It started last April with a beach cleanup for some college students who reside on Anna Maria Island and their friends.
They organized a cleanup and soon after came up with an idea to form a nonprofit group to more for the island and the environment.
They formed a nonprofit group, Coastal Guardians Alliance, that incorporated in early October — in the nick of time to help the island community through the cleanup after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
It started with Mike Wallace, a student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his wife Madi and Tori Young, who comprise the board of directors, and together they got support from IMG Academy, LECOM and others.
They gathered about 100 volunteers, who all rolled up their sleeves and went to work to help the island community.
They have four core groups and four program directors to oversee their objectives, including disaster and hurricane relief; enhancing beach vegetation and beach cleanups — which they plan to do monthly or quarterly — as well as launching youth ambassador programs.
They’re launching a youth program to encourage high school juniors and seniors to do community cleanups with eligibility for community service credits.
They have youth, ambition and a strong desire to make a positive contribution to their community and their neighbors.
People interested in volunteering or partnering on projects — beach cleanups or disaster relief — can be reached at contact@thecoastalguardians.org or by calling Mike Wallace at 321-205-6739.