Who: Stewart Middle School teachers and students, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena, former Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board member Sally Thompson and Southwest Florida Water Management District Board members and staff
What: A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the beginning of a unique project between the District and Hillsborough County Public Schools at Stewart Middle School, which is located on the Hillsborough River near downtown Tampa. The project involves restoring a section of shoreline by removing invasive plants, regrading the shore to correct erosion problems and planting native vegetation. Students will learn about the project through a science curriculum that compliments the project, as well as taking part in the planting.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stewart Middle School, 1125 W. Spruce St., Tampa, FL 33607
School Contact: Lynn McDaniel, lead teacher, 813-276-5691
District Contact: Stephanie Powers, staff environmental scientist, 813-985-7481, ext. 2213
Stewart Middle School Shoreline Restoration Project
- The Stewart Middle School shoreline restoration project will take place behind the school, along the Hillsborough River.
- The project’s primary focus addresses bank erosion problems, which contribute to water quality issues. Approximately 1,500 feet of shoreline will be restored by removing invasive plants, regrading the shore to correct erosion problems and planting native vegetation.
- District Operations staff will complete the shoreline regrading project. Using District staff to do the contour work instead of hiring a contractor will save taxpayer dollars.
- This project will ultimately benefit Tampa Bay, which is a Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) priority water body. The Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act in 1987, requiring the five water management districts to maintain a priority list of water bodies of regional or statewide significance. The districts develop plans and programs for the improvement of those water bodies.
- Students will learn about the project through science curriculum that compliments the restoration efforts, as well as taking part in the planting.
- The project is expected to cost approximately $100,000 and is being funded equally between the District and Hillsborough County Public Schools. The District’s portion of the project is divided among the Hillsborough River Basin Board and the state SWIM program.
- However, additional funding may be necessary to complete the construction phase of the project.
- Construction on the project is expected to begin in April 2009 and be finished before the summer.