Header image by Shirley Denton. Hillsborough River near Trout Creek.
Rocky/Diane gave their permission—not at first but later after seeing the costs adding up
There are things that happen that can feel like someone is beating on your skull with a hammer while absolutely frying your brain and making you wonder if you are going to go totally bananas while you race around just trying to get things under control again. The stress is unimaginable.
Rocky and Dianne hit two of them at once: a house fire AND a severe health problem. While they have insurance, both of events can cause havoc with one's finances. So several Executive Committee members, have launched a Go-Fund-Me to help ease the financial part of the problems.
They are working on both. They are rebuilding the part of the house that burned. They are dealing with the health issue as best as they can.
If you would like to contribute, the link to the go-fund-me is below.
Did you know that Sierra Club lobbies on proposed legislation to pass good bills and oppose bad ones? That is where you come in, we need your help in communicating with our legislators about environment related bills.
Important decisions are being made right now that could shape the future of our environment. Our opponents already have a seat at the table, so we need to make our voices heard!
We’re inviting Sierra Club members and supporters to join us for a Zoom meeting to learn about proposed legislation that could significantly impact our air, water, and climate. This is a chance to understand what’s at stake, ask questions, and learn how we can take meaningful action together.
Our Sierra Club Florida Legislative Director, Javier Estevez will share a list of bills we support, oppose and others we are watching. If you join our legislative action group, you will receive timely alerts on who to call and key messages to share with them about specific bills.
Please join us for this important information where we’ll
Break down what the proposed legislation would do
Share how it could affect our local communities
Talk about concrete ways you can make a difference—right now
Whether you’re brand new or a longtime Sierra Club supporter, your participation matters. Collective action is how we win protections for the places and people we love.
Join us—and share the link with a friend. Together, we can turn concern into impact.
Join us for a 4-mile hike. This will be in the main part of the park south of the river, NOT the 6-mile trail on the north side. We will meet at the parking lot for the canoe launch.
Registration is required. Bring shoes suitable for uneven surfaces and sand, and plenty of water. We also recommend sunscreen and long pants.
The hike is free. There is a state park entry fee of $5.00.
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.
There will be a second registration for anyone who wants to join us for pizza but not paddle.
Leader: Gary Gibbons. If you have any questions, you can call 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.
February 8, 2026, 12:30 PM Morris Bridge Wilderness Park
Your registration lets us know how many to expect and provides a waiver for those who plan to walk.
This is a social gathering at Morris Bridge Conservation Park for a pizza lunch (and strawberry shortcake) with an optional short hike along a beautiful part of the Hillsborough River, following lunch. (There is an earlier paddling outing leaving from the same park at 10 AM, and the paddlers will return to the park in time to join this gathering for lunch.)
Following lunch, there is an optional short walk along a beautiful section of the Hillsborough River among giant cypress trees, where we are likely to see limpkins, herons, egrets, owls, roseate spoonbills, and other birds that live along the banks of the river. This outing will end at 2:30 PM, allowing attendees plenty of time of time to make it home for the Super Bowl. It is an opportunity to get outside in a BEAUTIFUL spot.
Level: Easy
Cost: There is a $2 parking fee per car at Morris Bridge Park
Signup Instructions: Registration is required. NO PETS allowed.
Signup Restrictions: All participants must register and if hiking, must sign a Waiver. Children under age 18 are welcome if accompanied by their parent or guardian who is able to sign the Waiver for the child.
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 our 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. We train you on becoming a safe and effective leader.
If you live in this district, please register if you have not done so already, and vote. Local voting is often not considered to be important -- however, one election at a time, one vote at a time, this is how grass-roots governing can succeed.
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. Our program this month is all about this!
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.
From the Sierra Club Executive Director, Loren Blackford --
I want to directly share with you a statement I made this afternoon:
"For nearly 250 years, Americans and civil society have relied upon the basic rights bestowed upon us by the Constitution. The Trump administration’s threats to the basic tenets of our democracy endanger the fundamental principles we depend on to safeguard our communities, protect our clean air and water, and ensure a livable future for us all.
The killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good are not isolated. The videos of the recent violence evoke a visceral feeling in us all, as do the accounts of those killed across the country as a result of this administration's attacks against our communities. We condemn this administration’s escalating campaign terrorizing our communities and threatening our fundamental rights.
But this is not enough; we demand leadership alongside it. We call on Congress to leverage their powers over funding for the Department of Homeland Security to hold Kristi Noem and the Trump administration accountable for their unconstitutional and deadly actions.
We believe in the Constitution and the rule of law. These foundational rights, including freedom of speech and assembly without fear of retribution, underlie our work and our mission."
Now, I am asking you to join me and the Sierra Club in demanding this change and accountability. Take action with us today. [the link takes you to a Sierra Club form that will add you to a petition to congress, make comments]
We thank the people of Minnesota. They are showing our nation what it looks like to care for all members of our communities, to stand strong against oppression with bravery, creativity, and unity.
And we thank you for always being part of our work, having the courage to speak out, and asking our leaders to do better.
