JUNO BEACH, Fla. -- Fishing line, cigarette butts, soda cans and more were picked up from Juno Beach Saturday as part of a monthly clean-up by a group of volunteers.
For one hour, the Blue Friends group scattered across the sand to pluck trash. The items interfere not only with the beauty visitors enjoy, but with the wildlife and sea life that call South Florida home.
Members of the WPTV NewsChannel 5 team volunteered with the group.
The Blue Friends are organized through Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a non-profit organization focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. The center rehabilitates and releases turtles that are sick or injured, while also educating the public about their importance.
The monthly beach cleaning event coincided with Marlinelife Day at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. Visitors to the mall enjoy crafts and activities, while a 5 percent portion of retail sales at the mall benefits Loggerhead Marine Center.
The next beach clean is scheduled for Sept. 17. Details are on the website www.marlinelife.org.