How To Dispose Your Christmas Tree By County

While it may be tempting to leave your Christmas tree up a little longer, it could increase the chances of a fire incident. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 30% of Christmas tree fires occur in January. That's why State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to get rid of their tree quickly after the holidays. But what's the best way to dispose of your tree? First for every county, make sure all decorations, including tinsel, are removed from your tree. Then cut your tree into sections no larger than 4-feet long. Bay News 9 told us the Christmas tree disposal locations, by county.

After removing lights and decorations, place your cut-up tree curbside on your regular yard waste collection day. You can also drop off your tree at these yard waste processing facilities:

Pinellas County residents are encouraged to participate in available Christmas Tree-to-Mulch programs. Trees are accepted for a small fee at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex. There, the trees will be ground into useable mulch that is given away for free to residents. St. Petersburg usually has a one-time citywide Christmas tree collection event. We'll update this post when we get more info on that. It took place within the first week of January last year, so don't procrastinate taking your decorations down. Place the tree out for collection before 7 a.m. in the same location where trash is usually collected - if trash is picked up at the curb, trees should be placed at the curb; if trash is picked up in the alley, trees should be placed in the alley.

You can also drop your tree off at Brush Sites. Residents should bring a photo ID and utility bill for proof of residency.

Every year the Recycling Department, Parks and Recreation, and some private businesses partner to offer Christmas tree recycling drop-offs to Pasco citizens. Here are some of the drop-off sites:

Citrus County residents can recycle their "natural" Christmas Trees at the Citrus County Landfill,  from December 27 through January 31, free of charge.

Live Christmas trees may be disposed of on your regularly scheduled yard waste day if they are cut to less than four-foot lengths and cleaned of all Christmas decorations, including tinsel.

Live Christmas trees can be set out at the curb on your yard waste collection day for recycling. You can also use your free annual special pickup to have your tree collected. Artificial trees are not collected with yard waste.

Call (863) 284-4319 for information.

It's time to say goodbye to 2023. Whether it was good to you or not, it's time to turn the page to another year. With New Year's Eve falling on a Saturday, it's going to be a huge party scene in Tampa. There are plenty of places hosting New Year's Eve parties, but with the help of That's So Tampa, we have your guide to the best places to watch the amazing fireworks show in Downtown Tampa.

Do you enjoy getting dressed up and going out on New Year's Eve? Or do you prefer to spend it in more of a chill setting? Either way, this guide has something for everyone. A lot of these events are selling tickets, so make sure you buy them in advance. Want to enjoy a nice final meal of 2023 before hitting the town? Check out the best new Tampa restaurants in 2023. We also recommend making a reservation if you plan on grabbing dinner. Otherwise, you could be stuck waiting a long time for a table.

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate night out on the town. From rooftops to waterfront restaurants, there are a lot of celebrations for you to choose from. Some of these parties are more upscale, so dress to impress. Make sure that no matter what you plan, you have a safe way of getting there and home. Here are 7 places to watch Tampa's New Year's Eve fireworks show.

Welcome 2023 on your favorite rooftop! Enjoy a Birds Eye view of an exclusive concert by Grammy-nominated performer and streaming sensation Marshmello, taking place on the Armature Works' pier. Get your tickets here. 

Join the party for FREE at The Sail on the Riverwalk. The party starts at 8. p.m. with live music and fireworks over the river at midnight.

Welcome 2024 with style, rhythm, and a touch of glamour at Hotel Haya. The party will be going till 1am. Tickets start at only $25.

Jackson's Bistro is hosting their annual New Year's Eve celebration. Jackson's theme this year is Bubbles and Bowties so make sure you dress to impress! There will be complimentary party favors, midnight champagne toast and balloon drops. Tickets start at $75, click here to get yours.

Say "Bon Voyage" to 2023 in style! Ring in the new year on Yacht StarShip’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise in Tampa. Count down to midnight as you sip on delicious cocktails and dance the night away under the stars and some fireworks! Start your new year off right with an experience you won’t forget! Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. 

Dress to impress at this masquerade NYE party in Tampa. The 360-degree views of Tampa Bay is a perfect location to see the firework show at midnight. Tickets also include a welcome beer or white rose sangria upon arrival, passed hors d’oeuvres, two DJs, live music, and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Click here for tickets.

Looking for a way to celebrate NYE without breaking the bank on a ticketed event? Head to Curtis Hixon Park for prime views of the Downtown firework display! You can pass the time at Winter Village while you wait for the clock to strike midnight.