KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL
ANNUAL REPORT FY2025 OCT 2024-SEPT 2025
Table of Contents
SECTIONS
PAGE NUMBERS
About Us.............................................................................................................. Message from the Executive Director................................................ Why Volunteer.................................................................................................. Year in Review................................................................................................. Hurricane Impacts ........................................................................................ Education .......................................................................................................... Beautification.................................................................................................. Tropical Nights ................................................................................................ Staff & Board of Trustees .......................................................................... Sponsorship......................................................................................................
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KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL
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 volunteer 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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Message from the Executive Director
This past year has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my life and one for the books in the history of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Stepping into the role of Executive Director after the decades of leadership, vision, and heart that Debbie poured into this organization has been both an honor and a responsibility I carry with immense gratitude. Debbie built the foundation of who we are, a community united by service, stewardship, and love for the environment. I am humbled to follow in her footsteps and continue the work she so passionately championed. Throughout my first year, I have witnessed the strength of our volunteers, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our partners. Together, we have planted trees in neighborhoods rebuilding after storms, removed thousands of pounds of litter from our parks and waterways, expanded youth education programs, and strengthened efforts to protect the natural spaces that make Tampa Bay so special. This year has also been one of connection and collaboration, forging deeper relationships across the county and laying the groundwork for initiatives that will allow Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to thrive for years to come. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and even more excited for what lies ahead. With your continued support, we are building a cleaner, greener, and more united Tampa Bay, one project, one volunteer, and one act of service at a time. Thank you for believing in this mission and helping us carry the legacy forward into a bright and beautiful future.
With gratitude, Kristina Moreta Executive Director Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
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Why Volunteer?
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful brings together over 24,000 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 worked with local community groups to complete a dive cleanup in the Hillsborough River. March also kicks off the Great American Cleanup, a nationwide cleanup effort. KTBB hosted Voluntines Day at Desoto Park with 110 volunteers! We received a proclamation for the Greatest American Cleanup from Commissioner Myers. KTBB hosted the After Gasparilla Cleanup. 514 volunteers were stationed at 7 different sites around the parade route to help remove beads and trash.
January
February
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 marked storm drains in Temple Crest, Takomah Trail Park, and Tampa Overlook to raise stormwater awareness.
May
June
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Year in Review:
This year's July 5th cleanup was a great success, with volunteers removing trash from Ben T Davis, Cypress Point, and Davis Islands.
July
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful hosted the first Back to School Bash at Picnic Island. This was a cleanup, school supplies drive, and book swap!
August
KTBB hosted the Hillsborough River and Coastal Cleanup, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), at sites across Hillsborough County.
September
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful hosted HalloClean with over 81 volunteers! Volunteers participated in an outreach event, park cleanup, and kayaking! 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.
October
November
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2024-2025 Environmental Impact
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful works year-round to engage volunteers in projects that protect and enhance communities across Hillsborough County. Volunteers help remove litter from
roadways, parks, neighborhoods, shorelines, and waterways, including the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. Cleanup efforts focus on key areas such as downtown Tampa, Ybor City, Plant City, Brandon, Riverview, and surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to collecting litter and debris, volunteers support tree plantings, beautification projects, invasive species removal, storm drain awareness efforts, and Adopt-A-Road/Park cleanups, helping reduce pollution and improve public spaces. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful staff coordinate logistics, recruit volunteers, and provide all necessary supplies. Cleanup tools and materials are also available for loan thanks to generous grant funding, sponsors, and in-kind donations. All collected debris is properly documented and disposed of at each event.
2025 Impacts: Litter Cleanups
24,026
65,878 372,486 $2,291,883
Volunteers Activated
Volunteer Service Hours
Lbs of Litter
Volunteer Value
Why Litter Reduction Matters Litter reduction and cleanup efforts are essential to maintaining a healthy, safe, and beautiful community. By removing trash from streets, parks, and waterways, we help protect local wildlife, improve water quality, and preserve the natural beauty of our neighborhoods. These efforts also build community pride and encourage residents to take responsibility for the places they live, creating long-lasting environmental benefits for all.
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Hurricane Impacts
When Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through the Tampa Bay area in September and October of 2024, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful suffered significant damage. We lost our Education Center, access to the Trash Free Waters boat, and power at our office. Even so, we did not hesitate to jump into action. We organized cleanups and debris removal in our community, turning a moment of hardship into an inspiring example of teamwork and dedication to our mission.
155 volunteers came together to remove 60,000 pounds of hurricane debris from our community!
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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 7 key sites the Sunday after the event. More than 500 dedicated volunteers joined us to ensure that the litter and debris from the festivities didn’t end up polluting our waterways.
8,500 lbs. of trash 876 lbs. of recyclables 1,200 lbs. of beads
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 1,423 passionate volunteers working across 33 sites! This year’s cleanup was nothing short of incredible, with volunteers hauling in all sorts of unusual and heavy items, including mattresses, couches, and money! Volunteers also removed 43,000 lbs. of invasives plants. 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
113,261 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 three key locations: Davis Islands, Courtney Campbell and Cypress Point Park. With an impressive turnout of 104 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.
2,870 Lbs of litter & debris
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Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup
The Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup, held on September 20th as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, was a tremendous success with over 1,200 volunteers participating at 74 sites all around Hillsborough County.
23,515 Lbs of litter
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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. Corporate Cleanups & Beautification
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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 prevent litter from contaminating an area.
4,209 Lbs of litter
Although our boat was out of commission for six months due to hurricane damage, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful continued removing electric scooters and other debris from the Hillsborough River. Despite the setback, we still welcomed 300 volunteers aboard our Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful boat and kayak fleet!
