Public hearing on the FDEP Development of Honeymoon Island: Thursday, July 14, 7-9 p.m.
The sole purpose of the public hearing will be to address the issue of a possible development on Honeymoon Island as is being considered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2465 Drew St., Clearwater, spc.edu
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm Market: Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get fresh, organically grown hydroponic veggies straight from this CSA farm in Carrollwood. Open to the public. Arrive early for best selection! 5416 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, 813-293-3276; urbanoasisfarm.com
World Cafe Discussions: Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com.
Lowry Park Cleanup and Invasive Plant Removal: Saturday, July 16, 8-11 a.m.
Lend a helping hand! Volunteers needed for cleanup efforts of litter and invasive plants. Meet at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp parking lot. RSVP to mijuan.ball@tampabaybeautification.org or 813-221 -8733 to pre-register 7525 N Blvd., Tampa.
Withlacoochee Trail Bike Hike: Saturday, July 16, 8 a.m.
Traverse the paved track to Lake Townsen Park and stop for lunch, then head back to the trailhead from there. The Trilby Trailhead houses the entrance to a walking path as part of the Withlacoochee State Forest on the hike back. Contact leader Bonnie Aylor at Baylor@mail.usf.edu or (727) 277-2656 to RSVP. Free; 315 North Apopka Ave, Inverness, 352-726-2251.
Dunedin Green Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (through July 30)
Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin. dunedingov.com
Safety Harbor Saturday Summer Farmer's Market: third Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (through Sep. 17)
Fresh produce, flowers, plants, seafood and other vendors fill John Wilson Park every 3rd Saturday from June through September. 4th Avenue and Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-724-1555, cityofsafetyharbor.com
Brooksville Saturday Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
An array of vendors offering food, goods, plants, organics and more at this weekly event. 20 N. Main St., Brooksville, 352-428-9275.
Winthrop Town Center Farmers Market: 8 a.m.
Complete with more handcrafted goods, fresh fruits, veggies, and boiled peanuts than you can shake a stick at. 1109 Winthrop Market St., Riverview, 813-601-3129
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (through August 27)
Featuring locally grown fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, plants, flowers, herbs, handcrafted gifts, live music, and so much more under the shade trees in Williams Park. 1st Ave N between 3rd and 4th Streets, St. Pete, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (year-round)
You'll be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, orchids, herbs and plants, pet treats, honey, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and so much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this 2-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to the tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve- 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500.
Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.
Take a walk through time each Saturday morning on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Join us for this 0.75 mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike. Admission: Free. All ages welcome; children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass, a main-street style, pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts an open-air Fresh Market located on Paseo Drive and features 50+ Vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, TheShopsatWiregrass.com
Peace River Paddle: Sunday, July 17, 9:30 a.m.
Launching from Wachula, not far from the river's origins, the Peace is a narrow, shady, winding river with ample opportunity for viewing wildlife, including river otters. Bring your own lunch, plenty of water and sunscreen. Reserve with leader Mike Lehner, at 941-365-1073 or mklehn@hotmail.com. Free; 213 E Orange St., Wauchula, 863-773-0127, peace-river.com
Odessa Open Market: First and third Sundays (year-round), 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Find 100% organic and locally grown produce as well as local raw honey, Dancing Goat Dairy products, plants, food vendors and more. 8701 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, 813-944-8654, odessaorganic@gmail.com
This article appears in Jul 7-13, 2011.