Community & Community Associations
Local Communities
Coalition of Community Gardens
Our Vision is to grow thriving community gardens and healthy environments, with equal access for all.
Our Mission is to support community gardening, share knowledge and resources, grow a sustainable framework through advocacy and public policy, and cultivate individual and community health.
Community Garden Specialist Urban Agriculture Certification
The Value of Community Gardens
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Their mission is to promote a culture of environmental stewardship through volunteer and educational opportunities. Support Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and know that 100% of the proceeds stay in our community and help to make a cleaner, greener, more livable home for us all. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful provides a unique experience for individuals to make an impact in our community. We offer a variety of service projects to work with groups of all ages. We combine education with service to create a cohesive community effort for change.
Adopt-A-Road, Park, HART Shelter, Shoreline, Monofilament Tube or Watergoat
Types of Adoptions
- Adopt-A-Road: A minimum of a one mile stretch of right-of-way
- Adopt-A-Park: County and City Parks are available and projects can include litter removal and beautification
- Adopt-A-Shoreline: A stretch of accessible shoreline, piers or waterway
- Adopt-A-Monofilament Tube: Monofilament tubes at boat ramps and fishing piers
- Adopt-A-WATERGOAT: Removal of the collection of litter and debris that washes in from nearby storm drains from surrounding neighborhood streets
- Adopt-A-HART Shelter: Adoptees will be responsible for monthly cleaning of the bus shelter of their choice (Requirements and more information below!)
Hillsborough Trash Free Waters
Homegrown Hillsborough
Homegrown Hillsborough is the name of the food system program coordinated by Hillsborough County. Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of community members with the mission to grow a strong food system. The vision is to create an integrated food system that is diverse, reliable, and creates opportunity for active participation. Homegrown Hillsborough will act as an educational and community development initiative with a focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship, and agricultural production that will strengthen the relationship that Hillsborough County residents have with their food.
Tampa.gov
Sept Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup
Tampa Bay Watch
Tampa Bay Watch hosts three large-scale community cleanups a year, along with smaller efforts on a needed basis at various sites throughout the Tampa Bay region. Keep an eye out to participate in March (Great American Cleanup), July, and September (International Coastal Cleanup).
- Derelict Crab Trap Removal
- Education Programs
- Fishing Line Recycling
- Get Involved
- Native Planting Program
- Oyster Reefs
- School Outreach
- Shells for Shorelines
- Seagrass
Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency (WISE) Program
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s WISE program offers reimbursement of up to 50 percent, or a maximum of $20,000, in cost-share grants that improve water use efficiency for qualifying conservation projects managed by homeowner, condominium, or neighborhood associations, including:
- WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers
- Soil moisture sensors
- Separation of mixed irrigation zones
- Weather stations for irrigation control
- High-efficiency irrigation heads (i.e. rotary nozzles)
- Pressure regulating devices
- Conversion to micro-irrigation in landscape beds
Applications are accepted year-round on a first come, first serve basis.
To learn more and how to apply visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District WISE page.