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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 2025:
186 Active Groups Almost 2,800 volunteers
Over 58,000 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.
2025 Impacts: Education Programs
37,974 People Reached
621 Hours of Education
$ 1,321,098 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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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 supporters 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 700 storm drain markers on drains throughout the neighborhoods of Temple Crest and Tampa Overlook . These markers serve as a reminder that the drains lead directly to our waterways, aiming to discourage people from disposing 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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Tree Plantings & Giveaways
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.
2025 Impacts: Beautification Events
1660 Trees Planted/Given Away
759 Beautification Projects
2,246 Volunteer Hours
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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Plant Your Heart Out
Suncoast Credit Union saw the impact Hurricanes Irene and Milton had on Tampa and Hillsborough County. Their commitment to helping the community recover, inspired them to fund the Plant Your Heart Out program. Since March, we’ve given away almost 300 trees, extending the program’s reach across neighborhoods throughout Tampa Bay. This year, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has continued strengthening our environment through tree-planting and distribution efforts. Trees provide vital benefits—offering shade, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and supports wildlife, thus helping to build a healthier, more sustainable community for future generations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, school groups, and corporate partners whose dedication makes this work possible.
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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.
49,572 lbs. of invasive plants
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Celebrating Our Champions: Gala, Supporters, and Leadership
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Tropical Nights & VIP Party
Tropical Nights is our signature and only fundraising event of the year. Set against a vibrant tropical theme, the evening features an energetic mix of silent and live auctions, interactive experiences, and culinary offerings from some of Tampa Bay’s most beloved restaurants. Guests enjoy an elegant yet lively atmosphere, complete with entertainment, community camaraderie, and opportunities to engage directly with our mission. The event brings together business leaders, local officials, philanthropists, environmental advocates, and long-time supporters for an unforgettable night celebrating community impact. Most importantly, Tropical Nights raises the essential funds that sustain Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s environmental programs—including cleanups, tree plantings, education initiatives, and community revitalization efforts—allowing us to continue serving and improving the greater Tampa Bay area year-round. Save the Date: Tropical Nights October 16, 2026 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre
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Staff & Board of Directors
Staff Directory
Allan Antolik Deputy Director
Kristina Moreta Executive Director
Ashley Burd Development and Education Manager
Rebecca Tolbert Environmental Program Manager
Cameron Christian Tree & Adoption Manager
Sarah-Nicole Green Project Coordinator
Dave Schultz Master Gardener
Board of Directors and Officers
Joseph Jackson Vinik Sports Group
Stanley Kroh, President TECO Energy
Bryant Johnson Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management
Jim Ellis, Vice President Clayton Holdings, LLC
Dana Nafe, Treasurer Brown and Brown Tampa Bay
David J. Karlen, Ph.D. EPC of Hillsborough County
Joe Gross, Secretary Hillsborough County Code Enforcement
Jason LeBlanc Conex Recycling
Madison Avery Coca Cola Beverages Florida, LLC
Ashley Nichols TECO Energy
Chris Boldus Olive Garden
Hanisha Patel SouthState Bank
Chris Cooley Port Tampa Bay
David Robbins Varney Wealth Management
Ross Dickerson Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management E&LM
Lori Santarsiere
Scott Slater Slater l Grant, PLLC
Alan Donn Community Supporter
Brad Suder City of Tampa Parks & Recreations Department
Katie Falcon Freedom Boat Club of Tampa Bay
Don Germaise Community Supporter
Alyssa Vinson UF/IFAS Extension
Christina Guerron-Orejuela Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hard Rock International
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2024-2025 Sponsors
$100,000 + Arbor Day Foundation Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
$50,000-$99,999 Chick-Fil-A Tampa Bay City of Tampa Lightning Foundation MUFG Suncoast Combined Federal Campaign $25,000- $49,999 Citi Spurlino Foundation William A. Gregory, Jr. Foundation $10,000-$19,999 Bullard Family Foundation Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Kathleen Hurner McKinstry Charitable Foundation State of Florida Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tampa Bay Water
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2024-2025 Sponsors
$1,000-$2,499 Joseph Albrecht Bailey Family Foundation Blue Triton Brands, Inc. Boat Setter Davis Island Garden Club Ernst & Young Force Blue
$5,000-$9,999 Action Environmental Amazon Smile BeatBox Beverages
Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. Frank Mangano Foundation GTE Federal Credit Union Ideas for Us, Inc. Pfizer, Inc. Republic Services ReWorld Hillsborough Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Fund Tampa General Hospital Waste Management $2,500-$4,999 American Rivers Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. Cargill Incorporated CEMEX Materials, Inc. Coastal Properties Group Int’l, LLC Colliers Engineering & Design Allan Donn & Dorothy Holle Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County KAB Kendra Scott LLC Majesty Title Services, LLC Michelob Ultra Pepin Distributing Co
David Hendry Augustus Hoff Kisinger Campo & Associates Corp. New York Life Employee Giving Perry Homes Foundation SATCO Tampa Bay Parrot Heads in Paradise Club
Tampa Steel Erecting Co. Terracon Consultants, Inc. Jane Toombs
$500 -$999 ABC Florida Gulf Coast Young Professionals Astrobleme, LLC Creative Contractors, Inc. Extra Space Storage GHD
Halff Associates, Inc. Holland Law Group Overton Foundation Palmetto Beach Line Handlers Luis Paredes Westley Richter Tampa Ship TECO Manatee Viewing Center
Visit Tampa Bay Angel Whitfield Zee Aesthetics
Publix Super Markets Charities Tampa Bay Sports Commission
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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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Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful 730 W Emma Street, Tampa, FL 33603 Phone: (813) 221-8733 Email: Info@keeptbb.org Web: KeepTampaBayBeautiful.org
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