| Welcome to Do & Dine, a newsletter about the sights and bites around Tampa Bay. In this week's edition: How to party for St. Patrick's Day weekend, where to find a Lenten fish fry and a new food hall opens in Trinity.
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| Get outside and explore lovely Florida
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| Hello, this is entertainment and events reporter Sharon Kennedy Wynne.
As we begin to see signs of recovery from last year's hurricanes, it is good to see Fort De Soto, one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in Tampa Bay, bouncing back just in time for spring. North Beach, a favorite among visitors, has reopened after months of closure, as has its dog park. It is Pinellas County’s largest park, spanning 1,136 acres across five interconnected islands.
Storm debris may still linger along the shore and in the water, so be cautious, but park staff are working daily to ensure a safe experience. Fort De Soto’s boat ramp is open again, and East Beach is welcoming visitors. Campers can also rejoice, as the hugely popular waterfront campground has reopened. Some areas, like the East Loop and parts of the seawall near the historic site, are still closed, and access to boat ramps is also limited because of repairs. Parking fees are now $6 per vehicle, but it’s good all day, which is lower than many neighboring beaches.
Looking to get away from the Tampa Bay area for spring break next week? We've got ideas for five road trips you can take pretty easily from here.
While we are talking about favorite Florida spots, I must mention that my friend Craig Pittman has a new book out called “Welcome to Florida: True Tales from America's Most Interesting State.” I knew him as an award-winning journalist when we worked together at the Tampa Bay Times, but he is better known these days for introducing readers to the people, creatures, places and wacky stories that make up the Florida of today.
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