Couple cleans up Naples Pier

A couple took it upon themselves to clean up an important part of their community, not only for themselves but for others.

Ray Erickson works at the Naples Pier and says he doesn’t notice many people taking the time to clean. Erickson works with the pier’s outreach and wildlife center. “Nobody cares, so by picking up a piece of trash. Just think, maybe it’s nature’s way of giving you another shell next time you’re at the beach,” said Erickson.

Vince and Susan Valenti were upset by what they saw as well.  “Well it’s upsetting that people sometimes litter, but we accept that some of it’s accidental,” said Vince. So, the couple decided to do something about it.

When Susan and Vince went to the Naples Pier and walked up and down the shoreline with a bucket and bag full of trash, Ray knew he needed to thank them. 

“We just figure any little bit we can do to help is awesome,” they said. 

Erickson said it was nice to see someone taking care of the beach. “It was just a breath of fresh air. They’re using the tongs and the bucket. They weren’t touching anything, and they were just nabbing a bunch of garbage, which is perfect,” he said.

Susan and Vince only walked 200 feet in total but were able to pick up quite a bit of garbage along the way. They collected 300 cigarette butts and were able to fill a grocery bag with trash.

Vince says the bucket he used during the clean-up process was only $5. “It’s just a paint bucket. You can buy this roughly for five bucks anywhere,” said Vince.

Erickson says he wishes more people would do something like this. “It’s just a paint bucket. You can buy this roughly for five bucks anywhere,” said Erickson.

The impact that the Valentis had on him and on everyone was priceless.

Because Vince and Susan anticipate there being more trash after the holiday weekend, they plan to be out on Tuesday to pick it up. They are encouraging others to do the same.