Interlibrary Beach Clean-Up 

Event Location: The Boardwalk, Fort Walton Beach, FL  
Story & Photography by: Harley S. Sampson, Jr.
Event Date: July 11, 2026

Darting for cover, attendees of the July 11 Interlibrary Beach Cleanup gathered beneath The Crab Trap at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island as heavy rain and lightning rolled across the Emerald Coast. While waiting for the skies to clear, volunteers enjoyed donuts from Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme, along with fruit and refreshments. A display from Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach also offered educational materials highlighting marine life, sea turtle nesting habitats, and local conservation efforts.

Hosted by the Mary Esther, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Valparaiso libraries, volunteers received buckets, mesh bags, and trash grabbers before heading onto the beach once the weather cleared. By the end of the morning, three large garbage cans had been filled with litter. “It’s always incredible to see the power of different organizations in our community coming together,” said Tamara Leigh Young, Public Information Director, City of Destin. “Today, the four participating libraries, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Mary Esther, and Valparaiso, Ocean Hour and Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach joined forces. Over 100 people helped collect 128 pounds of trash. The effort shows how much the people in this area care about its space.”

Rain may have delayed the cleanup, but it never dampened the volunteers’ commitment to protecting one of the Emerald Coast’s greatest treasures. Through events like the Interlibrary Beach Cleanup, community partners continue proving that even small acts of stewardship can make a lasting difference for future generations.