2025 was successful year for the Tampa Bay Sierra Club, outings were increased as well as participants, ICO is solid and growing
Enriching more students, we launched the Military Outings program. The conservation team was busy on many fronts with wins regarding community planning and conservation including: Water, Land use, Code violations, and Conservation. We built many relationships with City and County officials.
2025 was good, but the challenges for with 2026 Are here now. With the new political climate, they are greater then ever. But we are up to the challenge.
We have a great team to rise up to the new challenges.
Rocky Milburn
Read more comments from our ExCom members in the first article below
An Opportunity to for 2026
2025 was a year of contrasts. We experienced many successes, and many challenges. Overall, 2025 was a year where we increased our effectiveness.
It is our hope that we will learn from both to make 2026 an even more successful.
We asked our 2025 Executive Committee what they experienced as their most outstanding accomplishments and disappointments were. Here are representative samples of both:
Many thanks to those who contributed to this list.
Successes
We rallied behind our great state park systems to keep incompatible uses out of the parks -- we and Sierrans throughout the State believe that we were an important part of the huge, and very successful, effort to stop inappropriate development in our State Parks. (Gary Gibbons and Shirley Denton).
Our Ice Cream Social was a yummy success and led to several people volunteering to join our leadership team. (Willa Mayes)
Our Raymond James Recycling Education Program was a huge success. It provided education and returned opportunities for volunteers to enjoy games and other events. The most important thing to me that the Tampa Bay Sierra Club group has accomplished in the past year is "the continuation of the Stadium Recycling Initiative, which fosters a much-needed sustainability in our society, and presents our name to multitudes of people who weren’t aware of us before." (Todd Williams)
We had a successful outings year with lots of participants and a number of new leaders. (Rocky Milburn and Ed Shindle)
We worked with Sierra Club Members at McDill Airforce base to establish an Outings program for current and past members of the military.
We helped Riverbend block a dense development that filled wetlands and increased flood risks on the Hillsborough River. Our members continue working in the City and County to prevent harmful development and safeguard the environment for all generations. (Nancy Stevens)
I’m most proud of the fact that the Executive Director of Sierra Club came to see the Tampa Bay’s ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) in action because of our reputation for making a difference in children’s lives by sharing our love of nature. It was a joy to go to community events and encourage people to become a part of Sierra Club—a club for people who love the outdoors. (Emilie Joyce)
We had multiple successful cleanup events on the Bay and on the Hillsborough River.
Another important accomplishment is the forward motion on modifying Senate Bill 61 (2021). We have delineated steps for the City of Tampa to take to ensure their response is an environmentally sound one. SB 64 now requires Tampa to take the treated wastewater that flows into Tampa Bay and use it for other purposes that may not be environmentally sound. (Willa Mayes)
We had a great leadership team (Rocky Milburn).
Disappointments
A challenge for me this past year is "keeping an optimistic outlook for our society; that volunteering efforts can preserve civility in our communities." (this by Todd Williams, but several others expressed similar thoughts).
We and other conservation organizations did not successfully stop the Bear Hunt. (Willa Mayes)
We continue to be challenged by not being able to stop development of the USF golf course even though we and other groups attempted to stop it due to the environmental impact on the land itself, but also how development will negatively impact the adjoining forested lands. (Willa Mayes)
We continue to be challenged by not being able to stop development of the USF golf course even though we and other groups attempted to stop it due to the environmental impact on the land itself, but also how development will negatively impact the adjoining forested lands. (Todd Williams)
Going Forward
We will be planning these experiences to plan for a successful 2026.
February 8, 2026, 10:00 am
When you're registered you'll get a confirmation email. If there are any changes (weather), we will use the information in your registration to keep you informed.
Come Paddle with us on Super Bowl Sunday on the beautiful Hillsborough River.
We will put in and take out at Rotary Park and paddle up to Lettuce Lake Park. At Lettuce Lake, we will have a group pizza lunch. We have a pavilion near the boat launch reserved, and we will furnish pizza directly to Lettuce Lake. We can enjoy lunch, walk the boardwalk, enjoy the birds and gators, and then paddle easily back to Rotary Park. Total paddle length is about 5 miles.
