22 June 2014

Pinellas County requested public support in keeping the Spoil Islands clean. There are 14 Spoil Islands in St.Joseph's sound which runs between Clearwater & Palm Harbor.  These islands were created when the ICW (intracoastal waterway channels) was created. Over the years the islands have blossomed  into very picturesque and beautiful islands. The public is welcome to visit & camp on these islands with the exception of one Island which was designated a bird sanctuary.  There were many civic groups who responded to the request by Pinellas County, the Coast Guard Auxiliary also responded. Flotilla 11-10 Dunedin & Flotilla 11-1 Clearwater partnered to monitor and clean up debris on the second spoil island south of the Dunedin Causeway. We alternate visiting the island on a bi- monthly basis. 

Flotilla 11-10 had the duty on 22 June 2014 & had a number of volunteers step up. Roger & Karen Montembeault coordinated the event flawlessly. Flotilla 11-10 is one the most active Flotillas in the division, operations, public affairs, public education etc. The members of the flotilla were not found lacking in this public service venture. We had 11 members and 2 spouses step up to help clean up the island along with 4 vessels. We were not under any orders but acting in our civilian capacity. 

 We rendezvoused at the Dunedin Marina where Liberty Call, Jack's 22' CC , Ed's 10' RIB & Walter's 18' Carolina Skiff transporting the volunteers, clean up equipment and food supplies for a planned picnic afterwards. The short trip to the island was uneventful, Liberty Call & Jacks 22' CC anchored off the island. Ed transported some coolers etc in his 10' RIB & I ferried 6 members along with some cleaning supplies to the island. Ed & I were able to beach our boats. We sent the cleaning teams out and when finished we had a picnic. Jack had brought a some portable grills along to cook hamburgers & hot dogs. Karen Montembeault brought some outstanding potato salad, cole slaw & delicious brownies. We had a great time & we all look forward to the next event. 

Our special thanks to Roger & Karen Montembeult for coordinating the event & all the volunteers..

Scott Birdwell, Rob Bonnem & lovely wife Sharon, Ed Burgess, Buddy Casale ,Jack Kuhlmann & his lovely wife Brenda, Tom Loughlin, Walter Murray & Martha Rodriquez. 

Bravo Zulu