4th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup Scores Tons of Trash

Stuart, FL – (August 8, 2011) — The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC) conducted its fourth Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Thanks to sponsorship from the Florida Inland Navigation District, over 900 volunteers came out to collect trash along the waterways of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties in the one day event.

Hot summer temperatures, did not deter hundreds of volunteers, both boaters and participants on shore who set out from 21 different sites to remove trash from 125 miles of waterways in the region. The cleanup also included an offshore reef dive at Pecks Lake, conducted by the Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority.

“We are very pleased with this year’s effort,” said Dean Kubitschek, St. Lucie County Team Coordinator. “This was the first year that we were able to weigh our recyclable trash and were surprised that we were able to recycle .46 tons. Volunteers picked up .82 tons of trash and 4 tires all that were turned in to the Stan Blum Boat Ramp site. A crew working out of the Manatee Center used teamwork and floats to tow a large industrial type tire to shore. Together we made a BIG difference and have recorded a total of 8.1 tons of trash and debris collected. ”

Participants who registered in the event were asked to tally up their findings on a data card. One of the more unusual items recorded was volley ball net that was removed from Pecks Lake Reef. Throughout the Treasure Coast volunteer’s removed several bicycles, batteries, air conditioner compressors, boat parts, BBQ grills, bottles, cans and thousands of cigarette butts. “From Indian River County to Martin County volunteers reported improved conditions from previous years and the Data Cards confirm less trash was collected,” said April Price, Event Coordinator for the cleanup. “We counted more volunteers and less trash, so I feel that we are making a difference. I am very happy to report such positive results.

Volunteers and sponsors were recognized at an Appreciation Bar-B-Que at the Ft. Pierce Yacht Club on Sunday, August 7th. “Everyone was anxious to hear the three county totals and we really want to show appreciation for their hard work”, said Price. “This event was a real success and we are already planning next year’s cleanup which will take place on July 22rd, 2012.”

For more information regarding our sponsors, or to view photos, visit the web site at www.tcwaterwaycleanup.com . For more information please contact April Price, (772) 285-1646.

The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, Inc. (MIATC) is a not-for-profit trade association representing recreational marine businesses in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River and Okeechobee counties. MIATC is dedicated to the promotion of pleasure boating and s related industries.

Contact: April Price, Event Coordinator

Phone: 772-285-1646

E-mail: info@TCWaterwayCleanup.com