Cleaning up on the coast

Palm Coast Observer
News

Information adapted from press release

Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is partnering with volunteers to head up the cleanup efforts locally.

"We are excited to be a part of the 30th Anniversary marking the Ocean Conservancy's global effort to clean up the beaches and waterways," said Danielle Anderson, president of Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway.

This year's cleanup has expanded from Flagler County to include St. Johns County north to the St. Augustine Beach Pier.

Team captains Linda Provencher (Flagler) and Adam Morley (St. Johns) are organizing volunteers to clean up locations in their respective sectors along the A1A Scenic Byway which spans 72 miles along the coastal corridor.

"It raises awareness of how important it is to keep our beaches clean not only for aesthetic purposes but to help wildlife on our beaches," said Provencher, who has made litter clean up a key initiative during her tenure as mayor of Flagler Beach.

"Local organizations play a big part in the cleanup efforts," said Anderson. "We had the Kiwanis Key Clubs, Students Working Against Tobacco, the Jr. ROTC and local Boy Scout Troops lending a hand in 2014 in addition to residents. This year Girl Scout Troops from Flagler and St. Johns are turning out in force along with the Jr. AFROTC and the Flagler Beach All Stars. It proves that people of all ages are committed to making a difference," she said.

Volunteers braved heavy rain in 2014 to clean up the Flagler County beaches from Flagler Beach to Marineland, collecting over two hundred and thirty-three pounds of trash.

The International Coastal Cleanup will be at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19. Volunteers will meet at the Flagler Beach Pier for assignments. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Volunteers are asked to bring refillable water bottles to reduce plastic bottle usage.

This year's Flagler County locations include Flagler Beach Pier, Beverly Beach, Varn Park, Old Salt Park, Malacompra, Jungle Hut Road and Marineland.

To sign up or for more information, call Linda Provencher at 439-8815.