Summer officially kicks off in just a few weeks, which means longer days, pool parties for the kids, refreshing cocktails for the grown-ups, afternoon rain showers, and family vacations! Despite the fact that us Florida folk have been getting our daily dose of hot temps and sticky humidity for awhile now. On the flip side, we have been able to soak up tons of fun in the sun on the weekends when a lot of other regions are still dealing with cold fronts. Cheers to living in the “Sunshine State” y’all!
Not only are Florida residents blessed with beautiful beaches and an eternal golf season, but Tampa Bay really is a treasure. This city is rich in history, culture, style, local business support, good food, and great people!
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Speaking of good food and good times shared with family and friends….what better way to welcome summer than by firing up the grill? But before you stock up on all the fixins’ and throw on your festive grill master apron, you need to make sure everything else is ready for entertaining as well, which means you need to assess your area.
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All Hands on Deck!
If your backyard needs a hearty portion of TLC, you may want to hire professional help. You don’t want to get in over your head with home improvement projects, especially if safety is an issue of concern, as is the case with outdoor decks and patios. The fickle Florida weather is bound to take a toll on your outdoor space, so maintenance and upkeep are a must.
In addition to ensuring your outdoor deck or patio is safe and stunning, here are some other ways to boost your backyard’s beauty:
- Add lighting or lanterns
- Plant flowers and shrub
- Paint or resurface
- Invest in outdoor fans
- Extend the deck
- Enclose the patio
- Install a canopy or awnings
Your BBQ Battle Station
When a backyard looks well kept and inviting, you can take pride in it and show it off. I mean hey, if you got it, flaunt it! Once you’ve primed your outdoor area and made all the desired improvements, then you can get down to business with the grill. These days, there are so many top of the line grills to choose from, so if you don’t have one, it might be worth the splurge. If you don’t purchase a new grill this season, make sure your current one is up to snuff and thoroughly clean.
Time to Party Tampa Peeps!
Depending on how many people you typically invite over for your grill out sessions, it might be a good idea to purchase some new patio furniture. Not only will this update the overall look, but it will ensure that everyone has a comfortable place to sit, relax, and chow down on some messy, but delicious BBQ. In addition to ample seating (with comfy cushions!), make sure to stock up on citronella candles or other forms of insect repellent. Pesky mosquitos will quickly turn your grill-out grub session into a meal of their own.