Sustainability

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Between 2012 and 2013 citizens were actively working to highlight the importance of an integrated approach to sustainability in Tarpon Springs. One such effort was the blog "Sustainable Tarpon Springs" created by the current Sustainability Advisory Committee chair. Despite implementing individual projects, the City lacked a broader, more integrated approach, especially in the face of increasing environmental stresses. By 2018, a grassroots group called Turn the Tide for Tarpon was formed. This group proved instrumental in public education, fostering collaborative efforts, and presenting a united front to City officials. Their primary goals were: 

• For the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners to establish formal sustainability goals 
• For the City to hire a Sustainability Coordinator to develop and enact an Integrated Sustainability Action Plan 
• For the City to form a Citizen Advisory Board to help build capacity 

This collective energy was powerful. The efforts of Turn the Tide for Tarpon ultimately led to the City joining the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition and establishing a citizen's advisory board. The Sustainability Advisory Committee was established by resolution in 2019, with a number of its members also supporting Turn the Tide for Tarpon. A Sustainability Coordinator staff position was created in 2021, solidifying Tarpon Springs' commitment to building a Sustainable and resilient future.  

The City's Sustainability Program has been building on this strong foundation since, growing and expanding its capacity to meet the goals and actions established in the aptly named plan, "Sustainable Tarpon Springs".