Clearwater's 'Big Cleanup' Runs Through Nov. 12

CLEARWATER, FL — The second annual Big Cleanup Clearwater is taking place now through Nov. 12.

This citywide, week-long volunteer effort aims to collect as much litter as possible from the city’s parks, streets, beaches and trails. The public is invited to join this family-friendly, community event.

A kick-off ceremony will take place Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. at Bob Heilman's Beachcomber restaurant's parking lot, 447 Mandalay Ave. Clearwater, with speakers Mayor Frank Hibbard; Patricia Deplasco, executive director of Keep Pinellas Beautiful; Sheri Heilman, founder of Ocean Allies; and Amanda Payne, CEO of Amplify Clearwater.

The Big Cleanup Clearwater is a collaborative effort hosted by the city of Clearwater, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Ocean Allies, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Amplify Clearwater.

Businesses, neighborhood groups, organizations and community members will volunteer their time throughout the week to help remove litter from more than 50 cleanup sites in the city.

Cleanup materials will be provided to all volunteers to help with these events.

Anyone can volunteer, and community groups are welcome. Site captains will be stationed at cleanup sites, and they will sign in volunteers, distribute supplies, collect trash and weigh the trash removed from each location. Service hours will be validated by the site captain if service forms are provided by student volunteers.

"We are excited to host the second annual Big Cleanup Clearwater and look forward to another successful event," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. "We owe it to our community and our youth of tomorrow to keep Clearwater bright and beautiful. Many thanks go to so many volunteers who have committed to supporting this environmental cause and helping to pick up litter in the city's neighborhoods and public spaces."

The Big Cleanup Clearwater is sponsored by Duke Energy, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Beachside Hospitality Group, KnowBe4, GreenPolly, Shephard’s Beach Resort, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant, Underground Refuse System and The Tropics Boat Tours.

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