News Releases

News Release

For Immediate Release

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

CLEARWATER, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2023) – For more than 20 years, Tampa Bay Water has supported the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. At its August meeting, the utility’s board of directors approved $559,668 in funding to continue supporting water-efficient landscape practices that protect Tampa Bay’s drinking water and natural resources.

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, known for its comprehensive approach to landscaping practices, aligns perfectly with Tampa Bay Water's mission to safeguard the region's water supply for generations to come. Through education, outreach and practical solutions, the program encourages homeowners, businesses and municipalities to adopt landscape practices that not only conserve water but also support local ecosystems.

“By investing in sustainable landscaping practices, we are not only promoting water conservation but also contributing to the overall health and resilience of our community and environment,” said Warren Hogg, Tampa Bay Water’s chief science officer. “In 2022 alone, the program saved more than 32 million gallons of water.”

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program provides a range of resources, including workshops, online tools and expert guidance, to help individuals and organizations design and maintain landscapes that are well-suited to Florida's unique climate. By choosing drought-resistant plants, optimizing irrigation systems and implementing efficient landscape design, residents can significantly reduce their water consumption and associated costs.

Through its partnership with the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, Tampa Bay Water underscores its commitment to responsible water management. By supporting this initiative, the utility demonstrates its dedication to both environmental stewardship and education, empowering the Tampa Bay community to play an active role in preserving the region's water resources.

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 Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org.

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.