A community cleanup initiative will target an abandoned homeless encampment along Lewis Turner Boulevard next to the Bernie R. Lefebvre Aquatic Center on January 18.

• Keep Okaloosa Beautiful is partnering with city officials to coordinate the effort, which will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though organizers say they will remain on site until the work is completed, regardless of weather conditions.

The cleanup operation will involve bagging debris and loading materials into trucks. Larger items will be placed along the sidewalk for later collection by city crews using a knuckle boom truck.

“This is not going to be an easy job,” Keep Okaloosa Beautiful stated in their announcement, calling for community volunteers to assist with the project.

The organization will provide all necessary cleanup supplies, though participants are advised to bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. Those interested in volunteering can register through the organization’s online signup system.

• The initiative came about after social media posts drew attention to the site’s condition, prompting coordination between a concerned citizen and Keep Okaloosa Beautiful to address the situation.