Spring is a great time to enjoy our coastal waters while working to keep them healthy. Two upcoming events in April provide a terrific opportunity to do this vital work and meet others who share the passion.
The first of these events is the 8th Annual Reef and Beach Clean Up scheduled for April 5-6 at Sea Breeze Park in Terra Ceia. This event was previously scheduled last September but postponed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. The event combines environmental stewardship with friendly competition.
Hosted by Suncoast Aqua Ventures, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering participants a chance to win cash prizes while making a tangible impact on our coastal environment. Suncoast Aqua Ventures is a community-driven organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Florida’s coastal and underwater environments through hands-on clean-up events, educational programs and advocacy.
The Reef and Beach Clean Up is not your typical beach clean-up. This unique event turns trash collection into a competitive sport, with cash prizes awarded in several categories, including Most Recyclables, Most Tires, Most Anchors and Most Shoes. Whether you’re a land lover or a certified SCUBA diver, there’s a way for everyone to participate. Those with access to a boat can clean up underwater, ensuring our reefs are as pristine as our beaches and mangrove coastlines.
Since its inception in 2016, Suncoast Aqua Ventures has mobilized over 2,200 volunteers who have collectively removed an astonishing 182,000 pounds of trash from our beautiful coastline and underwater environments. What began as a small local effort has blossomed into a movement that has brought together community members, environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Cheryl Huntsinger, President of Suncoast Aqua Ventures, reflects on the origins of the event: “We started this organization after witnessing the sheer amount of human debris littering our coastlines and underwater habitats. We knew something had to be done, and what better way to tackle the problem than by bringing people together in a fun, competitive family-friendly environment? It’s incredible to see how much we’ve accomplished in just a few short years.”
The 8th Annual Reef and Beach Clean Up is more than just a day of trash collection—it’s a celebration of community, conservation and the power of collective action. Whether you’re here for the competition or to enjoy a day by the water, your participation helps protect our coastal environment for future generations. To register, visit https://suncoastaquaventures.com/event/8th-annual-reef-beach-cleanup/.
The second event just a week later on Saturday, April 12, is the Annual Sister Keys Cleanup. Since 2009, Sarasota Bay Watch has been dedicated to caring for our “adopted islands” – the stunning Sister Keys.
This event invites you to be a part of this important mission to protect and maintain the natural diversity of this incredible space. Whether you’re passionate about marine life, conservation, or simply love spending time on the water, your help ensures that Sister Keys remains a thriving sanctuary for generations to come. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers!
Whether you prefer to walk the shoreline collecting debris, captain a boat to ferry volunteers, or capture the action as a photographer, there’s a role for everyone! Boaters will transport volunteers to the cleanup site, as well as haul collected trash. Have a kayak? Bring it along and paddle your way to the cleanup site. Your support makes a huge difference!
Continuing a tradition first started in 2009 by the Chiles Group, previous owners of Mar Vista on Longboat Key and the Beach House and Sandbar restaurants on Anna Maria Island, Beachside Hospitality will provide a complimentary boxed lunch after the cleanup.
If you’ve never been to the Mar Vista, come and see what true coastal dining is all about while enjoying the new look and an unparalleled view of the Sister Keys. Come make a difference, enjoy the great outdoors, and connect with others who share a passion for conservation!
For more information, call Ronda Ryan at 941-232-2363 and register at sarasotabaywatch.org.
