shape the final vision. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Seasonal
King Apollo Infiniti topping the list. Gidget Von Addams, Medusha. Kierra Ka’ior Summers. Those are just some of the drag performers taking the stage this weekend at WMNF’s Halloween Ball. Don your most haunting costume and head to New World Tampa tomorrow, Oct. 17. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Try This
Round up your broken-down and unwanted devices this week. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is hosting an e-waste recycling drive this Saturday, Oct. 18. Think old phones, tablets, laptops, hard drives, etc. (That’s So Tampa)
Edu
Walton Academy for Performing Arts just closed its doors. Hillsborough County School Board voted to pull the arts-focused school’s charter earlier this week due to state safety concerns. The students will be relocated to new schools within the district. (Tampa Bay Times)
Sports
After moving to 5-1 with a huge list of key players out, are the Bucs the best team in the NFL? Let Tampa Bay Buccaneers break it down for you on Locked On’s daily podcasts.
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So far, St. Pete is helping 98 residents rebuild their homes and 288 repair theirs after last year’s back-to-back hurricanes through Sunrise St. Pete.
Are you one of the people who received money to help rebuild or repair? I’d love to chat with you about your experience for a future story. Please send me a note.
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