Media Alert: District Dedicates Clam Bayou Restoration and Skyway Trail Extension

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|*Who:*|

Southwest Florida Water Management District, City of Gulfport and City of St. Petersburg. Additional funding provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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|*What:*|

The Clam Bayou Restoration and Stormwater Treatment Project marks the final step in a multi-agency effort to restore 64 acres of estuarine and coastal habitats and create 20 acres of ponds to treat stormwater runoff from the 2,600-acre surrounding area.

Since the 1920s, urban development around the bayou drastically altered the natural habitats and hydrology of the system. In addition, those surrounding areas were developed prior to stormwater regulations, which resulted in large amounts of trash, sediments and pollutants flowing untreated into Clam Bayou and ultimately into Boca Ciega Bay and Tampa Bay.Dedication speakers include St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster, Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes and District Governing Board member Todd Pressman. After the speeches, officials will cut the ribbon on the city's new 1.6-mile Skyway Trail extension, which runs through Clam Bayou. Also, a commemorative tree planting will take place and tours of the site will be offered.|
|*When:*|Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.|
|*Where:*|Clam Bayou, 4255 34th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711|
|*Directions:*|If traveling south, take exit 19 (22nd Ave. S.-Gulfport exit) and go right (west). If traveling north, take exit 18 (26th Ave. S.-Gulfport exit) and go left (west). Continue west to 37th St. S., turn left (south). Turn right (west) on 34th Ave. S. Continue west to the end of 34th Ave. S. The event area and parking will be at the end of 34th Ave. S.|
|*Onsite Contact:*|Mary Margaret Hull, lead communications coordinator, (352) 279-3473|