Book Talk, Pet Walk & IndieFaire

By Abby Baker

Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, April 15

Gab About Books Join the Gabber and Tombolo Books for our book club. The second Wednesday of every month discuss a book by a Florida author, or set in Florida. This month it’s “Mules and Men” by anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston. The book club is currently virtual. To RSVP and get a Zoom link, email bookclubs@tombolobooks. com. 7 p.m.

Rain Garden 101 When it rains, it pours. Tampa Bay and surrounding areas can average 50 to 60 inches of rain annually – why not use it? Expert Doris Heitzmann will explore money-wise approaches for preventing runoff, reducing water pollution and harvesting rainwater with a rain garden. jprieto@pinellascounty.org 6-7 pm.

Online Poetry Jam Eckerd College is the place to be during National Poetry Month, at least online on Thursday nights. Discover local, and no-so-local writers and poets to get the breakdown on their musings. Queer, Black author Danez Smith will dig into his award-winning work; Donika Kelly, author of “Aviarium” will do an interactive Q & A; other literary artists will dive into the written, and spoken, word. Email wolfekc@eckerd.edu for details. eckerd.edu 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 17

Pet Walk in Downtown St. Pete A pet-friendly fundraiser, online or in downtown St. Petersburg. The SPCA Tampa Bay is stepping into Straub Park, paws first. There will be a pet costume contest, vendors and fundraising efforts for homeless pets throughout the street festival. Two events, same day, one goal: raise crucial funds for animals in need. South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. NE. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Hurricane Season Expo, Madeira Beach Edition It’s Florida, it’s (almost) hurricane season – you know the drill. Be prepared for seaside storms at this free event featuring Madeira Beach representatives, vendors and local organizations. Madeira Beach City Hall, 300 Municipal Dr. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Treasure Island Appreciation Day A celebration of all things Treasure Island is a collaboration by city departments, civic associations and community partners to bring a fun-filled day to residents and lovers of the island. There will be a petting zoo, a bicycle rodeo, plant classes and more. Treasure Island Community Park, 1 Park Place and 106th Ave. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Saturday Market: Join Gulfport for IndieFaire In typical Gulfport fashion, Beach Boulevard will be outfitted with vendors offering crafts, jewelry and high-end art for IndieFaire, every third Saturday of every month. Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, it’s a fun, family friendly event with live music, street performers and designed-for-the-occasion morsels from our local restaurants. 3101 Beach Blvd S. 5-9 p.m.

Monday, April 19

Gulfport Democratic Club: April Meeting Gulfport Democrats, unite. The January Gulfport Democratic Club meeting will be held via Zoom this month. Jennifer Webb, former District 69 State Rep, will do the talking. Tune in to discover current bills in the Florida Legislature, particularly preemption bills. info.gulfportdems@gmail.com. 7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20

Q & A with a Gulfport Councilmember The Tuesday Fresh Market just got a little more interesting. This is Gulfport’s chance to get to know councilmembers, one by one. Ask questions and make comments, respectfully, every third Tuesday of the month. Gulfport Merchants Chamber Welcome Center, 3101 Beach Blvd S. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.