KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL
ANNUAL REPORT FY2024 OCT 2023-SEPT 2024
Table of Contents
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About Us.............................................................................................................. Message from the Executive Director................................................ Why Volunteer.................................................................................................. Year in Review................................................................................................. Litter Removal ................................................................................................. Education .......................................................................................................... Beautification.................................................................................................. Gala & Leadership......................................................................................... Tropical Nights............................................................................................... Staff & Board of Trustees .......................................................................... Sponsorship......................................................................................................
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About Us
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is an affiliate of the national organization, Keep America Beautiful. Our mission is to promote a culture of environmental stewardship though volutneer and education opportunities. Efforts in litter prevention and removal, waste reduction, recycling, beautification, and community greening result in cleaner, greener, safer, and more beautiful public spaces throughout the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Our organization works with thousands of volunteers annually in activities that encourage behavior changes among our community members, stewardship for the environment, and care for the community.
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Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has been working for 35 years to manage programs that engage volunteers and help create a clean, green, and beautiful community for all. As the Affiliate Director, my passion is helping citizens develop pride in the place they call home and for those they share it with. Everything we do at Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful — a litter cleanup, planting trees, building a community garden, encouraging recycling, educating the next generation of community stewards — are all powered by volunteers who support our programs and our mission. None of it could be achieved without the collective help from our community members and visitors. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and we look forward to many more fruitful years to come. Join us in our mission… Together we can continue a legacy that will Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who played a part in 2024!
-Debbie Evenson Affiliate Director, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
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Why Volunteer?
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful brings together nearly 23,000 volunteers annually to improve our communities. In 2024, these dedicated individuals gave up their weekend mornings, trading leisure for a day of purposeful work. Instead of relaxing, they showed up with gloves and boots, ready to make a difference. The impact is impressive, but the true value of this effort extends beyond the results. When volunteers arrive at parks, beaches, or rivers, they quickly realize they aren’t alone. Whether working alongside familiar faces or meeting new people, they join together to tackle challenges. By the end of the day, they’ve succeeded in their tasks and strengthened bonds within the community. Volunteerism goes beyond dollars and cents. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s mission is to foster environmental stewardship through volunteer and educational opportunities. As people unite around common goals, they create greener, more vibrant communities. These engaged communities have healthier environments, stronger economies, and higher property values, benefiting everyone. At its core, the spirit of volunteerism is what makes Tampa Bay truly great. Our report highlights the tons of litter removed and spaces cleaned, but numbers alone cannot capture the true essence of giving back. To fully understand the impact, you need to get involved and experience it for yourself.
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Year in Review:
KTBB Hosted the After Gasparilla Cleanup. Stationed at 4 different sites around the parade route, 450 volunteers came out to help!
January
KTBB hosted Voluntines Day at Cypress Point Park, Davids Islands, Ben T Davis Beach, Desoto Park and Mckay Bay.
February
KTBB hosted the Kid’s Kickoff at MacFarlane Park to launch the Great American Cleanup!
March
KTBB partners with Port Tampa Bay to host the Great Port Cleanup during Earth Month
April
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful commemorated World Oceans Day at our Education Center, inviting volunteers to participate in a shoreline cleanup, along with a kayak and boat cleanup effort. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful hosted the 33rd annual Tropical Nights event, which supports all our programs!
May
June
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Year in Review:
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful partnered with Tampa Bay Lightning employees to plant 25 mature trees in Robles Park! This year's July 5th cleanup was a great success, with volunteers removing over 800 pounds of debris from the Courtney Campbell Causeway. KTBB hosted the Hillsborough River and Coastal Cleanup, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), at over 60 sites across Hillsborough County. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful participated in the Agventures event at the Florida State Fairgrounds, providing education on sustainable ways to grow. KTBB hosted our annual Awards Breakfast, where 17 students were awarded scholarships. The event also served to thank and recognize our outstanding volunteers and partners for their contributions.
July
August
September
October
November
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2023-2024 Environmental Impact
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful works year-round to facilitate litter cleanup events with volunteer groups of all sizes in Hillsborough County. Volunteers help remove litter from road ways, parks, and waterways throughout the county, focusing on key geographical areas such as downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Plant City, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful staff assist in
planning and promoting the events, recruiting volunteers, providing necessary supplies, and ensuring the collected litter is properly disposed of at the event's conclusion. Additionally, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful lends cleanup supplies to all volunteer groups. These supplies are provided through generous grant funding, various sponsors, and in-kind donations.
