FTNMay2026P17-32

Precious Paws Need FOREVER Homes!

ACES HIGH!

At 8 years old, Ace has perfected the art of being the ultimate passenger prince. Car ride? He’s in. Quick errand? Shotgun. Windows down? Obviously. He’s a confident guy who knows exactly who he is, loves to cuddle, and is fully committed to

the good life: attention, adventures, and being your loyal sidekick.

Now, let’s address the fine print: Cats? Hard pass. He believes they are suspicious and possibly plotting something.

Other dogs? Also a no. Ace prefers to be your one and only. He didn’t wait 8 years to share the spotlight.

If you’re ready for a loyal co-pilot with personality (and excellent

cuddle skills), Ace is ready to ride. *We have recently learned that Ace loves the pool!*

Ace is a Diamond Dog so please ask about the special perks that come with adoption. Come to the SPCA Tampa Bay today at 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo. You may also visit Ace and his friends online at SPCATampaBay.org.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER!

Meet Diamond, a lively and friendly girl who gets excited when someone

walks by her kennel, often tiptapping with her paws to catch your attention. She is well behaved, easy to handle, and has excellent manners, balancing her happy, active personality with moments of

calm. Diamond is smart, curious, and confident, eager to please, and already knows Sit, Paw and Down. She is easy on the leash, politely accepts treats, and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a friendly, loving, and attentive dog.

Visit the shelter at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo, or see Diamond and her friends online at www. pinellascounty.org/animalservices/ adopt. To learn more about Animal Services, stop by the shelter or call (727) 582-2600.

SWEET DUCKIE!

Meet 1-year-old Duckie, who is currently available for adoption in our Cat+Kitten Adoption Center located in Palm Harbor.

Duckie is a sweet, gentle soul who prefers to take life at her own pace.

While she is a shy girl who needs a little extra time to feel comfortable, she is absolutely worth the wait! She truly loves being petted once she knows she’s safe!

This quiet girl also has a fun side; she is playful and her absolute favorite hobby is “tuning in” to cat TV. If you have a little patience and a cozy spot for her to watch the birds, Duckie will be a wonderful addition to your home. Call the office at 727-7861330 and visit our other adoptable pets at 1030 Pennsylvania Avenue in Palm Harbor.

SILLY MORA!

Do you have some dog toys that need to be played with? Perfect! Our playful and silly gal Mora would absolutely LOVE to help!

Mora came to the Humane Society of Pinellas from Animal Services, where she was listed as a playgroup rockstar! Our volunteers who took

her to the park, report that she is very energetic and sweet.

Come meet Mora at the Humane Society of Pinellas at 3040 State Road 590 in Clearwater. For more information call (727) 797-7722 or visit HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org.

ALL AMERICAN BUBBLES!

Sweet, gentle and full of love, meet Bubbles! Bubbles may be a little shy when you first meet her, but give her a little time and you’ll see what a true sweetheart she is! This angel of a girl loves going on walks, soaking up the sunshine and playing outside. She has a calm, loving nature and will make a wonderful companion. Bubbles is great with kids and cats, making her the perfect addition to a family looking for a loyal and gentle best friend. She is a 50 pound, 1 year old All-American girl!

All of our animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Visit Bubbles and her

friends at Pet Pal Animal Shelter located at 405 22nd St. S, St. Pete FL 33712 or call (727) 328-7738.

is waiting for you at Friends of Strays.

QUEEN ADA !

Ada is the Queen of Comfort and can usually be found in a soft bed or on a comfy lap. She may prefer to be the only queen in her future castle!

To meet Ada and her other friends, please call Friends of Strays at (727) 522-6566 or stop by our Adoption Center which is located at 2911 47th Avenue N, St. Petersburg. Many of our adoptable pets are also on the web at FriendsOfStrays.com.

SURVIVAL TIP

Ask: “If you could do anything, what would you like to do?” Try and encourage your children to generate their own ideas for activities. They’re more apt to have fun if they thought it up on their own! Reinforcing children to use their imaginations will also help them develop a sense of resourcefulness and get them in the habit of making their own choices about how they will spend their time.

SENIOR MUSINGS SUMMER

there is an abundance of sandy beaches. Speaking of the beach, I have always loved the beach and have always been drawn to the water. Many other activities that I’ve tried have always confirmed that notion.

