Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet

Suncoast Sierra Club's vision is to live in an area where a diverse, inclusive, and well informed environmental movement has achieved a healthy and sustainable natural and urban environment that is an inspiration for communities everywhere.  

At Suncoast Sierra Club, we offer environmental education, organize outdoor adventures, and spearhead local eco-friendly initiatives. We advocate for environmental policies at both local and state levels and are deeply involved in conservation efforts in our community. Our mission is to create resilient, sustainable communities powered by clean energy and driven and shaped by the passion of its people.

Join thousands of members from Pinellas County and Western Pasco County, Florida, and help us make a positive impact today. Please note, due to our advocacy work for the environment, donations are not tax deductible.

 

Celebrating Our Environmental Champions! đź’š

Congratulations 2026

Congratulations to our 2026 endorsed candidates! These candidates worked incredibly hard to earn your support and are committed to keeping environmental protection, clean water, green spaces, and resilient communities at the forefront of their decisions.

We're especially proud and happy for Tim Hughes, our Conservation Chair, on his election to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners! It may have surprised everyone else, but it didn't surprise us! We're so proud and excited to see Tim bring his environmental commitment and experience to the County Commission.

We're grateful to all the candidates and the volunteers who made calls, knocked on doors, organized, and helped make a difference. Now it's time to celebrate!

Come celebrate the people, the partnerships, and the power of local action on November 12 - at People. Power. Party! See Below for the info - We hope to see you there!

And a special shout-out to Bryan Beckman, our Clean Energy Team Co-Chair, for all his hard work on his campaign. We look forward to Bryan's continued commitment and contributions to our group and our communities. đź’š

 

Featured Upcoming Events

 

People. Power. Party! 🎉

A Celebration of St. Pete’s and Pinellas County's Environmental Movement

People power party

Join the Suncoast Group of Sierra Club on November 12, from 6–10 PM at Green Light Cinema in St. Petersburg, for a celebration of the people who make our local environmental movement happen!

Whether you’re a longtime volunteer, part of another environmental organization, a community partner, or someone who simply cares about our community and the environment, you’re invited!

We’ll kick things off with a short 30-minute presentation, then it’s all about connecting, celebrating and having fun. Meet fellow environmental advocates, catch up with friends, make new connections and celebrate what we can accomplish together.

Food ❤️ Fun ❤️ Community ❤️  FREE Admission  âť¤ď¸Ź  FREE Food

📅 November 12 | 6–10 PM
📍 Green Light Cinema, St. Petersburg

Come as you are, bring a friend, and be part of the community. Let’s celebrate where we’ve been, where we’re going, and the people who make it all possible!

RSVP for Nov. 12

 

Holiday Party

RSVP for Dec. 6

IN THE NEWS

Vote Yes For Bonds

 

The Result:  IT PASSED!!  

ST. PETE $600M STORM-RESILIENCE BOND (74%!)

From advocating for flood-resilient communities and local clean energy to protecting our waterways and wildlife, Suncoast Group of Sierra Club is working alongside local communities to turn environmental priorities into action across Pinellas County. Read the latest coverage to see how these local efforts are making a difference and how our community is building momentum for a healthier, more resilient future,

St. Petersburg $600 Million Go Bond Referendum  St. Petersburg City Council has approved putting a $600 million general obligation (GO) bond referendum on the November ballot, with funding focused on flood protection and stormwater infrastructure.  Read the WFLA story   

PROTECT FLORIDA - THE ST. PETE GO BOND EXPLAINED!  VISIT PROTECT FLORIDA TO WATCH!!

Public Power St. Pete Launches - Click for more info!
A new coalition, Public Power St. Pete, has launched a petition drive to give St. Petersburg voters a voice in whether the city should pursue a municipal electric utility. The campaign is seeking to put the question before voters, potentially in 2028.
Read the Tampa Bay Times story      Read the Florida Phoenix story

Dunedin Causeway: No Motorized Watercraft Launching
Dunedin is taking steps to restrict the launching of motorized watercraft at the Dunedin Causeway, helping protect the area’s sensitive waters and wildlife while preserving the causeway as a place for people to enjoy.  Read the WTSP story

Clearwater Approves Manatee Protection Zone
Clearwater has approved a manatee protection zone in Stevenson Creek, where hundreds of manatees gather. The action provides additional protections for this important wildlife habitat.  Read the WTSP story

 

OUR STORIES

Look Out for the Little Guys: Protecting Florida's Sea Turtles 

Chloe Turtles 2
by Chloe Gerbasi | Environmental Engagement Specialist, Ohio State University

Sea turtle nesting season may be winding down, but protecting these incredible coastal visitors is a year-round responsibility.

In her article, “A Loggerhead’s Warning: The Reality of Sea Turtle Disorientation,” Chloe Gerbasi, Environmental Engagement Specialist at Ohio State University, explores how artificial lighting along Florida's coast can confuse newly hatched sea turtles, sending them away from the ocean and into danger.

