The City of Tampa is expanding its efforts to maintain clean waterways with the introduction of the Little Skimmer, a new environmental workboat. This initiative coincides with the third anniversary of the Litter Skimmer, which has successfully removed over 94,000 pounds of debris since its launch. The Litter Skimmer, a Weedoo workboat, accesses difficult areas such as seawalls and mangroves.
Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community involvement in keeping waterways clean: “Working hand in hand, the Litter and Little Skimmers will continue to protect one of Tampa’s most critical natural resources — the Hillsborough River,” she said. “But they cannot do it alone. Ultimately, everyone plays a role in keeping our waterways clean. Keep it Clean, Tampa!”
A $500,000 Trash Free Waters grant from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2022 has supported this initiative. It also includes education, public engagement, and sustainable litter-reduction strategies.
Program highlights include:
– A $500,000 grant from the EPA to expand ‘Keep it Clean, Tampa!’
– Completion of a citywide litter study for data-driven reduction strategies.
– Local cleanups and education on proper waste disposal.
– An anti-litter campaign featuring local wildlife characters throughout Tampa.
– Sustainable business spotlights through Businesses for the Bay partnership.
– Upcoming storm drain art and waste diversion education.
Since its debut in 2023, the Litter Skimmer has collected various debris from Tampa’s waterways and won recognition like the Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence Award. It is currently a finalist for the Public Relations Society of America Radiance Award for Public Sector Award.
For more information on litter prevention and cleanup efforts in Tampa, visit Keep It Clean, Tampa.
Contact:
306 East Jackson Street
Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 274-8211
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