City's Biggest Cleanup Planned Oct. 11-16 In Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater invites the public to join a citywide, weeklong cleanup from Oct. 11 to 16.

"The Big Cleanup" will happen in conjunction with the International Coastal Clean Up, thanks to support and funding from several partners, including Ocean Allies, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, AMPLIFY Clearwater, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Opals Sands Resort.

The week leading up to Oct. 16 will involve a series of smaller cleanups hosted by local businesses, civic groups and homeowner associations.

Cleanup supplies will be provided to volunteers to help with these private events.

"The Big Cleanup" is the culmination of the week's cleanup activities, and it will happen at Clearwater Beach and in centralized locations throughout Clearwater from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

Beach areas will be split into zones, and other areas to be cleaned up will include downtown Clearwater, parks, streets, neighborhoods, trails and private businesses in Clearwater.

"This is a massive effort," said city of Clearwater sustainability coordinator Sheridan Boyle. "With so many locations and opportunities to join throughout the week, there's room for everyone to make an impact. We'd love to recruit 500 volunteers."

Anyone can volunteer, and community groups are welcome. Site captains will be stationed at cleanup sites, and they will host the signing in of volunteers, distribute supplies, collect trash and gather the tallies of what types and quantities of trash were removed from each location.

Service hours will be validated by the leader on site, if service forms are provided by student volunteers,

"It is an exciting time in Clearwater," said city of Clearwater volunteer specialist Samantha Moullet. "We have never seen a cleanup effort like this before. Amazing things can happen when an entire community comes together and steps up to be part of the solution. Whether you are volunteering for 15 minutes or a couple of hours, every piece of litter you pick up makes a difference."

For more information and to sign up, click here.

Questions may also be sent to Boyle at 727-562-4003 or Moullet at 727-562-4873.