Clean Beaches Council
Embargoed Until
Friday, June 24, 2005 3 a.m. eastern time
Contacts:
Carrie Collins (202) 537-9166, carriehcollins@aol.com
Amy Bunch (206) 842-8349, AKSBUNCH@msn.com
For more information: cleanbeaches.org
America Celebrates National Clean Beaches Week
Governors, Mayors, and Beaches Embrace Week
(June 27 – July 3, 2005)
Kick-Off for Healthy Beach Pledge
(Washington, DC) – Governors, mayors, and beach communities across the country announced today that they have proclaimed the week of June 27th as National Clean Beaches Week, emphasizing four (4) major themes of importance to beachgoers: environment, travel, healthy seafood, and recreation (see list of mayors and governors below). To mark the week Reps. E. Clay Shaw (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), chairmen of the House Coastal Caucus, introduced a House Resolution recognizing the environmental and recreational value of beaches, calling for Americans to celebrate National Clean Beaches Week.
“Clean Beaches Week highlights the extraordinary role healthy beaches play in the lives of all Americans. The public response to this celebration has been overwhelming – it’s more than we ever imagined,” stated Will Rushton, national coordinator for Clean Beaches Week.
Each year approximately 180 million Americans make 2 billion visits to ocean, gulf, and inland beaches. “Of course, as anyone who has ever built a sand castle or enjoyed a long walk on the beach can attest, the value of this natural resource cannot be reduced to mere statistics,” stated New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in a proclamation declaring the week.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had similar accolades for the week, stating, “This week we celebrate our proud tradition of environmental stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to keep our beaches cleaner and our marine life healthier.”
“Given the large number of people frequenting our nation’s beaches and the significant revenues derived thereof, it is fitting that we protect this great natural resource,” remarked Congressman Jeff Miller (R – FL). He continued, “Thousands of volunteers have further participated, spending long hours helping to save and preserve our nation’s coastline.”
Clean Beaches Week is also the official kick-off for the national clean beach pledge, which runs through Labor Day. Beachgoers everywhere are asked to promote four healthy themes of National Clean Beaches Week (environment, healthy seafood, travel, and recreation / fitness) by pledging to: 1) leave no trace at the beach, 2) walk one mile on the beach, 3) enjoy one healthy seafood meal, and 4) swim, surf, boat responsively. Pledge information can be found online at www.cleanbeaches.org.
“National Clean Beaches Week is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of clean and healthy beaches,” said Kriss Titus, executive director of the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council in Florida. “As a destination with 16 Blue Wave Certified Beaches, we value the role the Clean Beaches Council plays in helping vacationers select beaches that are managed in a way that protects the environment and beach wildlife.”
Clean Beaches Council applauds all the states, cities, beaches, organizations, and individuals that have embraced this national celebration. The following is a list of Mayors and Governors who support National Clean Beaches Week.
Proclamations and Greetings
Cities:
Baltimore (MD)
Beaufort (SC)
Biloxi (MS)
Boston
Cape May (NJ)
Charleston
Chicago
Cleveland
Clearwater (FL)
Detroit
Delray Beach (FL)
Erie (PA)
Ft. Lauderdale
Galveston (TX)
Green Bay (WI)
Hampton (VA)
Hilton Head (SC)
Honolulu
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach
Los Angeles
Myrtle Beach (SC)
New Orleans
New York
Orlando
Palm Bay (FL)
Rockport (TX)
San Diego
San Francisco
Sarasota (FL)
Seattle
St. Paul
St. Petersburg (FL)
Tampa
Virginia Beach
Washington (DC)
Whiting (IN)
Zion (IL) | States:
Alabama
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin |
Beaches:
Alan Shepard Park (FL)
Bethany Beach (DE)
Blue Mountain (FL)
Caladesi Island State Park (FL)
Carolina Beach (NC)
Caspersen Beach (FL)
Cherie Down Park (FL)
Clearwater City Beach (FL)
Dania Beach (FL)
Deer Lake State Park (FL)
Deerfield Beach (FL)
Delray Beach (FL)
Dune Allen (FL)
Fort DeSoto Park Beach (FL)
Fort Lauderdale Beach (FL)
Fred Howard Park Beach (FL)
Grayton (FL)
Grayton Beach State Park (FL)
Gulf Shores Beach (AL)
Hollywood Beach (FL)
Honeymoon Island State Park (FL)
Indialantic Boardwalk Beach (FL)
Indian Shores Beach (FL)
Indiana Shores Beach (FL)
Inlet Beach (FL)
Isle of Palms (SC)
Jacksonville Beach (FL)
Lido Beach (FL)
Miramar (FL) | North Beach, City of Racine (WI)
Ocean Park (FL)
Panama City Beach (FL)
Pepper Park Beach (FL)
Pere Marquette Beach (MI)
Pompano Beach (FL)
Reddington Shores Beach (FL)
Rockport Beach (TX)
Rosemary Beach (FL)
Sand Key Park Beach (FL)
Sandestin (FL)
Santa Rosa (FL)
Seacrest (FL)
Seascape (FL)
Seaside (FL)
Seagrove (FL)
Siesta Key Beach (FL)
Spessard Holland Park (FL)
St. Pete Beach Access (FL)
Stone Harbor (NJ)
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (FL)
Treasure Island City Beach (FL)
Treasure Island Park Beach (FL)
Venice Beach (FL)
Virginia Beach (VA)
Watercolor (FL) |
Blue Wave Destinations:
Florida's Beach (Pinellas County, FL)
Beaches of South Walton (Walton County, FL)
Beaches of Greater Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County, FL)
