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01Apr
Celebrating Landscapes that Look Good and Do Good
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News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Malique Rankin
mrankin@tampabaywater.org
(727) 791-2315

CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 1, 2026) – Awards season is now open for the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards, a regional program that recognizes homeowners and businesses for landscapes that save water while remaining attractive and functional.

The program, offered in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and Florida‑Friendly Landscaping™ Program, honors water‑wise landscapes in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Applications are accepted through July 31, 2026 at awards.tampabaywaterwise.org.

The annual awards celebrate landscapes that use efficient irrigation, Florida‑Friendly plants and thoughtful design to reduce water use and protect the environment—without sacrificing curb appeal.

“These awards highlight community members who are leading by example—saving water while creating landscapes that thrive in Florida’s climate,” said Amelia Brown, demand management program manager for Tampa Bay Water. “With ongoing dry conditions across our region—those landscapes matter now more than ever.”

Award Categories:

  • Best of the Region Award: Recognizes the best landscape of the year from the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award winners from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
  • 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.
  • Conservation Commendation: Recognizes landscapes that excel in one or more categories.

Award recipients receive a custom mosaic steppingstone created by a local artist and are recognized at local city council or county commission meetings. The Best of the Region Award is a special stone and is presented at a Tampa Bay Water Board meeting.

Landscapes are evaluated by UF/IFAS County Extension staff 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 than other plants. 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.