Leaders: Rocky Milburn and Gary Gibbons. If you have any questions, you can call Rocky at 813-966-9785 or Gary at 813-785-2028
Level: Moderate
Cost: None. There is no parking fee at Rotary Park.
Signup Instructions: Must Register. Additional trip details will be provided to those who register.
Bring: Your canoe, kayak, or SUP. You must wear your life jacket and have a whistle. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and water. A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
Signup Restrictions: NO PETS. You must be 18 years old or older or be with a parental guardian.
Registration is required for all outings. Unless otherwise noted, outings are free though there may be site entry fees. Liability waivers are required, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. No pets.
Consider Becoming an Outings Leader and Sharing Your Love of the Outdoors with Others
In the Tampa Bay Sierra Club, we love out outings, and if you share this love, we invite you to become an outings leader.
We provide the training. We have people certified to provide the training that the Sierra Club requires at no cost to you. We pick up the tab for your basic first aid and CPR. We can also help you become qualified to lead water-based and overnight trips.
To get in an upcoming training, contact Rocky Milburn or Ed Shindle.
Looking Back on Recent Events
Holiday Boat Parade
In December Sierra and Friends of the Hillsborough River hosted the 25th annual boat parade on the Hillsborough River. Folks were invited to participate by decorating their canoe or kayak with holiday lights. Friends of all ages participated to make this the best parade yet. It was a great celebration of holiday spirit and our precious Hillsborough River.
Janet Stanko and others provided the images below.
Walk at the Jefferson Equestrian Area
No, we were not on horse trails. We were exploring an area close to Tampa with ecological variety and importance for wildlife and water management.
We went to a dry wetland in a flatwoods setting. Most such wetlands are isolated and typically shallow. They typically occupy areas that are old sinkholes and that provide recharge to the Florida Aquifer.
Photos provided by Ed Shindle.
Holiday Party (December 10, 2025)
Text provided by Gary Gibbons
We had a great turnout of over 80 people at the holiday party on December 10 at New World Brewery in Tampa. It was a great time to see old friends, and a wonderful opportunity to make so many new ones. Here are some highlights:
Emilie and Dennis Joyce were presented with the “Black Bear Award” which is the Tampa Bay Group’s most honored and prestigious award. It is awarded annually to a person (or persons) who have made significant contributions to preserving the environment, or promoting outdoor activities, or who have made substantial contributions to the work of Sierra Club in fulfilling its mission to “Explore, Enjoy and Protect” our natural world.
Emilie and Dennis Joyce often work together as a team, and have devoted many years being leaders in the ICO Program (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) a program which takes 5th grade students (most of whom live in the inner city and have limited access to explore nature) to beaches, woodland hikes, and an annual overnight camping trip.
Emilie and Dennis are also the co-chairs of our Tabling Committee and they utilize tabling events to share information about Sierra Club, to encourage new members to join our Group, and to invite people to participate in our outings and other activities.
Dennis and Emilie are always the first people to volunteer whenever anyone asks, and for many years they have helped make our Tampa Bay Sierra Club more fun and more effective.
We can’t think of better recipients for the Black Bear Award than the dynamic team, Emilie and Dennis Joyce.
Carlton Ward, Jr. received the National Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Award.
The Ansel Adams Award is awarded by the national Sierra Club to one recipient, annually, who has created superlative photography that has been used to further conservation causes.
The Tampa Bay Group nominated Tampa resident, Carlton Ward, Jr., to receive this national award because of his many years of work in both still photography and documentary videos that helped to establish the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Drawing attention to the necessity of creating a wildlife corridor prompted the Florida Legislature to pass the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, a law designed to protect and connect Florida’s vital natural lands, creating a statewide network of habitats for wildlife, enhancing water quality, and boosting resilience against climate change, by funding land acquisitions and conservation easements fore existing public lands and private farms/ranches, ensuring ecological connectivity for imperiled species such as the Florida panther.
