It was a hot and humid morning, and the mosquitoes were very active as some 20 beach cleanup volunteers gathered at South Beach at 8:00 AM on June 13th for a monthly cleanup. A big thanks to our sponsors from Marco Island Water Sports, Marriott’s Crystal Shores, and the Hilton, along with local residents who brought family members and friends. Together, the cleanup yielded about 140 pounds of trash. The big haul was a floating debris that was brought in by the high tide. Thanks to the “muscle power” of the team from Marco Island Watersports, they were able to move the debris onto a wheeled ATV for disposal.

Big thanks to Marco Island Public Works Staff member Mario Tamayo and Code Enforcement Officer Ron Hofsteader for their assistance. A shout out to Marco Island Civic Association (MICA), who offered free parking to all beach cleanup volunteers at their South Beach Sarazen Park location from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. MICA Board member Nathaniel O’Donnell was present, providing ATV assistance to all volunteers. The monthly beach cleanups are organized by Marco’s Beach and Coastal Resources Advisory Committee who provides bags, buckets, and grabbers for the volunteers.

World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8, and the June cleanup showed volunteers how beach cleanups create a safer environment for nesting sea turtles, shorebirds, and marine life. The South Beach area was dotted with sea turtle nests, and soon hatchlings will be emerging. By removing obstacles and creating a clear path, cleanups increase the likelihood of successful nesting. The simple act of a beach cleanup makes a big difference in making sure our big ocean is healthy for all marine life and also for humans alike!