The 2025 International Coastal Cleanup was a great success, thanks to the dedication of our community! With the help of 495 volunteers, we collected an incredible 7,140 pounds of trash from Wakulla’s coastlines, rivers, and parks. Even more encouraging, many participants reported seeing less trash overall this year—a hopeful sign that our collective efforts are making a real difference.
Event Highlights
- FWMA’s live gopher tortoise was a big hit with families and kids.
- Volunteers enjoyed live music from Kevin Andrew & Rockulla and a performance from the talented WHS Jazz Band.
- A delicious BBQ pork lunch prepared by Mack’s Meats kept everyone fueled, with help from Petra Shuff and her crew of servers.
- Informational and educational booths included the beekeepers, FWC, FWMA, FDEP, St. Marks Refuge, Friends of Wakulla Springs, the Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida team, and WAG with adoptable pups.
- Commissioners Quincee Messersmith and Josh Lawhon came out to show their support.
Contests & Prizes
- The “Weigh Your Butts” contest—raising awareness about cigarette litter—was won by the WHS Interact Club, led by Brooke Post, earning them the $100 prize.
- Volunteers also enjoyed drawings for gift certificates and prizes donated by board member Erica Morse, local businesses, and FDEP Coastal Management.
- The day concluded with the raffle of a custom handmade paddle board, valued at $2,500, created from recycled wood by local special needs youth with guidance from the Big Bend Maritime Center.
Unusual Finds
Every cleanup turns up something unexpected, and this year’s unusual items included a recliner, a car bumper, and a very old TV remote. These items are a reminder that bulky household waste can be properly disposed of—at no cost—through programs offered byWaste Pro, Wakulla County, and KWCB.
Thank You!
Keep Wakulla County Beautiful extends our deepest gratitude to the volunteers, nonprofits, vendors, and sponsors who made this event possible. Special thanks to our title sponsors Waste Pro and Visit Wakulla (Wakulla Tourism Development Council) for their continued support.
Together, we are proving that small actions add up to big change.
✨ Just imagine… a cleaner, greener Wakulla. ✨
