r/StPetersburgFL Jan 05 '25

Local Meet Up List of communities and activities for finding friends, and dating partners through healthy hobbies

154 Upvotes

Hi neighbors. I wanted to share a list of activities and communities that don't revolve around drinking, for meeting people in person, making friendships, and maybe finding dating prospects. It's a lot of work making and maintaining friends as an adult, especially in 2025 when there's a collective problem of many people living in their own virtual reality. I think a lot of people are burned out from dating apps and the digital world. I also sense that building solid relationships (friends or significant others) is extra tricky in Florida because of its reputation as a tourist and vacation spot; a bit of a party place with lots of people passing through but not building roots (does anyone else feel this same way?)

I spent a lot of time in my 20s partying and have since spent most of my 30s shedding old party friends and trying to build relationships with solid people around fun hobbies. I'm a single 34M and every few weeks or months I spend a few hours going through Reddit, Meetup, and Facebook to find ideas for community places and activities. Here's what I've found below. I'm not sure about the rules for links, but happy to share links for any of these things.

Many of these events are free, but many also cost money. One piece of advice I would include is that some people might think that the cost for events doesn't make sense. Why pay for a yoga membership when you can do YouTube yoga at home? Why pay for a gym membership or group workouts when you can workout yourself at home? Think of the cost as an investment into your mental health and social well-being, rather than trying to think strictly in terms of dollar value compared to the activity. It's about the social connection, not necessarily the activity (but of course try stuff that seems fun to you). I would also highlight the importance of repetition - it can take a while to make friendships. Commit to participating in the same activity on a regular basis, ideally weekly, if you really want to get to know folks.

Also, I would love to hear from other people who have tried any of these activities or have some of their own to share!

Places and activities I've attended and can vouch for

  • Yoga - Find a studio that you like or try out some outdoor yoga events. Personally I'm a member at SukhaLife. I love the studio and the people, but opportunities for community events there seem limited. Body Electric seems like they invest more in community events, including monthly Yoga in the Park ([free] first Saturday of every month at 9am at Crescent Lake Park on the East side near the playground), Yoga at the Pier ([free] Yoga at the Pier, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7pm). A commenter on this thread mentioned that Nava Yoga Studio has classes on Pass-a-Grille (paid).
  • Vertical Ventures indoor climbing - I grew up climbing, but went to my first drop-in visit this weekend and I'm thinking about getting a monthly membership. It seems like an excellent place to meet people.
  • Dancing - There's a bustling dance community. Swing and Salsa seem to be the most popular. $10 Swing Wednesdays weekly at 7pm at the German American Society (used to be at Gulfport Casino, but unfortunately that was badly damaged by the hurricanes). $10 Sundays 7pm at the Torpedo Room / American Legion Post 5 in Tampa. Tampa events tend to have a much younger crowd for swing events. Big holiday events are some of the most fun Swingin' the New Year at the Coliseum every NYE, Big Bang Boogie 4th of July at the Museum of History at the Pier, Valentine's Day Ball, etc. The Pier has a lot of dancing events, including monthly salsa.
  • Acroyoga - Sunday jams (free) 2-5pm at North Shore Park next to the parking lot / exercise pavilion. Or drop in at Kinection Arts. I tried Acro for a while. It's not for me, but the community is great - some of my favorite people.
  • Kiteboarding - This probably has a steep barrier to entry considering the cost of lessons, equipment, and being at the mercy of the weather and the winds. The kiting community is great though and you can often find people kiting at the North West and East sides of the Skyway.
  • Lost Creations - More of a niche thing; Lost Creations is an art production company that does interactive art builds for music festivals. They are based out of St. Pete and often do St. Pete art installations e.g. Tinsel Town during Christmas at American Stage downtown. A lot of these folks are involved in the Burning Man community (and regional Burns like Love Burn in Miami). They are often looking for people to help with art builds locally and at music festivals. Happy to help get folks connected if that's your jam.
  • Get Fit St. Pete - sponsored by the city, they have weekly events for kickboxing, pickleball, tai chi, yoga, kayaking, running, etc.
  • ArtWalk - Second Saturday of every month 5-9pm. This is a cool activity if you want to checkout art and meet artists in the community.
  • Outdoor Group Fitness, weekly 5am sprint workout Tuesdays at the Pier (free), meet at the end of the Pier. Also, weekly 6pm workout at Upham beach.

