62 Scooters Removed From Hillsborough River

TAMPA, FL — You just never know what you might find in the Hillsborough River. While fish and other wildlife call it home, some people have used the river as their own personal dumping ground.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful organized a water-based cleanup Tuesday and retrieved dozens of discarded items, including 62 scooters.

Wheelchairs, bikes, traffic cones, and fishing line were also among some of the other items fished out of the river, the organization said.

"After assessing lots of the debris and a few preliminary cleanups, there are still scooters in the Bay. This doesn't even include all the small debris that was found in the surrounding areas," said divers with Adventure Outfitters who assisted with the river cleanup.

"Be an advocate for your waterways. Make better choices, organize a cleanup in your area, be part of the solution," the divers continued.

The Tampa Police Department, the University of Tampa Dive Club, City of Tampa Parks & Recreation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and several other agencies assisted with the cleanup.

Organizers said the next one will take place at Ballast Point in Tampa.