beaches. When hurricanes sweep through, they do more than disrupt a beach day—they leave a chaotic mess that requires a community effort to restore. While cleanup crews tackle the big tasks, there are plenty of ways locals and visitors can pitch in.

1. Clean Up the Right Way

After a hurricane, beaches are often strewn with debris, from natural driftwood to hazardous trash. The rule is simple: leave natural items like seaweed and shells but remove man-made waste like plastics, glass, and other pollutants. Local organizations frequently organize cleanup events, so grab a pair of gloves and join in. (Pro tip: don’t ask about mysterious smells—you’re better off not knowing.)

2. Protect and Restore Dunes

Sand dunes might look like scenic mounds, but they’re vital for shielding coastal areas from future storms. After a hurricane, dunes often need rebuilding and replanting with hardy grasses. Avoid walking on them, even if they look inviting—they’re more fragile than they seem. Think of them as nature’s safety net, not a playground.

3. Donate to Beach Restoration Projects

If you’re not up for hands-on work, consider donating to organizations focused on beach recovery. Funds are used for large-scale efforts like sand nourishment projects, which bring in new sand to replace what’s been washed away. Your contributions can help bring beaches back to their former glory.

4. Support Wildlife Recovery

Hurricanes disrupt not just the beaches but also the wildlife that calls them home. Sea turtles, shorebirds, and other creatures often struggle to recover after storms. Support rescue and conservation groups through donations or by volunteering to help with efforts like relocating hatchlings or caring for injured animals.

5. Keep the Beaches Clean Moving Forward

Restoring Florida’s beaches is about more than just storm recovery—it’s about ensuring they remain clean and sustainable. Avoid leaving litter behind during your visits and encourage others to do the same.

Why It Matters

Helping Florida’s beaches recover isn’t glamorous work, but it’s essential. These shorelines aren’t just vacation spots—they’re critical ecosystems and natural storm buffers. With a little effort, we can ensure that when the storms are gone, we’re left with more than just memories of broken flip-flops and cocktail straws. Let’s work together to keep these beaches beautiful and resilient.

• Keep Pinellas Beautiful (KPB) www.kpbcares.org/upcoming-events
• Tampa Bay Watch www.tampabaywatch.org/volunteer-main/scheduled-projects
• Tampa Bay Estuary Program www.tbep.org/get-involved/volunteer
• City of St. Petersburg www.stpete.org/residents/community/volunteer.php
• Volunteer Match www.volunteermatch.org

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(Image credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service/Getty Images)