St. Pete SUP Announces Save The Manatee Club as Official Charity

St. Pete SUP Announces Save The Manatee Club as Official Charity

Partnership Kicks Off with Inaugural 5K & Paddle For Manatees Event on May 31st, 2026

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – St. Pete SUP, the Tampa Bay area's premier paddle board and active lifestyle community, is proud to announce Save The Manatee Club as its official charitable partner. This meaningful collaboration unites two organizations deeply committed to protecting Florida's waterways and the incredible wildlife that calls them home.

"As a community built around the love of being on the water, partnering with Save The Manatee Club was a natural fit," said Patterson Carroll, co-founder of St. Pete SUP. "Every time we hit the water, we're sharing the same waters as these gentle giants. It's our obligation to protect them."

Why This Partnership Makes Perfect Sense

St. Pete SUP's members and customers spend countless hours exploring Tampa Bay's waters – the very habitat Florida manatees depend on for survival. This partnership represents a commitment that goes beyond occasional fundraising; it's about creating a community of water enthusiasts who actively protect the ecosystems they enjoy.

"Our members aren't just paddlers – they're stewards of these waterways," added Will Martin, co-founder of St. Pete SUP. "Partnering with an organization founded by Jimmy Buffett and Bob Graham allows us to turn our passion for paddling into meaningful environmental impact."

The partnership aligns perfectly with St. Pete SUP's core values of community, wellness, and environmental responsibility. Through regular beach cleanups, eco-paddle events, and now this official partnership, the organization continues to demonstrate that an active lifestyle and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Flagship Event: 5K & Paddle for Manatees

The partnership launches with the inaugural 5K & Paddle for Manatees on May 31st, 2026, hosted by St. Pete SUP in collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg and Save The Manatee Club.

This unique community event combines a scenic 5K run along the St. Pete Waterfront with a paddle board outing featuring St. Pete SUP's signature #FloatTheBeatStPete floating DJ experience.

"We wanted to create an event that brings together everything our community loves – being active, getting out on the water, music, and making a real difference," said Carroll. "100% of registration fees go directly to Save The Manatee Club's conservation efforts."

The event welcomes all fitness levels, from seasoned athletes to families looking for a fun morning supporting a great cause.

About the Partnership's Impact

  • Raising awareness about manatee conservation
  • Hosting annual fundraising events
  • Educating members on responsible waterway usage
  • Incorporating conservation into paddle outings
  • Building an eco-conscious community

Join the Movement

St. Pete SUP invites the Tampa Bay community to join them on May 31st for an unforgettable morning of fitness, fun, and conservation.

Registration info available at STPETESUP.COM

About St. Pete SUP

St. Pete SUP is a paddle board and active lifestyle community founded in 2024. The organization brings together Tampa Bay's wellness-focused individuals through free paddle outings, signature events, and collaborations with local businesses.

About Save The Manatee Club

Save The Manatee Club was founded in 1981 by Jimmy Buffett and Bob Graham in response to declining manatee populations. For over 40 years, the nonprofit has led conservation efforts.

The Club funds rescue, rehabilitation, research, and advocacy programs while educating the public and protecting habitats.

Through donations and community support, the organization continues to play a critical role in protecting Florida’s beloved manatees.

Media Contact:
Patterson Carroll & Will Martin
St. Pete SUP – info@stpetesup.com

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