Want to get dirty and have a terrific time in the process? Meet like-minded people and go away knowing you’ve left the bay better than you found it? You have the opportunity at this year’s Suncoast Aqua Venture’s Sixth Annual Reef and Beach Cleanup on Nov. 12-13 at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th St. W. in Palmetto.
Suncoast Aqua Ventures was formed in 2016 when a few friends were scuba diving. Upon surfacing, the divers all commented on the amount of trash they had seen underwater, trash that most people aren’t aware of. That day, they made a pact to get some friends together and “clean this stuff up.” Three months later they had their first Reef and Beach cleanup. According to Cheryl Huntsinger, who heads the event, “Over the years, we would add an interesting twist to a typical cleanup up event. Knowing how competitive the human spirit can be, we added a little cash to the equation, gearing this like a fishing tournament with cash and prizes.”
During the inaugural event in 2016, 40 people recovered over 1,800 pounds of trash. In 2022, 142 participants recovered just shy of 21,321 pounds of trash and debris from Manatee County waters during the two-day event.
The event is free and kicks off Saturday, Nov. 12. Registration is from 8-10 a.m. After registration, there’s a free breakfast and cleanup supplies will be distributed. “Weigh-in” is on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m. Food will be served, and there will be parking lot vendors, kids’ activities and more.
The cleanup encourages volunteers as well as spectators to come to the event.
“Come see what’s found out there that shouldn’t be in the water,” Huntsinger said.
Participants are eligible for more than $5,000 in cash paid in 18 categories, including fishing tackle, nets, rope, recyclables, chain and other metals, trash and anchors. $300 will be awarded for most tires, and $300 will be awarded for the most unique item on land and sea.
Tournament organizers encourage participants to register online in advance at www.suncoastaquaventures.com to ensure there is adequate food, supplies and T-shirts.
For more information, call Cheryl Huntsinger at 941-962-1488 or Troy Brown at 941-737-3165, or email suncoastaquaventures@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook for posts leading up to the event.