2024 Impacts: Litter Cleanups
23,830
96,827
252,239 $3,137,903
Volunteers Activated
Volunteer Service Hours
Lbs of Litter
Volunteer Value
Why Litter Reduction Matters
Litter reduction and cleanups are essential to maintaining a healthy and vibrant community. By removing trash from our streets and waterways, we help protect local wildlife, improve water quality, and enhance the natural beauty of our neighborhoods. Regular cleanups also foster a sense of community pride and encourage residents to take ownership of their environment, creating long-term positive impacts. Keeping Tampa Bay clean and litter-free not only ensures a healthier ecosystem but also promotes tourism and improves the quality of life for all who live here.
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Unifying for a Cleaner Tomorrow: Our Annual Cleanup Efforts
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After Gasparilla Cleanup Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful played a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of the annual Gasparilla parade by hosting cleanups at 4 key sites the Sunday after the event. More than 400 dedicated volunteers joined us to ensure that the litter and debris from the festivities didn’t end up polluting our waterways.
9,225 Lbs of trash
5,600 Lbs of recyclables
Our efforts are focused on minimizing the environmental footprint of Gasparilla, an iconic celebration that draws large crowds but can have a lasting negative effect on Tampa Bay’s ecosystem if not properly managed. By organizing these post-parade cleanups, our volunteers help prevent litter, especially harmful items like plastic beads, from entering the storm drains and flowing into the bay. This collective action helps protect our local marine life and maintain the beauty of our waterways for everyone to enjoy. We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who came out and made a lasting impact on our community!
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Great Port Cleanup
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Port Tampa Bay, and our dedicated partners came together for the exciting Great Port Cleanup, a massive effort that saw over 1,000 passionate volunteers working across 36 sites! This year’s cleanup was nothing short of incredible, with volunteers hauling in all sorts of unusual and heavy items, including mattresses, a grill, and even shopping carts! Keeping our port clean is essential, as it not only preserves the beauty of Tampa Bay but also protects the vital waterways that support
our local economy, wildlife, and communities. Port Tampa Bay is the gateway to global commerce and a key resource for marine life, so keeping it free of debris is critical to maintaining the health of both our environment and our economy. The Great Port Cleanup brings
100,998 Lbs of litter
our community together with one shared mission: to safeguard the future of Tampa Bay’s most important asset!
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After the 4th Cleanup
While July 4th is a cherished holiday, it also leads to a significant amount of single-use waste. To address this, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful organizes a July 5th cleanup to collect debris left behind from the celebrations. This year, we focused on two key locations: Courtney Campbell and Cypress Point Park. With an impressive turnout of 72 volunteers, we successfully removed firework debris, bottles, cans, and more.These efforts are vital in preventing waste from entering our waterways, protecting the local environment, and preserving the beauty of our community.
835 Lbs of litter & debris
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Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup
The Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup, held on September 21st as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, was a tremendous success with over 1,200 volunteers participating at 63 sites all around Hillsborough County. We’re proud to share that Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful won the "Battle of the Bays" trophy during one of the events happening that day! Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line generously donated a truck as part of their Sea Pledge, which will help expand our cleanup efforts across the region.
28,332 Lbs of litter
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Corporate Cleanups and Tree Plantings
We are incredibly grateful for the financial support and volunteerism from the many corporate groups we have had the pleasure of working with this year. Their dedication to our community has been instrumental in the success of numerous initiatives, from cleanups to tree plantings and tree giveaways. Their commitment not only helps keep our environment beautiful but also strengthens the bonds within our community. We truly appreciate their continued support in making a positive, lasting impact on Tampa Bay.
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Trash Free Waters
Our Trash Free Waters initiative includes both water-based cleanups and the deployment of a specialized device engineered to efficiently remove litter.
12,124 Lbs of litter
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful was honored with the Keep America Beautiful Innovation Award for our groundbreaking Scooter Removal Program. In collaboration with a team of divers, we successfully removed over 200 electric scooters, bicycles, traffic cones, and other debris from the Hillsborough River, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.
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Adoptions Program
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful administers the Adopt-A-Road Program for Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. The Adopt-A-Road Program is a great opportunity for individuals, corporations or groups to give back to the community through stewardship of public right-of-ways, parks and shorelines.
As of 2024:
175 Active Groups Almost 3,000 volunteers
Over 62,000 pounds of debris removed from Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa
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Engaging Minds & Communities: Education, Outreach & Actions for Environmental Stewardship
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Environmental Education
Environmental education is a cornerstone of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful's mission, as it empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions that protect and preserve our environment. By engaging with community groups, school groups, and schools, as well as participating in community events, we help raise awareness about the importance of sustainability, waste reduction, and responsible environmental stewardship. Education fosters a deeper understanding of how everyday actions impact our natural surroundings, and it encourages people to take an active role in protecting the beauty of Tampa Bay. Through these educational efforts, we inspire a sense of responsibility and collective action that is essential for creating long-term positive change for our environment.
