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16Apr
Now with More Ways to Win, Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards Program Accepting Applications
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News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brandon Moore
bmoore@tampabaywater.org
(727) 791-2304

CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 8, 2025) – Tampa Bay Water, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) County Extension and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, now offers more opportunities to recognize homeowners and businesses for their beautiful, water wise landscapes.

The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards Program recognizes Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County residents and businesses for their use of attractive, Florida-Friendly landscaping and water-saving techniques. Applications are open until July 31 at awards.tampabaywaterwise.org. 

Award opportunities now include: 

  • Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award: Recognizes landscapes that feature the right plants in the right place, minimize stormwater runoff, use water efficiently and offer aesthetic appeal. 
  • Best of the Region Award (New): Recognizes the best landscape of the year from the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award winners for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County. 
  • Conservation Commendation (New): Recognizes landscapes that excel in one or more categories. 

“Up to 50% of water used at home can come from watering your lawn,” said Amelia Brown, demand management program manager for Tampa Bay Water. “These new awards allow us to celebrate even more homeowners and businesses for efforts to save water while maintaining a beautiful environment.” 

Winners receive a custom mosaic steppingstone made by a local artist and recognition at local city council and county commission meetings. The new, best of the region award will be presented at a Tampa Bay Water board meeting. 

Landscapes are evaluated by UF/IFAS County Extension Agents and winners are selected based on performance in the following categories: 

  • Retention of existing trees and vegetation 
  • Landscape design and plant selection 
  • Stormwater runoff prevention 
  • Efficient irrigation  
  • Aesthetic appeal 

Water-wise landscapes benefit homeowners and the environment by:  

  • Improving Drought Resistance: Choosing Florida-friendly plants suited to Florida’s natural environment require less water. Native and Florida-friendly plants thrive in the local environment and can be drought tolerant. 
  • Reducing Water and Maintenance: Water wise landscapes typically have less turf grass and feature plants that require less upkeep. Plant the right plants in the right places and once established, the landscape requires less maintenance compared with turf. 
  • Protecting the Environment: By using plants suited to the location, water wise landscapes minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides that can be harmful to the environment and drinking water sources. 

About Tampa Bay Water 

Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members, who in turn, supply water to more than 2.6 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water member governments include the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa, and the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org. 

About the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. To learn more, visit ifas.ufl.edu. 

About the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program 

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program was designed to help residents and business owners create and maintain beautiful yards using research-based, environmentally sustainable landscaping practices. This program provides training opportunities and educational services that teach homeowners, landscaping professionals, and green industries how to water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, manage yard pests responsibly, and more. To learn more, visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu.