PALMETTO – Suncoast Aqua Ventures will hold its 5th Annual Reef and Beach Cleanup the weekend of Oct. 2-3 at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th St. W.
Suncoast Aqua Ventures was formed in 2016 when a few friends were scuba diving. Upon surfacing, the divers all commented on the amount of trash they had seen underwater, trash that most people aren’t aware of. That day they made a pact to get some friends together and “clean this stuff up.” Three months later they had their first Reef and Beach Cleanup.
“Over the years, we would add an interesting twist to a typical cleanup event,” said Cheryl Huntsinger, who heads the event. “Knowing how competitive the human spirit can be, we added a little cash to the equation, gearing this like a fishing tournament with cash and prizes.” During the inaugural event in 2016, 40 people recovered over 1,800 pounds of trash. In 2019, 170 participants recovered just shy of 19,000 pounds of trash and debris from Manatee County waters during the two-day event.
The event is free to enter and kicks off Saturday, Oct. 2. Registration is from 8-10 a.m. After registration, there’s a free breakfast, and cleanup supplies will be distributed. “Weigh-in” is Sunday, Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m. at the Yacht Club. Food will be served, and there will be parking lot vendors, kids’ activities, and a mermaid for photo ops. The cleanup encourages volunteers as well as spectators to come to the event.
“Come see what’s found out there that shouldn’t be in the water!” Huntsinger said.
Participants are eligible for over $5,000 in cash paid in 18 categories. Entry is free for all participants. First Place winners take $500, Second Place takes $250 and Third Place takes $100 for fishing tackle, nets, rope, recyclables, chain and other metals, trash and anchors. $300 will be awarded for the most tires and $300 will be awarded for the most unique item on land or sea determined by the judges.
Register online in advance to ensure the group has enough food, supplies and T-shirts. For more information, call Cheryl Huntsinger at 941-962-1488 or Troy Brown at 941-737-3165, email suncoastaquaventures@gmail.com, visit their website or follow them on Facebook where there will be frequent posts leading up to the event!
