Sister Keys Clean Up Volunteers With Huge Pile Of Trash

Sister Keys Cleanup Gathers 1,300 pounds of Trash!

The gorgeous nature preserve of Longboat Key – Sister Keys – was revitalized by Sarasota Bay Watch and friends on April 28, 2018. Over 75 hardy volunteers paddled and were shuttled to the Keys to remove trash, tear out invasive plants and have a good time together on a perfect Saturday morning.

Barge Getting Ready To Offload Trash From Kayak With Sister Keys In Background

Special Thanks to Larry Beggs of Reef Innovations who brought a gigantic barge to shuttle people to and from the island and haul a 1,300-pound mountain of debris back to land. There was also an additional 800 pounds of recyclables captured. Town Manager, Tom Harmer and his delightful wife Dee Dee came by to take part in the activities.

Ronda Ryan With Marine Debris Mermaid

Ronda Ryan and Tracy Sweat built a mermaid from marine debris and brought it to the event. Many a selfie was taken posed next to our nasty lady of the sea. Thanks to LBK marine officer Nick Reno who kept passerby boat speeds safe and slow. James Linkogle and the guys from Public Works also did a lot of legwork to make this special event happen.

Sister Keys Cleanup Crew Members

Back in 1992, the town of Longboat Key bought the four islands, totaling 74 acres, after a grass-roots citizen’s group formed the Sister Keys Conservancy to lobby for their protection. The islands were restored with native plants, wetlands, salt marsh and gopher tortoise habitat. It is one of the rare places where the natural abundance of SW Florida is still in full
bloom.

Sister Keys Aerial View

In the 1960s, a plan was hatched to build Shangri Isles on Sister Keys. It would have included a conference center, golf course and an air strip. Thanks to the Conservancy and wise action by the Town, the islands are an environmental preserve today that can be enjoyed forever by generations to come.

1960s Plan To Convert Sister Keys Into An Air Strip

Ed Chiles, Owner of the Mar Vista Restaurant, once again generously donated a delicious lunch for everyone involved. Sharing a meal together while meeting new people was the ideal ending to the day.

Mar Vista Restaurant Brought Food For The Workers During The Event
More Sister Keys Cleanup Crew Members