Is your landscape attractive and sustainable, the sprinkler system operating efficiently, or you are hand watering? You might be a winner, and we encourage you to enter your landscape into the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program.

The Community Water Wise Awards Program is sponsored by Tampa Bay Water and was created to recognize individuals and businesses committed to conserving water resources and protecting the environment by implementing the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

The Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping are:
1. Right Plant, Right Place
2. Water efficiently
3. Fertilize appropriately
4. Mulch
6. Attract Wildlife
5. Manage Yard Pests responsibly
6. Recycle
8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff
9. Protect the Waterfront

Most of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles are incorporated in the judging process for the Community Water Wise Awards program with focus on efficient water use in the landscape, retention of trees, and the overall design and aesthetics.

Who can apply?
The annual contest is open to landscapes from across the tri-county Tampa Bay region* (includes Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough).

How to apply?
Entering is free and only takes a few minutes. Potential applicants should visit: https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/Enter-Your-Landscape to fill out the brief online entry form. Applications for the current year’s competition will be accepted until midnight, July 31, 2026! For questions contact Doris Heitzmann at dheitzmann@pinellas.gov

To learn more about the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program or if you have gardening related questions contact the UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County at 727-582-2100

Don’t forget to view our upcoming Lawn and Garden Classes and to join our mailing list at: https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas-ffl.html

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