2024 Impacts: Education Programs
13,073 People Reached
630 Hours of Education
$ 2,214,278 Program Value
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Community Outreach Throughout the year, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has made a significant impact through our community outreach efforts. By engaging with schools, businesses, community groups, and local residents, we have educated thousands of people on the importance of environmental stewardship. Our outreach programs, which include workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities, inspire individuals of all ages to take action in protecting and preserving our natural surroundings. Through initiatives like cleanups, tree plantings, and recycling education, we’ve fostered a greater sense of responsibility and pride within our community, empowering people to create lasting positive changes for the environment.
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Summer Camps
This year, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful hosted an exciting summer camp at our Education Center, offering campers a fun and educational experience. Each day, they welcomed guest speakers from organizations like Tampa Bay Water, City of Tampa Water Department, and Fit4Mom, all who shared valuable insights on environmental and health topics. Campers also enjoyed the opportunity to take a boat cruise along the Hillsborough River, create eco-friendly crafts, and participate in a hands-on trash cleanup, making a positive impact on the environment while having fun!
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Annual Awards Breakfast
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful's Annual Breakfast is a special event where we gather to celebrate and recognize the incredible efforts of our volunteers, students, and sponsors who have contributed to keeping Tampa Bay beautiful and clean. This event is an opportunity to highlight the dedication and hard work of individuals and groups who have participated in cleanups, environmental projects, and sustainability initiatives throughout the year. Our sponsors are also vital to our mission, providing the necessary resources and support that allow us to expand our programs and reach more areas in need. The Annual Breakfast is a way to express our deep gratitude to all who help make Tampa Bay a cleaner, greener place to live.
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Storm Drain Markings Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful staff and volunteers installed 1,000 storm drain markers on drains throughout Downtown Tampa, Armature Works, and Bayshore. These markers serve as a reminder that the drains lead directly to our waterways, aiming to discourage people from disposing of trash in them. Storm drain marking is crucial because anything that enters the drains, from litter to pollutants, eventually flows into our rivers, bays, and oceans, harming marine life and degrading water quality. By raising awareness, we hope to prevent pollution at its source and protect the health and beauty of our local ecosystems.
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Rooted in Action: Planting Trees, Restoring Habitats & Growing Support
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Community Involvement
Beautification and Environmental Health
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s beautification efforts, including tree plantings, invasive plant removal, and garden giveaways, are essential for maintaining the environmental health of our region. By planting trees and removing invasive species, we not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community but
also contribute to cleaner air, improved water quality, and better stormwater management. These actions help create a more sustainable environment, benefiting both local wildlife and residents.
2024 Impacts: Beautification Events
639 Beautification Projects
3,014 Volunteer Hours
175 Tree’s Distributed
1,475 Trees Planted
Our fruit tree giveaways to underserved areas and garden donations to schools are vital in fostering a healthier, greener Tampa Bay. By providing these resources, we support access to fresh, nutritious food and promote environmental education. These efforts empower communities to take ownership of their green spaces, creating long-term benefits such as increased food security, educational opportunities for students, and an enhanced sense of community pride. These beautification projects not only improve the environment but also enrich the lives of those who live and learn here.
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Tree Plantings
This year, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has continued our commitment to enhancing the local environment through numerous tree planting initiatives. Trees play a vital role in Tampa Bay, providing shade, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and supporting wildlife. By planting trees, we are helping to create a healthier, more sustainable community for future generations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers, school groups, and corporate partners who have participated in these efforts. Your hard work and commitment have made a lasting impact on the beauty and health of our environment, and we couldn't do it without you!
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Invasive Removals
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful volunteers successfully removed invasive plants, which is crucial step in supporting the health of our local ecosystems. Invasive species can outcompete native plants for resources, disrupt habitats, and reduce biodiversity. By eliminating these invasive plants, we create space for native flora to thrive, which in turn supports local wildlife and enhances overall ecosystem resilience. This effort not only improves the beauty of our landscapes but also helps maintain the balance of our natural environments.
7,800 Lbs of invasive plants
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Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful staff, alongside 100 CarMax volunteers, came together to beautify Joshua House through a variety of impactful projects. Volunteers planted fruit trees and pollinator plants, built a vertical garden system, and constructed a chicken coop. They also mulched the grounds, built 10 benches, and cleaned the property, creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for residents. This collective effort made a lasting, positive impact, enhancing both the beauty and functionality of the space. Grant Project Spotlight: Joshua House
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Celebrating Our Champions: Gala, Supporters, and Leadership
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Tropical Nights & VIP Party
Tropical Nights is our premier fundraising gala, set against a vibrant tropical theme and featuring exciting silent and live auctions, as well as delectable food from some of the best local restaurants. The event draws community leaders and supporters together for an unforgettable evening, all while raising crucial funds to benefit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s environmental initiatives and support the greater Tampa Bay area. Before the main event, we host an exclusive VIP Sponsor Party, where guests enjoy a more intimate setting. This special gathering highlights local artists who create one-of-a-kind pieces for our silent auction. It’s a unique opportunity for sponsors to relax, connect, and watch these artists at work. Many of the featured artists have been part of Tropical Nights for over 15 years, looking forward to this event as an annual tradition. The evening is a celebration of creativity, community, and a shared commitment to preserving and beautifying the Tampa Bay region.
