Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, Saltwater Restaurants and many community partners will host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 8-10AM.
- They are looking for volunteers to help with this cleanup. Here’s what you need to know.
For over 35 years, Ocean Conservancy has held the International Coastal Cleanup® which is a global event that prides itself in, “harnessing the power of people to fight ocean trash.”
The goal of the cleanup is to remove as much trash and debris from local beaches and there are multiple locations where volunteers of all ages can participate. You can join the local effort at any of the below cleanup locations by registering here.
- Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL)
- Crab Trap/James Lee Park (3500 Scenic HWY 98, Destin, FL)
- Surf Hut (551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL)
- Norriego Point (1 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL)
- Clement Taylor Park (131 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL)
- Henderson Beach State Park (17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL)
Participants will receive an event t-shirt (limited quantities, first come, first served) and a post cleanup breakfast will be available free of charge at the Boardwalk, Crab Trap, and Surf Hut locations.
Volunteers are asked to bring their own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and grabbers to collect trash. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.
“Beach cleanups not only keep our beaches beautiful for visitors, but they create a safe environment for our wildlife,” said Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism. “Certain animals, like sea turtles and shorebirds, rely on our beaches to lay their eggs and protect their young. The International Coastal Cleanup is a great way to bring the community together and do good for the environment.”
During the most recent event in April, nearly 500 volunteers removed over 3,000 cigarette butts. Marine debris is a detriment to our local ecosystem and causes problems for seabirds and coastal marine life.
- “Volunteers are the key to the success of this event,” Said Valek. “More volunteers translates directly into more trash cleaned up and safer beaches for wildlife.”
