Coast Guard Auxiliarissts at Coast Cleanup, above, and fellowship, below.

This past weekend, members of Flotilla 12 participated in the Coastal Cleanup. This involved picking up litter and other debris from the fort in St. Marks. This effort helps us in our mission to help protect the waterways and marine life.

One of the most dangerous items to discard is monofilament fishing line. This can become entangled on wildlife, leading to death. You will likely find a PVC tube for line disposal almost anywhere with a boat ramp or fishing pier.

The International Coastal Clean Up and Coastal Conservatory estimate that since beginning clean-up efforts 35 years ago, over 344 million pounds of trash have been collected. This is equivalent to 1,148 adult blue whales!

The primary items collated are cigarette butts, plastic bottles, food and candy wrappers, other trash items, plastic bottle caps, plastic bags, straws, to-go containers, beverage cans and glass bottles.

We all need to do our part to keep our Forgotten Coast clean and enjoyable for years to come!

In the Auxiliary, we have a believe that one should leave a place better than you found it.

Saturday, the Flotilla held our monthly business meeting in Tallahassee. We are beginning to plan for 2023 and look forward to sharing opportunities for safe boating classes, engaging in events to share information on safe boating.

Following the meeting, members enjoyed fellowship over lunch. Thank you to Tim Ashley, Mary Grant and Linda Olsen for the images!

Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident. Do your part to ensure the beauty we enjoy remains pristine for others!

Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com

If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.