About this Event
Big Ideas. Young Innovators. Real Impact.
Get ready for Manatee Tank: A Youth Pitch Competition for Sustainability! Join the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Think Bold All Access for an exciting event celebrating the creativity, leadership, and bold ideas of Jacksonville's next generation of changemakers.
Inspired by the popular pitch competition format, Manatee Tank gives young innovators ages 15–24 the opportunity to present their sustainability solutions to a panel of judges, known as the “Manatees,” for a chance to receive $1,000–$5,000 in project funding and implementation support.
What to Expect
- Live Youth Pitches: Watch finalists present creative solutions to environmental challenges facing Jacksonville.
- Meet the Manatees: Hear feedback and insights from City leaders and sustainability experts.
- Celebrate Young Innovators: Recognize the students and youth teams who stepped forward with ideas to improve our community.
- Explore Opportunities: Learn about sustainability resources, community partnerships, and future funding opportunities.
- Connect & Get Inspired: Meet young changemakers, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders working toward a more sustainable Jacksonville.
- Community Resource Tables: Connect with local environmental organizations, explore sustainability initiatives, and discover resources, activities, and opportunities to get involved.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens- Ballroom
Who Should Attend?
Everyone is welcome! We encourage students, families, educators, community organizations, sustainability professionals, and supporters of youth leadership to join us.
About Manatee Tank
Manatee Tank is an initiative of the City of Jacksonville's Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Jacksonville University, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Think Bold All Access.
The program is supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, which selected Jacksonville as one of 300 cities worldwide to empower young people to lead local sustainability projects.
Whether you're cheering on a finalist, supporting a young innovator, or simply curious about the next generation of environmental leaders, we hope you'll join us!
Come celebrate big ideas and the young people bringing them to life!
Learn more: https://www.jacksonville.gov/manateetank
Event venue & nearby stays
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, United States
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