Captiva Coastal Cleanup set for Sept. 24
The Floridant/10200315

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- Community partners are coming together for the third annual Captiva Coastal Cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Established by local Capt. Jimmy Burnsed of Santiva Saltwater Fishing Team and his wife, Sarah, the Captiva Coastal Cleanup calls on the community to help keep Captiva Island a beautiful place to live, boat, fish and enjoy the water by organizing a day to pick up debris along Captiva and surrounding islands' shorelines and waterways. Efforts focus primarily on the mangrove shoreline and waters ranging from North Captiva to Cayo Costa.

The annual event is a collective effort led by the Burnseds in partnership with Keep Lee County Beautiful and community partners including Captiva Cruises, Captiva Rod & Gun Club, McCarthy's Marina, Santiva Saltwater Fishing Team and Scuba Quest.

Local guides from Santiva Saltwater Fishing Team will lead the community of island boaters in efforts along the coastal habitats. Local law enforcement from the Lee County Sheriff's Office on Captiva and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Law Enforcement (FWC LE) will provide officers on boats for the safety of participants. Scuba Quest is providing diving equipment to professional scuba divers for underwater cleanup in and around Redfish Pass, and scuba operations will be further supported by FWC LE's agency dive team.

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Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own watercraft, including boats, kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. Those without means of water transportation who wish to volunteer can contact event organizers for support. A free barbecue lunch from Pop'z BBQ & Catering, sponsored by Captiva Rod & Gun Club, will be provided to volunteers at 1 p.m.

Captiva Coastal Cleanup will begin at Captiva Cruises, located out of McCarthy's Marina at 11401 Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island. Dockage for boats and parking for cars is available.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact event organizers at 239-872-6383.