BRUNO OF VENICE

The early birds pictured along with seven other Venetians cleaned up over 130 pounds of bottles, cans, plastic drinking containers, fire works casings and other discarded items. The volunteer’s collected over 1,152 cigarette butt’s and just quit counting because of the overwhelming amounts, most of which are still there. The most unusual item this year was a pair of Gucci sandals with a flower growing from one of them.

Speaking of which, Dick’s Shoes of Venice donated a dozen ladies beach wraps for the volunteers. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s gave out coupons for 10 free chicken wings & The Rib City Grill, both located in The Venice Village Shops across from Wal-Mart, offered free appetizers. And of course everyone received 2006 “Keep Sarasota County Beautiful” tee-shirts, compliments of The International Coastal Cleanup™ and The Ocean Conservancy.

The last people to leave were Bruno Mollica, (the site captain) along with volunteer’s, Poppy McDonald and County employee, Bob Tucker pictured with the final load of refuge from this past Saturday’s effort to keep our beaches the cleanest. Mollica’s last and well-defined statement was , with the help of our volunteer’s we can always be proud of “The Greatest Little City in Florida.”

See you around town, Bruno

Locals & Vacationers join in helping with Keep Sarasota County Beautiful at one of the counties newly attained parks. Nature and people meet on Saturday’s at one of Venice Florida’s oldest gathering spots.

Jonathan & Lisa Ellen from North Port, along with Maureen & Mark Tackley & children Nikki, Connor & Will from Syracuse NY, pose in “Keep Sarasota County Beautiful” gift tee-shirts from the Great American Clean Up at Snook Haven.

Abby Nicholas from North Port, Mary Berineer & Olivia from Pompano Beach also helped clean the area. Mickey O’Neill and a few young friends from Venice were happy to join Bruno D. Mollica’ the Singing DJ of Venice in his third consecutive year with Sarasota Counties many volunteer efforts.

RuthAnne & Gene sing some great old songs for the audience as the clean-up turns into a fun afternoon of music, lunch and dancing outdoors. To volunteer in future clean up’s contact “Keep Sarasota County Beautiful at 861-6767.”