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You bird? We bird
If you see a bird like this, you’ve spotted a ruby-throated hummingbird. | Photo via @meckparkrec
Spring is here, and our feathery friends will be flying their way back to the Gulf Coast. One example is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is expected to migrate through the Tampa Bay area through Sunday, March 15.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species on this side of the Mississippi River, and it’s the only one to breed in the eastern US. During the winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America to avoid the cold, but once it starts warming up, they move back north.
Catch a glimpse
If you want to see the hummingbirds before they flutter away, you’re in for a pretty sight. The species is known for being nectar feeders, and are attracted to wildflowers, particularly tubular ones that are red or orange. Grab your binoculars, and head to a local birding hot spot like:
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park | Local birders have spotted some 187 different species — including red-throated hummingbirds — at this North Tampa park. Plus, it hosts the Tampa Audubon Society’s Beginning Birding program once a month.
Fort De Soto Park | Visiting birds love to hole up at this beloved wetland paradise with a view of the Skyway.
Riley Smyth finished top 10 on the Epson Tour in 2025, joining the LPGA tour in 2026 alongside legendary Epson Tour alumni. | Photos provided by the LPGA
Future LPGA legends land in Lakeland next week for The Orlando Health Championship, an Epson Tour professional women’s golf tournament.
Grasslands Golf & Country Club will host the tournament Friday, March 20-Sunday, March 22. As the official “Road to the LPGA,” Epson Tour athletes with the best record join 600+ Epson Tour alumni on the world’s premiere women’s golf tour.
The tournament is free to attend, and free parking is available at Lakeside Village.
Hillsborough County Commission just approved the final plans for Energy Innovation Park — including an additional 1,200 homes. The new Dover housing development will be built on land once home to a phosphate mining plant. The property is also zoned for industrial uses like energy research facilities. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
Here’s your reminder to check your voter registration. The Hillsborough planning commission board recently shifted precinct 345 from District 7 to District 5 — meaning 5,000 Tampa residents will vote in a new district in 2027. Why? The move is meant to even out the population of Tampa’s districts. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
Around here, it’s always hot dog season. Local fave Nah Dogs is debuting a brick-and-mortar doggery in the same complex as Black Crow Coffee and Tombolo Books. The Grand Central spot opens this summer. (I Love the Burg)
Coming Soon
The team behind Maru is bringing a brand-new sushi spot to Bayshore Gardens. O-Ku Sushi opens later this spring, serving a range of rolls, plus specialty nigiri + sashimi. Don’t skip date night while you wait. (Tampa Tomorrow)
Holiday
Time to break out the green — St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Tampa’s Downtown River O’Green kicks off at 11 a.m. tomorrow, March 14, featuring a bright green Hillsborough River, Irish dancers and buskers, a pet costume contest, live music, and food trucks.
Region
Voting is open in the search to crown the nation’s best riverwalk, and the Tampa Riverwalk is in the running — duh. The lively walking, running, biking, and people-watching path along the Hillsborough River takes the gold in our books. (USA Today)
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