Carlton Ward, Jr. spoke to the attendees at the holiday party about his career as a National Geographic Society photographer and how the wildlife corridor established in Florida is designed to be part of a nationwide effort to create connected wildlife corridors across the United States and throughout the world.
Carlton Ward, Jr.’s “Path of the Panther” project is an amazing collection of photographs and videos captured in the wild with remote motion-sensor cameras, and features some of the most beautiful spots of wild Florida that remain and need to be preserved forever. For more information about Carlton Ward, Jr. and his work see https://carltonward.com
Food and Venue: New World Brewery did aspectacular job of preparing and serving food in their comfortable venue, and partnered very well with the Tampa Bay Sierra Club in using sustainable serving plates, etc. to minimize waste. Be sure to check their website for a schedule of upcoming musical talent and their Pints of Science programs offered each month. www.newworldtampa.com
Special thanks go to our Vice Chair, Janet Stanko, who organized this highly successful Holiday Party.
Standing Strong for Florida's People and Nature in 2026
We are preparing for the 2026 legislative session which goes from 1/13-3/13/26. As environmental protectors we need to tell legislators our positions on proposed legislation. Funding for land conservation, single use plastic regulation, growth management proposals are a few of the topics that will affect us all.
During session we need people to make calls and send emails about legislation we support and oppose. We will provide messaging points and legislator information. This is a very flexible commitment that will enable you to learn more about environmental protection at the state level.
Speak Out for Protecting Our Gulf Waters and Coasts
By Michael McGrath, Sierra Club, Florida Chapter
As part of the federal government’s new five-year offshore drilling plan, the Trump administration is proposing new oil and gas drilling in Florida’s Gulf waters – areas that were previously protected.
Floridians know exactly what’s at stake.
We’ve lived through the consequences before. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster polluted our waters, shut down fisheries, devastated wildlife, and cost Florida billions in lost revenue for coastal communities, small businesses, tourism, and local economies.
Florida depends on clean beaches, thriving tourism, strong property values, fishing, boating, and healthy coastal ecosystems. Offshore drilling puts all of it at risk.
The United States is already a net exporter of oil and gas. New drilling in the Florida Gulf is not necessary to meet our energy needs – but it would put our coastline, economy, and way of life in danger.
Speak up now to keep our Gulf drill-free The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is accepting public comments through January 23, and decision-makers need to hear loud and clear that Floridians oppose offshore drilling.
Take action TODAY to tell Donald Trump and BOEM to keep offshore oil drilling OUT of Florida’s waters!
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been a truly powerful year. Despite the challenges we faced, the Sierra Club witnessed historic victories for Environmental Justice both across the country and right here in Florida. These successes are a direct result of our collective growth and our commitment to an unstoppable, community-led force. By educating one another and organizing with purpose, we have channeled our shared passion into a movement that cannot be ignored.
The Beyond Coal Campaign stands as a shining example of this momentum. Together, we have successfully united frontline communities, elected officials, and dedicated partners to create a diverse and motivated coalition. Through steady advocacy in the press and on social media, we have gained significant traction and continue to be a persistent voice for change.
To carry this energy into the new year, I am pleased to invite you to our first action of 2026:
Event: People Power Gathering & Letter Writing Campaign
Purpose: Strategically addressing the TECO Board of Directors
This event is open to the public, and both breakfast and lunch will be provided. Your presence and your voice are what make this work effective—let’s start the year by continuing to turn our shared vision into reality. I look forward to seeing you there.
Peace & Blessings,
Walter
Publics Plastic Bags Campaign
Our campaign to ask Publix to stop using plastic checkout bags continues. We have over 11,000 digital petitions but need more toward our goal of 20-50,000.
his campaign is 4 years old, but is still relevant because we need to focus on reducing single use plastics at the beginning of the process instead of litter cleanups.
It is a simple thing for Publix to stop giving out plastic bags or to charge for them, and for customers to bring their own bags. This avoids the use of fossil fuels for manufacturing the plastic and would save up to 1,000,000 bags per year, many of which end up littering our neighborhoods and natural areas.
