WTSP/TAMPA 10: 300 volunteers needed to protect Manatee County's coastline from storms

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Before the peak of hurricane season, the non-profit Keep Manatee Beautiful is asking for 300 people to volunteer to help strengthen the county's coastline.

Only July 26, they are planning to host the largest-ever sea oat planting and sand dune restoration event. That will start at 7 a.m. on Coquina Beach.

The goal is to plant 12,000 sea oats. That helps strengthen the coastline to protect from storms.

“Sand dunes and sea oats are the Island's natural armor,” said Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director of Keep Manatee Beautiful. “They absorb wind, they block surf, they reduce flooding. With hurricane season intensifying each year, we need to take action now. We hope no storms will come o

ur way, but if they do these plugs will be seeded and strong by the time peak season rolls around in August and September.”

Keep Manatee Beautiful, is hosting the event in partnership with the Anna Maria Garden Club, the City of Holmes Beach, the City of Bradenton Beach and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You can sign up to volunteer here.