Keep Martin Beautiful volunteers clean beaches after Irma

PALM CITY — Even Hurricane Irma couldn’t discourage volunteers from turning out for the 22nd annual International Coastal Cleanup on local beaches on Saturday, Sept. 16. Coordinated by Keep Martin Beautiful, more than 1,000 individuals from 42 different civic groups, clubs, scout troops, businesses and families took to the beaches all across Martin County’s coastline - from Bathtub Beach to Jensen Beach - to pick up litter.

“The turnout was incredible,” said Craig Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Despite their own personal situations with loss of power and other stressful issues resulting from the storm, our volunteers came out in droves armed with their garbage bags, gloves and their indomitable spirit to show their love and concern for our beaches.”