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You can still volunteer to join Coastal Cleanup

If you aren't among the 400-plus who signed up in advance, you can just show up at a staging area.

By EBONY WINDOM
Published September 16, 2005

More than 400 volunteers have already signed up to take part in Saturday's Coastal Cleanup in Land O'Lakes.

And, that's a record number, organizers say. Hundreds of Scouts are set to help. So are a few school clubs.

It's all about community pride, says Dora Bean, one of the organizers.

But, if you're not on the list, don't worry. Folks can simply show up and pitch in.

Coastal Cleanup is definitely not for the dainty.

"It's a lot of hot, sweaty, dirty work," organizer Betsy Crisp said. "But it really is a lot of fun."

Participants will gather at about 15 sites countywide. To find out where your local site is, call the county recycling office at (352) 521-4274 ext. 8041, (813) 996-7341, ext. 8041, (727) 847-8041, ext. 8659.

Central Pasco volunteers will gather at SunTrust Bank in Land O'Lakes for supplies and quick instructions. Since safety is important, organizers encourage kids to use the buddy system. Certain things, such as needles, should never be picked up. And watch out for traffic, they warn.

Coastal Cleanup is a statewide campaign. But, since there are no beaches in central Pasco, volunteers focus on tidying the area's lakesides and roads.

The main areas are the busiest thoroughfares in Land O'Lakes, State Road 54 and Collier Parkway. This year, volunteers will help tidy parts of Wesley Chapel, too, including Wells Road.

They'll form teams and take to the streets. Volunteers grab everything from fast-food wrappers and cigarette butts to unusual items such as tires and sofas. It all gets tossed into garbage bins.

Last year more than 1,129 volunteers collected 17 tons of trash and debris countywide.

At about 11 a.m., the group will get together for "a good, old-fashioned block party," Crisp says. There will be free barbecue and a prize giveaway.

Coastal Cleanup will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday . Volunteers will gather at SunTrust Bank at 21744 State Road 54 in Land O'Lakes to pick up supplies. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.

[Last modified September 16, 2005, 01:36:17]