Sumter DART to assist Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

Pinellas County, Florida—Volunteers will begin a project this weekend to give the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary a bit of a makeover. After hearing the news of the sanctuary being in some financial distress, Sumter Disaster Animal Response Team Executive Director, Jenn Miler-Most, reached out to the sanctuary about a month ago to see what could be done to help. Her inquiry was welcomed with open arms by Micki Eslick, Operations Manager at the sanctuary.

Putting aside all of the political and financial issues surrounding the woes of the sanctuary, and looking at the history of the organization, and the great need in the community, Miler-Most and Eslick, brainstormed on what could be done by volunteers at this time. This weekend, volunteers will begin with an organizing and deep cleaning project in the sanctuary’s bird hospital facility, which is closed for the time being. “When the organization has stabilized, and the time comes to reopen the hospital, it will be clean and organized and ready for staff and volunteers to assist the birds in need” said Miler-Most.

A few other project ideas the duo came up with will help enhance the environment at the sanctuary for the greater good of the animals, whether they are there temporarily or they have become permanent residents. The projects will be done in phases and Miler-Most hopes to have everything they can do to help completed by mid-summer. “We are so thankful to Jenn and the volunteers she is gathering to help us out! It’s nice to have some extra help right now.” said Micki Eslick.

Sumter DART, a not-for-profit organization, is a statewide team of volunteers that helps animals that are affected by natural OR manmade disasters. “We are always looking for volunteers” says Miler-Most, who first visited the sanctuary as a Girl Scout in the mid 1970’s “and that includes folks looking to help with this project at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.” 

For information about Sumter DART and how to get involved, you can visit their website at www.sumterdart.org. And, if you are interested in helping this weekend, you can email Jenn Miler-Most at jenn@sumterdart.org. Or call her at 352-658-DART(3278) for more details. Volunteers must sign up ahead of time and they must be at least 18 years of age, or accompanied by a parent.

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary opened in 1971 and it is located at 18328-Gulf Blvd in Indian Shores, Florida. For more information, you can visit their website at www.seabirdsanctuary.com. They are open to the public 365 days a year from 9AM to sunset and admission is always free.