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It's a cleanup party: Trash Bash is back

Residents will scour the streets on Saturday during the Lutz Trash Bash, which was canceled last year because of Hurricane Ivan.

By ELIZABETH MILLER
Published September 11, 2005

LUTZ - Lutz residents will be hitting the streets Saturday to pick up anything from old car parts to fast-food wrappers.

Each year, teams of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, church groups and kindly citizens comb the streets for debris of all kinds for the annual Lutz Trash Bash.

In their past picking, they've found everything "including a kitchen sink," said Hillsborough County sheriff's Cpl. Gordon Brown, who started the event seven years ago.

"I think the most interesting thing we've found was a glass eye."

The Lutz Community Council sponsors the event in conjunction with the countywide annual Florida Coastal Cleanup happening this weekend.

The cleanup will include the major roadways of Lutz such as Livingston Avenue and U.S. 41. But the quieter, more rural roads of Lutz have been perfect dumping ground for the illegal disposal of discards both large and small.

"It's been said that you could drive up Newberger Road and find enough stuff to furnish a small apartment," said Brown.

With continued development and with the help of the Lutz Trash Bash, that's getting better.

They may still find a microwave or even a refrigerator, but with awareness and more and more people pitching in, Lutz is cleaning up.

Last year, the Trash Bash was canceled because of Hurricane Ivan, said Brown.

Organizers expect about 500 volunteers this year, representing at least 30 civic groups. Previously, the number of people who have shown up to help have exceeded the number expected.

"Every year, it keeps growing," said Brown. "It's becoming a Lutz tradition."

For their efforts, volunteers will receive lots of little incentives, including a free T-shirt, provided by Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. Along their routes, they should look out for plastic eggs filled with prizes like money and coupons from local businesses.

High school students can earn community service hours for their participation.

Volunteers are encouraged to come out to the Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturday to pick up trash bags and their T-shirts. They should wear closed shoes and gloves.

Refreshments will follow, starting about 10 a.m., provided by Hot Rod's BBQ and Grill, Publix and Coca-Cola. Other sponsors include McDonald's, Chick-fil-A of Northdale, Beef O'Brady's and the Lutz/Land O'Lakes Woman's Club.

- For more information, contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 264-8950.

[Last modified September 10, 2005, 09:32:05]