When I was a kid, summer vacation meant playing pickup games in the neighborhood and field trips meant going to the beach. We didn’t have all these structured camps and daily activities that they have today. We went out in the morning and came back before it was dark.

Don’t get me wrong, structure for kids is a great thing, but having free time to figure out how to have fun with your friends is also a good thing. But, regardless of what era we are in, one thing about summer remains constant, kids and their families go to the beach. Especially here in Florida where

I like playing golf, and I do love the beautiful grounds of the golf course, and I do truly love being outside. It is absolutely a great feeling when I hit a shot just right (which I am pained to say is not very often). But the draw to the water is evident every time I send a shot cascading into a water hazard. The sandy beaches of the Pinellas shore line apparently are on my mind every time I hook a nine iron into a sand trap.

So, summer is coming and for me, it’s best to cut out the middle man and put my nine iron in my beach bag. I bet it works great as an umbrella stand.

‘til next month, thenThe Senior Muser

YFSN

SPECIAL NEEDS AND SUMMER SPORTS:

Sports is a great way for kids to stay fit, burn off excess energy, develop team building skills and well... have fun. All of the above is true for all kids including kids with special needs.

Like with any kid, it’s important to find the right “fit” when it comes to which sports will work best for your kid.

A kid with ADHD who is spinning around in the outfield and picking dandelions in a T-Ball game can be locked in on the basketball court where the speed of the game doesn’t make it harder to focus, but in many cases, easier. The high speed of the action is processed fast and he is, as they say, in his wheelhouse.

group of South Florida surfers by a member whose life and family had been touched by autism. The concept was an immediate success and the Surfers for Autism Project was born.

The organization has since hosted events in several locations around the country where autistic kids and adults go surfing together with

It seems that kids with autism have a special connection with the ocean and surfing. It was December of 2007 when the idea of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing was presented to a small

their families. Experienced surfers provide the equipment and hands on help in the water. The events raise money to benefit autism associated charities. For more information go to www.surfersforautism.org.

See ya at the yard! Challenger Baseball is a baseball program designed for the needs of children and adults that live with physical or mental disabilities. Every player gets to bat, field and “run” the bases. For players that need a little extra help, teenagers from the community volunteer to come be a “buddy’ at the games. Balls and strikes are not counted and victories come in the form of achievement and involvement in the game.

There are three absolute rules… Be safe, have fun and everyone gets to play ball. For more information call (727) 347-3325 or (727) 7426730.

Don’t think that if your child needs a wheelchair to get around that sports are not an option. There are wheelchair basketball and soccer leagues at all levels, from recreational to competitive. And don’t forget the Special Olympics!

To be safe, make sure to have a doctor‘s permission slip before you try a new activity. Then go get dirty and have some fun!

WHAT’S UP IN MAY?

CLEARWATER PARKS AND RECREATION (727) 562-4800

THE MARKET MARIE

Saturday, May 9th

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

710 Court Street, Downtown Clearwater

Shop local at The Market Marie with over 85 small business owners every second Saturday in Downtown Clearwater.

Enjoy live music, delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, henna, handmade candles, soap, pet treats, home goods and more. Event is located next to the City of Clearwater Municipal Svcs Bldg,

SUMMER CAMP 2026 CAMP BY THE SEA

Parking is FREE and can be found throughout downtown. The closest parking garage is the city employee parking garage located diagonally from the field. The garage is FREE on the weekends.

Morningside Camps are the place to be this summer, where children learn, grow, and make lifetime friends and memories. With our Camp by the Sea theme, each day is filled with creativity, adventure, and hands-on fun that keeps kids engaged and excited

It’s the perfect mix of learning and laughter, all wrapped up in a summer experience they’ll be talking about long after it ends.

For more information, call (727)562-4280 or email

Kelsey.Mccray@myclearwater.com

FUNTASTIC FRIDAYS AT COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION CENTER

CAMP: JUNE 1 - AUGUST 7

1-7; 7:30AM TO 6PM

562-4280

Friday, May 22nd 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM Join Countryside Recreation Center for their monthly parent’s night out! Drop your kids off at Countryside for a fun night of pizza, games, and excitement! Cost $7 with recreation card, $8 without a recreation card. For More Info Call (727)-669-1914

812-4530

Downtown Market Friday, May 08, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM featuring fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisanal cheeses, breads, honey,

and baked goods. You can also find other unique items like soaps, candles, plants, delicious lunch bites and more. As you shop and browse, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and live music performances that add to the charm of the market. The Dunedin Downtown Market is presented by Tampa Bay Markets. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main Street Info Call 727-298-3000

PALM HARBOR RECREATION (727) 771-6000

HURRICANE EXPO

Saturday May 9th 10:00 am-1:00 pm At the Centre This is a FREE event.

