USF Botanical Gardens – Public Garden Day: Friday, May 11; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Save your pennies…USF Botanical Garden will be free to the public all day. So go check out the 16 acres of gardens and greenbelt, plants, animals and natural habitats. 4202 E. Fowler Ave. NES107, Tampa, 813-974-2329, gardens.usf.edu
Clearwater Public Library – Energy Efficiency Class: Saturday, May 12; 1 – 2 p.m.
Peep this…an energy efficiency class, related to Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), will be occurring. You’ll be educated on efficiency, conservation and how to save money on your power bill. Materials will be handed out for you to take home. 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater, pinellascountyextension.org
Corey Avenue Sunday Market – Operation Blood Donation: Sunday, May 13; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Donate a platelet or two, look forward to a free steak dinner from Outback Steakhouse and be entered in drawings. You’ll also get a wellness check-up, cholesterol screening and gift. Call 800-68-BLOOD or visit fbsblood.org for more information. Then, 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
Organic Living for All – Soil pH Workshop: Saturday, May 12; 11 – 12 p.m.
Would you like your soil to be pH-balanced? If so, check out Organic Living’s “Soil pH – What is pH?” workshop. You’ll learn how pH affects plants, and how to obtain happy, healthy plants. $10; 601 Patricia Ave., Dunedin, 727-433-1661, organiclivingforall.com
St. Pete Locally Grown – Summer Vegetable Workshop: Saturday, May 12; 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]
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve – Alligator Walk: Sunday, May 13; 11:30 a.m.
Walk along the preserves and learn all about alligator mississippiensis. Be sure to pay attention because you may just see one of these creatures poking his or her head out of the preserve’s wetlands. $3; 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, stpeteparksrec.org
Farm Day at Magnolia Organics: Second Saturdays (through May); 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Spend a day at the farm, Magnolia Farm. Shop for USDA organic produce and Florida native plants, and sample some vegetables for free. Learn agricultural tidbits from Magnolia Organics’ educational seminars. Free. 33601 Kiefer Road, Wesley Chapel, 800-449-2363, magnoliaorganics.net
Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market: Second Sundays (October- May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
This market helps circulate local trade and Florida foods by showcasing a variety of the seasonal and locally-farmed produce, all-natural ready-to-eat foods and specialty foods. Enjoy the works of the local artists who are often in attendance. Seminole Heights Sunday Market is held on the front lawn of historic Hillsborough High School. 5000 North Central Avenue, Tampa, tampabaymarkets.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 Brooker Creek Preserve: Saturdays, 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
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. 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
Land O Lakes Saturday Market: Saturdays (through May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Land O Lakes Saturday Market is a weekly community event with live music. The market donates profits to the Heritage Park Foundation and the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank. They are located at Land O Lakes Community Center, on the west side of US 41 (Land O Lakes Boulevard), three miles north of SR 54 (across from the Land O Lakes Post Office), Land O Lakes, lolsaturdaymkt.com
Safety Harbor Farmers Market- Thursdays (November-May); 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Enjoy organic produce, plants and fresh flowers, gourmet foods, baked goods, snacks, plants and fresh flowers and handmade jewelry at Safety Harbor Farmers Market. Located at the Gazebo at John Wilson Park. 401 Main Street, Downtown Safety Harbor, 727-724-1572, cityofsafetyharbor.com
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
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm's Sunday Market: Sundays (November -May); 12p.m.-4 p.m.
This on-site market features organic produce harvested fresh from their own farm, as well as organic fruits and veggies from other farms. Every week you can enjoy native plants, organic vegetable transplants, and unique products from green vendors and artisans including; fresh baked goods, local honey, organic coffees, veggie burgers and fruit smoothies, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry and organic cotton T-shirts and bags. Sweetwater Live Music Series features local and internationally-known musicians, and their popular open mic. Veg and learn with Sweetwater Workshop Series, with workshops by guest presenters on sustainable living skills, organic gardening, holistic healing and more. Shop, have a picnic lunch, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy the orchard and gardens all while listening to some great live music. Bring your friends, family, and leashed dogs, and support local programs, agriculture and business. 6942 W. Comanche Avenue, Tampa, sweetwater-organic.org
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
