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Place names often come from something that happened there a long time ago. So when I saw “Rattlesnake” on Google Maps as the name of a South Tampa neighborhood, I had to find out what happened there!

From 1936 to the 1950s, this was the site of the “World's Only Rattlesnake Cannery”. They advertised rattlesnake meat as the “chicken of the glades” and had a snake pit that drew visitors. What began as a unique business grew into a neighborhood nexus with its own post office, general store, and restaurant. The owner was a man named “George K. End”, whose life ended somewhat predictably from a rattlesnake bite! That’s an OG Florida Man story if I ever heard one!

Legally speaking, “Rattlesnake” is now a “former unincorporated community”, which the city of Tampa annexed in the 1950s. Check out more historical images of it by scrolling down that page.

➡ Are you selling a property with a “Wow” factor in South Tampa? We’d love to share it! Please reply to this email for details.

Spring migration is in full swing, and the rare Swallow-tailed Kites have returned to South Tampa. They spend winters in South America and only come up north for their summer breeding season. Florida is one of the few places in the US to see them, and nine kites have already been sighted across South Tampa in the past 30 days, according to eBird users.

➡ Have you seen a rare animal this week? Please reply to let us know when and where! Include a photo for a chance to see it featured next week.

Just over the Gandy Bridge, I discovered some of the fluffiest and most unique buttermilk pancakes I’ve ever had. The Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes from Buttermilk Eatery include three large pancakes topped with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, rich strawberry preserves, fresh strawberries, a dusting of graham cracker crumbs, and a tower of whipped cream. It was nice to have something other than maple syrup as the sweetener, and these toppings are not as sweet as maple syrup, which I appreciated. Although the cute turquoise jug in the background contained maple syrup for optional use. 

The pork sausage links were also some of the most tender and flavorful one could hope to get from a breakfast place. Overall, it was worth the drive; and it’s not just a weekend brunch menu.

There is a rare collection of “Old Florida” nature art for sale right now at the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve on Saturdays and Sundays through April 26 from 1-3pm. These pieces were required to be created 100% en plein air (outside) and on-location within the preserve during a monitored event. As a result, each piece captures an old Florida forest or swamp scene, providing a refreshing departure from the ubiquitous coastal art sold elsewhere.

Even if you aren’t interested in art, a trip to Brooker Creek feels like you’ve left the city without actually leaving the Tampa Bay Area. The drive through rural farmlands feels like a scenic escape, and you can stop at the nearby farmer’s market to buy locally raised ingredients. Then take a walk through the preserve’s four Florida ecosystems.

The art show features over 30 local artists (including me!) If you see an artwork you love, you can vote for it in the Visitor’s Choice Award or purchase it. 20% of each sale is donated to the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve nonprofit, so you’d be supporting nature and a local artist. Prices range from $100 to $450 for sizes up to 16”x20”, making these pieces easy to take home or gift to a nature lover.

Roundtrip time away from South Tampa: 3 hours

Have you ever wondered if “NOG” and “SOG” are actually well-known terms in South Tampa? Let’s find out!

We asked for your favorite sunset view in South Tampa, and there were two clear winners: 1. Salt Shack by the Bay and 2. the area around American Legion Post 138. I love both!

➡ Do you own a pet who is guilty of being too cute or doing something it wasn’t supposed to do? Send us the photo evidence and a short description for a chance to be featured next week!

Help Build Community: Our mission is to help neighbors live their best life in South Tampa by creating a more fun and connected community. If you like this idea, there are several free and paid ways you can help foster it:

Independent & Transparent: The Scroll is independently owned and operated by a South Tampa resident. Positive mentions can’t be bought. We only include things we have personally tried or trust the person who did doesn’t benefit from mentioning it. We do not include links to businesses, unless they are not-for-profit or paid sponsors we have vetted and noted as such. Clicking on asterisked items (*) may provide us with affiliate compensation, which helps fund us to keep creating for you!

Your Local Writer & Founder: Danielle is a lover of food, craft cocktails, wine, travel, nature, and history. After living in Ohio, Dallas, New Zealand, and 37 countries as a digital nomad, Danielle decided South Tampa was the best place to settle in 2022. She blends a world’s worth of experiences with local expertise as a Meetup event organizer and marketing director to ensure The Scroll is always worth your read!