TAMPA, FL –February 17, 2012 – Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful recognized the Tampa Bay Times Forum as a “Treasure of Tampa Bay” with the highest honor of the “Champions of the Forest”. The Forum earned this recognition for their outstanding commitment to the community. The Tampa Bay Times Forum was praised for their continued support as well as recognized for the sponsorship of the 2011 KTBB VIP Painting Party, volunteer participation in the KTBB Adoption program, Lightning Foundation Grant and numerous in-kind donations that helped support the environmental efforts of this not-for-profit organization.

“The Tampa Bay Times Forum is a role model for our community for their efforts in creating an environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, cost effective facility.” said executive director Debra Evenson. The recent renovations consisted of installing energy efficient air handlers, low-flow toilets, water saving faucets. The Forum diverted 5,080,620 lbs of waste from the landfill by recycling construction waste – including guest seats. Beyond the renovations, the Forum has embraced environmental sustainability to include the encouragement of the guests to recycle at the Forum and at home.

Mary Milne, Vice President of Operations stated, “The Tampa Bay Times Forum is committed to meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We have renovated our facility considering the community needs and environmental, economic implications for now and for generations to come.”

“Thank You Tampa Bay Times Forum for your contributions to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and our community. Your contributions assist in helping to make the Tampa Bay area more vibrant, livable and sustainable for the future”, said KTBB director Evenson.

Recipient: Tampa Bay Times Forum, Champion of the Forest Award. Pictured left-right, Tripp Turbiville- Tampa Bay Times Forum- Front House Manager, Debra Evenson- KTBB Executive Director, Mary Milne- Tampa Bay Times Forum-Vice President of Operations, Patricia DePlasco- KTBB Community Education Liaison. Award presented on the ice at the Forum.

About Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Inc. (KTBB), a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide environmental education and volunteer opportunities that develop individual responsibility and environmental stewardship. Since 1989, KTBB has formed partnerships with local governments, corporations, schools and neighborhood organizations to engage individuals and provide opportunities to enhance the community through volunteer participation. To get involved with KTBB, call (813) 221-8733 or visit KeepTampaBayBeautiful.org.

Check out this post by SilverGray about The Gardens at Morning Star School in Tampa, FL.

From the post:

“Schoolchildren at Morning Star School -Tampa inspired creation of organic vegetable and herb gardens, as well as refreshment of the existing butterfly gardens. The project was hammered out in  partnership with generous folks from an array of public and private entities, including Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Lowe’s of Carrollwood, and the Foundation of Caring.  A project that keeps on growing , students continue to gather vegetables for donation to a local food pantry. Listen to my conversation with school principal Eileen Daly, as we prepped the gardens for the initial planting. Video production by Colin Kelly.”

See the video

Morning Star School from Colin Kelly on Vimeo.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is proud to provide the guidance and expertise to truly make an impact on our local environment! Our mission is to provide environmental education and volunteer opportunities that develop individual responsibility and environmental stewardship.

24^th Annual Hillsborough River & Waterways Cleanup

TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 4, 2011) – The 24^th Annual Hillsborough River & Waterway Cleanup hosted by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is quickly upon us.  Please come join one of Tampa’s largest annual volunteer events, as did the 1300 volunteers at last year’s event.  The day has a list of events, starting at 8:00am at Lowry Park for registration, and then dispersing to 40 different cleanup sites located throughout Hillsborough County until 11:00am.

Following the clean up all volunteers are encouraged to attend the Rally on the River, sponsored by Waste Management. A free picnic lunch will prepared by Sickles High School Culinary Program, as well as a live performance by Bobby & The Rockets. Rally on the River includes the following events Rollin’ on the River Regatta, “Trash”formations, River Rat Challenge, Educational Booth, and Recover by the River-Recycles Day.  Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful put together these events to enhance the knowledge about recycling through enjoyable activities and to educate the residents of Hillsborough County. These events show the importance of recycling in a fun outlet. In addition, it shows how residents can make positive impacts not only in Tampa Bay but also in the environment.

The events taking place are a great way to be a part of an enriching tradition. Executive Director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Debra Evenson said, “Without the support from our incredible sponsors, our committee, and the hard-working volunteers we would not be able to make this 24^th year a success.”

For more information or to register for any of these events log onto our website at www.KeepTampaBayBeautiful.org or contact Mijuan Ball at (813)-221-8733. Volunteers are also encouraged to log on and pre-register for the cleanup. Thank you for your support, see you on November 19, 2011.

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