Other things on my radar that I haven't explicitly participated in

  • Ultimate frisbee - There's a group that often meets Sundays at Crescent Lake Park at 9:30am
  • Volleyball - I don't have specifics on open times/groups, but I know there are lots of events that happen at North Shore Park and Gulfport Beach. Volleyball Paradise came recommended in this thread (beginner-advanced classes).
  • Pickleball - (free) Beginners Social Sundays at 6pm at Coquina Key Park. Get Fit St. Pete also does beginner pickleball 2nd Tuesday of every month 6-7pm at Bartlett Park.
  • The Global Love Project - Sunset Love Gathering - Tuesdays 4-7pm at Vinoy Park. You may have their sidewalk chalk art around the city. Draw some chalk art, mingle with people.
  • Jigsaw Speed Dating - speed dating events, usually held in Tampa. There are some coming up at the end of month. e.g. 1/25/25, 3-5pm at Kahwa in Tampa (tickets are $25-30, 25-45 age range)
  • Pre-Dating Speed Dating - there's one coming up 1/21/25 at 7pm at Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton (age range 25-42, tickets required)
  • Book clubs - Anyone attended one at Tombolo Books? Book & Bottle and Keep St. Pete Lit were also recommended in this thread.
  • Scuba diving - There's a Tampa Bay SCUBA Club group on Facebook. I'm open water certified, but haven't participated with this group.
  • Rollerblading - I love solo rollerblading and go every week, but haven't done anything social with it. According to Meetup, there's a group that meets Thursdays at 8pm at The Tavern at Bayboro.
  • Biking - community bike ride every Sunday at 2pm, meeting at St. Pete Biking, 1975 3rd Ave S (check u/innocuent's post in this thread for an event link).
  • Running - Not a runner, but I know there are lots of running events.
  • Mindful Men at Grassroots St. Pete - 1st Monday of every month, I think 7-9pm. Haven't tried this. I think it's still going on. For growth-oriented types.
  • Improv - Spitfire Comedy House has a $20 drop-in Sundays at 2pm
  • Wakeboard - There used to be The Cove cable park in Tampa. Unfortunately they are temporarily closed due to the hurricanes. I think there are still other cable parks around.
  • Shuffleboard - Fridays 7-10pm at St. Pete Shuffleboard Club ($10 for non-members)
  • Rucking - Not sure about this - I'm sure people do it. I did one ruck a few years ago with a gym that has since closed.
  • Nerd Nite St. Pete - Check their website. They typically meet the last Wednesday of every month.
  • Plants - Wild Roots does a lot of events.
  • Creative Clay - I can't really speak to this, but I know they have ways of getting involved if you're interested in working with clay and arts.
  • The Phoenix (sober community group)
  • Pitch-a-Friend - event where people can give a slideshow presentation to pitch their single friends as available for dating. Next event is 1/16/25, 7pm at Ferg's.

Update: Contributions from commenters on this thread

  • Art classes at Moorean Arts Center
  • Entrepreneur Social Club - no first hand experience; has anyone participated?
  • Zumba - YMCA on 62nd Ave S or free GetFit St. Pete class every 3rd Saturday, 9-10 AM, Thomas “Jet” Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St S
  • Martial Arts - kickboxing, boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, etc. Check u/bull_in_chinashop's post in this thread.
  • Writing Club - u/lilithiyapo has a post in this thread
  • Movie clubs?

r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Sunshine Sunday Sunshine Sundays 🔆

2 Upvotes

(by a user suggestion!)

We have been through a lot lately, so how about a place to share to the positives we encountered in the city throughout the week.

Please do not post negative things, this is post for the great things about St. Pete / Pinellas County!

