Join The Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Efforts in Gasparilla Clean Up

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) will host its After Gasparilla Cleanup on Sunday, Feb. 1. Residents will gather to pick up beads, litter, and other debris scattered after the festivities end. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at seven spots along the parade route.

This community-wide push aims to cut down on waste that might hurt wildlife and waterways in the Bay Area. KTBB will provide all cleanup supplies, including gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and safety vests.

Last year, hundreds of volunteers picked up thousands of pounds of trash, recyclables, and beads. The work protected animals and water sources from harmful waste.

Volunteers of all ages can take part. Interested people can choose from seven cleanup sites positioned along the route where parade-goers gather.

The designated spots include Fred Ball Park at 2629 Rubideau St., Tampa. Bern's Park sits at 1400 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Kate Jackson Community Center can be found at 821 S. Rome Ave., Tampa, while Bank of America stands at 249 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa.

The SOHO area will have a station at MacDinton's Parking Lot, located at 405 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Tampa Riverwalk at USF Park, found at 233 Ashley Drive S., Tampa, will also serve as a gathering point.

The final spot is Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi at 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa. Each site will be stocked with materials needed for the three-hour cleanup window.

The organization focuses on keeping the region clean after large public events. This year's push marks another attempt to preserve the area's natural resources following one of the city's biggest celebrations.

Those who want to help can show up at any of the seven spots on Feb. 1. No prior registration or experience is required.