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A guide to fun things to do in Tampa Bay this weekend.

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Your guide to St. Pete's Grand Prix weekend: Schedule, parking and road closures

The annual motorsports race will draw thousands to the St. Petersburg waterfront.

Things to Do

Vroom vroom — it&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grand Prix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/07/what-to-know-2024-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg" data-vars-content-id="f95dcef8-2a4b-4729-a8a7-c759a381c75f" data-vars-headline="Your guide to St. Pete&#x27;s Grand Prix weekend: Schedule, parking and road closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/03/07/what-to-know-2024-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg" target="_self">Grand Prix</a> weekend.Why it matters: The annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will draw thousands to the St. Petersburg waterfront, where several roads will be closed to support the course.

Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival

This nearly century-old festival is the most-attended fair in the state.

News

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida Strawberry Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/21/guide-florida-strawberry-festival-2025" data-vars-content-id="6bc85d1b-2213-4d60-8286-9cce7dd70a99" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/02/21/guide-florida-strawberry-festival-2025" target="_self">Florida Strawberry Festival</a> kicks off its 11-day run Thursday in Plant City, the &quot;Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.&quot;The big picture: The nearly century-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="festival" data-vars-click-url="https://flstrawberryfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="6bc85d1b-2213-4d60-8286-9cce7dd70a99" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flstrawberryfestival.com/" target="_blank">festival</a> is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-attended fair" data-vars-click-url="https://carnivalwarehouse.com/images/site/pageserver/file/top50/2025list.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6bc85d1b-2213-4d60-8286-9cce7dd70a99" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://carnivalwarehouse.com/images/site/pageserver/file/top50/2025list.pdf" target="_blank">most-attended fair</a> in the state and ranks among the top 50 in the nation, drawing more than 650,000 visitors last year.

Report: Tampa Bay ranks 50th for safe streets

Safe roads matter even more in a region with especially bad public transportation.

Tampa Bay&#x27;s roadways rank 50th among the country&#x27;s largest metros in safety, according to StreetLight Data&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="0bdb25ff-77ae-4a79-b79d-41ee6f8fb4dd" data-vars-headline="Report: Tampa Bay ranks 50th for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;</a>Why it matters: Safe roads matter even more in a region with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="especially" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/tampa-bay-ranked-the-8th-worst-metro-area-for-public-transportation/" data-vars-content-id="0bdb25ff-77ae-4a79-b79d-41ee6f8fb4dd" data-vars-headline="Report: Tampa Bay ranks 50th for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/tampa-bay-ranked-the-8th-worst-metro-area-for-public-transportation/" target="_blank">especially</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bad" data-vars-click-url="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2017/data/public-transportation-worst/" data-vars-content-id="0bdb25ff-77ae-4a79-b79d-41ee6f8fb4dd" data-vars-headline="Report: Tampa Bay ranks 50th for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2017/data/public-transportation-worst/" target="_blank">bad</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/transportation/2023-01-20/its-the-end-of-the-road-for-the-tampa-bay-regional-transit-authority" data-vars-content-id="0bdb25ff-77ae-4a79-b79d-41ee6f8fb4dd" data-vars-headline="Report: Tampa Bay ranks 50th for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/transportation/2023-01-20/its-the-end-of-the-road-for-the-tampa-bay-regional-transit-authority" target="_blank">public transportation</a>, where driving or walking is often the only option.

Tampa's Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel

It's the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gronk-famous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" data-vars-content-id="e6a52ec6-bdd2-4d22-8809-eef3cf68d7ee" data-vars-headline="Tampa&#x27;s Greenlane opens in Wesley Chapel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/09/05/rob-gronkowski-greenlane-drive-thru" target="_self">Gronk-famous</a> drive-thru salad restaurant Greenlane opens today in Wesley Chapel. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the fifth location for the Tampa chain that launched in 2023, and more are on the way.

1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds

A Tampa Bay Times investigation put into focus how bad the problem is.

Scrolling through this Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" target="_blank">report</a> on Florida&#x27;s water quality, photos of algae-choked springs were sadly familiar.<ul><li>As much as I <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adore our freshwater marvels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" target="_self">adore our freshwater marvels</a>, the slime-coated limestone and tree branches are a sobering reminder of the pollution plaguing our waterways.</li></ul>

Fundraiser aims to boost Manatee River oyster restoration

The shellfish were so common that the river was once called the Oyster River.

An environmental nonprofit is working to bring oysters back to the Manatee River.Why it matters: Oysters filter water, support diverse marine life and help stabilize shorelines.

Inside the battle for Pinellas County's eroding beaches

At issue is a legal document called an easement.

Catherine Smith&#x27;s pitch to her neighbors always includes her grandchildren.<ul><li>Each spring break, they trade in chilly New Hampshire for the white sand and turquoise water of Indian Rocks Beach, where Smith and her husband have owned a condo for 21 years.</li></ul>

Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings

The slimy, air-breathing fish that thrive in muddy, stagnant water, experts say.

