Clam Bayou Restoration Project to Be Dedicated

The Clam Bayou Restoration and Stormwater Treatment Project marks the final step in a multi-agency effort to restore 64 acres of estuarine and coastal habitats.

A special ceremony to recognize its completion is Oct. 27, but first there is a volunteer cleanup this Saturday, Oct. 20, in Gulfport. (See details at the end of this story.)

Clam Bayou Project's Importance to Tampa Bay

The $5 million Clam Bayou Habitat Restoration project created 20 acres of ponds to treat stormwater runoff from a surrounding urban area of about 2,600 acres.

For nearly 100 years, stormwater runoff has carried oil, fertilizer, tires, shopping carts, trash and other debris into Clam Bayou and eventually Tampa Bay. The restoration project took several years, from planning to breaking ground and completion, all in an effort to filter trash and restore the habitat.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida's water management division for the Central Gulf coast, will join the City of Gulfport and City of St. Petersburg on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a dedication ceremony.

The ceremony will be at Clam Bayou,  4255 34th Ave St., St. Petersburg, at 10 a.m.

Speakers include Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes, St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and District Governing Board member Todd Pressman.

Volunteer Cleanup This Saturday

One week prior to the dedication, the City of Gulfport will host a volunteer cleanup at Clam Bayou.

The Great American Cleanup event is this Saturday, Oct. 20, starting at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet on the Gulfport side of the bayou. For more information check out our story, "Volunteer Event Saturday at Clam Bayou."

Related Articles on Clam Bayou's Restoration

Clam Bayou Gets a $5-million Makeover

Clam Bayou Restoration to be Completed by Earth Day

Photos: Water Floods Clam Bayou Stormwater Ponds

Volunteer Event Saturday at Clam Bayou