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.

A little more than a decade ago, a friend, fellow volunteer, and St. Petersburg resident, Dave Harbeitner, forwarded me an email from the national Sierra Club. It was an offer for local groups to join an initiative called "Ready for 100% Clean Energy," aimed at educating the public, city officials, and local leaders on the need for and benefits of transitioning a city to 100% clean energy. The email was brief, something like, "This sounds like a great opportunity for St. Petersburg." I agreed, and together we embraced the challenge, with me leading the local efforts. It never crossed my mind that a decade later, this decision would become the focus of significant political debates. To me, it was simply about ensuring that the community and our local governments were informed about technological advancements, open to their use, and planning for the future. Read the full story 

In the courtyard of the Walter L. Smith Library in Tampa, over plates of fish and grits, real conversations unfolded. Estela Najera, Suncoast Sierra Club’s spring intern, attended the February 28th gathering and shares what she experienced—people coming together to speak honestly about pollution, overlooked neighborhoods, and the realities of environmental injustice. What stood out wasn’t just the information, but the lived experiences being shared and the sense that this space allowed the community to show up, be heard, and learn from one another.

Fish, Grits, and Black History   -    By: Estela Najera

The Dr. Walter L. Smith Library suffered damage from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Currently, there are plans to rebuild the library, but in order to do that, the community is needed, which is what happened on February 28th. In the courtyard of  The Dr. Walter L. Smith Library, riveting conversations were had with a side of fish and grits! Topics ranged from environmental injustices to doing business in Africa. There were three panels throughout the day, each bringing a very beneficial conversation. READ ON.

"IF YOU COULD SHARE ONE MESSAGE WITH THE NEXT GENERATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?" Watch Now.

Midtown Academy blooms
By: Estela Najera

On March 6th, Andy Harris from the Sierra Club Florida Chapter had the honor of presenting a $1000 check to Midtown Academy in the southside of St.Petersburg. Midtown Academy is located in a historically low-socioeconomic area and serves a diverse, predominantly neurodivergent student population. The planting of these trees provides the student population with cover when they are outside playing, participating in PE, and eating lunch. This prevents them from overheating and allows them to enjoy nature!

This project, “Growing Wishes: The Midtown Community tree project,” is a PTA-led environmental justice initiative inspired by the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. This book is narrated by a 216-year-old oak tree named Red, following the story of a young girl named Samar, exploring themes of empathy, acceptance, community, and diversity. The entire premise of the novel is the expression of kindness, which was brought to real life through the planting of trees at Midtown. 

A presentation was given to the kids by Jacqueline Litton, who expressed the importance of green spaces to the kids and why nature is so important! The presentation was followed by the kids saying hello to two of the trees that were being planted, their names being “Maggie” and “Nola,” in reference to a magnolia tree. 

This was a community-led approach to implementing nature-based solutions to issues such as overheating in school yards. Teaching children about the importance of the environment is vital in creating environmental stewards and changing the course of environmental justice.