Volunteers, including certified divers, sought for cleanup around Tony Saprito Fishing Pier in Sarasota

Event to be held starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19; registration required

The Tony Saprito Pier is located at Hart's Landing. Photo courtesy Sarasota County
The Tony Saprito Pier is located at Hart’s Landing. Photo courtesy Sarasota County

Members of the Sarasota Police Department Dive Team and Marine Patrol will partner with Sarasota Bay Watch and other local environmental organizations at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, to clean up the water surrounding the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier, the Police Department has announced.

The pier is located at 920 John Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota.

Volunteers should meet under the John Ringling Causeway, a news release says.

Registration, which is limited, is required for all certified divers, kayakers and topside helpers wanting to volunteer, the release adds. Interested persons should register online at http://sarasotabaywatch.org/tony-saprito-fishing-pier-cleanup/

“This cleanup is the first of its kind in the city of Sarasota,” said Sgt. Bruce King of the Sarasota Police Department Dive Team in the release. “It will help continue to keep our local waterways clean and safe for everyone.”

Experienced divers must be certified and must supply their own equipment, the release points out.

The Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol will secure the perimeter around the pier, the release adds. Experienced kayakers will assist in communicating with divers and in debris transfer, the release continues. Topside helpers will retrieve trash from the pier and surrounding area, hoist debris from divers, and transfer trash to appropriate containers while assisting with data collection, the release notes.