Every day, we’re sharing what we’re reading, watching, doing and listening to … the things that bring levity to our own lives. We’ll also share random things we’re talking about, laughing about and smiling about on social media, in pop culture and beyond. We encourage you to share your daily sources of levity with us in the comments or on social media.

Today…

Another installment of Covid-19 poetry, this time with St. Petian Chip Webster.

CELL MATE

High above the street

A view of the bay

I’m in COVID jail

We are part of the special group

That keeps us sheltered in place

Can we remain soul mates

While being cell mates

Love is the glue

That will get us through

The Florida Aquarium makes history, becoming the first to reproduce ridged cactus coral in human care

TFA_Ridged Cactus Coral B-Roll Spawn.mp4 from St. Pete Catalyst on Vimeo.

The Florida Aquarium has become the first in the world to reproduce ridged cactus coral (Mycetophyllia lamarckiana) in human care. The hopeful discovery was made over several nights in April in the Aquarium’s Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach.

“Our resolve to save Florida’s endangered coral reefs continues, and this historic breakthrough by our coral experts, our second in eight months, provides additional hope for the future of all coral reefs in our backyard and around the globe,” said Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium in a statement. “While our Aquarium remains temporarily closed to the public as we support our community’s wellbeing efforts, not even a global pandemic can slow us down when it comes to protecting and restoring America’s ‘great’ barrier reef.”

“These advances give us hope that the round-the-clock work we are doing will make a difference to help conserve this species and save these animals from extinction,” said The Florida Aquarium Senior Coral Scientist Keri O’Neil.  “To date we have now been able to sexually reproduce eight different species of coral affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease at The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation campus.”

An Earth Day message from the City of St. Petersburg, complete with incredible nature sounds.

On this #EarthDay, we hope this moment in nature will help you feel a little more grounded + connected to our beautiful backyard that is St. Pete. Let this day be a reminder we can always do our part to be more sustainable to preserve the paradise we live in! #BringingStPeteToYou pic.twitter.com/r4jscQQd8Y

— St. Petersburg, FL (@StPeteFL) April 22, 2020

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and her team are spreading the word about social distancing through creative means. They’ve covered Tampa Sidewalks in chart art pirates. One of the more creative public health campaigns we’ve ever seen! Nice job, Tampa!

Team Tampa is hard at work (wearing face coverings, of course) to install new chalk art around the city! Argh you social distancing?

I want to see your mask & cover selfies too – use #FaceTheFactsTPA to spread the word about the importance of face coverings in #COVID19 safety. pic.twitter.com/NVQkq40zRt

— Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) April 22, 2020