On Saturday, July 19, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club turned out in force to assist the efforts of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC) in conducting its first Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup.

Thirty-six Fort Pierce Yacht Club members, supported by six member-owned boats, picked up enough trash to fill one dumpster to overflowing and fill one-third of a second. The volunteers cleaned beaches from Jaycee Park to South Bridge, the river frontage along Veteran's Park, and took a large amount of very smelly trash from Coon Island in the inlet. Among the treasures found and picked up were folding chairs, barbecue grills, PVC pipe, a tire, lumber, a large carpet and lots of beer cans and bottles.

Members were thrilled to be a part of the first annual MATC program. Working with Dean Kubicheck, Fort Pierce City Marina Manager and regional coordinator for the Fort Pierce area, the Fort Pierce Yacht Club's efforts were organized and supervised by Charlie Hayek, Vice Commodore of Fleet. Charlie also invited Members who volunteered to gather in the afternoon for a raft-up at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club dock where they were treated to lunch and refreshments. The day was hard work, very rewarding, and a fun celebration all in one.