SJC Volunteers Collect Over 850 Pounds of Trash from Local Beaches During 22nd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup
The event involved 250 volunteers removing litter and debris for sea turtle nesting season in northeast Florida.
On May 10, St. Johns County hosted the 22nd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup. Over the past two decades, this cleanup has helped remove litter and debris from St. Johns County beaches in preparation for sea turtle nesting season, which begins every year on May 1. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the event.
“We had a great turnout this year with over 250 volunteers across 8 different locations,” said Matthew Denny, Digital Media Manager for St. Johns County and this year’s event organizer. “Twenty different county departments and local organizations joined forces and together, we were able to remove over 850 pounds of trash from our beaches.”
This annual cleanup is part of the St. Johns County Get Hooked Anti-Litter Initiative which won multiple awards at a national conference last year and encourages residents to Get Hooked on keeping SJC Litter Free! Since the campaign’s inception in January 2024, the County has hosted 6 events with 1,308 volunteers dedicating 3,263 hours of service to clean up 5,690 lbs. of trash from our community.
“We are not only getting hooked, we’re getting results,” said Denny.
“Removing any litter or trash that could be on the beach is very important for these mothers coming up,” said Michelle Schenck, Park Services Specialist with Anastasia State Park. “It’s important we continue to do this throughout the season so when the hatchlings come (…) we want to make sure it’s as clean and safe as possible.”
“If you’re at the beach and you have any holes, make sure you fill that back up,” said Rich Gallik, President of the Friends of Anastasia State Park. “That’s important so the hatchling don’t fall into that hole and can’t get out.” Keeping St. Johns County beaches free of debris and obstacles is especially important because the County is home to rare Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles that nested in record numbers here last year.
“I am so thankful for all of our dedicated partners and volunteers that make this possible,” Denny said. “The commitment to conservation, keeping our beaches clean, and taking pride in where we live is what makes St. Johns County so special.”
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