International Coastal Cleanup 2009

Fifteen members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 900 participated in the 24th Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19, 2009.

Explorer Post 900 has a history of working alongside Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit deputies to clean up the trash and debris left on the intra-coastal spoil islands.  This year, the group’s focus was to clean up along Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg.  

Explorer Post 900 joined forces with the global network of volunteers organized by the Ocean Conservancy.   This organization’s mission is to promote healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems.  According to their website, Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup is the world's largest volunteer event of its kind. Each year, thousands of volunteers from around the globe participate, clearing tons of trash from coastlines, rivers and lakes and recording every piece of trash collected.

Post 900 volunteers met at 9:00 A.M. Saturday morning near the Friendship Trail.  With trash bags in hand, Explorers canvassed the beach and mangrove area filling dozens with cans, glass bottles, knotted up fishing line, plastic containers, wrappers, and other miscellaneous trash.  More than seventy five bags were filled by early afternoon.  There were also a few interesting items discovered during the day.  Please visit www.oceanconservancy.org for photos of the weirdest find contest. 

By midday, the east end of Gandy Beach was in much better condition.  Hundreds of pounds of trash had been removed from the coastline. 

We are proud of the civic responsibility and commitment to community that is a part of our Exploring program. Thanks to each member involved!  Job well done!