News Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brandon Moore
bmoore@tampabaywater.org
(727) 791-2304 | (727) 470-0702

Clearwater, Fla. (August 25, 2020) – You’ve got your landscape looking good, using water efficiently and designed to be environmentally conscious. The only thing left to do is enter it in the 2020 Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards before the deadline passes. Help others see the value and beauty of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and submit your landscape for consideration by August 31.

Residents, businesses, community organizations, schools and more in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties are eligible to apply. If your landscape combines elements of creativity and water efficiency - don’t wait until the deadline, apply today at awards.tampabaywaterwise.org.

Tampa Bay Water, the University of Florida IFAS Extension office and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program are accepting entries through the end of the month. The landscaping awards program recognizes individuals and businesses committed to conserving our water resources and protecting the environment by using Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. All entries are reviewed by representatives of the University of Florida IFAS County Extension, followed by on-site evaluations for landscapes that follow water wise best practices.

Water wise landscapes minimize the amount of turf grass, are free of invasive species and have limited fertilizer and pesticide use. Judges look for the use of water-saving irrigation practices and properly operated and maintained sprinkler systems. Points are awarded for appropriately located plants, stormwater runoff prevention and efforts to retain or restore natural areas for wildlife habitat.

Winning landscapes represent the beauty and resiliency of our natural environment, and awards are given to those who are committed to conserving our water resources. Landscapes must be established for, at least, 12 months to be eligible for an award. Winners receive a custom, mosaic garden stone and recognition by local elected leaders.

About the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards

The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program is designed to recognize attractive, water-conserving landscapes in various water-use sectors (e.g., homes, businesses, industry and government). The program seeks to identify actual examples of outstanding Florida-friendly, water-wise landscaping and to promote those principles within the community. To learn more, visit awards.tampabaywaterwise.org.

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 2.5 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.