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Now that the rainy season has arrived in Florida, afternoon storms become a familiar sight, providing much-needed moisture to our landscapes. But while these storms help nourish our lawns, they also bring an often overlooked threat to the places we play.
Heavy rains increase stormwater runoff, which washes fertilizers, pesticides, and other potential pollutants from our lawns straight into our streets, storm drains, and eventually into Tampa Bay. This runoff fuels harmful algae blooms and clouds the water. It also puts seagrasses and marine life at risk, which are the very things that support our coastal lifestyle. Paddleboarding, fishing, waterfront dining, and beach days all depend on a healthy bay.
That’s why summer fertilizer restrictions exist, and why the “Be Floridian” campaign urges residents to do their part to protect the bay and protect our fun. Because keeping our yards beautiful shouldn’t come at the cost of our waterways.
“Be Floridian” isn’t about giving up a green lawn or beautiful garden. It’s about rethinking how we care for our yards in a way that works with Florida’s natural cycles, not against them. Skip nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers during the rainy season, and instead build up your soil with compost and mulch. Choose native plants that thrive with less water and fewer chemicals. And always sweep grass clippings back into your yard instead of letting them wash into storm drains.
By adjusting our yard habits during the summer, we each play a role in keeping Tampa Bay clean, healthy, and vibrant. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, cruising the coast, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, you’re part of what makes Florida great. This summer, protect the bay and protect our fun.
Be Floridian
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