Noteworthy: What’s new in Tampa Bay

NOTEWORTHY

Check out South Tampa’s Newest (and Cutest) Cafe

Calling all cat lovers! Cats & Caffeine, South Tampa’s first cat-themed café, is now open. Guests can sip on coffee and snack on sweet treats, all while hanging out with adoptable cats and kittens. Those wanting cozy kitty cuddles can book 25- or 50-minute cat experiences during which they can spend time with cats and kittens from Cat Lovers, Inc. who are looking for their forever homes. Keep an eye out for cat-themed events such as Cat Yoga, Cats & Wine Night, Cats & Movie Night and more! catscaffeiene.com

Plant City Author (and Cat Enthusiast) Puts a Fun Spin on The Alphabet

“Floof” up your vocabulary with this fun A-to-Z book! Local author and illustrator Victoria Saunders shares her obsession with fat cats on the pages of her book, "The Chonky Alphabet." Saunders wrote, illustrated and self-published the book, which is now a five-star best seller on Amazon. Each page includes bright-colored, comical pictures accompanied by fun cat-related words for each letter of the alphabet. “The Chonky Alphabet” is purr-fect for kids, cat-lovers or anyone who could use a good laugh. You can check out “The Chonky Alphabet” on Facebook and Instagram @thechonkycollection.

Our New Favorite Ways to Write: FriXion Colors Erasable Markers and Highlighters

Making mistakes just got a little less stressful, thanks to FriXion! Their bold-point markers come in 12 bold, bright colors and are totally erasable. The quick-drying ink is thermo-sensitive, which means you can erase and rewrite without any wear and tear. 12 pack available on Amazon for $13.69.

Two New Plushes Debut at The Zoo!

Zoo mascots Flora the Florida Panther and Manny the Manatee now have their very own plushes! You can get your paws on these adorable stuffies at ZooTampa or online at zootampa.myshopify.com. All purchases help to support the zoo’s mission to protect and preserve wildlife.

$40 Million Expansion Coming to Florida Aquarium

BIG things are happening at the Florida Aquarium! A $40 million dollar expansion breaks ground in January that will eventually bring an outdoor 200,000-gallon California sea lion exhibit with underwater viewing and overlook seating. The expansion also includes a two-story 45,000-gallon puffin habitat that will feature a deep dive pool, kelp forest, Atlantic salmon and other species. But that’s not all! This exciting expansion will also make way for a significant African penguin habitat too. The entire project is estimated for full completion in 2025.

DR. KIRAN C. PATEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has officially

opened its doors! We were able to celebrate with them as they held a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 25. Find out more about this tuition-free public charter school at patelelementary.org.