High-school student asks county to support Beach Bucket Foundation to reduce beach litter

Camden Duke, a junior at Martin County High School and an Eagle Scout candidate, asked the commission March 25 to support establishing the Beach Bucket Foundation program in Martin County. The foundation provides free reusable buckets at shorelines for beachgoers to collect litter, raising awareness and encouraging volunteer cleanup.

Duke said the program is already active in neighboring counties and that he would be willing to coordinate locations, build collection stations, and engage scouts and community volunteers as part of his Eagle Scout project. “As a community, we can take a proactive step in maintaining our environment by bringing this initiative to our county,” Duke said.

Commissioner Camp responded that Parks & Recreation staff would be willing to coordinate and that the program could be used at parks, boardwalks and riverfronts in addition to beaches. A county commissioner later offered to sponsor a bucket and additional scholarship support for the student’s project during public comment.

No formal board action was required; staff said they would coordinate with the student and Parks & Recreation if the board directs.