Butterflies are more than just a pretty set of wings. The vital component to a healthy ecosystem—second to bees as the most important pollinators—we wouldn’t have flowers or many crops without them.
Nonprofit Butterfly Tampa opened the city’s self-proclaimed first bug zoo in 2024, and also runs a nature center and native butterfly botanical garden.
Founder Anita Camacho previously told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay her passion for pollinators and spreading environmental awareness locally began about 30 years ago when her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Research into the disease led Camacho to learn about the long term effects of exposure to pesticides and chemicals.
Since then, Camacho has dedicated much of her personal and professional life to spreading the word about the benefits of chemical-free gardening, native plant gardening and native pollinator conservation.
At the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser, the category is “Bug-Inspired Brilliance.” Guests at the Tampa International Airport gala can come as their favorite invertebrate for the Best Dressed Bug Contest. Those who opt for “elevated business casual” won’t be bugged about it.
Tickets start at $75 for Butterfly Ball, happening Thursday, Feb. 12 in Tampa.
Butterfly Ball
Time Thu., Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Location Tampa International Airport, 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa
This article appears in Feb. 05 – 11, 2026.