Boat Crews, Paddlers and Shore Volunteers Sought for Major Lemon Bay Cleanup on October 3rd

Paddle for the Pass will deploy coordinated teams across Stump Pass and surrounding islands with advance registration required

ENGLEWOOD, FL — Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc., and its community partners are recruiting boat owners, paddlers, beach walkers, and shore-support volunteers for ‘Paddle for the Pass: A Waterfest Community Cleanup’ on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8 am to 12 noon.

The cleanup will use separate boat, paddle, and land teams to remove litter and marine debris from Lemon Bay, Stump Pass Beach State Park, and surrounding shorelines including areas along Manasota Key, Whidden Key, and Peterson Island. Multiple routes and staging locations will allow volunteers to reach areas that cannot be effectively cleaned from a single access point.

“This area is too large to clean effectively with one group working from one location,” said  Ray LaBadie, President of the Board of Directors of Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. “We are organizing separate boat, paddle, and land teams so volunteers can work safely and reach places that are often missed. Advance registration allows us to give every volunteer the correct assignment, check-in location, and instructions before the event.” LaBadie further detailed.

Volunteer boat crews will be especially important. Boaters with their own vessels will help reach remote shorelines, collect larger debris, and transport materials that paddlers and walkers cannot safely carry.

Additional opportunities include:

Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own kayak or paddle board. A limited number of SUP Englewood paddle craft will be available at no charge, and must be reserved during advance registration.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as this is a coordinated, multi-location cleanup—not a general walk-up event. Every participant must register in advance at: englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/events/paddle-for-the-pass/

Registered volunteers will receive their team assignment, specific check-in location, cleanup route, arrival time, and other instructions before the event. Volunteers should not report directly to Stump Pass Beach State Park unless their assignment specifically directs them there.

Cleanup supplies will be provided by Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Coffee and refreshments will be provided with support from Dearborn Coffeehouse.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Paddle for the Pass brings together Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc, SUP Englewood, Florida State Parks, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, The Dearborn Coffeehouse, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87, and Charlotte County Young Professionals.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87 will provide on-water rescue services and radio support during the cleanup. Keep Charlotte Beautiful will provide cleanup supplies, and Dearborn Coffeehouse will support volunteer refreshments.

MEDIA COVERAGE

The event will provide strong visual opportunities involving volunteer boats, kayaks, paddle boards, shoreline teams, and debris collection. Reporters and photographers should contact the media contact in advance for the appropriate coverage location and interview coordination rather than reporting directly to the park.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Paddle for the Pass: A Waterfest Community Cleanup
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 8 am – 12 noon
Cleanup area: Lemon Bay, Stump Pass and surrounding state park lands and shorelines
Registration: www.englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/events/paddle-for-the-pass/
Requirement: Advance registration and team assignment

About Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc

Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. is a 501c3 Florida Corporation whose mission is to stage spectator events, participant competitions, and educational forums that showcase Englewood’s unique water resources and recreational opportunities. Learn more by visiting the website at www.EnglwoodBeachWaterfest.com 

Media Contact:

Doug Izzo 
941-626-2392
Doug.Waterfest@gmail.com