Manatee County Invites Volunteers To Palma Sola Causeway Cleanup

MANATEE COUNTY, FL -- Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will host a volunteer cleanup event of Palma Sola Causeway Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Palma Sola Causeway boat ramp from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

"We're asking people to bring their own tools, such as pitchforks and rakes," said Melissa Nell, parks' volunteer division manager. "We need help with areas that can only be reached with human hands. If volunteers would like to help us mitigate the effects of red tide by cleaning up marine debris and marine creatures, you're welcome to help."

Parks and Natural Resources staff will provide basic masks, buckets and gloves. In addition to cleanup tools, volunteers are asked to wear clothes they don’t mind getting wet and wear closed-toed shoes that tie or strap to the feet.

Volunteers who cannot help Wednesday can participate in a separate volunteer cleanup of Perico Preserve on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Parks officials warn residents who have respiratory sensitivity like asthma or breathing issues not to participate.

A red tide hotline is being staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week as conditions persist. Residents can call with questions about red tide and the cleanup operations. The red tide hotline number is (941) 749-3547.

Of the 200-plus calls that have come into the hotline, dozens have been from residents wanting to volunteer to help with the cleanup.

The County’s public resource for updates on these cleanup efforts are posted daily on its website. There, people can get the latest beach conditions, a list of health and safety resources from state agencies and an update on cleanup within residential canals and waterways.

Image via Matt Marriott

To see more nature and marine photos by Marriott, visit his website.

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