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Volunteers sought for ‘Morning After Mess Beach Clean-up Day’

2 min read

The Fourth of July always bring festivities, beach fun, smiles and great family time.

But, with all those festivities, with many of them taking place on the gorgeous beaches of Southwest Florida, comes a huge mess.

The Keep Lee County Beautiful organization’s goal of leaving Florida’s beaches pristine is challenged with the summer Fourth of July holiday, so that’s why they have organized the 7th annual “5th of July” Beach Clean-Up Day.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. at one of the selected locations for clean-up on July 5, which includes Windham Hotel (Beachside), Crescent Beach Family Park, the Causeway Islands of Sanibel and Bunche Beach.

Litter sticks, trash bags, gloves and water will be provided.

“Even if we have volunteers who want to help for at least a half an hour or 45-minutes, that would be a big help,” said Sierra Wade Smith of Keep Lee County Beautiful. “We have different groups come out and help and it helps grab the public’s attention of litter on our beaches and it’s something good for families to do.”

The biggest culprit, which is found littering the beaches is spent fireworks, including paper and debris from roman candles, lanterns and other Fourth of July effects.

“Cigarette butts are common, as are beer bottles and people leave behind blankets and chairs,” Smith said. “Some ways to be proactive is to bring water in reusable containers and watch your kids, because many times they will drop their sparklers when they are done with them.”

The July 5th Clean-Up Day will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Smith adds trash and debris which litter the beaches of Lee County can be harmful or fatal to wildlife, which in essence, can damage the local economy and pose a human health hazard, as well.

If your family or group is interested in volunteering for the clean-up, or help with a roadside cleanup, call 239-334-3488 or visit www.klcb.org/.