Curry Hammock State Park Ranger/Service Specialist Miranda Murphy tows a kayak filled with recovered debris at a previous cleanup organized by Coastlove and the Florida Keys chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Coastlove and Surfrider are joining forces once again to organize the December 4 COAST Is Clear shoreline and mangrove cleanup at Smathers Beach. (Photo by Maritza Thibos)

NEW TIME for December 4 COAST IS Clear shoreline and mangrove cleanup at Smathers Beach; Volunteers wanted

On Saturday, December 4 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, Surfrider Foundation of the Florida Keys and Coastlove will collaborate to offer a family-friendly shoreline and mangrove cleanup at Smathers Beach and nearby salt ponds. The time has shifted from its orignally-scheduled start to better accommodate the Key West Triathalon, which uses the South Roosevelt roadway as part of their event. Mandatory check-in is from 8:00am to 8:45am at the end of Smathers closest to the fort; closed-toe shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles are recommended. Reusable cleanup bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, extra water, City of Key West swag, and Lazy Dog kayaks will be available.  Preregistration is required for this family-friendly event; search for “Coast Is Clear Cleanup” on Eventbrite.com.

The COAST Is Clear Beach Cleanup is part of the annual COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival coproduced by COAST Projects and Key West Art & Historical Society, featuring a daylong concert of world-class musical talent to include Grammy-nominated Black Pumas, food vendors, and a cash bar held at Fort East Martello Parade Grounds adjacent to the cleanup, followed by the Artisan Market on Sunday, December 5, from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Key West Wildlife Center parking lot at the Indigenous Park. Tickets to the COAST Is Clear Music & Arts Festival can be purchased online at coastisclearfest.com or at the gate. All events are rain or shine; festival admission is free for ages 12 and under, special discounts for teachers, military personnel, and first responders. Covid-19 safety protocols will be observed, including a cap on ticket sales. Chairs and blankets are welcome. Limited parking is available; bicycling encouraged. www.coastisclearfest.com. Your Museums.  Your Community.  It Takes an Island

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]