Suncoast Waterkeeper buys a patrol boat

Now armed with an official patrol boat, team members with Florida Suncoast Waterkeeper will be more easily spotted as they patrol waterways to monitor pollution in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The patrol boat, purchased with a grant from William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, will be christened during a Suncoast Waterkeeper event to celebrate World Mangrove Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 29, at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. The family-friendly event will include stand-up paddle board lessons, dipnetting, casting, sun printing and food trucks.

“A consistent presence on the water is a vital tool adopted by waterkeepers across the globe,” said Florida Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna in a news release. “A patrol boat is the hallmark of the waterkeeper, providing access and opportunity to expand our efforts and engage the community on clean water issues,” 

Patrolling waters allows Suncoast Waterkeeper to spot pollution and act quickly to mobilize solutions leading to water quality protection. It also allows for an expansion of the group’s water quality monitoring and youth education programs. 

Suncoast Waterkeeper plans to patrol and monitor the waters it oversees regularly while also encouraging participation to protect local waters through its Eyes on the Suncoast program.

For more information visit SuncoastWaterKeeper.org.