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
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
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:
- 🎙️ Watch the first episode and shorts on the Protect Florida webpage.
- ▶️ Subscribe to the Sierra Club Florida YouTube channel so you never miss a new episode or story.
- 🐋 Take action by signing the petition to help protect the critically endangered Rice's whale from offshore oil drilling by July 6.
- 📢 Share via YouTube with your friends, family, and community to help spread the word - tell them to Subscribe!
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"
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.
2nd Annual Statewide Community Conference on Environmental Hazards
Join the Walter L. Smith Library for a three-day conference bringing together environmental justice leaders, community members, and organizations working to build healthier, safer communities across Florida.
Open to the public, the conference features expert speakers, practical solutions, and opportunities to connect, learn, and take action.
📅 Registration discounts available through June 25.
Single-day and student registration options are also available.
👉 Learn more and register at wlsmithlibrary.org
Featured Volunteer Activities
Fall 2026 Internship Opportunities
Make a Difference. Build Your Resume.
The Sierra Club Suncoast Group is seeking college students who want to gain real-world experience while helping protect Florida's environment and build more sustainable communities.
We're recruiting for three internship tracks:
⚡ Clean Energy Intern
Help maintain our Solar Dashboard and support local clean energy initiatives. ArcGIS experience required.
📱 Environmental Communications & Community Engagement Interns
Create social media content, videos, photography, podcasts, and tell the stories behind local environmental action. Multiple positions available.
🎓 Sierra Youth Team Development Intern
Work with students, educators, and community organizations to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
Internship Details
- Fall 2026 (August 24 – December 11)
- 11–20 hours per week
- Hybrid (virtual and in-person)
- College credit required
- Tampa Bay Area
Gain valuable experience, build your portfolio, and make a lasting impact in your community.
Applications due July 15, 2026.
Apply today →
OUR STORIES
Everyone Belongs in Nature: St. Pete Pride 2026 Photo Gallery
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Outing
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Multiple events (map only)Our 2026 Leadership Team
