Annual SoWal Beach Cleanup July 5, 2011

[Kurt]

The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and South Walton Community Council (SWCC) invite locals and visitors to participate in the annual July 5 beach clean-up across all 15 beach communities in South Walton, including Alys Beach, Blue Mountain, Dune Allen, Grayton Beach, Inlet Beach, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seacrest, Seagrove, Seascape, Seaside, Watercolor and Watersound.

The cleanup efforts will take place from 7-9 AM Tuesday, following the busy holiday weekend, which typically brings heavy traffic to the beaches. Over 100 people donated their time last year to gather nearly 120 bags of trash. SWCC volunteers will provide bags, gloves and water for volunteers at designated beach accesses, indicated by white “Beach Clean-Up” signs.



Designated accesses include seven regional beach accesses with parking and restrooms including: Inlet Beach Access, Santa Clara Beach Access (Bramble Grove in Seagrove), Van Ness Butler Jr. Access (between Seaside and Watercolor), Blue Mountain Beach Access, Ed Walline Access, Dune Allen Access and Miramar Beach Access as well as two neighborhood accesses: Grayton Beach access and Pompano Point access (in Seagrove Beach near Easter Lake). In addition to supplies, the first 100 volunteers will each receive one free recyclable shopping bag containing one coupon for free admission to the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport, donated by the South Walton TDC and the Biophilia Center.



Volunteers are also encouraged to organize a clean-up effort at their nearest beach access. Those participating should follow a few general safety guidelines.

• • Please pick up only man-made debris.
• • Do not disturb natural vegetation or natural debris such as June grass, as it often provides valuable nesting benefits to shorebirds and other wildlife.
• • Do not place debris in the dunes or above the high water line.
• • Do not use equipment such as rakes, shovels or tractors.
• • Carry your collected bags of trash off the beach and place them at a TDC garbage collection point on the beach.
• • Be mindful of wildlife. Do not disturb any shorebird, seabird or turtle nesting areas.
• • Keep out of posted dune areas.

The SWCC and the TDC appreciate any efforts made by community groups and individuals in maintaining the cleanliness of the beach, South Walton’s most valuable asset. For more information, please contact the TDC at 850-267-1216 or the South Walton Community Council at 231-0947.

 

[Kurt]

Good morning - we hope to see you on the beach!

 

[Teresa]

July 5th Beach Clean Up - Trash Haul Breaks Record

A terrific way to care for our community! thanks beach clean up volunteers!

July 4th Trash Haul Breaks Record
According to Dave Sell, the TDC's Beach Maintenance Manager, this year represented a record haul for July 4th holiday weekend trash. "The old record in 2008 was 25 truck loads. The new record is 31 truck loads. We filled eleven 20-yard dumpsters, the equivalent of about 55,000 lbs of trash," notes Dave. According to the TDC’s Community Relations Coordinator, Jami Ray, 56 volunteers collected 70 bags of trash from 7 to 9 a.m. at seven beach access points. This year was the first time the TDC has partnered with the South Walton Community Council (SWCC) on the annual project. Although rain kept the number of volunteers down from last year, Bill Schultz (pictured) of the SWCC said the amount of trash collected was roughly the same as last year. Thanks to all beachgoers who keep our beaches clean by disposing of their trash properly. And thanks to all on the TDC beach maintenance crew, beachfront property owners and staff, and to those volunteers who helped with the July 5th Beach Cleanup for restoring cleanliness to our beautiful beaches.
Walton County TDC

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