MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Aug. 21, 2018) – Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources will host a volunteer cleanup event of Palma Sola Causeway tomorrow, Aug. 22 at Palma Sola Causeway boat ramp from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
"We're asking people to bring their own tools, such as pitchforks and rakes," said Melissa Nell, Parks' volunteer division manager. "We need help with areas that can only be reached with human hands. If volunteers would like to help us mitigate the effects of red tide by cleaning up marine debris and marine creatures, you're welcome to help!"
Parks and Natural Resources staff will provide basic masks, buckets and gloves. In addition to cleanup tools, volunteers are asked to wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and wear close-toed shoes that tie or strap to your feet.
Volunteers who cannot help tomorrow morning can participate in a separate volunteer cleanup of Perico Preserve on Thursday morning from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Parks officials say safety is the highest priority during the volunteer cleanup events. If you have respiratory sensitivity like asthma or breathing issues, do not come to these events.
A red tide hotline is being staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week as conditions persist. Residents can call with questions about red tide and the cleanup operations. The red tide hotline number is (941) 749-3547. Of the 200+ calls that have come into the hotline, dozens have been from residents wanting to volunteer to help with the cleanup.
The County’s public resource for updates on these cleanup efforts are posted daily at
www.mymanatee.org/redtide. There people can get the latest beach conditions, a list of health and safety resources from state agencies and an update on cleanup within residential canals and waterways.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.