Volunteers clean up Longboat's Sister Keys

More than 60 people gathered Saturday morning to rid Sister Keys of debris and invasive species.

  • By Bret Hauff
  • | 11:33 a.m. April 28, 2018
  • Longboat Key
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The town of Longboat Key some two decades ago bought a couple of islands in Sarasota Bay. A group of volunteers with the Sarasota Bay Watch have been cleaning it ever since. 

About 60 people gathered Saturday at the Mar Vista docks with one objective: clean up Sister Keys. After a short information session about how to stay safe on the island, a horde of watercraft, including a barge, kayaks and fishing boats, transported all the volunteers to the islands. 

"This is our chance to keep this place the emerald gem that it is," said Sarasota Bay Watch Co-President Larry Stults. 

Linda Hunsaker (left) and Jean Blackburn.
Linda Hunsaker (left) and Jean Blackburn.
More than 60 people were transported from Mar Vista dock to Sister Keys Saturday morning.
More than 60 people were transported from Mar Vista dock to Sister Keys Saturday morning.
Scott Macbeth was one of more than 60 people who volunteered to help clean Sister Keys.
Scott Macbeth was one of more than 60 people who volunteered to help clean Sister Keys.
Dia Wilson said this is one of the more bizarre pieces of garbage she's picked up.
Dia Wilson said this is one of the more bizarre pieces of garbage she's picked up.
"I came all the way from Ireland to clean up your country," Pat Canavan said.
Federico Vazquez (left), Bernadette Viens and Bruce Langston.
Federico Vazquez (left), Bernadette Viens and Bruce Langston.
Barodette Viens helped clean up the town-owned Sister Keys.
Barodette Viens helped clean up the town-owned Sister Keys.
Annelise Anderson with a bit of natural debris.
Annelise Anderson with a bit of natural debris.
Nancy Greenhouse (left), Peter Stanton, Pat Canavan, Peg Stanton and Virginia Luke
Nancy Greenhouse (left), Peter Stanton, Pat Canavan, Peg Stanton and Virginia Luke
Danielle Madole (left), Virginia Luke, Cindy Fischer, Dia Wilson and Becky Parrish
Danielle Madole (left), Virginia Luke, Cindy Fischer, Dia Wilson and Becky Parrish
Shoes, beer cans, plastic and fishing equipment littered sister keys
Shoes, beer cans, plastic and fishing equipment littered sister keys
Sarasota Bay Watch Co-President Larry Stults.
Sarasota Bay Watch Co-President Larry Stults.

 

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