Florida County Hosts 11th Annual Coastal Cleanup Sept 19

Hernando County is proving that protecting paradise takes a village, and this year marks 11 years of neighbors coming together to keep their coastline pristine.

The UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County Office will host its annual Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Linda Pedersen Park in Spring Hill. The event honors International Coastal Cleanup Day and invites anyone who loves Florida's waters to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Volunteers can choose their adventure: walking the shoreline collecting debris or paddling out to waterways accessible only by boat or kayak. Water volunteers bring their own vessels and safety gear, giving them the freedom to reach hidden spots that need attention most.

Families are welcome, with kids encouraged to participate alongside adults. The county provides all the essentials like trash bags and gloves, making it easy for anyone to show up and help.

Dr. Brittany Scharf coordinates special groups including diving teams and airboat crews, ensuring every piece of collected debris gets properly counted and disposed of. This careful tracking helps scientists understand pollution patterns and measure real progress over time.

The Ripple Effect

Eleven years of consistent cleanup efforts have created lasting change in Hernando County's coastal ecosystem. Each bag of trash removed protects marine life, improves water quality, and preserves the natural beauty that makes Florida's Adventure Coast a treasure worth protecting.

The event has grown from a small gathering into a community tradition supported by local businesses including Get Up and Go Kayaking, the Coastal Hernando Business Group, and the Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Association. Their sponsorship proves that protecting the environment makes good business sense when your economy depends on healthy waterways.

Volunteers who register in advance help organizers plan effectively, though walk-ups are always welcome on event day. Every person who shows up sends a powerful message: this community refuses to let its coastal paradise slip away.

The work these volunteers do in a single morning will benefit Hernando County's waters for months to come, protecting habitats where fish spawn, birds nest, and families create lasting memories.

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