Emilie Joyce emiliejoyce17@gmail.com (813) 789-1690 Dennis Joyce dmpjoyce813@gmail.com (813) 758-1546
Stadium Recycling
Help promote and encourage recycling at Raymond James Stadium events. You will be working the event but will have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and see the event at no charge. You must be 18 or older, no extra guests, and subject to approval of the event organizers. All times tentative.
These are the people who will be leading out group this year. They are listed alphabetically, and we assign positions annually at our annual planning meeting.
Carl Bailey Carl Bailey is a Tampa Bay area native. My father taught me an appreciation for the outdoors at our home near the Hillsborough River State Park. He is a graduate of USF with a a Bachelor’s in history and a Masters Degree in International Relations. He is also a veteran who has taken on bringing outings to members of military families at McDill AFB.
He is strongly interested in environmental stewardship with specific interests in climate change and invasive species.
Shirley Denton Shirley is multifaceted with a background in computer science and math followed by a MS and PhD in plant Ecology. She brings both skills to the Executive Committee.
The current Communications Chair for the Tampa Bay Group and have held this position for almost a year. Previously I was Outings Chair for several years. She currently write sthe Tampa Bay Group Newsletter.
In her role as Communications Chair, she has worked to improve continuity and efficiency in our leadership.
Gary A. Gibbons I am Gary is a native-born Floridian, and as a Sierra Club volunteer has served as Membership Chair, Vice Chair, Political Committee Chair, and as an Outings Leader..
Although he resides in Pinellas County he has remained a member of the Tampa Bay Group.
Don Kruse A dedicated 19-year Sierra Club member and third-generation Floridian, Don was born and raised in Tampa and is a passionate advocate for EVs and renewable energy.
Professionally, he serves as the CEO of the Beauty and Health Institute, where sustainability is at the core of everything I do. Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable future.
Rocky Milburn Rocky Milburn has served multiple terms as our group Chair and is very active in teaching leaders in other groups the "rules of the road." He is also a primary organizer of the ICO program in west-central Florida, teaches first aid and CPR, and trains outings leaders.
He is known as an excellent birder, leads walks, and paddles.
Mary Willa Matz Mary Willa Matz (Willa) has a BA in microbiology and a MSPH in industrial hygiene with a minor in environmental science. She is a board certified professional ergonomist and is currently a consultant in this field.
Todd Randolph
Todd joined Sierra Club shortly after I settled in the Tampa Bay Area in 2009, after looking for a way to donate to organizations that foster sustainable and mindful living.
When Todd learned about the Stadium Recycling program in 2012, I began volunteering regularly with the RayJay Recycling program.
Todd is early adopter of solar and electric vehicles, and have an overall appreciation of sustainable and simple living.
Janet Stanko
Nancy has been a Florida resident for 40 years, first moving to Jacksonville, and then to Tampa. When she retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, I decided I wanted to devote my time to environmental issues.
Janet has been active in Sierra Club since 1992, and has served as Vice Chair of Tampa Bay Sierra Club (TBSC) and Executive Committee member, TBSC Liaison to Solar United Neighbors, Chair of the Sierra Florida Single Use Plastics subgroup since 2019. and serves on the Florida Chapter and our group political committees.
Nancy Stevens
For the last 9 years as Conservation Committee Chair of the Tampa Bay Group, Nancy has focused on preventing harmful development and stopped the proposed Tampa Toilet to TAP project. She is a member of the Sierra Club Florida Chapter Conservation Committee, which works on issues such as saving our state parks from golf courses.
Committee Meetings
Executive Committee
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30 pm. Virtual.
Anyone can attend. To speak, please contact Rocky Milburn in advance: rockymilburn@tampabaysierraclub.org.
January 12, 6:30 pm. Virtual. Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/hub-nuec-neq Phone number: 601- 844-2921 PIN: 219 177 816#
Topics for discussion include:
USF Claw development
House Bill 479
Hillsborough County Land Development Code
Bear Hunt
Senate Bill 64 (2021)
Others
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