Hurricane season starts on June 1st. Being prepared can help save lives during a weather crisis.

Join us at the Centre for valuable information. Numerous Pinellas County departments will also be present to provide information on how to prepare for and respond to hurricanes. There will be over 35 booths filled with information, tips, and giveaways!

Don’t miss out on the chance to win many door prizes, including generators, hurricane supply kits, chainsaws, and more! You can also see rescue equipment and vehicles on display. For More Info Call 727-771-6000

SEMINOLE RECREATION

(727) 391-8345

POOL-A-PALOOZA

Saturday, May 30 10AM to 2PM

Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N, Seminole, FL. Kick off the summer with a funfilled day of swimming, live music, food, drinks, a cornhole

tournament, games, prizes, and more. Music by Joe Schweitzer, and Kona Ice will be on site serving delicious shaved ice on a hot day. Entry is just $2 per person for an afternoon full of summer fun. Please be aware we do not accept payment over the phone or online. For additional information, contact the City of Seminole Recreation Department at (727) 391-8345.

MOM & CHILD MOTHER’S DAY MARTIAL ARTS CLASS

Saturday, May 9th 10am- 10:45am

For ages 5-12

A fun, playful bonding experience in a real karate class.

$5 Members/$7.50 NonMembers (per family) Pre- register at the Rec Center today. For More Info Call (727) 391-8345

LARGO CENTRAL PARK TRAIN RIDES

Saturday and Sunday

June 6th & 7th

Join us for a ride around beautiful Largo Central Park on our miniature railroad on the first full weekend of the month.

The accurately modeled scale locomotives pull you and your

family along a mile-long loop through great scenery, the spooky tunnel, and our waterfall pond. Fun for all ages!

There is no charge for this family-fun activity, but donations are welcome. Your contributions keep the trains running.

Save some time and fill out the waiver online. (Note

that this resets each day, so please only fill it out just before you arrive).

THE LARGO EVENING MARKET

Saturday May 23rd

Join them on the 4th Saturday of the month and wander through different tents adorned with artisanal goods, from handmade jewelry to organic produce, all while enjoying the music from local musicians. There will be food trucks onsite for purchase.

Please email TheLargoEveningMarket@ gmail.com for vendor inquires for this market.

PAWS FOR PREVENTION

(Co-Sponsored Event)

Sunday May 17th 9am-12pm Largo Central Park This is a FREE event

In partnership with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the City of Largo, Pinellas Paws for awareness will be out in Largo Central Park with the help of some furry friends to help spread awareness and support. For more information, please call 727-587-6720

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Monday May 25th 9-10am

Largo Central Park

Join the City of Largo as we

honor our fallen soldiers for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in the Military Court of Honor at Largo Central Park. The ceremony will include a color guard presentation, music, a wreath presentation in remembrance of our fallen soldiers, and keynote presentations from local Largo veterans. For more information, please call 727-587-6720

GULFPORT RECREATION

(727)893-1068

TEEN NIGHT

Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 6pm - 9pm

At the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex and Gulfport Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd. S.

The Teen Night Program is a great opportunity for teens in grades 6-12 to enjoy recreational and social activities with peers their age. It offers field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects.

There is a gymnasium, game room and outdoor area that the teens can use.

For Teen Night Community Service Project and Teen Night Registration Form contact, Jami Rowell, Recreation Coordinator at jrowell@mygulfport.us Gymnasium and game room activities, monthly field trips & cooking projects.

(727) 893-1068

MOTHER’S DAY ROSES

Roses have long been associated with motherhood, making them the most popular choice on Mother’s Day. It’s Mother’s Day again and men all over America are heading en masse to the dreaded mall and to their local florist. Forget Mother’s Day and one will likely have a sore back from sleeping on the couch. So, let’s do a quick primer to aviod that painful ectoskeletal condition.

