Tampa Republic

In an effort to restore Tampa's tree canopy following consecutive hurricanes, the City of Tampa has announced a partnership with Suncoast Credit Union and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. The initiative, named "Plant Your Heart Out," is modeled after the city's successful Paint Your Heart Out Program.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful will manage the new tree planting initiative, which starts with a $50,000 donation from Suncoast Credit Union. Mayor Jane Castor expressed gratitude for this investment, stating it supports Tampa’s quality of life, resiliency, and sustainability.

Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, emphasized the importance of restoring the canopy after two major hurricanes. He said that this effort aligns with their mission to improve community health by focusing on environmental needs through strategic planting on private properties.

The city is also implementing separate programs to plant trees on public property. However, "Plant Your Heart Out" aims to encourage residents to plant trees on private land. It will offer various sizes and types of trees suitable for resilience against salt and wind while providing benefits like shade and improved air quality.

City urban foresters estimate that storms have destroyed up to 5% of Tampa's shade canopy. The program seeks to increase tree cover from its current 30%, down from 34.6% in 1995.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful will work with local neighborhood associations to boost tree canopy in communities. Residents interested in participating should contact their association leaders for introductory sessions on species selection and planting guidelines.

Suncoast Credit Union is Florida's largest credit union by membership and ranks eighth nationwide. It operates over 81 branches across Florida and has donated more than $53 million since 1990 through its foundation supporting children's health, education, and well-being.