Prepping for a bloom-filled spring starts early in Tampa. You’ve probably heard the adage about pruning your crepe myrtles on Super Bowl Sunday. South Tampa has six delightful garden shops, each with its own seeming specialty: There’s magic in every little nursery.

Every day we decide whether to spend our dollars at national chains or in local businesses. Cost and convenience often decide it. The dilemma is whether to do what’s best for my community or best for my pocketbook. But is it really best for my pocketbook to buy from a big box?

Local businesses give a community its character and individuality—it’s neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends. Another reason to be merry? For every $100 spent in a small business, almost $70 stays in the local economy.

Even if you didn’t buy or sell a home in 2021, you were probably affected by Tampa Bay’s red hot real estate market. Maybe not everything about being in the national spotlight is desirable, but it has certainly strengthened our already strong local economy. So what’s ahead for 2022?

Whether traditional, ultra-modern, a century old or under construction, the condos dotting Bayshore have a few things in common: Dreamy location, stunning views and immediate access to this famous sidewalk.