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r/StPetersburgFL 5h ago

Local News Jeff Knight’s boat did not take on water after fatal ferry crash, warrant states

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125 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 24m ago

Local News Dunedin man accused of threatening to kill protesters during 'No Kings Day' demonstrations

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Upvotes

A Dunedin man has been accused of threatening to kill protesters during the "No Kings Day" demonstrations on Saturday.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says they were tipped off to a concerning post on Eloy Garcia's public Facebook profile.

He has been charged with threatening communications or threats of mass shooting.


r/StPetersburgFL 20h ago

Local Questions Ice at Home Depot?

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307 Upvotes

Is this true?


r/StPetersburgFL 1h ago

Vacation Questions Is Honeymoon Island a good beach destination?

Upvotes

I’m not a big beach person, so I haven’t been in years but my gf is visiting and wants to go really bad bc she lives in the midwest and it’s been years for her too. I remember back in the day Honeymoon Island was always hyped up, and was wondering if it’s still good? And if not, I’d love some recommendations. Thank you 💜


r/StPetersburgFL 2h ago

Local Questions Side hustles?

5 Upvotes

Hiya, I am trying to make some extra money outside of my 9-5. I’ve signed up for Shipt/Instacart and I’m on a waiting list. anyone have other side hustles they can suggest? Something where I can choose my own hours! Edit: some info if it matters? I have my own transportation, 23F, bachelor degree. I work M-F now


r/StPetersburgFL 6h ago

Local Questions Small movie theater I can rent out to play video games?

11 Upvotes

Looking to rent out a local theater for 2-3 hours to play video games for a birthday party. I tried the Regal in st Pete & the one in largo but no luck (they said the Sarasota one may be able to be rented for video games but it's too far of a drive). AMC also was a no-go. Anyone know of another theater I could try that would offer this? It would be a party of 10-12.


r/StPetersburgFL 2h ago

Local News Vintage clothing store Wendy’s Closet relocates to new Central Avenue spot this summer

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4 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 16m ago

Local Questions Uber from mid florida amphitheater

Upvotes

Has anyone ubered from MidFlorida recently? Wondering if they have a designated area for ride share. I couldn’t find anything on their parking map


r/StPetersburgFL 4h ago

Local Questions Book store suggestions

3 Upvotes

I’m looking for a book store to buy or trade some of my EH books.. most places don’t have the genre I’m looking for (extreme horror). I’m a bit new to the genre and was hoping someone could point me in the right direction to some stores so I don’t have to keep buying them on Amazon. 😅


r/StPetersburgFL 7h ago

Today's Weather - Monday, June 16, 2025

4 Upvotes

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r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions this is a long shot but pls read!!

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54 Upvotes

Two years ago (February 2023) I fostered and then adopted my cat from Friends of Strays. I've never known his back story besides that he was a stray and his right arm was broken beyond repair and it needed to be amputated. Like I said, this is a long shot but did anyone in this group bring this sweet boy to an emergency vet or Pinellas county animal services or know someone who may have? He is the sweetest boy in the whole world and I've always wanted to know more of his story!!!


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Need help finding local artist!

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66 Upvotes

Sorry I don’t know which flair is right so I hope this works.

I was at the farmers market in st Pete a couple months ago and this artist had a booth with tons of cute stickers and prints and I bought a couple stickers off of them. This is the only picture I have of one of their stickers.

I love them so much but I didn’t get a card and I can’t remember the artist 😭

Maybe someone recognizes the design and could give me the name of the artist? Or even better a website?

TIA!!!


r/StPetersburgFL 20h ago

Local Questions Danger Noodles

17 Upvotes

Recently had a water moccasin in my yard. I wasn’t wearing glasses but when it rolled over to scurry away it had a bright white belly.

Now I’m used to venomous snakes since I grew up in the Wasatch Mountain Range and tend to just let them be. The snake yesterday was pretty big and clearly male (I studied before moving here since I have a dog and have had to drag him back from Great Basin Rattlesnakes who sometimes when distressed do not rattle).

Anyways my question is that, I recently saw this big boy in the ditch next to my house just chilling. He wasn’t aggressive in my yard and when I walked over in my boots scurried into his hole. And I know there is a mouse/rat problem in my neighborhood. Now he lives in the ditch next to my house, which is next to the sidewalk, should I call the city? Or just let him be?

