Boat crews, paddlers, and shore volunteers, Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. needs you for a massive Lemon Bay cleanup on Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Paddle for the Pass will send out volunteers by boat, kayak, and on foot, dividing teams across Stump Pass, Lemon Bay, and the nearby islands. This isn’t a casual walk-up event; everyone registers ahead of time, so volunteers get the right team assignment, instructions, and check-in location to keep things safe and efficient. Multiple launch points and scattered teams mean the group can tackle those hard-to-reach spots along Manasota Key, Whidden Key, Peterson Island, and more.
Ray LaBadie, Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. Board President, said, “The area’s just too big for a single group from a single place. With distinct teams for boats, paddlers, and land, our volunteers can focus on the areas that often get overlooked. Advance registration also helps us organize everyone and keeps the effort running smoothly.”
Boat owners play a big role. With their own vessels, they can haul larger debris, reach isolated shorelines, and move heavy loads that paddlers and walkers can’t manage.
Here’s how you can help:
– If you have a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, join a paddle team for the shallows and shoreline. Don’t have your own? SUP Englewood offers a limited number of free paddlecraft—reserve one when you register.
– Prefer dry land? Sign up for the beach and land teams working in Stump Pass Beach State Park.
– Good with logistics? Shore-support volunteers help with check-in, supplies, unloading debris, and keeping track of what gets collected.
– Into photography? Document the action as a media volunteer.
Register in advance at englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/events/paddle-for-the-pass/. They do not accept walk-ups—organizers send every volunteer an assignment, arrival time, and location before the event. Don’t show up at Stump Pass Beach State Park unless that’s your assigned spot.
Keep Charlotte Beautiful will supply all cleanup materials. Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Bring sun protection, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle. Dearborn Coffeehouse will keep volunteers energized with coffee and refreshments.
The cleanup happens thanks to Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc., SUP Englewood, Florida State Parks, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, The Dearborn Coffeehouse, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87, and Charlotte County Young Professionals. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides on-water rescue and radio support, while Keep Charlotte Beautiful supplies materials, and Dearborn Coffeehouse brings the drinks.
Event Details:
Paddle for the Pass: A Waterfest Community Cleanup
Saturday, October 3, 2026, | 8 a.m.—12 noon
Lemon Bay, Stump Pass, and the area’s islands and shorelines
Register: englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/events/paddle-for-the-pass/
Advance registration required.
About Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc.:
Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. is a Florida 501c3 nonprofit. Their mission: host events, competitions, and educational programs that celebrate and protect the region’s water resources and recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.EnglewoodBeachWaterfest.com.
