As the Tampa Bay area continues to experience extreme drought conditions, the City of Tampa is encouraging residents to take part in a free workshop focused on creating more water-efficient, drought-tolerant landscapes.
The workshop is part of the Mayor’s Neighborhood University Saturday Sessions series and will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9am to 12pm at City Center at Hanna Avenue (2555 E. Hanna Ave). Residents will hear from certified experts on practical ways to reduce outdoor water use while maintaining sustainable, attractive landscapes. Topics will include selecting the right plants, improving irrigation efficiency, and implementing water conservation strategies designed to help landscapes thrive with less water.
Featured experts include:
- Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
- Anita Camacho, owner of Little Red Wagon Native Plant Nursery and founder of the Tampa Bay Butterfly Association
- Julia Palaschak, Water Conservation and Efficiency Team Leader for the City of Tampa Water Department
Attendees can take home a free Florida native plant and participate in a raffle featuring gardening tools and gardening books.
Outdoor irrigation continues to account for a significant portion of residential water consumption and can represent more than 50% of a household’s monthly water use. City officials emphasize that following Tampa’s mandatory watering restrictions is critical to protecting local water resources during this drought.
By making water-smart landscaping choices and learning efficient irrigation practices, residents can help conserve water while creating sustainable landscapes better suited to Florida’s climate.
City of Tampa residents can register for the workshop at: tampa.gov/SaturdaySession.