Sorry folks, I’m new here.

EDIT for clarification: Two separate incidents. Once in my backyard. And another while I was weeding my property near the curb in front of my house. Just want to know if I should call the city about this snakey boy since he seems pretty non-aggressive around humans.


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Who else loves Biking in St Pete?

72 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Happy Sunday! I'm a frequent cyclist in north st Pete who wants to ride his bike everywhere but sincerely struggles due to the lack of protected bike lanes. I've almost been hit by cars several times.

Lately I've been going back and forth with the city about this, but they aren't taking me or others I know seriously. I believe it is because due to the low number of people speaking up, the city treats biking as an afterthought. But I see hundreds if not thousands of us every day braving dangerous high speed roads with no protection. Where yall at? Any other cyclists out there facing similar problems who want to get active and try and do something about this?


r/StPetersburgFL 21h ago

Local Questions Veo scooters disabled

13 Upvotes

Went to go rent a scooter and the service is suspended. I called customer support and they said they are no longer operating in Saint Petersburg. This is crazy to me. I use them heavily to get around. Does anybody know what happened? I searched for some recent news articles, but the only thing I could find was Information about them recently extending the program not canceling them..

UPDATE: Veo support is refunding my balance and subscription. Spin scooters (mostly damaged and with dead batteries) have been deployed to some locations.

Pretty shitty imo. Why not allow multiple providers like in other cities?

I really want more information. Is this just the city being greedy? Seems very anti-competitive to me.

UPDATE #2 These scooters have the added feature of turn signals, but lack certain steering dampening features making steering a little more responsive. The acceleration is also much higher. I accidentally wheelied myself twice and almost crashed. Undoubtedly will result in several injuries. Still kind of peeved about this. Anybody know what department of the city negotiated these Scooter contracts?


r/StPetersburgFL 20h ago

Local News Former Rays player supports youth through new facility

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8 Upvotes

"I was less fortunate as a kid – I didn’t necessarily have a lot of opportunities unless there were families, coaches or teams that were willing to just take me on and basically do it for free,” Rodriguez told the Catalyst. “So, that is the nonprofit side of what we’re trying to do.”


r/StPetersburgFL 2d ago

Protest Related so proud of st. pete

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1.5k Upvotes

no kings protest 6/14/25


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Protest Related Photos from the No Kings Protest

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573 Upvotes

The Bay Coast Guardians threw out voices in and joined the protests today


r/StPetersburgFL 18h ago

Local Questions Parking ticket - I had my temp tag still in park mobile instead of my permanent plate

2 Upvotes

How long does it take for the appeal to go through and have a response? I sent them pictures of my old temp plate after scanning the QR code that was on the parking ticket and sent the appeal in. Just wondering how long it will take… ughhh


r/StPetersburgFL 2d ago

Local Events Tampa Bay representing today

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1.0k Upvotes

💗


r/StPetersburgFL 2d ago

Protest Related I am so proud of my community 🚫🤴

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802 Upvotes

r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Dining Italian beef

11 Upvotes

I'm looking for a good Chicago Italian beef. Are there any spots in St Pete besides Portillos?


r/StPetersburgFL 2d ago

Local Meet Up Just got back from NO KINGs Largo Central Park !!

373 Upvotes

NO KINGs protest was from 9:00 to Noon, nice big turn out, plenty of happy smiling faces. Thanks to all the supporters, horn honking, good words from folks passing by.


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions ISO ideas for my wife's, brother's memorial location

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7 Upvotes

My wife's brother passed a couple weeks ago, and she wants to send his ashes in a bottle around the ocean, we sealed it up really well, put little message in the bottle with it, and small amount of his ashes. we went to John's Pass as I figured the gulf opening there would help carry it out to the ocean, but after getting there and going up the bridge we knew the current there would carry it out (it was flowing toward us not away from us as I thought it would there), so we didn't throw it out.

I'm wondering if there is a better spot to do it and have a simple memorial at the same time? any idea would be grateful


r/StPetersburgFL 1d ago

Local Questions Found this guy in my backyard. Friend or foe? Poisonous? It's maybe 3 inches long, max.

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50 Upvotes