Dumpster Diving: Tampa Woman Snags $20,000 in Holiday Treasures

A woman in Tampa, Florida, has found a unique and wallet-friendly way to make the holidays even brighter. Instead of paying full price for Christmas decorations and gifts, because according to FOX News, Melanie Diaz has turned dumpster diving into a holiday tradition… And it's paying off in more ways than one.

Diaz, a 22-year-old with a knack for finding treasures, hits up dumpsters behind stores like Michaels, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and Jo-Ann Fabrics during December and January. It's during this time that retailers toss out their excess holiday stock, and Diaz swoops in to collect what would normally be wasted. She’s managed to snag everything from wreaths and Christmas trees to puzzles, dog toys, and festive ornaments.

The savings have been massive. In just one year, Diaz saved around $20,000 by retrieving items that are still in perfect condition, sometimes even brand new. Her biggest hauls come in January, when stores clear out their post-holiday inventory. One dumpster diving trip to TJ Maxx even netted her ten wreaths, worth about $400, and a collection of $500 Christmas trees.

But it’s not just about the savings for Diaz. She enjoys the process of finding things that brighten her home for the next year’s holidays. Occasionally, she even brings family along to help with the haul, especially when there’s too much to handle in one trip. After one successful dumpster diving outing, Diaz and her family ended up holding a garage sale to share some of their finds with others, keeping a lot of it for themselves, too.

Diaz’s unique holiday hobby has proven that one person’s trash can indeed be another’s treasure—and in her case, it’s a way to save money while adding some serious sparkle to her celebrations.

It's officially crunch time when it comes to getting things done for Christmas and Chanukah celebrations. It is also a fantastic time to get out and have a good time because there is so much going on. Here are 10 places to have fun this weekend in SWFL.

It's another weekend full of boat parades. The one pictured below is from Key West last weekend. It is quite a spectacle every year. Almost every coastal town in Florida has one. This weekend you can see decorated boats in Cape Coral, Punta Gorda and more.

Not listed in detail below but still taking place are events that have been underway much of the season. We're talking things such as the Magic Of Lights. It's a drive-thru light display at paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples.

In addition, it is the last weekend to experience all the Christmas fun at Farmer Mike's in Bonita Springs. There are snow slides, hay rides, outdoor movies, a field of lights and Santa.

Then there is Holiday Nights at The Edison and Ford Winter estates in downtown Fort Myers. It's one of the few times you are able to walk the grounds of the historic homes at night. While you're downtown, there is a new speakeasy that officially opens to the public this weekend.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for December 20th through the 22nd. Be sure to share with friends. No one likes missing a good time

The annual Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long is back and the party is not limited to the water. If you  watch the parade from Bimini Basin you will also have access to food trucks and Santa. In addition, "The Polar Express" will be shown on an outdoor movie screen. Just bring chairs and blankets. Bimini Basin is where the boat parade kicks off as it winds along canals. Festivities are from 4-9pm, the parade begins at 7:30. Saturday. Free. More info here. 

This boat parade takes place every year on the Saturday prior to Christmas Eve. It winds for four  miles through the canals of Punta Gorda Isles. 6pm, Free. More info here.

This annual event is at South Seas Resort on Captiva. The waterfront becomes alive with arts, crafts, entertainment and photos with Santa. You can write letters to the big guy too. Enjoy smores hot cocoa and other festive treats. Don't miss the tree lighting and be sure to check out the illuminated boats in the marina. Friday and Saturday from 6-8pm. Free. More info here

This celebration is at The Village Shops On Venetian Bay in Naples. Not only can you get some last minute shopping in, you can also enjoy entertainment through the waterfront shops. Dickens Period Carolers will be strolling, a snow show is planned and Santa will be there too. Saturday 6 p.m. Free. More info here.

This is a perfect time and place to get your last minute holiday gifts. Find everything from painters to sculptors, jewelers and lots more. Gilchrist Park on West Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Free. More info here.

Put on your ugly sweater and join this fun pub crawl in downtown Fort Myers. The fun kicks off at The Standard. Saturday, 5:00 to 11pm. Register for more details. More info here.

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It's a holiday classic The ballet company will be accompanied by Gulf Coast Symphony. The show this weekend is at Barbara B Mann Preforming Arts Hall in Fort Myers on Saturday.  Tickets start at $47. More info here.

The Holiday House Christmas Stroll takes place along First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Enjoy the decorated business windows, music and even Santa Claus Santa Claus. This year’s theme is “Christmas Stories Through The Eyes of a Child.” It runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Free.  More info here.

This one is at the German American Club in Cape Coral. Enjoy all kinds of vendors and cookie decorating too. Compete in an ugly sweater contest and enjoy all kinds of fun. Santa and even The Grinch will make appearances and pose for photos. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free.  More info here. 

This monthly event features all things music in downtown Fort Myers. Streets are closed for pedestrians and outdoor performances can be found everywhere. Friday night from 6 to 10pm. Free. More info here.