Keeping Anna Maria beautiful …. And Cortez, too!

Bradenton residents Trevor Wolford, 11, and Cecil Coleman, 12, pick up and bag trash from the beach April 22 in celebration of Earth Day. “I think it’s a great way to clean up the island because I know most people throw out trash without thinking about what the animals and the environment have to say about it,” Wolford said. “One of the things that makes me sad is most of the trash is near the trashcans.” This year’s this year’s countywide Great American Cleanup was hosted by Keep Manatee Beautiful. Islander Photos: Jennifer Sheppard

Cortez resident Brent Suduth uses a hacksaw to remove invasive exotic plants such as Brazilian pepper branches and carrotwood trees April 22 from the FISH Preserve.