Volusia County Volunteers Unite for Post-Holiday Beach Cleanup!

Ponce Inlet, Volusia County, Florida, USA - Dozens of enthusiastic volunteers gathered at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet, Volusia County, on July 6, 2025, to tackle a post-Independence Day beach cleanup. Organized by Keep Volusia Beautiful, the event aimed to enhance the local shoreline’s appeal and contributed to a broader initiative to maintain the cleanliness of Florida’s beloved beaches. These cleanups are crucial as they follow holidays when litter tends to accumulate significantly, and the attendees were ready to step up.

Equipped with cleaning supplies provided by the county—such as buckets, grabbers, and gloves—volunteers were briefed about the types of waste they might encounter. With past cleanups averaging a hefty 30 to 40 pounds of garbage collected, the aftermath of holiday celebrations typically pushes that figure up to 50 to 60 pounds. Michael Nahirny, a Volusia County Management Specialist, emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting the heavy tourist traffic that necessitates maintaining clean and inviting beaches for everyone.

Protecting Marine Wildlife

Lori Palladino, a dedicated volunteer, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the potential dangers posed by litter to marine wildlife. It’s not just about beautifying the shoreline; it’s about safeguarding the health of local ecosystems. Volunteers were specifically advised to keep an eye out for fireworks remnants, plastics, and cigarette butts—items that contribute significantly to beach pollution.

Looking ahead, Volusia County is poised to participate in a nationwide coastal cleanup towards the end of September. Scheduled for September 21, 2024, this event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, and Volusia County will cover two dozen parks and beaches, inviting local communities to join forces in the battle against litter.

Global Movements and Local Efforts

This local initiative aligns beautifully with the global effort known as National Beach Cleanup Day, which is set for September 18, 2024. Organizing worldwide participation, the Sea Life Trust aims to boost awareness about coastal cleanliness and safety. This program has been active since 2014 and enjoyed overwhelming success in 2023, with over two million volunteers in the U.S. alone contributing to a larger pool of 22 million participants globally for World Cleanup Day.

The momentum from these organized cleanups is remarkable. Programs like those run by the Surfrider Foundation play a big role in mobilizing volunteers across various coasts in the U.S., from the Gulf to the Great Lakes. Their efforts not only help to reduce litter but also raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and shorelines.

As we enjoy Florida’s scenic coastline, there’s something to be said for getting involved in initiatives that keep our environmental treasures clean and safe. Each volunteer’s effort contributes to a healthier planet, and with events like these, we’ll continue to nurture our beaches for generations to come.

For more information on the beach cleanups and how you can get involved, check out mynews13.com, learn about the upcoming events on roanabjustina.pages.dev, and see how the Surfrider Foundation contributes to these vital efforts at cleanups.surfrider.org.