Volunteers Needed for 19th Annual GA/FL Community Beach Sweep

BRUNSWICK, GA (October 14, 2026) – Organizers of the nineteenth annual “GA/FL Community Beach Sweep” are seeking volunteers to help with the community litter removal endeavor. On the morning of Saturday, October 31st, community members and volunteers will assist officials in removing St. Simons Island beach litter left behind by pre-game merriment. KGIB Georgia-Florida cleanup efforts are sponsored this year by Goodwyn Mils Cawood.

Each year on the day before the annual Georgia/Florida football game, 8,000+ football fans gather in a small area on St. Simons Island’s East Beach. Waste left behind such as foam coolers, beverage cans and bottles can easily end up in the ocean and become a threat to marine life without intense cleanup efforts.

Students and football fans enjoying the St. Simons beaches are encouraged to “stash their trash” in the provided beach trash and recycling containers and to refrain from using plastic foam and glass products.

“This year we will once again meet at the Old Coast Guard Station beach crossover,” said Lea King-Badyna, executive director of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful. “As always, with enough volunteers we will tackle all 41 public beach access points, the beach, and focus on the tiny bits of plastic, plastic foam and cigarette butts left behind.”

Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:00 AM on October 31st at the Old Coast Guard Station beach crossover to receive supplies and instructions. Trash bags and gloves will be provided on site by Keep Golden Isles Beautiful and actual volunteer work time is anticipated at one hour.

“On this high-volume weekend, fans, civic clubs, church groups, youth groups, businesses and individuals are all invited and encouraged start their game day traditions by helping keep our Georgia beaches litter-free,” said King-Badyna. “This is an opportunity for community members to assist our County government, make a big difference in our own back yard and help keep our coast healthy.”

The 2026 GA/FL Community Beach Sweep initiative is organized by Keep Golden Isles Beautiful in partnership with Glynn County government, UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant, UGA Public Service & Outreach, GA/DNR Coastal Resources Division, Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and its St. Simons/Sea Island Council, College of Coastal Georgia, and Green Scene of Coastal Georgia.

For more information or to participate, please contact Keep Golden Isles Beautiful at info.kbgib@gmail.com or 912/ 279-1490. Come be a part of this good “clean” fun!