1,200 Volunteers To Gather For Clearwater's Biggest Cleanup Ever

CLEARWATER, FL — The Big Cleanup Clearwater, a weeklong cleanup effort throughout the city between Oct. 11 and 16, will be the largest communitywide cleanup event in Clearwater's history, involving more than 1,200 volunteers throughout the six days.

From Monday through Friday, Oct. 11 to 15, there will be a series of smaller cleanups hosted by local businesses, civic groups and homeowner associations. The Big Cleanup Day Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more than 850 volunteers cleaning trash at several locations in the city.

In all, volunteers from 48 businesses, hotels, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods and other community groups will clean up 46 different sites around Clearwater.

"This is such an exciting event, with the largest collaboration of organizations along with the city of Clearwater. I cannot thank all our team enough for all their hard work, making this event a monumental one," said Sheri Heilman, founder and chairwoman of Ocean Allies. "I would also like to thank all our wonderful sponsors. Without their support, none of this would have been possible."

"We're thrilled to support The Big Cleanup's efforts to make Clearwater Beach more ocean-friendly and visitor-friendly," said Steve Hayes, Visit St.Pete/Clearwater president and CEO. "Our beaches are an award-winning, world-class asset that is critical to our local jobs and economy. It's vital we protect our natural resources that residents and visitors alike enjoy year-round."

The Big Cleanup is happening in conjunction with the International Coastal Clean Up and is being made possible due to the support and funding from the following partners:

• Ocean Allies
• Keep Pinellas Beautiful
• Amplify Clearwater
• The city of Clearwater
• Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
• Duke Energy
• Pepin Distributing
• KnowBe4
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Skanska USA
• Auburn Supply Group
• Opal Sands Resort
• Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
• ProForma
• Pier 60 Concessions
• Barefoot Beach House
• West Coast Medical Resources
• The Kelly Kelly Show
• D-Mar General Contracting
• Shephard's Beach Resort
• Sharmaine's Salon and Day Spa
• Clearwater Jolley Trolley

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 80 percent of all trash found in marine ecosystems comes from land-based sources. Removing litter from both coastal and inland Clearwater can dramatically improve the surrounding ecosystems, said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard.

"Let's keep these efforts and momentum going after Oct. 16," Hibbard said. "I don't want the efforts to end after this week and would encourage everyone to 'Be the solution and not the pollution' and to be an ally for our land and water and make it the No. 1 ocean-friendly destination in our nation."

Residents and visitors can make a long-lasting impact by continuing to pick up litter, volunteering with organizations like Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the city of Clearwater's volunteer program, reducing the use of single-use plastics (such as plastic bags, straws, foam and utensils) and opting for reusable, compostable or paper-based ocean-friendly items instead.

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