Patch Minute: Weekend Planner

Welcome to Patch Minute and welcome to your weekend. Every week we'll fill you in on local events and things to do in St. Pete, Gulfport and the Gulf Beaches.

In St. Petersburg

We're starting this week's Patch Minute at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Pete. If you love flowers and art, the Art in Bloom event is for you. It's one of the museum's most popular spring traditions. The event features floral interpretations of the museum's art. Flowers go on view on Friday and will stay up through Tuesday, March 6. Hours are 10 - 5 and tickets range from $10 to $17. Check out the full schedule in the story "Art Begins to Bloom at Museum of Fine Arts."

While you're down by the water, stop by the St. Pete Pier on Saturday for a daylong part at the pier. The Florida Statehood Party at the Pier will feature a waterski show at noon, live music from 1 - 4. The event is free and for all ages.

In Gulfport

Let's head over to Gulfport where it's all about art and books!

There will be a huge book sale at Scout Hall on Saturday from 9 - 2 p.m. The event is a fundraiser by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. Last year, people walked away with enough books to fill their bookcases at home. Trust me, if you're a booklover, this is the sale to shop.

Now, on Friday night we have the First Friday Art Walk which features local artists, vendors, music, food and more all on Beach Boulevard from 6 - 10 p.m. The event is alwas free and everyone is invited. Also on Friday, the City of Imagination hosts an art exhiit opening and reception at 6 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater AND the Gulfport Senior Art Workshop Exhibit Opening nad Reception will also be at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library. Several students of Gulfport Elementary will have a booth at the Art Walk as well. They're selling art to help raise money for their teacher who was diagnosed with cancer in October.

The Beaches

Lets head over to the beaches. On Friday and Saturday night, we have Tampa based comedian Steve Netta at Coconuts Comedy Cub in St. Pete Beach. According to his website, Steve Netta is a stand-up comedian based out of Tampa, FL. Steve's comedy can best be described as a roller coaster ride with twists and turns that will leave you guessing where he is headed next. Tickets are $18.

Saturday we have the fresh produce market at Merry Pier in Pass-A-Grille. It's not just produce though. You can also find an array of fresh fish for sale. The market starts at 8 a.m.