Volunteers, sponsors sought for Cross Bayou/Joe’s Creek Cleanup

Volunteers are needed to join Pinellas County Environmental Management and Keep Pinellas Beautiful in a cleanup event at Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek on Saturday, April 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Part of the Great American Cleanup campaign, the event service involves the removal of trash and debris in and along Cross Bayou Canal and Joe’s Creek. Volunteers wanting to help on the water can bring their own watercraft or borrow a canoe for as long as supplies last. Volunteers may also choose to sign up for the Island Shuttle. Two jon boats will be used to bring volunteers to the various mangrove islands. Life jackets are required and will be provided to those borrowing a canoe. Volunteers must be 18 or over and paddleboards are not permitted.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Pinellas County property at the intersection of 70th Avenue North and 78th Street North near the Wagon Wheel Flea Market on Park Boulevard. The first 25 volunteers to sign in on the morning of the event will receive a reusable filtration water bottle from our sponsor, Epic Water Filters. Trash collection takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch and a free raffle drawing will follow.

Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring a chair or towel to sit on. Trash grabbers, bags, gloves and drinking water will be provided. A water truck will also be available for volunteers to clean their watercraft after the cleanup. Registration by Friday, April 14, is required. Call Eric Vittoria at (727) 464-8756 or register online at https://CrossBayouJoesCreekCleanupGAC2023.eventbrite.com

Sponsorships, donations

Sponsorships are also available for local businesses. Sponsors with exhibition spaces are allowed to set up their space starting at 7:30 a.m. Donated items are also appreciated. All donated items should be received no later than Thursday, April 13. For more information or to schedule a business as a sponsor, contact Eric Vittoria at (727) 464-8756 or evittoria@pinellas.gov. Checks for sponsorship should be made payable to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.