Looking to lend a hand for a cleaner environment? Pinellas County Environmental Management and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are calling for volunteers to help with a cleanup effort at Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek. This initiative is slated for Saturday, Nov. 8, and will take place between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It's a part of the wider Intercoastal Cleanup Campaign, aimed at tackling the persisting problem of trash and debris cluttering our waterways.
For those with a penchant for water-based cleanups, you're in luck. Participants can bring their own watercraft or reserve a canoe in advance, according to Pinellas County's announcement. Don't worry about safety gear—life jackets are on hand for those borrowing canoes. Just take note that you must be 18 or over to volunteer, and paddleboards are out of the question for this operation.
Volunteer check-in will commence at a convenient location—the Pinellas County property at the intersection of 78th Street North and 70th Avenue North. Directions are straightforward: enter the gate near Crash Champions Collision Repair on Park Boulevard and simply follow the signs. Take heart knowing that post-cleanup, there's a water truck ready to wash down your watercraft. And there's more—the event will wrap up with lunch and a free raffle drawing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Preparations for a day of meaningful community service couldn't be simpler. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and don't forget a chair or towel for those well-deserved breaks. Pinellas County has got the rest covered; trash grabbers, bags, gloves, and even drinking water will be provided to volunteers. And in an appeal for community support, local organizations are encouraged to sponsor the event. Reach out to Ryan Ryczek at (727) 464-4462 or [email protected] if you're interested in contributing items or funds for the volunteer appreciation raffle or setting up a display table at the event. Be sure to register by Nov. 6 to be part of this local environmental initiative.
