Large Turnout for Evening Beach Clean-up

Submitted

“Our beach is so beautiful and it’s sad to see the trash people leave behind.” Cristina Leske, beach clean-up volunteer.

Trash was expected on the beach the day after Memorial Day.

The Beach Advisory Committee coordinated the evening clean-up and was joined by over 25 volunteers from Marco’s Sail and Power Squadron.

Long-time residents and frequent beach volunteers, Jean and Paul O’Neill, came to make sure our sea turtles have a clean beach to welcome them ashore. Per Mary Nelson’s weekly report, the number of turtle nests was down for the month of May.

Mary McIntosh of the Calusa Garden Club arrived with a modified milk jug, strapped to her belt, which she used as a bucket. It was soon filled with cigars, cigarette butts, bottle caps and plastic wrappers. She said, “This is my first beach clean-up here in Marco and

it will not be the last.”

First-time volunteers from Marriott’s Crystal Shores also arrived to lend a hand.

Cristina Leske, who lives just a building away, also joined the trash-combers. Jared Grifoni, with wife Elsa brought young Calvin and Tosca, making the clean-up a family affair. Dianna Dohm, president of the Marco Island Civic Association (MICA) also made time to join the group and help with efforts. Bernardo Bezos and Ray McChesney of the MICA Beach Advisory Committee made sure everyone was well hydrated, distributing water bottles to all the volunteers. The hardy and determined volunteers shrugged off the heat as they panned out across the beach, picking up trash.

Next beach clean-up: June 11^th at 8 AM at South Beach. Marco Island Chamber of Commerce will be the sponsor. For information on beach clean-ups, please contact Samantha Malloy at: 239-389-3917 or smalloy@cityofmarcoisland.com.