Through the story of Krysta, a loggerhead sea turtle, Chloe highlights the work of local organizations and conservation partners, the importance of wildlife-friendly lighting, and the role our communities can play in protecting sea turtles.

It's a reminder that small changes can make a big difference — one light, one beach visit, and one community at a time.

chloe-turtles.pdf

Give Chloe's article a read and find out how you can help protect our coastal wildlife. 

Thanks Political
“A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.   A BIG thank-you to our Suncoast Political Team, volunteers, and interns Dakota & Riya! Your time, energy and commitment made a difference across Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Local action starts with people like you! đź’š
Beer Bears Bonds Event
Thank you to all who came out to our Beer, Bears & Bonds event at Outcast Brewing in October!  Spare our Bears!

 

Everyone Belongs in Nature: St. Pete Pride 2026 Photo Gallery

Pride

Whether you marched with us, cheered from the sidelines, or couldn't make it this year, we're excited to share some of our favorite moments from St. Pete Pride 2026!  (OK - a couple hundred favorite moments - are you in our album?)

The Suncoast Group of Sierra Club was proud to celebrate under our theme, Everyone Belongs in Nature, joining thousands of people in affirming that our public lands, parks, beaches, and natural spaces belong to everyone. Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and everyone who helped make this year's parade such a joyful celebration of community, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Browse the photo gallery,  relive the fun, and share your favorite memories.  Everyone belongs in nature—and everyone has a role to play in protecting it.

View the Photo Gallery

 

Suncoast Sierra Club intern Taylor Knotts  presented her Pinellas County Solar Dashboard and research findings at the OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference. The project was developed to create a clearer picture of how solar energy adoption is growing across Pinellas County and how communities are progressing toward clean energy goals.

 

Church Clearwater

First United Methodist Church in Clearwater is exploring solar and battery storage as a way to reduce energy costs and reinvest more resources back into the community services they already provide, including cold night shelters and daily meals. Suncoast Sierra Club’s Clean Energy Team  met with church leaders to review options for a potential ~180 kW system that could significantly offset electricity costs and generate long-term savings. This is part of our ongoing work supporting local organizations, churches, and nonprofits in improving energy efficiency and exploring clean energy solutions that strengthen both their missions and our communities. 

 

Our TEAMS!

Joining a team means diving into projects you're passionate about, connecting with amazing people, and having a great time. If you're eager to enhance our local environment and community, this is the perfect place to start.

Make Every Vote Count for the Environment

Until November 3, the most important thing you can do for the environment is vote and help get others to the polls. That’s why we’re pausing our regular committee meetings so our members can focus on getting out the environmental vote.

Join us for an Environmental Voter Action Night and help make a difference!

Sign up here to take action!

Conservation

Want to help protect our local environment and shape conservation efforts in Pinellas County and beyond? Join the Suncoast Sierra Club Conservation Committee, led by longtime conservationist Tim Hughes, as we discuss emerging environmental issues, support local campaigns, and identify meaningful opportunities for action. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, new participants are always welcome. Please note: the June 16 meeting will be held virtually only.  RSVP below for info.  3rd Tuesday of each month 7 pm.

Political

2nd Wednesday of each month. 6:30 PM Now Virtual! RSVP below. Want to help elect leaders who will protect our water, land, and climate? Join the Suncoast Sierra Club Political Committee. This is where volunteers come together to support environmental candidates, shape local priorities, and turn our shared values into real political action. If you care about clean water, resilient communities, and a sustainable future, this is a great place to plug in and make a difference.

 

Clean Energy

1st Wednesday of the month, 7PM - Virtual. Engage with our Clean Energy Committee to support the transition to 100% clean renewable energy in our municipalities and local communities. For virtual meeting details, please email CleanEnergy@SuncoastSierra.org.

 

Outings

As we continue to ramp up our Outings program, we need additional leaders. Whether you like to hike, bike, bird-watch, or just explore the outdoors, there’s a place for you.  If interested, please reach out to volunteer@suncoastsierra.org.

 

Pasco

1st Wednesday @ 8PM on Zoom. Working to transform into its own Sierra Club Group. Please contact Sasha (727) 326-2646 or sashabuddha@gmail.com to get involved.

 
Enviro Justice

Environmental justice is simply justice. It means everyone deserves clean air, clean water, access to healthy food, safe and healthy neighborhoods, tree canopy and green spaces, and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the natural world—regardless of where they live or who they are. Environmental justice is at the heart of everything we do. Led by National Sierra Club Board Member Erica Hall and Suncoast Group Chair James Scott, the Environmental Justice Team works alongside local residents, neighborhood associations, and community-led initiatives to address environmental and quality-of-life challenges. From supporting projects like One Community Grocery Co-op to helping communities advocate for cleaner, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods, the team provides opportunities to learn, connect, and take action. To get involved, email volunteer@SuncoastSierra.org. 

 
 
 
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Our 2026 Leadership Team

2026 Excom headshot graphic