Volunteers Needed for Tony Saprito Fishing Pier Cleanup

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department’s dive team and marine patrol are joining forces with Sarasota Bay Watch to clean up the waterways surrounding the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier. Before they do, they’re looking for a few good volunteers to lend a hand.

Certified divers, kayakers and topside helpers are all needed during the Nov. 19 event. The cleanup effort is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to register in advance via the Sarasota Bay Watch website.

Divers who wish to participate must be certified and supply their own equipment. The police department intends to secure the perimeter around the pier to facilitate the cleanup effort. Kayakers are asked to help out by communicating with divers and transferring debris pulled from the water. Topside helpers will retrieve trash from the pier and its surrounding areas. They’ll also help by hoisting debris from divers while assisting with data collection.

“The Sarasota Police Department Dive Team and Marine Patrol is looking forward to the opportunity to partner with Sarasota Bay Watch and several other organizations to clean up the waterways around Saprito Fishing Pier,” said Sgt. Bruce King of the police department's dive team. “This cleanup is the first of its kind in the City of Sarasota. It will help continue to keep our local waterways clean and safe for everyone.”

Volunteers and other participants will meet under the John Ringling Causeway near the 920 John Ringling Blvd. pier.

For more information, visit Sarasota Bay Watch online.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department