ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc on residents and the environment in Tampa Bay, spilling over 68 million gallons of sewage into our waterways. As a result, red tide and flesh-eating bacteria are now showing up in Florida Wildlife Commission water samples taken from Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. 

Clean water advocates from Tampa Bay and across Florida will discuss the implications for water quality, public health, and the future of marine life in the area at a panel discussion hosted by Ocean Conservancy and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. The discussion, “Our Bay, Our Future,” will be held at Green Bench Brewing Co. in St. Petersburg on November 14 at 6 p.m. 

Photos Courtesy: Tampa Bay Waterkeeper

“After back-to-back storms in Tampa Bay, the area will be in recovery mode for years to come,” Ocean Conservancy’s Director of Florida Conservation J.P. Brooker said. “As temperatures continue to rise, our storms continue to strengthen. We need everyone’s help advocating for solutions to protect our home.”

This event is open to the public; advocates encourage everyone to participate in the conversation and the effort to better our environment. 

“As a community, we need to do a better job of being more resilient and proactive against storms,” Tampa Bay Waterkeeper’s Executive Director Justin Tramble said. “If we want things to get better, we have to make changes.”

WHAT: “Our Bay, Our Future” Panel Discussion

WHEN: November 14th at 6 p.m.

Media can interview experts prior to the event at 5:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to Roya Fox [email protected] 

WHERE: Green Bench Brewing Co., 1133 Baum Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

WHO: 

• Justin Tramble, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper – Introduction
• Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Ocean Conservancy – Moderator
• Max Chesnes, Environment Reporter, Tampa Bay Times – Panelist
• Jen Lomberk, Chair, Waterkeepers Florida and Matanzas Riverkeeper – Panelist
• Hunter Leavine, Captains Collective – Panelist

Reporters will have access to  experts on critical issues like:

• Wastewater Pollution: More than 68 million gallons of sewage was spilled into waterways after the hurricanes. What kind of impact does this have on our Bay and our water quality?
• Red Tide and Harmful Algae Blooms: Red Tide has been detected in samples off the shores of Pinellas County, Manatee County, and Sarasota. Wastewater spills can fuel dangerous algal blooms. How the hurricanes contributed, and what are the impacts?
• Fisheries Populations: Storms don’t just destroy homes above ground, they can result in fish kills due to low dissolved oxygen, changes in salinity, or other impacts.
• Marine Debris: Much of the debris created by Hurricane Helene ends up in places it does not belong, like our waters. 
• Habitat Destruction: How the hurricanes impacted manatees, mangroves, and seagrass beds in Tampa Bay.

If you would like to set up an interview with one of Ocean Conservancy’s experts, please contact Roya Fox at [email protected].

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.

ABOUT TAMPA BAY WATERKEEPER

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network of over 350 grassroots leaders in six continents protecting everyone’s right to clean water.

A clean and resilient watershed is essential to strong communities and a healthy economy. Serving our population of more than 2.7 million people across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper works to improve, protect, and preserve Tampa Bay’s watershed through citizen engagement and community action rooted in sound science and research.