When the City of Tampa put out an RFP for its Trash-Free Waters campaign, we knew right away this wasn’t just another project, it was an opportunity to create something that could inspire change in a unique and fun way while celebrating the city we love.
We put our all into the pitch, drawing on our passion for storytelling and our experience blending creativity with cultural relevance. And the best part? The incredible team at the City of Tampa saw the vision, believed in it, and awarded us the project. From that moment forward, it was a true collaboration – seamless, exciting, and filled with shared enthusiasm for bringing the campaign to life.
With their trust and partnership, BKN Creative did what we do best: showed up, showed out, and delivered a campaign we are all proud of.
Tampa wanted to raise awareness about keeping our waterways clean. But let’s be real, signs that simply say “Don’t Litter” are about as exciting as a soggy Cuban sandwich and watered down cafe con leche (IYKYK).
They needed characters that told a story. One with personality, culture, and local relevance. They needed a fully realized campaign that felt like Tampa, which is beautifully colorful, diverse, and just a little extra. Insert BKN Creative.
We weren’t just going to draw a manatee and call it a day. After a few brainstorms, we decided that each animal needed to become a fully-realized Tampa icon, complete with outfits, backdrops, personalities, and all. We designed them to be accurate, adorable, and a little cheeky, tying each one to a beloved piece of Tampa culture.
To top it off, we paired them with witty, hyper-local headlines:
✨ “Less litter, more cafecitos.”
✨ “Less litter, more hot girl walks.”
✨ “Less litter, more Cuban sandwiches.”
You get the idea!
Manny the Florida Manatee – Sharp and stylish in a tailored suit, cafecito in hand, and representing Tampa’s deep roots in Ybor City.
Alli the American Alligator – Headphones on and rocking a laid-back, modern look, Alli represents a University of Tampa student vibe and oozes the city’s young, active energy.
Tripp the Loggerhead Turtle – Dressed in full pirate gear to celebrate Tampa Bay’s biggest tradition, the annual Gasparilla pirate invasion, Tripp stands proudly in front of a City of Tampa mural.
Patty the Eastern Brown Pelican – Elegant in a flowing dress and wide-brimmed hat, Patty poses outside the historic Tampa Theatre to showcase the city’s love for art and culture.
Oliver the Common Octopus – Multitasking with a flair, Oliver holds the iconic and original Cuban sandwich while also hanging out by the Sulphur Springs Water Tower.
Sasha the Bonnethead Shark – All decked out in Tampa Bay sports gear, Sasha represents Tampa’s local teams while hanging near the Channelside trolley.
Our deliverables included:
The process:
Here’s the thing: collaborations only work when the team on the other side is just as dedicated and passionate as you are. And let us tell you, the City of Tampa’s crew was an absolute dream.
From start to finish, the process was seamless, collaborative, and fun! They trusted our vision, provided thoughtful feedback, and made the entire project flow smoother than a cafecito on a Monday morning. Working with a client who gets it and who lets us lean into creativity while still keeping it strategic was truly, EVERYTHING!
Honestly? We’d work with them again in a heartbeat. (Call us, City of Tampa. We’ll bring the cubans and the deviled crab!)
Now, this is the part we LIVE for: The City of Tampa loved the campaign so much that they didn’t request a single change. Not. One.
That meant we got these characters out into the wild (literally) quickly, effectively, and with major fanfare and impact. Today, you’ll see them gracing waterways, benches, bins, and beyond, spreading the gospel of clean waters in a way that’s fun, memorable, and distinctly Tampa.
At BKN Creative, we’re obsessed with storytelling, and this campaign was storytelling at its finest. Each character didn’t just say “don’t litter”, they embodied Tampa’s culture, quirks, and charm. And when the community sees itself reflected in a campaign, they listen.
Plus, let’s be honest, it’s not every day you get to put a manatee in a suit.
We couldn’t be prouder of what we created with the City of Tampa. The partnership was seamless, the results were impactful, and the vibes were immaculate.
It’s proof that when you mix strategy, culture, and a little sass, you don’t just get a campaign, you get a movement. And we’d absolutely love to team up with the City of Tampa again (and again… and again).
Because here’s the tea: Tampa’s waters are too fabulous to trash. And, thanks to our Trash-Free Waters characters, everyone’s getting the message loud, clear, and oh-so-cute.
Are you ready to elevate your commercial video and photo production? We’d love to collaborate. Say hello! We would love to hear from ya!