Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay
2023-06-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the interesting coastal resources in our backyard Tampa Bay, and how the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program, in partnership with the community, is working to restore & protect them.
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas.
This program will feature Dr. Randy Runnels of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Program. Dr. Runnels earned his PhD in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. His 30+ year career has taken him from the temperate Northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. In recent years he has been invited to China and Vietnam as a coastal management adviser on a number of issues. He has managed Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves for over two decades, and continues to teach college courses in Biology, Marine Science and Environmental Science.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Crab Trap Removal
2023-07-15 08:00 - 12:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Tampa Bay Watch, Ocean Aid 360, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Coastal Impact Fund are coordinating volunteers to participate in a crab trap removal effort at Fort De Soto Park and Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp due to the 10-day regional closure of blue crab fishing. We are recruiting volunteer boaters to remove debris from the water in addition to traps as well as volunteers for a shoreline cleanup.
Click here to register to volunteer.

Mono Clean-a-thon
2023-10-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in a Mono Clean-a-thon. We’ll be cleaning “mono” or fishing line which involves sorting through the used line to remove debris, then cutting out hooks and lures. The clean line will be contributed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide initiative for proper recycling and repurposing of used fishing line.
Click here to register to volunteer.

30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup
2023-10-21 - 2023-10-29 | FL
Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup!
This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 21st – October 29th to target shorelines where fishing line has been caught in the shoreline vegetation. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament to be collected, cleaned, and recycled.
There are a variety of sites, all critical bird nesting habitat, throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. Click here to view the map of the predetermined site locations.
Click here to register to volunteer with your vessel.

BOAT AMERICA CLASSES
2024-02-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-25 09:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
CG AUXILIARY CLEARWATER FLOTILLA ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHEDULE FOR
VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS AND BOAT AMERICA CLASSES
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Clearwater Flotilla is pleased to unveil its comprehensive
schedule for Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and Boat America classes for 2024. Dedicated to promoting
boating safety and education within the community, the Clearwater Flotilla continues its commitment to
ensuring that local boaters are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for a safe and
enjoyable time on the water.
Vessel Safety Checks (VSC):
Vessel Safety Checks are a crucial component of the Clearwater Flotilla's mission to enhance boating
safety. Trained and certified examiners will be available throughout the year to conduct complimentary
VSCs for local boaters. These checks cover a variety of safety aspects, including life jackets, navigation
lights, fire extinguishers, and other essential equipment. By participating in a VSC, boaters can ensure
that their vessels meet all required safety standards, fostering a safer maritime environment for all.
Boat America Classes:
The Clearwater Flotilla is also pleased to announce the schedule for Boat America classes in 2024. These
classes provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of boating safety, navigation rules, and
emergency procedures. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a newcomer to maritime activities, these
classes offer valuable insights and practical knowledge that can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable
boating experience. Participation in Boat America Classes is open to boaters of all experience levels, and
successful completion may result in valuable discounts on boat insurance.
Schedule Highlights:
Vessel Safety Checks:
Second Saturday of each month at Seminole Boat Ramp
Boat America Classes are $50 per person, including all books and materials conducted over Zoom from
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM:
February 24 and 25
March 16 and 17
April 27 and 28
May 18 and 19
June 29 and 30
July 27 and 28
August 24 and 25
September 28 and 29
October 26 and 27
November 28 and 29
To participate in Vessel Safety Checks or enroll in Boat America classes, interested individuals can visit
www.uscgauxclearwater.com or call 727-469-8895 for more information and to register for upcoming
events. Spaces for both VSCs and classes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The Clearwater Flotilla looks forward to welcoming boaters from the community to these events and
remains committed to promoting boating safety through education and outreach. By working together, we
can ensure that our local waterways are safe and enjoyable for all.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The
Clearwater Flotilla is dedicated to promoting boating safety and providing assistance to the Coast Guard
in its mission to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s waterways.

Outdoor Survival; Amazonian Indigenous Tribes
2024-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | ZOOM, United States
Peter Magnin will be joining us for our March program to present on Outdoor Survival and Amazonian Indigenous Tribes. Peter is a survival instructor, primitive skills practitioner and expedition guide.
Peter Magnin has been studying survival and primitive skills since 2013. His first experience with survival training was with the Air Force’s SERE instructors before he retired from the military and started attending schools as a civilian. Early training started with Terry Barney’s beginner to advance survival classes. This inspired Peter to train under Mors Kochanski at Karamat Wilderness Ways, Winter Survival. His experiences range from living outdoors in various shelters for nine weeks under Master Maine Guide Tim Smith at the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School to spending 30 days in the desert with primitive and traditional technologies at the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS). Peter has taught at the first Global Bushcraft Symposium in Canada in 2019, and again in 2022 in Wales, UK. He has been a special instructor at multiple survival and primitive schools across the country and continually teachers at gatherings. As a wilderness EMT, he is an expedition guide and medic for Joe Flowers with Bushcraft Global since 2019, going to the jungles of Brazil and Peru and learning from indigenous tribes. He spoke as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at the 7th Special Forces Group, Jungle Warfare Symposium on jungle survival in 2022. For the future he is continuing his education in primitive skills and testing his knowledge in the field.
Learn more about Peter on his website.
Event location: Zoom (virtual)
Register here for the event.

