TAMPA, Fla. — Storm drains are gaining a new purpose in one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods.
More than 20 artists teamed up Thursday to turn Sulphur Springs’ storm drains into works of art. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, which organized the project, tells 10 Tampa Bay News that the paintings are designed to raise environmental awareness.
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“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. This project is a fun and creative way to remind our community that small actions can have an impact on the health of Tampa Bay.”
Storm drains move rainwater away from streets and neighborhoods — and in Tampa, they flow directly into Tampa Bay. But the drains could also transmit litter, oils, and harmful chemicals that get swept into them. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful says the painted drains will send the message that everything that goes down the drain will make its way into the bay.
A grant from the City of Tampa paid for the project.