Marion Transit Station – Be Floridian: Friday, May 4; 9:30 a.m.
Celebrate the launch of the Be Floridian campaign by checking out the bright orange bus wraps and the mascot, a pink flamingo, multiplied by 60. This campaign encourages homeowners to ban lawn fertilizer in the summer and the sale of nitrogen lawn and landscape fertilizers. Last year, Be Floridian was in Pinellas County over, but has crossed the bridge to include Tampa this year. 1211 N. Marion St., Tampa, befloridian.org
Brooker Creek Preserve – Guided Hike: Saturday, May 5; 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Education Center Trail. Observe how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes during this 0.75 mile hike. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended. Pre-registration is required by noon on the Friday before the hike of your choice. This event is free. All ages welcome, but children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800, brookercreekpreserve.org
Pinellas Park Library – Hibiscus Q&A: Saturday, May 5; 10 a.m.
Get all of your burning questions about hibiscuses answered by the Sunset Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, and learn valuable tips from the hibiscus experts. When you get home, pamper your plants and get them ready for the annual Hibiscus Show, occurring on May 27. 7770 52nd St., Pinellas Park, 727-530-9118, sunsetchapter.org
St. Pete Locally Grown – Summer Vegetable Workshop: Saturday, May 5; 1-3 p.m.
If the thought of gardening and the scorching sun makes you sweat, check out this Summer Vegetable Growing workshop. Gardening guru Nathan Levy will teach you how to grow veggies that withstand 90 degree temps, how to handle pests and more. Grab seeds from previous harvests on your way out. $35 or $25 each if you bring a buddy; 5305 20th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-403-1655, [email protected]
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm – PestoFesto: Saturday, May 5; 6 – 10 p.m.
If you’d rather party with pesto on Cinco de Mayo, head to the 20th Annual PestoFesto. This event is a farewell to the growing season, and raises funds for the farm. Enjoy organic pesto, of course, as well as other farm food, food from Rollin’ Oats, sustainable wine from Naked Grape and craft beer from Cigar City Brewing. Participate in the silent auction and raffle, while listening to Urban Gypsies (a musical act). In between the pesto, check out the info on 2012-2013 CSA memberships. $20 in advance at http://sweetwater-organic.org/event/19th-annual-pestofesto/; $25 at door; Children 12 and under are free; 6942 W. Comanche Avenue, Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org
Saturday, May 5 – Sunday, May 6: Keel and Curley Winery
Strawberry Festival isn’t the only fruit festival in Plant City. This annual Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival will be “berry” fun, with wine tastings, blueberry picking on the 20-acre farm, bites from local restaurants, 50 local craft vendors and live music. A play area will be available for your tykes. Free; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday; 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, 813-752-9199, keelandcurleywinery.com
Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall: First and third Saturdays (year-round); 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A short distance from the city's hub, The Shops at Wiregrass. This pedestrian-friendly, outdoor lifestyle village hosts the open-air Fresh Market at Wiregrass Mall, and features over 100 vendors selling local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, tampabaymarkets.com
Green Acre Organics Aquaponic Farm: First Saturdays (year-round); 11 a.m.
Take advantage of this tour of Green Acre Organics’ unique aquaponic farm, the first Saturday of each month. Small and large groups are welcome. This event is free. 26452 Richbarn Road, Brooksville, 352-302-7395, greenacreorganics.biz
Hyde Park Village Fresh Market- First Sundays (year-round); 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
This market is a must for Hyde Park, South Tampa, Davis Island and Harbor Island residents. Modeled after Tampa Downtown Market and Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market, Hyde Park Village Fresh Market boasts 50-70 vendors offering fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, live music, cooking demonstrations and a local massage therapist. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring Fido along. Free admission and parking .742 South Village Circle, Tampa, 813-251-3500, tampabaymarkets.com
Corey Avenue Sunday Market: Sundays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shop for fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, kettle corn, arts and crafts, and listen to live music. Corey Avenue will be blocked off for a safe shopping experience at the market. Corey merchants and restaurants will be open for business as well, lending a fabulous addition to your normal market venues. From antiques to boutiques, dog stores and more, this open-air market is the one to visit every Sunday during the fall and winter seasons. Always free parking, within walking distance. Located just off Gulf Boulevard, between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in Downtown St. Pete Beach, 727-498-8778, coreyave.com
Dunedin Green Market: Fridays; 8 a.m.-1p.m.; Saturdays; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a craft show, in addition to the usual market highlights of fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood and clothing. Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin.
Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve: Saturdays; 9a.m.-11 a.m.
Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held on most Saturdays of the month. 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. Pre-registration is required by 2 p.m. on the Friday prior to the tour of choice (pre-registration is required). This event is free and open to the public. Recommended ages: 6 and up. Weedon Island Preserve is located 1800 Weedon Drive NE St. Petersburg, 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Every Saturday, (October-May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Featuring locally-grown fresh produce, prepared foods, tempting baked goods, handcrafted gifts, plants, flowers, herbs, live music, and more. Downtown St. Petersburg in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot (1st Avenue S. and 1st Street, St. Petersburg, saturdaymorningmarket.com
Tampa Downtown Market: Fridays (October- May); 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This market is a community of local farmers and producers, who take pride in providing local residents and businesses with quality, nutritious, reasonably-priced food and gourmet products. Tampa Downtown Market is located on the 200 and 300 blocks of Twiggs Street, spanning Franklin Street, in the heart of downtown Tampa. Metered parking is available on nearby streets, and several parking lots and garages are available throughout downtown, including MAAS Lot (across the street from the market), Jackson Street City Lot, Poe Garage and Fort Brooke Garage. Twiggs Street and Franklin Street, Tampa, tampadowntownmarket.com
Ybor Saturday Market: Saturdays (year-round); 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
You will be sure to find great produce at great prices, gourmet foods and sauces, fresh baked breads, fresh eggs, prepared foods, honey, herbs and plants, orchids, pet treats, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and much more. Centennial Park at the corner of Eighth Avenue and 19th Street, Ybor, ybormarket.com
