Each spring, the Hillsborough River glows an unnatural shade of green as part of Tampa’s River O’Green Fest. For many, it’s a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition. For others, it’s a poor use of resources to alter one of the city’s most important waterways.
Despite assurances from city officials that the kelly-green colored dye is safe to use for the one-day event, local fisherman and environmentalists say it’s harmful to the river’s wildlife and promotes the wrong idea about respecting the environment.
The tradition began in 2012 under mayor Bob Buckhorn and has continued every year since, except during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The 2026 River O’Green Festival happens Saturday, March 14…