Tampa Bay Storm Drains Become Art to Fight Pollution

Local artists transformed 25 storm drains across Sulphur Springs and nearby Seminole neighborhoods into vibrant murals on Thursday. Organized by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, the initiative aims to highlight the direct link between street runoff and local waterways, from Clearwater beaches to Seminole communities.

The artwork visually warns that trash, motor oil, fertilizers and pesticides dumped on streets flow directly into bays and rivers. "Storm drains are a direct connection between our neighborhoods and our waterways," said Kristina Moreta, executive director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. "By bringing art into these spaces, we hope to capture people’s attention and encourage them to think twice about what they put on the ground or down a storm drain." More than 20 artists participated in the project, working from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in an area that faces ongoing litter concerns, a sentiment shared by many Pinellas County residents.

The project addresses a priority for residents. In the City of Tampa’s Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan, 64% of surveyed residents identified environmental damage, including litter and illegal dumping, as a top concern. Debris on streets washes into the stormwater system, eventually reaching the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay, especially during rainfall.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful's effort builds on previous water protection work. The organization's FY2025 report noted over 24,000 volunteers removed more than 372,000 pounds of litter across Hillsborough County. The group previously installed 700 storm drain markers in other neighborhoods with the same educational message.

Organizers hope the murals will permanently remind residents to consider their daily choices' impact on water quality and help keep Tampa Bay clean.