TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa is currently locked in the grip of an extreme drought, and with outdoor hoses accounting for over half of some residential water bills, the city is stepping in to help homeowners pivot. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the City of Tampa will host a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop at the City Center at Hanna Avenue.
This session, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., is part of the Mayor’s Neighborhood University Saturday Sessions and aims to teach residents how to keep their yards alive without draining the local reservoirs.
The event features a panel of local specialists, including Lynn Barber from the UF/IFAS Extension, Anita Camacho of Little Red Wagon Native Plant Nursery, and Julia Palaschak, who leads the Water Conservation and Efficiency Team for the City of Tampa.
These experts will cover the nuts and bolts of irrigation efficiency and how to pick plants that actually belong in the Florida heat.
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Beyond the technical advice, the city is sweetening the deal: every attendee walks away with a free Florida native plant, and the organizers are raffling off gardening books and tools throughout the morning.
City officials point out that residential irrigation is one of the biggest strains on the water supply, often making up more than 50% of a household’s monthly usage.
With mandatory watering restrictions currently in effect across Tampa, the workshop is designed to show that a sustainable yard doesn’t have to look like a desert. By switching to drought-tolerant species and smarter watering habits, residents can protect local resources while maintaining their curb appeal.
Those interested in attending can secure a spot by registering at tampa.gov/SaturdaySession.
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