In July, volunteers geared up to clean Florida’s waterways.
In the Florida Keys, where debris from 2017s Hurricane Irma still lingers, teams launched from Bahia Honda State Park to load their kayaks and pontoon boats with all the trash they could find. Staff at Bahia Honda worked with the Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA), a nonprofit group dedicated to restoring Keys waterways and tackling the biggest cleanup projects. Staff and volunteers removed large debris like tires and washing machines from the mangroves and shorelines at the east end of Bahia Honda. One of the heaviest items of the day was a washed-up fuel tank that weighed over 1,000 pounds.
“We’re here to get the stuff that’s not easy,” CRMA founder Brian Vest said.
In Northeast Florida near Jacksonville, the Friends of Anastasia State Park hosted a beach cleanup that focused on small, fragmented debris that poses harm to wildlife.
“With many hands on deck, we were able to get many pieces of smaller debris that could be harmful to wildlife and park guests,” Park Services Specialist, Chanell Guillaume said. “Although it was hot, we had plenty of water and positive attitudes to make this a fun and productive event.”
At Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Miami, one cleanup event had an artistic twist. More than 110 volunteers cleaned the park’s beach, dunes and picnic areas. Much of the trash was donated for art that raises awareness of plastic debris in the ocean. Volunteers built a large sculpture of a sea turtle out of plastic beach trash collected in the area. The sculpture is a powerful symbol of the need to reduce waste and protect sea life.
In Orange City, staff from Blue Spring State Park worked with the Save the Manatee Club and Volusia County to collect trash from the park’s popular day-use area. Keeping the area near the springs clear of debris and pollutants is important for protecting water quality in Blue Spring. The spring is one of the largest manatee sanctuaries in the state.
In July, cleanup volunteers collected almost 4 tons of trash in and around state park waterways. Many parks host monthly cleanup events. In September, people all over the world will clean beaches and parks for International Coastal Cleanup Day and National Public Lands Day.
Join the Fight to Keep Florida Beautiful – Find a Cleanup Near You