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Staff & Board of Directors
Staff Directory
Allan Antolik Deputy Director
Debbie Evenson Executive Director
Rebecca Tolbert Projects Manager
Kristina Moreta Development Director
Sarah-Nicole Green Environmental Coordinator
Ashley Swart Education and Adoptions Manager
Dave Schultz Master Gardener
Susie Francos Development Coordinator
Board of Directors and Officers
Stanley Kroh, President TECO Energy
Katie Falcon Freedom Boat Club of Tampa Bay
Jim Ellis, Vice President Clayton Holdings, LLC
Don Germaise
Christina Guerron-Orejuela Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hard Rock International
Dana Nafe, Treasurer Brown and Brown Tampa Bay
Joe Gross, Secretary Hillsborough County Code Enforcement
Barbara Heineken
Jose Hernandez Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC
Chris Boldus Olive Garden
David J. Karlen, Ph.D. EPC of Hillsborough County
Kim Byer Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department Public Works Administration
Jason LeBlanc Conex Recycling
Brandon Cerka Suzuki Marine USA, LLC
Ashley Nichols TECO Energy
Chris Cooley Port Tampa Bay
David Robbins Varney Wealth Management
Ross Dickerson Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management E&LM
Brad Suder City of Tampa Parks & Recreations Department
Alan Donn
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Donations
Giving To Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is committed to educating and involving individuals in productive solutions that care for a community’s environment. All Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful programs and services are made possible through the generosity and commitment of organizations and individuals. If you would like to make a gift to support Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, a tax-deductible donation can be made because Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is a 501c3 non-profit fundraising organization.
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2023-2024 Sponsors $100,000 + Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
$50,000-$99,999 Arbor Day Foundation
City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation
MUFG Target $25,000- $49,999 City of Tampa Neighborhood Enhancement William A Gregory Jr. Foundation CitiGroup Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino The Spurlino Foundation United Way Suncoast $20,000-$24,999 Greater Tampa Bay Realtors Kinder Morgan $10,000-$19,999 CEMEX Materials, Inc. Keep America Beautiful Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Mosaic Pepin Distributing Co State of Florida Tampa Bay Water Verizon Yuengling
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2023-2024 Sponsors
$1,000-$2,499 cont. Davis Island Garden Club ERC Dragon Boat Don Germaise GHD Head in the Clouds Sue House
$5,000-$9,999 Action Environmental Bloomin Brands Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. City of Tampa Transportation & Stormwater Services Covanta Hillsborough Florida State Fair Authority Highland Management Group Oceanic Global Port Tampa Bay Republic Services Stoneweg Asset Management Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Estuary Program TECO Energy Waste Management
Kathleen Hurner JPMorgan Chase JW Marriott Kisinger Campo & Associates Stanley Kroh League of Women Voters of Hillsborough Marriott Tampa Waterside Idelsy McComber New York Yankees SATCO Galen Sheppard Stantec Tampa Bay Parrot Heads in Paradis Club Tampa Port Authority Terracon Consultants, Inc. Kelly Jo Terry The Oxford Exchange
$2,500-$4,999 CocaCola Beverages Florida Enterprise Holdings Inc,
Gopher Resource Graham Heacock Desmond McNelis National Christian Foundation Tampa Bay New York Life Employee Giving Points of Light Ports America Florida, Inc. Publix Super Markets Charities Simple Generosity Tampa Steel Erecting Co. Brad Valdes Vulcan Materials Company
$500 -$999 ABC Florida Gulf Coast Young Professionals Jodialma Balasi
Geoffrey Ball Chris Boldus CyberWeb Hotel LLC EPC of Hillsborough County Samantha Teresi The Florida Aquarium Kendra Scott LLC Mary Nieves Virginia Perona Puraglobe Allen Swart
$1,000-$2,499 Joseph Albrecht Amy Auerbach Bailey Family Foundation BlueTriton Brands, Inc. Boulon Brasserie Cargill Incorporated Jesse Carolan-Rodriguez
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority The GFWC Temple Terrace Woman’s Club Rose Uhl Visit Tampa Bay Erik Waxler Michael Yglesias
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Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful 730 W Emma Street Tampa, Fl 33603 Phone: (813)221-8733 Fax: (813) 221-8733 Email: Info@keeptbb.com Web: KeepTampaBayBeautiful.org
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