The City of Melbourne, FL, hosted its annual International Coastal Cleanup on October 15, 2023, with over 500 volunteers removing 1,200 pounds of trash from shoreline areas. The event, organized by the International Coastal Cleanup, focused on removing plastic bottles, fishing nets, and other debris from beaches and waterways. City officials said the effort helps protect local wildlife and improve water quality in Brevard County. Participants included residents, students from local schools, and members of environmental groups. The cleanup covered multiple sites along the east coast of the city, with volunteers working in teams to sort and bag waste for proper disposal. A spokesperson for the City of Melbourne said the event highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. “This is a great example of how residents can come together to make a real difference,” the spokesperson said. The collected trash will be analyzed to track trends in marine debris, a practice used by cleanup organizers nationwide. Data from the event will be shared with local agencies to inform future conservation efforts. Similar cleanups are planned in other Brevard County cities this month, with organizers emphasizing the importance of reducing single-use plastics and proper waste disposal. The event in Melbourne marked the 30th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup in the area.