Annual Captiva Coastal Cleanup seeks volunteers
The third annual Captiva Coastal Cleanup will take place on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Established by local Capt. Jimmy Burnsed and his wife, Sarah, the event will involve collecting debris from the shorelines and waterways along Captiva and the surrounding islands. The efforts will focus primarily on the mangrove shoreline and waters ranging from North Captiva to Cayo Costa State Park.
Local guides will lead the participants in the efforts along the coastal habitats. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own watercraft, such as boats, kayaks, canoes or paddleboards.
As of Sept. 15, 40 of the 150 available registration slots had been filled.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement will be present to ensure participant safety. Scuba Quest will provide diving equipment for professional scuba divers for underwater cleanup in and around Redfish Pass, which also will be supported by FWC’s dive team.
At 1 p.m., volunteers will receive a free barbecue lunch from Pop’z BBQ & Catering.
Participants will meet at Captiva Cruises, located within McCarthy’s Marina, at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva. Dockage for boats and parking for vehicles will be available for those taking part.
The event is being held in partnership with Keep Lee County Beautiful and partners Captiva Cruises, Captiva Rod & Gun Club, McCarthy’s Marina, Santiva Saltwater Fishing Team and Scuba Quest.
For more information or to register, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094aaaaa2ca4f49-3rdannual or call 239-872-6383. Those without watercrafts who want to take part can call for support.