x
Breaking News
More () »

Picking up after pirates: Volunteers dive in to clean up Tampa Bay

All those beads can cause problems, if people don't step up to help.

TAMPA, Fla. — Cleaning up after Gasparilla is no easy task.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line Bayshore Boulevard this weekend.

That means crews have to clean up tons of trash – including all those beads.

But the problem is much bigger than a single pirate invasion.

According to Ocean Conservancy, as much as 250 million metric tons of plastic could make its way into the ocean by 2025.

Project AWARE says environmental damage caused by plastic debris alone is estimated at $13 billion a year.

That's why Adventure Outfitters is teaming up with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and Project AWARE to hold a cleanup on sunday.

And they need your help.

They're looking for volunteer divers, kayakers and snorkelers to help pick up, sort and recycle debris. 

Divers must be certified and sign a liability waiver

For more information, please contact info@adventuretampa.com or call 813-832-6669.

Credit: 10News-WTSP file
CHRIS URSO | Times Pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla are seen aboard the Jose Gasparill for the annual Gasparilla Invasion Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 in Tampa. Named for pirate Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa's annual Gasparilla celebration begins with the Gasparilla Invasion.

RELATED: 10 things to know about Gasparilla

RELATED: Gasparilla 2020: Street closures & traffic information

RELATED: 'Gaspar’s Brew': How to celebrate pirate season with the official coffee of Gasparilla

What other people are reading right now:

FREE 10NEWS APP: 

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out