Two environmental projects targeting waterways near Ruskin and Apollo Beach are among 11 proposals seeking nearly $930,000 in grants from the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission.

The commission's seven-member board is scheduled to consider $929,125.66 in Pollution Recovery Fund grants Thursday, Oct. 22, at 9:30 a.m. at the County Center in downtown Tampa, according to the published meeting agenda.

The proposed funding includes $33,500 to begin planning mangrove restoration along Ruskin Inlet and $99,000 to restore seagrass near Apollo Beach.

Ruskin Inlet project targets damaged mangrove habitat

Sea & Shoreline LLC is seeking $33,500 for the first phase of the Ruskin Inlet Mangrove & Substrate Restoration project at Ruskin Commongood Park.

The project would address environmental problems affecting Marsh Branch and nearby Ruskin Inlet waters, including excessive nutrients, invasive plants growing among mangroves and sediment buildup that restricts natural water flow.

The initial phase would fund surveys of underwater habitats and aquatic resources, environmental data collection, restoration design and permit applications.

The total estimated cost is $43,500, with Davin Tranfield listed as project manager.

Once planning is complete, the company intends to present a restoration plan to stakeholders and seek additional funding for installation.

The proposed grant would not cover the physical restoration work, which would require a second phase.

Apollo Beach seagrass project seeks $99,000

AquaTech Eco Consultants is requesting $99,000 to restore up to three acres of seagrass in Tampa Bay near Apollo Beach.

The project would involve planting seagrass and monitoring the restored habitat to assess its progress.

Seagrass beds provide important habitat for marine life, help stabilize sediment and support water quality.

The EPC agenda identifies declining seagrass coverage as a concern because disturbed sediment and the release of nutrients can further degrade water conditions.

Nikki Jackson is listed as project manager. The total estimated project cost is $104,800.

Another proposal with regional significance would provide $100,000 to the University of South Florida to maintain five real-time water quality and weather monitoring stations in Tampa Bay for one year.

The stations are part of the Tampa Bay Observing Network, developed by USF's Ocean Circulation Lab following the 2021 Piney Point wastewater discharge. Yonggang Liu is listed as project manager.

Pollution penalties fund restoration grants

The Pollution Recovery Fund uses money collected through environmental enforcement penalties and settlements to support projects that improve or protect Hillsborough County's natural resources.

Since 1987, the fund has distributed more than $9 million for environmental projects, according to the EPC agenda.

Staff reviewed 12 applications during the current funding cycle. One was withdrawn, and the remaining 11 were recommended for approval after reviews of their legal compliance and scientific merit.

The proposed $929,125.66 in grants would come from existing fund balances, with no additional county funding required.

The commission's board, chaired by Gwen Myers, will make the final funding decisions.

How residents can participate Oct. 22

The EPC meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa.

Residents can attend in person or request to speak during public comment.

The online registration form is scheduled to open 48 hours before the meeting. Virtual speakers must register at least 30 minutes before the meeting begins, while in-person attendees can register at a kiosk at the County Center.

Each speaker is allotted three minutes.

Meeting information and public comment instructions are available through the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County.