The Big Cleanup Clearwater: A Call to Action After the Hurricanes
Published on November 06, 2024
In the wake of the two powerful hurricanes that struck Clearwater this year, the community is Still Shining, but the need for cleanup efforts have never been greater. The city of Clearwater, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, AMPLIFY Clearwater and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, is proud to announce the 4th Annual Big Cleanup Clearwater—a citywide effort aimed at restoring the beauty of Clearwater's streets, beaches and waterways.
The Big Cleanup Clearwater is a weeklong volunteer initiative that takes place citywide, focusing on removing litter that threatens the environment and marine life, especially in light of the damage caused by recent storms. Since the inaugural year in 2021, more than 16,000 pounds of litter was collected. Cleanup sites will be scattered across the city, allowing volunteers to choose the location most convenient for them.
The Big Cleanup will kick off Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. on Clearwater Beach at the Bay Esplanade beach access point. Speakers include Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, Brian Lowack, CEO/President of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, Patricia Deplasco, Executive Director of Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Amanda Payne, President & CEO, AMPLIFY Clearwater.
Schedule with Cleanup Locations
Nov. 8, 8 a.m. – Clearwater Beach
Nov. 9, times vary based on location – Courtney Campbell Causeway, Lake Belleview, Clearwater Garden Club
Nov. 16, times vary based on location– Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Stevenson Creek, State Street Park, Clearwater Memorial Causeway
Volunteers for this family-friendly community event will be entered to win awards in the following three categories:
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The Bambino (awarded to the youngest volunteer)
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The Golden Guardian (awarded to the oldest volunteer)
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The Power Picker (total weight divided by total volunteers, per site).
Medals made with sustainability in mind will be presented to the winners at a future Clearwater City Council meeting.
The cleanups also highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability. By reducing litter, Clearwater continues to implement the goals of its Greenprint 2.0 sustainability action plan, focusing on education, awareness and community livability.
To register to volunteer, visit KPBCares.org/thebigcleanupclearwater. To learn more about the city’s Greenprint 2.0 initiatives, visit MyClearwater.com/Sustainability.