Can we plan a big Tampa, FL area meetup?!

[lulababy]

I don't know how to get this started but there were a lot of people in my Bam Bam thread from florida that were interested in a Tampa, FL meetup. Who organized the last one (in Orlando, earlier this year)? Anyone else interested?! Post here if you are, so we can see how many people are willing to come! If anyone has suggestions for dates or places, post that as well as I do not know of many dog parks

[dinolover]

I am from Miami, but I am willing to drive up for a big meetup. I love planning so let me know.

I found this list of dog friendly parks and beaches.

FloridaPets.net - The Web's #1 resource for all that is pet friendly in Florida

I am not very familiar with the area so maybe you can let me know about them.

[hasrv4fun]

I would come if it doesn't conflict with the babies leaving later this summer -

Bam Bam and his siblings and Sally's babies will be leaving in July and August but i would really like to come - maybe i will get to see some of my babies that are down that way ( Orlando, Tampa , Miami, West Palm and other places )

Let me know when you get it together

Did you get the pics of BamBam in my pocket ?

[6 yorkies]

I live near Tampa and I would love it.

[FL Tink]

Thanks for the info! I would be interested!!
It just depends on the day you choose and if i have to work or not.

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by dinolover

I am from Miami, but I am willing to drive up for a big meetup. I love planning so let me know.

I found this list of dog friendly parks and beaches.

FloridaPets.net - The Web's #1 resource for all that is pet friendly in Florida

I am not very familiar with the area so maybe you can let me know about them.

Well if you love planning, by all means take the lead!!

I read through a few of them in the tampa area... I live outside tampa so i am not familiar with certain areas but i think the clearwater, st petersburg or tampa area would be nice. I hadnt thought of a beach but because it will be summer i think that would be nice, but I read through some of the reviews and I dont like the idea of big dogs running off leash when we will have little bitty doggies with us.. but if anyone knows of a good one and its safe(!!) let us know.. the only one i saw that Ive heard of before is the mango dog park...

4. Mango Dog Park

Located off exit 10 of I4 and I75. Local folks refer to this as the "Mango Recreation Center Dog Park in Seffner." Offers two fenced acres, one for small dogs, the other for large dogs, pavilions, picnic tables, a dog wash/pool area, drinking fountains for both dogs and their people, some shade trees, poop bags. To get there after coming off exit, go to second stoplight, which is Clay Pit, turn left, make the first right into the Mango Recreation Center which is also the parking lot for the dog park.

Note of 05-04-08: A reader provides the following review of a recent visit to this park:

"We have just returned from Florida and visited Mango Dog Park every day with our two golden retrievers. What a wonderful park. Lots of room to roam and play with water pools for the dogs to cool off, drinking dishes and toys to play with. It is very clean and the people we met were very friendly and very responsible dog owners who always kept an eye on their dogs."

if anyones been there it would be great to have some input!! or if anyone can suggest another nice place...

I think the weekend would be best for most people .. would you agree?

[lulababy]

I just looked at the calendar and July 4th is a friday ... which might give people time to travel if they needed to. hum I dont know if people woudl come that weekend though.. they might have other plans and it might be too soon maybe? i dunno.. thoughts?

[mypreciouspups]

I live near Tampa but will not be there until early november now.. so we need to plan one for around that time too.... I know you want one this summer.. but I so want one to happen when we get there.. anne

[Morkie4]

I'm an hour north of Tampa so might be able to meet up if it is the right day and time and place....................LOTS OF "IFS".....

[FL Tink]

Well it was 100 here today..lol
So it needs to be early morning or late afternoon.
I took Bella to Mango once.
They do have large areas for both small and big dogs. Both are enclosed by a fence. HOWeVer. People put their large breen puppies in the small dog side. A puppy that was 3 times her size pounched on her and pinned her to the ground. she yelped and he owner just stood there.
I think i remember seeing a few picnic tables some covered i think.
I could check others out if anyone had a preference or idea

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by Morkie4

I'm an hour north of Tampa so might be able to meet up if it is the right day and time and place....................LOTS OF "IFS".....

where exactly are you? im in spring hill. Sounds like you might be close. I used to live in tampa though (temple terrace actually) and I went to college in st pete. I understand about the drive!! I do it all the time though as all my friends are still in tampa

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by FL Tink

Well it was 100 here today..lol
So it needs to be early morning or late afternoon.
I took Bella to Mango once.
They do have large areas for both small and big dogs. Both are enclosed by a fence. HOWeVer. People put their large breen puppies in the small dog side. A puppy that was 3 times her size pounched on her and pinned her to the ground. she yelped and he owner just stood there.
I think i remember seeing a few picnic tables some covered i think.
I could check others out if anyone had a preference or idea

ugh!! why would you put a big puppy in there that is 3 times as big as the other little GROWN dogs.. come on.. people dont think things through!

thanks for offering to check places out... i was thinking maybe someone could check out some of the dog beaches

[lulababy]

I researched it a little more and the fort desoto paw playground does have fenced in areas for small dogs and big dogs, as well as access to the beach/water (leash free). Its supposed to be one of the better dog beaches.

Is there anyone who has been there that is willing to give it a review? and/or someone to check it out? I might be willing to go check it out--

I found a video @

MySpaceTV Videos: Fort DeSoto Beach Paw...

where you can get a look at the beach

[mizzwanned]

I would def. be interested cause i am visiting my dad this summer in Tampa, i just dont know exactly when im going yet or who im taking with me

[dinolover]

I like the for desoto park paw playground it looks great. I will read up on it tomorrow . The Problem is setting the date....ummm......I say maybe after July 4 because people have lots of plans, we could do it on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Maybe July 21 or 22?