Is There a Dirty Secret Under Your Dream Home?

Do you own a house built before 1975? These homes are more likely to hide a dirty secret from you and your wallet. Scroll to the bottom of this email to find out what that secret is and a potential solution for eligible Pinellas County residents.

2023 Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund

Do you have a project that will protect, restore, or enhance the natural resources of Tampa Bay and its contributing watershed? The 2023 Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund is soliciting proposals for on-the-ground habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects through March 15, 2023. Awards typically range from $25,000-$250,000, but proposals outside of that range will be considered. A minimum 1:1 match (cash or in-kind) is required. Eligible applicants include government, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Projects should not exceed a three-year timeline. Proposals that benefit historically underserved and overburdened communities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to proposals that align with conservation priorities described in the RFP. Grant Information & Application Materials

The "Wild and Scenic" Little Manatee River

Congress recently passed the "Little Manatee Wild and Scenic River Act" directing the Department of the Interior to complete a study of a 50-mile segment of the Little Manatee River. The designation process was initiated by local champions, former Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White and U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan. The National Wild and Scenic designation protects rivers from intrusive development and ensures that the river is preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Tampa Bay Times Article

TBEP Staff Featured in "Dear Tampa Bay"

TBEP’s Assistant Director Maya Burke is one of four voices sharing stories of climate change and community preparedness along the Gulf Coast in this new short film by the National Wildlife Federation. Watch the Trailer on YouTube

Disaster, Travel, Wilderness First Aid Course | Feb. 4th Learn how to save a life and a limb with M.E.D.I.C. (Medical Education: Do-it-yourself Injury Care) at Pathfinder Outdoor Education's HQ in St. Petersburg, FL. | Event Web Page | Facebook Event

Raptor Fest | Feb. 4th Join the Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department for the 10th Annual Raptor Fest. | Event Info

Indigenous Leadership and Partnerships in Estuary Stewardship (Workshop) | Feb. 17th A great opportunity for estuarine science practitioners to discuss ways that land stewards can support thriving relationships with estuaries, sustaining cultural knowledge and practices. | Event Info

2023 St. Petersburg Science Festival & MarineQuest | Feb. 17-18th Experience the wonders of STEAM during the public portion of both events from 10am-4pm on Saturday, Feb. 18th. | SPSF Facebook Event

Florida Waters Stewardship Program | Mar. 8th Interested in leveling up your knowledge of Florida's water resources? The annual Florida Waters Stewardship Program hosted by UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County involves between seven and nine sessions, all taking place at different locations in Manatee County and focusing on a new water topic. The program includes a stewardship project, online explorations between class sessions, and an interactive online forum. | Event Info

Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund | Applications due Mar. 15th

Sarasota Bay Partners Grant Program | Applications due Mar. 1st

Laboratory Assistant | Eckerd College | St. Pete Park Ranger | Hillsborough County | Tampa Environmental Lands Management Technician | Hillsborough County | Tampa OPS Park Ranger | State of Florida | Dunedin Park Attendant II | Pasco County | Wesley Chapel District Park Ocean Educator | Mesophotic Deep Benthic Community (MDBC)* Project | Washington D.C.

Tampa Bay Watch's Oyster Shell Recycling Program Tampa Bay Watch takes oyster shells from local restaurants and turns them into habitat for Tampa Bay’s critically important eastern oyster. Learn more by watching this 4-minute YouTube video.

2022 Great Bay Scallop Search Data Now Online The Great Bay Scallop Search is an annual participatory science initiative conducted by Tampa Bay Watch since 2004 to measure the health of the Bay’s scallop populations. Data from the 2022 search is now available via TBEP’s dashboards, alongside more information about the search and scallops in general. | Visit Dashboard

A lateral sewer line connects a home’s plumbing to the public sewer system, and it’s the owner’s responsibility to maintain it. Houses built before 1975 are more likely to have lateral sewer lines made of outdated materials that are prone to leaks and cracks An old and damaged lateral line could lead to sewage back-ups into your yard and home, turning your dream purchase into a mess of costly repairs.  The good news? Rebates are now available for Pinellas County Utilities sewer residents for the cost of inspecting and replacing or rehabilitating (lining) their private sewer laterals. Visit the Pipe Up Campaign web page for more info

The mission of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan.  TBEP is a partnership of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater; the Southwest Florida Water Management District; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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