News Releases

News Release
For Immediate Release

Get Recognized for Water Efficient Landscaping

CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 1, 2022) – Awards season is open for residents and businesses with attractive, water-efficient landscapes. Applications are accepted online at awards.tampabaywaterwise.org through June 30. Winners receive a custom mosaic garden stone, recognition by local elected officials and neighborhood bragging rights.

Getting a coveted award stone requires balancing Florida-friendly landscape elements with attractive design, minimal maintenance, and efficient irrigation techniques that result in reduced water use. Landscapes must be established for at least 12 months to be eligible for an award.

Tampa Bay Water, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) County Extension Offices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, is looking to recognize residents, local businesses and community organizations that are committed to conserving water resources and protecting the environment. All entries are reviewed by University of Florida IFAS County Extension agents, followed by on-site evaluations.

“We work with the community through the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program to encourage efficient use of our water resources and to protect our drinking water sources from pollution,” said Amelia Brown, demand management program manager for Tampa Bay Water.

Water-wise landscapes benefit our community and environment in the following ways:

• Reduced Water Use: Choosing Florida-friendly plants suited to Florida’s natural environment require less water. Native and Florida-friendly plants thrive in the local environment and are typically drought tolerant.
• Minimal Maintenance: Water-wise landscapes typically have less turf grass and use plants that require less upkeep. Plant the right plants in the right places and, once established, the landscape requires little maintenance.
• 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 2.5 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.

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.