REDINGTON BEACH – Sixty-two tons of trash were removed from Tampa Bay in 2007. In June of that same year, 9,500 large bags of junk were scooped out of St. Petersburg’s Clam Bayou.
Those numbers came from Rick Husk, executive director of Green Armada, who briefed the Barrier Islands Governmental Council Wednesday, March 26.
Three brothers, Vince, John and Jeff Albanese, started Green Armada. Picking up trash five days a week, the brothers’ work soon turned into a community effort that rapidly spread across the country catching the attention of local and national media.
Their objective was to help communities to efficiently and economically remove tons of trash fouling up Florida’s coastlines and inland waterways.
Boats were especially designed to handle the trash. Kayaks and canoes were also employed.
The effort is funded by sponsoring businesses. Already strained coffers of government are left alone.
The Green Armada seeks to motivate citizens to change behavior. Husk said that 80 percent of what ends up in the water originates on land.
According to the Green Armada Web site, 124,000 pounds of trash was retrieved from Tampa Bay in 2007.
In June, 2007 the Green Armada organized the largest coastal cleanup in the history of the southeastern United States where 600 people pulled 9,500 bags of trash from Clam Bayou in St. Petersburg.
The Albanese brothers were recognized as Heroes of the Year by People Magazine, CNN and Reader’s Digest.
The Foundation is rapidly growing into a global organization.
Husk said people can get involved with Green Armada by volunteering, donating money or business sponsorship.
One such business partnership is with Thunder Marine, 8701 Bay Pines Blvd.
The business is organizing an April 12 cleanup called Thunder Marine Goes Green to clean up the inland waters and Tampa Bay.
The start location is at Thunder Marine, with registration at 7:30 a.m. Participants are asked for a $10 donation.
Registration includes coffee and donuts, a goody bag, T-shirt, and lunch. Cleanup times are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A party follows at 1 p.m. at the Green Iguana, 8790 Bay Pines Blvd. Prizes will be given for an assortment of junk pulled out of the water.
USF Florida Institute of Government
Angela Crist, director of the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government (FIOG), told BIG-C that her organization exists “to increase the effectiveness and quality of government in Florida through applied research, training, technical assistance programs and public service.”
Established by the Florida Legislature in 1981 as part of a consortium of universities that share a statewide mission, FIOG offers a number of services to local government.
Lawrence named new BIG-C president
North Redington Beach Mayor Bill Queen turned over the BIG-C president’s gavel to Indian Shores Mayor Jim Lawrence, who will now serve as BIG-C president.
Lawrence presented Queen with a commemorative plaque for his service.
Lawrence also gave a gift to outgoing BIG-C secretary-treasurer John Wolbert, vice mayor of Madeira Beach.
