One of Tampa’s most important calling cards is its pristine environment and world renowned weather. We have the sea, the sand, and… the straws that wind up in them.

You probably expected that to say the sun, but the thousands of locals and tourists visiting The Florida Aquarium, waterfront museums, attractions, and restaurants each year for our natural gifts are in danger of dwindling if we don’t tackle one of the biggest environmental hazards facing coastal communities like ours today: single use plastics.