City Limits: Gulfport Beach Cleanup

On Saturday July 23, 2011, I joined in the effort to cleanup the Gulfport Beach with several residents and members of the newly founded group, The Gulfport Neighbors.

Volunteers were asked to help pick up trash at the beach between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. We met at the pavilion just west of the beach restrooms. Doug Hudson helped organize the group and directed volunteers where to go. Lori Rosso with the donated trash bags and plastic gloves and Stella's Deli & Gelato donated water.

Once I signed in, I grabbed a bag and headed out. We had a span of people from the Gulfport Recreation Center to the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Even though I had my hands full, I was able to snap a few photos of people hard at work including: Vice Mayor David Hastings, Rob Fowler, Beverly Newcomb, Janet Schaffer, Cindy Davis, Al Davis and more. A group of us found dozens and dozens of cigarette butts on the beach where the tide came in. I heard from a few residents that the pavilions were littered with countless cigarette butts and they were cleaned up earlier this week by city crews.

I personally picked up everything from cigarette butts to firework debris and even dental floss. Why would someone use dental floss on the beach?

After about an hour and a half of picking up trash and talking with volunteers, Doug Hudson gathered everyone up for a group picture. Right before I headed back, Park & Rec Superintendent Bob Williams swung by with his truck and loaded my bag in the back.

At the pavilion, Doug Hudson and Vice Mayor David Hastings thanked everyone for coming out. 

Hastings also addressed the crowd saying this is "on going, constant problem" . . . "So, at the next city council meeting I am going to propose a permanent smoking ban on the beach itself, and put (trash) reciprocals out in the parking lot." 

Hastings said that it won't stop the problem but if it could cut down on the cigarette butts that would help decrease the litter.

"Hopefully like any other law, you're gonna have people that are just gonna obey it and that will eliminate some of the problem," Hastings said.

Hastings also announced that this event spurred other outreach ideas. Hastings plans on contacting the to find out of there are residents who need help cleaning up the outside of their home. "You people want to help, this is a great opportunity."

Hastings also assured that the cleanliness of the beach area is the city's obligation.

"This is beautiful, we want to maintain this and make it look attractive," Hastings said.

He added that The Gulfport Neighbors have gotten the city council's attention by addressing the trash and litter at the beach and organizing 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.