Roses have long been associated with motherhood, making them the most popular choice on Mother’s Day. The color of the

rose has as much significance as the flower itself and the wrong color can send the wrong message. Red roses are the most common rose color from husbands to wives on Mother’s Day, as they symbolize true love and romance. Use this mixture of red roses with a credit card for all husbands and male relatives.

Pink roses signify grace, elegance and appreciation. Pink is the top selection of kids for their moms. For who appreciates a mother more than her children? But, take caution! A concoction of pink rose

petals mixed with cash (usually a mixture of coins and crumpled greenbacks) can give a rotten, ungrateful kid an allergic rash, similar to shingles.

Yellow is the preferred rose for a dear friend, symbolizing joy and friendship. So this choice by a newlywed husband may not have the desired result, unless the goal is to sleep on the couch.

White roses are a symbol of innocence, purity or reverence. This is kinda like O positive blood, it’s a safe choice that may not make you better, but it won’t kill you either.

Orange roses symbolize desire. Don’t give these to your neighbor, see “yellow roses,” “newlywed” and “couch.”

Lilac roses indicate love at first sight. Don’t give these to your daughter-in-law.

When colors are combined, they can take on even more meanings. Red and white roses in a bouquet symbolize unity. Pink and white represent contentment. Yellow and orange together display passion. But you know what they say about mixing prescriptions, consult with your witch doctor first.

And why do we buy a dozen roses? Well, it’s said that it symbolizes one rose for each month of the year. The real reason? Don’t be cheap. See “couch.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

MAY CURTAIN CALLS

AMERICAN STAGE

RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE

163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 823-PLAY (7529)

COMING IN JUNE THE HOT WING KING

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening curtain is at 7:30pm

Friday and Saturday evening curtain is at 8 pm

Saturday and Sunday matinee curtain is at 3 pm

FREEFALL THEATRE

6099 Central Avenue St. Petersburg 727-498-5205

AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME: REMEMBERING THE WORLD OF ANNE FRANK by James Still Closes May 17th

Wednesdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm Thursdays, 7:00 pm

Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 pm

JOBSITE

DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA by John Patrick Shanley May 6th - 31st

jobsitetheater.org

For tickets go to tickets@jobsitetheater.org or call the Straz Center Box Office at 813.229.STAR

STAGEWORKS

1120 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa

813-251-8984 THE MEETING by Jeff Stetson

Closes May 3rd

EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE

Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo (727) 587-6793

CRAZY FOR YOU music & lyrics by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin book by Ken Ludwig May 1st - 10th

Clearwater 727-446-1360 GREASE

Closes May 17th

4025 31st Street S, St. Petersburg 727-866-1973

PRIDE CABARET JUNE 5TH @ 7:30PM

On the Run ‘Cause It’s Fun!

Ready... Set... Go!

... to before school program, school, after school program, home, dinner, homework, and finally bed. Ready... Set... Go! do it again, and again, and again. Children are so busy, there’s just not enough time to relax and get in a little fun exercise.

The “spare tire” has become a fashion accessory. Many preteen & teenage girls show off this accessory at some of their favorite malls & movie theaters. Boys have beer guts long before the legal drinking age! Be sure that before you kiss your baby goodbye each morning, you know how much of their day is spent in physical play or in the sluggish rut of immobility.

Children spend much of their day behind a desk at school.

While they may be exercising their brains, their bodies are taking a break.

In the higher grades, physical education (P.E.) is an elective and no longer a required course. Due to cut-backs, some school districts have restricted P.E. to only a few days each week. High-school students need only two credits (two out of the four years) of P.E. to graduate.

School just makes up some of our children’s day. Many hours are also spent at before and after school programs. What a perfect opportunity for fun physical activities to take place! Is your child sitting around at their after-school program or are they physically engaged in active play? Many programs recognize the need

to offer more than a safe caring environment for children. They understand the benefits of regular physical activity and offer programs such as dance, martial arts, and gymnastics throughout the week. Be sure to review your child’s program and other local programs available to you. You may be surprised at the number of activities that are accessible to your child.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published in their Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, the benefits of regular physical activity:

• Helps build and maintain healthy bones and muscles.

• Helps reduce the risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Reduces feelings of depression and

anxiety and promotes psychological well-being.

And the long-term consequences of physical inactivity?

• Overweight and obesity, influenced

by physical inactivity and poor diet, are significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status.

• Physical inactivity increases the risk of dying prematurely, dying of heart disease, and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure