Hillsborough River Dyed Green For St. Patrick's Day Test

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who pass through the downtown area on their daily travels might have noticed something a little off about the Hillsborough River Monday morning.

A distinct green tint to the water is no cause for alarm, city officials insist. The discoloration has nothing to do with pollution and everything to do with making sure the water will be just right in time for the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest on March 19.

That celebration, set to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day, is an all-day event at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive. It features live entertainment, games activities and food, among other draws. The stretch of river near the park is dyed green each year in time for the celebration.

Monday’s premature dye job was just a test, the city noted on its Facebook page. The real production will take place in advance of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Tampa has a penchant for using nontoxic dye to turn its riverfront different colors. During last year’s Stanley Cup run, a stretch of river was dyed “Bolts Blue” in honor of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

To find out more about the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Screenshot from the City of Tampa Facebook video

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