Search
Close this search box.

Local volunteers needed for ‘International Coastal Cleanup’ in Okaloosa County

Saltwater Restaurants and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism will host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 8-10AM. They are looking for volunteers to help with this cleanup. […]

Saltwater Restaurants and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism will host the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 8-10AM.

  • They are looking for volunteers to help with this cleanup. Here’s what you need to know.

For over 35 yearsOcean Conservancy has held the International Coastal Cleanup® which is a global event that prides itself in, “harnessing the power of people to fight ocean trash.”

The goal of the cleanup is to remove as much trash and debris from local beaches and there are multiple locations where volunteers of all ages can participate. You can join the local effort at any of the below cleanup locations by registering here

  • The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL)
  • The Crab Trap/James Lee Park (3500 Scenic HWY 98, Destin, FL)
  • The Surf Hut (551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL)
  • Norriego Point (1 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL)
  • Mattie Kelly Park & Joe’s Bayou (825 Beach Dr, Destin, FL)
  • Henderson Beach State Park (17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL)
Volunteers helping cleanup the beach at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

Participants will receive an event t-shirt (limited quantities, first come, first served) and a post cleanup breakfast will be available free of charge at The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, and The Surf Hut locations.

  • Volunteers are asked to bring their own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and grabbers to collect trash. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and sunscreen.

“When we come together as a community, we help keep our beaches pristine and allow for native wildlife to thrive,” said Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mel Ponder. “We are fortunate to have a Coastal Resource division in our Tourist Development Department dedicated to this cause.”

During the most recent event, volunteers removed over 2,000 pounds of garbage and over 1,000 cigarette butts. Marine debris is a detriment to our local ecosystem and causes problems for seabirds and coastal marine life.

Volunteers helping cleanup cigarette butts during a recent beach cleanup at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

“Beach cleanups not only keep our beaches beautiful for visitors, but they create a safe environment for our wildlife,” said Jessica Valek, Coastal Resource Coordinator, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism. “Certain animals, like sea turtles and shorebirds, rely on our beaches to lay their eggs and protect their young. The International Coastal Cleanup is a great way to bring the community together and do good for the environment.”

Volunteers helping cleanup the beach at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

After the cleanup, the conservation fun continues with the Choctawhatchee Bay Family FUN-FEST held at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island from 10AM-1PM. Hosted by the Choctawhatchee Estuary Program, the event celebrates National Estuaries week and guests will enjoy food vendors, activities for kids, local vendors, and door prizes.

Event sponsors include: The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, Okaloosa County, Visit South Walton, City of Destin, Ocean Conservancy, Florida State Parks, Florida Sea Grant Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, The Surf Hut, The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Emerald Coast Science Center, Step One Automotive, The Gulfarium, Divers Down Pollution Project, Destin Brewery, Waste Management, Saneka’s Legacy, Keep Florida Beautiful.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Lawless society,truly indicates the signs of our times...head on a swivel!”
Respond
“Although I never had the honor of knowing this young man, I see the beauty in his smile and his joy is evident. My heartfelt condolences to his family and...”
Respond
“Many will disagree but I think this is over reach by Eglin. I see the comments that if it is opened to the public it would get trashed; I agree....”
Respond
“I work from home as an influencer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach how to make balloon animals. If my internet doesn’t stay up I have to do...”
Respond
“I live on North Lloyd where they want to put the 94 unit complex. I understand that it's a great thing for a military housing. I want to know how...”
Respond
“I’m still experiencing intermittent outages, but the bright side is I’m not exceeding my data caps! #ThanksCoz”
Respond
“What will happen to the residents who presently live here? Is there a plan to rehome them while this is being built? Will they be grandfathered in once they are...”
Respond
“The original concept of the festival is lost. It was lost when it became charging admissions. I miss the original but not the new version. It is dead so let...”
Respond
“Going on 2 days without service, forcing me to take PTO. Making the switch to Live Oak Fiber next week”
Respond
“"Providing fingerprints on-sight," means fingerprints will be taken at the time of enrollment, or we bring a copy of our previously certified fingerprints? Thank you in advance for response.”
Respond