Celebrating Beach Cleanup Volunteers and Sponsors

The Marco Island Beach and Coastal Advisory Committee is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Month by recognizing the incredible individuals who have given their time and energy to keeping our beaches pristine. Our monthly beach clean-ups have been a testament to the power of community action, and thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, we have made a significant impact on preserving our beautiful coastline. In 2024 alone, our volunteers have collectively removed over 600 pounds of trash from our beaches!

This month, we not only honor our volunteers but also celebrate the sponsors who have steadfastly supported our mission for over past many years. Their commitment has been instrumental in ensuring the success of our beach clean-ups. A heartfelt thank you to the following sponsors:

• ACE Painting
• America’s Boating Club - The Marco Island Power & Sail Squadron
• Kiwanis Club in partnership with Marco Island Academy Key Club
• Marco Island Area Association of Realtors
• Marco Island Chamber of Commerce
• Marco Island Civic Association
• Marco Sportfishing Club
• Marco Island Watersports
• Marco Island Woman's Club

To express our gratitude, the Marco Island Beach and Coastal Advisory Committee will be honoring these sponsors at their meeting on April 16 at the City Hall in the Community Room at 151 Bald Eagle Drive during Public Comments (approx. 10:00 AM). We encourage everyone to join us in recognizing their dedication to our community and environmental stewardship.

We are especially proud to highlight the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, a dedicated sponsor for over 15 years. "Our beaches are central to the identity and economy of Marco Island," said Dianna Dohm, Executive Director. "Supporting the beach clean-ups aligns with our mission to preserve the natural beauty of our island while encouraging civic responsibility. It's an easy decision year after year."

Gene Burson, representing the Marco Island Power Squadron and former member of the Beach Advisory Committee, also shared his thoughts: "Being part of these clean-ups is a natural extension of our commitment to safe and responsible boating. We want to ensure our waterways and beaches remain clean for everyone to enjoy. It’s been a privilege to support this effort."

Additionally, we extend our appreciation to Marco Island Yoga for their support in outreach efforts, helping to spread awareness and encourage participation in our clean-up events.

Our volunteers and sponsors embody the spirit of National Volunteer Month—giving back to the community and making a lasting impact. Together, we are not only preserving our local environment but also fostering a culture of care and responsibility. Thank you to each and every one of you who has participated in our efforts. We look forward to continuing this mission together!

We invite you to join us at our next beach cleanup on May 17 from 8-10:00 AM at South Beach, or at any of our future cleanups. The schedule can be found on the City Hall website. We welcome all beach volunteers and sponsors. With any questions, please reach out to: Amber Stonik at AStonik@cityofmarcoisland.com. We hope to see you there!