Enjoy, Explore and Protect

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.

2026 Election Information & Endorsements

Electing Environmentally Aware Candidates

Find Out More

The decisions made by elected officials have a direct impact on the health of our environment, our communities, and our quality of life. From clean water and conservation funding to flooding, resilience, clean energy, and sustainable growth, the choices voters make in 2026 will help shape Florida's future.

The Suncoast Sierra Club Political Committee has completed its review of candidates and issued endorsements for selected races. Learn more about the candidates we have endorsed and the environmental issues that informed our decisions.

Introducing the Protect Florida Podcast

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

Chit, Chat & Chew: "Grasping at the Roots"

Grasping At the Roots

 

Join the Suncoast Sierra Club, Unity of Midtown, and One Community Grocery Co-op for a free screening of Grasping at the Roots: A Love Letter to the Black Environmental Justice Movement. Following the film, we'll discuss how environmental justice, food access, and community resilience are taking shape right here in South St. Petersburg through local partnerships and community-led solutions.

📅 Saturday, July 18 | 10:30 AM
📍 Unity of Midtown, St. Petersburg
💚 Free – RSVP requested

👉 Click here for event details and to RSVP.

 

Featured Volunteer Activities

Community Storyteller Program

Become a Community Storyteller through this flexible micro-volunteer opportunity. Most Story Challenges take just 2–5 hours to complete, with no ongoing weekly commitment. Whether you enjoy writing, photography, videography, social media, or simply sharing what you see in your community, you'll help tell the stories of the people, places, and projects creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable Tampa Bay. No previous communications experience is required—just curiosity and a passion for making a difference. To learn more or get involved, email lisah@suncoastsierra.org.

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