Explorer Post 900 participates in an Island Clean-up

Thirteen members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post participated in an Island Clean-up on Friday, May 7, 2010.  The focus of Operation Island Clean-up 2010 was the Shell Key Preserve off the southern tip of Pinellas County.  The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit & Environmental Lands Unit coordinated efforts with Pinellas County Environmental Management not only to provide a service of removing garbage and miscellaneous debris from the preserve, but also to conduct a bird survey and to discuss the potential for an “oil response” should the oil spill impact our area. 

Explorers were equipped with gloves and plenty of garbage bags as they set out to remove the unsightly and often hazardous debris left behind by boaters and campers on the preserve.  Multiple bags of trash, metal cable, and other assorted items were shuttled off the island to be disposed of appropriately. 

Shell Key Preserve is one of the most visited islands by boaters in the county.  On the south end of Shell Key there is a designated camping area where citizens must first obtain a free permit by registering on line at www.pinellascounty.org    Our members recognize the importance of being responsible and are willing to work hard at helping to protect the natural beauty of our Gulf Coast.

Great Job Post 900!