Ah, Florida. Home to delightful wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and … invasive Asian swamp eels?!Why it matters: Concerned about potential population growth, several agencies are asking Floridians to report sightings of these slimy, air-breathing fish that thrive in muddy, stagnant water, per a University of Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/01/09/public-urged-to-report-invasive-asian-swamp-eel-species-in-florida/" data-vars-content-id="45a69822-f7c0-43ce-bc6b-e2ab87a4ae9b" data-vars-headline="Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/01/09/public-urged-to-report-invasive-asian-swamp-eel-species-in-florida/" target="_blank">news release</a>.

How recycled oyster shells help filter Tampa Bay's water, combat erosion

One such "living shoreline" project just underwent a big expansion.

Along shorelines throughout Tampa Bay, you&#x27;ve probably seen them: hunks of concrete shaped like overturned pots dotted with holes, mingling with mesh bags of shells.Why it matters: These installations, known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="living shorelines" data-vars-click-url="https://tampabaywatch.org/our-programs/restoration/living-shorelines/" data-vars-content-id="7f09ac5a-1af9-4f0d-8b55-d5966fcac464" data-vars-headline="How recycled oyster shells help filter Tampa Bay&#x27;s water, combat erosion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampabaywatch.org/our-programs/restoration/living-shorelines/" target="_blank">living shorelines</a>, improve water quality and combat coastal erosion — issues that took on new importance during last year&#x27;s devastating hurricane season.

How to know if it's safe to swim after Tampa Bay's double hurricanes

We talked to experts and checked water quality reports.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sewage spills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/12/hurricanes-climate-change-water-systems" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/12/hurricanes-climate-change-water-systems" target="_self">Sewage spills</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red tide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/02/red-tide-pinellas-county-hurricane-helene" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/02/red-tide-pinellas-county-hurricane-helene" target="_self">Red tide</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flesh-eating bacteria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/tampa-bay-counties-saw-unusual-increase-in-flesh-eating-bacteria-after-hurricanes-fdoh/" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/tampa-bay-counties-saw-unusual-increase-in-flesh-eating-bacteria-after-hurricanes-fdoh/" target="_blank">Flesh-eating bacteria</a>. <ul><li>In the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, there were a lot of reasons to stay out of Tampa Bay waterways. </li></ul>

After pause, Pasco County scallop season back on

Scallop season is back on in Pasco County.Why it matters: The decision last month to postpone the season due to water quality issues cut into tourism and fanfare around the popular activity.

What to know about Florida's state parks controversy

There has been a frenzy of pushback since plans surfaced to develop sports amenities and lodging at nine state parks.

Politics & Policy

The last week has shown just how chaotic it can get when you try to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mess with Florida state parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/08/22/florida-parks-proposal-pickleball-golf" data-vars-content-id="c45376f3-0bee-4732-8369-a52f1882064b" data-vars-headline="What to know about Florida&#x27;s state parks controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/08/22/florida-parks-proposal-pickleball-golf" target="_self">mess with Florida state parks</a>.Why it matters: The frenzy of pushback since plans surfaced to develop sports amenities and lodging at nine state parks underscores the galvanizing force of Florida&#x27;s natural resources in a state often characterized by its divisions.

Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday

Florida&#x27;s final disaster supply sales-tax holiday of the year starts Saturday and runs through Sept. 6.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane season is ramping up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/noaa-warning-hurricane-season" data-vars-content-id="9459b625-a67c-4c1c-9f58-65f96c89d49c" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/noaa-warning-hurricane-season" target="_self">Hurricane season is ramping up</a>, and even indirect hits can bring devastating flooding and damage, as the Tampa Bay area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just saw with Tropical Storm Debby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/06/tropical-storm-debby-sarasota-bradenton-record-rainfall" data-vars-content-id="9459b625-a67c-4c1c-9f58-65f96c89d49c" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/06/tropical-storm-debby-sarasota-bradenton-record-rainfall" target="_self">just saw with Tropical Storm Debby</a>.

Florida springs road trip: 5 stops, a dozen springs

Check Merritt's Mill Pond, Cypress Springs, Econfina Creek and more off your springs bucket list.

One of the best vacations I&#x27;ve ever had began on Facebook.<ul><li>Its mind-reading algorithm kept showing me photos from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/06/07/florida-summer-extreme-heat-weather-temperature" data-vars-content-id="fc3c8658-7728-475c-b2e2-c08abd3e20a7" data-vars-headline="Florida springs road trip: 5 stops, a dozen springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/06/07/florida-summer-extreme-heat-weather-temperature" target="_self">Florida springs</a> appreciation groups that looked like paradise, with lagoons of cerulean blue water and limestone walls covered in ferns.</li></ul>

Water

1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds

Fundraiser aims to boost Manatee River oyster restoration

Inside the battle for Pinellas County's eroding beaches

Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings

How recycled oyster shells help filter Tampa Bay's water, combat erosion