In Solidarity and Gratitude,
Loren Blackford Executive Director, Sierra Club
February 18, 6-8 pm
The City Center at Hanna Avenue, 2555 E Hanna Ave Tampa, FL 33610
A community event sponsored by the Climate Action Campaign (the Sierra Club is a partner in its parent organization, ActonClimate.com)
Extreme heat, hurricanes, and flooding are threatening the lives and livelihoods of people in Tampa, especially the most vulnerable. But instead of helping communities prepare for climate disasters, the Trump administration is rolling back key climate protections and gutting funding for extreme weather response. That will leave communities exposed to climate disasters and without the resources needed for recovery. That’s why we need YOU to attend the Tampa Extreme Weather People's Hearing - to help fight for our climate.
So far, the Trump administration has:
Attacked the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit carbon and other pollutants that accelerate the climate crisis and worsen extreme weather.
Implemented a plan to end the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency’s (NOAA) extreme weather forecasting service, putting every American in danger of suffering loss of property or life during climate disasters.
Cancelled a grant program that has invested billions helping communities prepare for flooding, hurricanes, and other extreme weather.
That barely scratches the surface of the Trump administration’s actions that will cause harm to people across the country, our climate, our wallets, and our health.
We can’t let the Trump administration get away with leaving our communities in danger and giving reckless handouts to Big Polluters. We have strength in numbers -- join us for the Tampa Extreme Weather People's Hearing on February 18th from 6-8pm.
Do you have personal experience with extreme weather causing damage to your home or business, or you have experienced negative health impacts exacerbated by extreme heat or a hurricane event? We are seeking individuals to testify at the hearing. Register at the link below if you wish to speak: https://www.mobilize.us/climateactioncampaign/event/877825/.
Tabling
Tabling events are both fun and a great way to learn about the Sierra Club. We man a "table" with information the Sierra Club and its mission. We pair up newbies with an experience person. Register to get the location and times.
Emilie Joyce emiliejoyce17@gmail.com (813) 789-1690 Dennis Joyce dmpjoyce813@gmail.com (813) 758-1546
2026 Executive Committee
These are the people who will be leading out group this year. They are listed alphabetically, and we assign positions 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 he settled in the Tampa Bay Area in 2009, after looking for a way to contribute to organizations that foster sustainable and mindful living.
When Todd learned about the Stadium Recycling program in 2012, he 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
Janet has been a Florida resident for 40 years, first moving to Jacksonville, and then to Tampa. When she retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, she decided to devote her 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. 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, Feb. 4, 6:30 pm. Virtual. Janet Stanko is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. janetstanko@tampabaysierraclub.org.
March 9, 6:30 pm. Virtual. Google Link: meet.google.com/hub-nuec-neq Phone number: 601- 844-2921 PIN: 219 177 816#
Improving Our Outreach to Members
Make sure you are set up correctly in the national Sierra Club database
If you are not seeing your newsletter, well, you probably won't see this. But, you should first check to see if it is in your spam. Take a look at the sender's email address and add it to your safe senders list.
If you are not getting our group emails, call Member Support and work with them. You want emails from the Tampa Bay Group.
Member Support: 415-977-5653
If you are getting too much Sierra Club communication, member support can help you with that too.
Needless to say, don't use "Unsubscribe" - call member support and tell them what you want -- Florida Chapter and Tampa Bay Group emails only.
To avoid others accidentally unsubscribing you, either do not forward Sierra Club emails, or delete the unsubscribe options at the end of the email before doing so.
If you want to see emails from other groups, you can add those to your preferences as well.
Get Your Tampa Bay Sierra Club News
More ways to do it
1. Join our Facebook Group -- we are not perfect, but we try to post our news here. You can also share with others by clicking "share" below the post to put a copy on your personal Facebook page or group.
2. Check on our MeetUp site. We most public-facing events there. For outings, you MUST register with our group....we do not use the MeetUp "going" as for many events we need a reliable participant count (think buying food) and we do need signed waivers (an insurance requirement) for outings.
3. Go to our website home page and calendar which is on the home page (https://www.sierraclub.org/florida/tampa-bay) -- we post events there as they are set up. If you see an event that you are interested in that requires registration, you can go straight to the event information and registration from the calendar. Be aware that the national and state Sierra Club entities can and do also post -- events distant from the Tampa Bay area do get posted.
4. Go to our Instagram site. We have not done well with this, but we do have someone helping. As your newsletter editor, I want you to know that she has to redesign almost everything to make it work well on Instagram -- and the "not done well" is not her fault -- it is me failing to keep her up to date.
4. Look for our newsletters on our website (https://www.sierraclub.org/florida/tampa-bay). They don't embed nicely, but you can pull the newsletter from there usually within about 3 days of when we send it out by email. We also have links to past newsletters on the website. Use the menu and click on "News" for the latest posted newsletter.
5. Bookmark the links above to make these resources easy to find.
We are starting to send out the entire newsletter twice - once by the Sierra Club email system, and again by a system that we are paying for locally. Rocky was sending out parts of it, but as of January, we are sending the entire newsletter with both systems
We are also trying to streamline. We are relying on our calendar more so that we don't have to repeat every posting about 5 times. We do still have to repeat for every different method of information described above. But the calendar is always the most current, and everything else essentially copies it.
All of this takes work. Please consider joining one of our committees (committees provide most of our content), sharing through your personal social media, or volunteering to assist if you have social media, writing, or web skills. Being good at chasing cats would not hurt either. ShirleyDenton@tampabaysierraclub.org.
