Learn How to Protect Tampa Bay Waters by Fertilizing Properly

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released the 2021 Manatee Mortality Report that showed 1,101 manatees died, many from starvation. These chubby mermaids thrive on seagrass, but it is disappearing due to the increase in algae blooms. Pasco County is fortunate that our seagrass is doing well, but we wanted to know what we can do to keep it that way.

Rising levels of nitrogen have been found in both ground and surface water throughout the Tampa Bay region. As a result, an overgrowth of algae and vegetation in natural and constructed waterbodies hinders the effectiveness of flood attenuation. Residential fertilizer accounts for approximately 20% of the nitrogen carried in stormwater. The potential for fertilizer runoff is greatest in Tampa Bay between June 1st and September 30th, when the region receives 60% of its average rainfall. When fertilizer is applied correctly, a lawn absorbs the nutrients. However, when fertilizers are applied incorrectly, whether in the wrong quantity or time of application, nitrogen runs off lawns and into local waterbodies.

In 2021, Keep Pasco Beautiful was awarded a Source Water Protection Grant from Tampa Bay Water to establish the new Fertilizer Education and Outreach Program. This new program aims to promote awareness on the importance of proper fertilizer usage. This workshop will be on fertilizer best management practices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping at the Patel College of Global Sustainability. The workshop will feature speakers from the University of Florida Pasco Extension and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Admission is free and all are welcome to come. There will be both a virtual and in person option.

In person attendees will receive a free reusable tote with sustainable items, and a chance to win a $100 Publix gift card.