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.

 

ELECTION INFORMATION

 

The decisions made by elected officials shape our clean water, natural lands, energy future, community resilience, and quality of life. The Suncoast Sierra Club Political Committee has reviewed candidates and issued endorsements in selected 2026 races. Explore our endorsements, learn why we endorsed each candidate, and make a plan to vote

 

Happy Hour

Suncoast Sierra Club Happy Hour

Join us for a FREE evening of food, drinks, and community!

Wednesday, September 30 • 6:00–7:30 PM
Thrive DTSP • St. Petersburg

Enjoy locally grown food from One Community Grocery Co-op, sushi from World of Vegan, and complimentary beer and wine while connecting with fellow Suncoast Sierra Club members and meet our endorsed candidates too.

Environmental Voter Action Nights

Join Suncoast Sierra Club volunteers every Tuesday for voter outreach and education. No experience needed!

Get Iinvolved!

 

Suncoast Group Executive Committee — Candidates Wanted

Want to help lead the local environmental movement? Suncoast Sierra Club is seeking candidates for our 2027–2028 Executive Committee.

Nom Com Election exCom

ExCom members are elected by Suncoast Group members for a two-year term beginning January 2027. Interested? Email info@suncoastsierra.org or complete the Interest Form by October 7, 2026.

Election Timeline

  • Oct. 7: Candidate deadline
  • Oct. 30: Petition deadline for candidates not selected by the Nominating Committee (20 member signatures)
  • Nov. 1–30: Online election
  • December: Results announced

Candidates must be Sierra Club members in good standing. Gift Memberships are available.  

Bring your passion, experience, and community connections to the team!

Protect Florida Ep1

The Suncoast Group of Sierra Club is proud to support the launch of the Protect Florida Podcast and Storytelling Initiative—a new Sierra Club Florida project that shares the stories of the people, communities, and solutions working to protect our state's future.

Our volunteers have helped lead the development of this exciting initiative, and we're thrilled to see the first episode now live. Episode 1: Protecting Our Gulf & Powering Our Future features host James Scott in conversation with Congresswoman Kathy Castor about protecting Florida's Gulf Coast, advancing clean energy, building resilient communities, and how everyday Floridians can make a difference.

Here's how you can help us grow Protect Florida:

Together, we're building a stronger movement—one story at a time. Thank you for helping us protect Florida.

Featured Upcoming Events

 

 

beer bea

A fun night of bears, bonds, beer, and good St. Pete company!

 Wednesday, October 21 from 6-8 PM at Outcast Brewing in St. Petersburg

  • 🐻 Bear Protection: Learn about Florida’s black bears, how you can help, and strike a pose at our bear selfie station!
  • 🏙️ GO Bonds: Get the scoop on St. Petersburg’s General Obligation Bonds and what they could mean for our city.
  • 🍻 Good Beer & Good People: Hang out with local advocates, volunteers, and fellow St. Pete fans.

Come for the beer, make a bear selfie, learn something new, and leave with a few new connections!  RSVP HERE PLEASE

 

November 12 People Power Party

RSVP for Nov. 12

 

Holiday Party

RSVP for Dec. 6

IN THE NEWS

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 Pete public powr

Public Power St. Pete Launches - Join the Canvassing Launch Saturday, September 12 // 10:30 AM at Wildwood Park, St. pete
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

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

OUR STORIES

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.

Taylor

Using publicly available solar permit data and mapping tools, the project highlights trends in residential solar growth across multiple Pinellas cities, including efforts to expand access in lower-income communities. The work also helps demonstrate how local governments and community partners can support a more equitable transition to clean energy.

Taylor’s presentation sparked strong interest from attendees and showcased the growing momentum around solar and sustainability efforts throughout the region.

👉 Learn more about the Suncoast Sierra Club Clean Energy Team, our projects, and opportunities to get involved on our Clean Energy webpage.

 

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. 

Community

 

Be inspired by our journey with St. Petersburg and our surrounding cities as we transition to clean energy, led by dedicated volunteers from the Suncoast Group of the Sierra Club. Learn how local communities are aiming to be models of sustainability and resilience, driven by practical necessity and a shared vision for a brighter future. Join us as we continue our mission to build resilient, sustainable communities powered by clean energy and shaped by people.

Read the full story 

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.

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