Tarpon Rodeo Inshore Slam Division
2024-06-07 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
The 19th Annual Tarpon Rodeo is coming up on June 7! This catch-and-release tournament raises critical funds for our mission. Launching from the Fort De Soto boat ramp, this event combines the excitement of competitive fishing with the spirit of community fundraising. This year, we’re excited to announce the addition of an Inshore Slam Division where anglers vie to catch the big three: Snook, Trout, and Redfish. Join the competition and camaraderie, knowing your support contributes to protecting and restoring the vibrant waterways of Tampa Bay.
LEARN MORE

Fishing Workshop
2024-08-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 and 3 more dates | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Curious about fishing in Tampa Bay but not sure where to start? During this boat-based course, we will cover essential topics like bait selection, appropriate gear usage, regulations, and local fish identification and handling–ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to fish responsibly and respectfully.
Each participant will have access to a fishing rod and all essential gear for a hands-on experience during the workshop, with expert guidance readily available as needed. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes to help them kickstart their responsible fishing journey.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

This program is perfect for:

Families and parents looking to foster responsible fishing practices
Individuals interested in fishing responsibly and connecting with like-minded people.
Anglers who have recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area and want a better understanding of the local waters, responsible fishing practices, and common fish species in the area.

What to Bring

While gear is provided for use during the workshop, you are welcome to bring your own bait and tackle.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection and water are highly recommended.

Notes

All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Camp Bayou Spring Fest
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes Spring with some fun activities on Saturday, March 22 from 9am-noon. Some of the activities you can expect include nature activity tables, trail walks, tomato seedling giveaway, and cart tours.
Schedule of Events:
9am open
9:30 Cart tours begin
10:00 Trail walk
10:30 Butterfly Habitat Q&A
11:00 Native Camp Tour
11:30 Fishing Cabin Talk
Noon Final raffle- event ends
Joining the Camp Bayou Nature Center for a morning of fun is the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum, Manatee Viewing Center, Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, Hillsborough County Parks, Rec and Conservation, Little Manatee River State Park, Alafia River State Park and Florida Forestry Service.
Some of the crafting activities planned:
– pine cone bird feeder
– vine wreaths
– nature journals
– seed bead jewelry
– ‘Camp Bayou’ t-shirts
All supplies provided.
No registration required and it’s free! Come out and experience all that Camp Bayou has to offer.

Cherokee Blowgun Workshop
2025-03-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Surviving the Wild Camp - BHNP Summer 2025
2025-06-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
Children will spend the week learning how to identify and collect wild edible plants as well as how these plants were traditionally used in Florida.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Pasco Scalloping 101 -Lunch and Learn
2025-07-09 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join Dr. Megan Moore for an online Lunch and Learn webinar that will cover everything you need to know about scalloping in Pasco County.
This online webinar hosted by Dr. Megan Moore, UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County, will cover everything you need to know about scalloping in Pasco County for the 2025 season.
Come learn all about scallops, where to find them, how to go scalloping, boater safety and regulations, and how to clean and cook your scallops. We will cover scalloping best practices and offer tips to help you have a successful scallop harvest!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Florida Sea Grant also recommends the use of Scallop Sorters to help protect our future scallop populations by throwing back scallops less than 1.5 inches in size. Join the webinar to find out where to get the free scallop sorters in Pasco!
Join Zoom Meeting https://ufl.zoom.us/j/95841218876?pwd=[REDACTED]

Boat America Classes
2025-07-26 09:00 - 2025-07-27 14:00, 2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 14:00, 2025-09-27 09:00 - 2025-09-28 14:00, 2025-10-25 09:00 - 2025-10-26 14:00 | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
Boat America Classes
Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card.

For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you would enjoy during the in-person classes. The schedule below notes whether the class is in person or via Zoom.
To register click on the Registration Form link at the bottom of this page or send an email to the Flotilla 11-1 Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com

2025 Boat America Classes

June 28 and 29 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
July 26 and 27 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
August 23 and 24 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
September 27 and 28 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
October 25 and 26 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
November 22 and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person

Class cost includes book.

Register for Boat America class
