City Limits: 49th Street Cleanup

Although a new group, the Gulfport Neighbors has already organized two litter cleanup opportunity's in the city. More than 50 people came out to sift through sand and grass at the Gulfport Beach on July 23, 2011. This weekend, at least 47 came out to pick up litter along 49th St. S. between Gulfport Blvd. and the Pinellas Trail.

Among those on the list, several Gulfport residents, Gulfport City Manager Jim O'Reilly, Gulfport Police Sergeant Josh Stone and Vice Mayor of Seminole and Florida State Senate candidate Leslie Waters. Of course, myself and my husband Robert came out to help as well.

Organizer Doug Hudson says volunteers found everything from liquor bottles to marijuana.

Hudson says some of the items that stand out include:

• small bag of marijuana (taken into Gulfport Police evidence)
• wig
• half of a dollar bill
• full can of beer
• snickers bar

Hudson says everyone was excited about the event, but some were surprised that there weren't more businesses at the cleanup. Ken and Debbie Reichart with The Gabber had a "Clean-Up Crew Rest Stop" during the event. They offered up cold water and watermelon. It was a welcomed surprise, especially after spending an hour or so in the sun and heat.

The red Gulfport Trolley was driven up and down 49th St. to bring volunteers, trash and other supplies from block to block.

After the event, everyone was invited out to lunch at Island Flavors and T'ings. Robert and I didn't make it to that, but enjoyed our time mingling with people and picking up trash.

Hudson says Vice Mayor David Hastings and Council member Barbara Banno attended lunch. Hudson added that he would have appreciated seeing more city leaders, businesses or residents of Ward Four attending the cleanup.

The Gulfport Neighbors will be working on organizing future projects in the community.

If you're interested in getting involved with The Gulfport Neighbors contact Doug Hudson on this Facebook Event Page.