Natural Resources Board reviews recent events; site reported 530 pounds of debris during coastal cleanup

Board members reviewed recent outreach events and discussed operational lessons for future cleanups and festivals.

Felicia (city staff liaison) summarized three recent events: a Touch and Tour on Sept. 13, the International Coastal Cleanup site the board hosted on Sept. 20, and Sebastian Kids Fest on Oct. 4. For the coastal cleanup Felicia reported the board’s site collected about 530 pounds of debris; county‑wide there were roughly 25 sites and at least one other site reported about 960 pounds.

Participants praised displays and demonstrations by volunteers; one board member singled out Frank and Mr. Blankenship for their contributions to Kids Fest and the Touch and Tour. Discussion focused on operational improvements: participants said the cleanup site lacked an on‑site waste disposal container, which made transporting 530 pounds of debris difficult; the event organizer had provided only a small number of gloves (four pairs, mostly medium) and volunteers recommended supplying a wider range of glove sizes and more quantities. One board member proposed brief, non‑disruptive outreach to boaters leaving a nearby dock to notify them the board was cleaning the shoreline and ask they report debris they observed.

Members discussed recruiting more boaters, kayak and paddleboard volunteers and reaching out to local fishing groups such as Captains for Clean Water and other statewide organizations to publicize future cleanups. Board members said the Elks Lodge provided boats for a prior Treasure Coast Waterway cleanup and that such partnerships make waterway cleanup efforts more effective.

The board made no formal motions on debrief items; members asked staff to note the logistical suggestions for future planning and to ensure supplies (disposal containers, glove sizes) are sufficient at future cleanup sites.