Thousands show up to clean up SWFL beaches

FORT MYERS, Fla. – More than two thousand volunteers with “Keep Lee County Beautiful” spent Saturday morning cleaning up area beaches.

The efforts are all part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. At 20 locations across Lee County, volunteers picked up all sorts of trash including glass, plastics and other unpleasant items.

“I think someone said they found a diaper, personal hygiene products, it’s just kind of gross if you think about it,” Volunteer Felicia Nudo said.

Organizers said volunteers cleaned up almost eight thousand pounds of trash just in Lee County. Mariner High Key Club students also participated in the program as part of their efforts to bring awareness to the benefits of recycling.

“It’s great to know I’m helping out with the environment,” Student Jonathan Lopez said.

Volunteers told WINK news they hope all of the trash picked up Saturday will help the water situation in Southwest Florida.

“Clean water is life, our lives depends on clean water and how we protect these resources,” Nudo said.

Organizers said this year they had the most volunteers ever, since the “Keep Lee County Beautiful” program began 27 years ago.