Defend Water and Wildlife: Link Arms Across Florida

Hundreds expected to hold hands in solidarity at the "Hands Across The Water" state-wide demonstration, in hopes to get the attention of state lawmakers

Hubbard's Marina is one of many locations across Florida excited to support the "Hands Across The Water" event this Sunday. This peaceful and family friendly event is designed to support Florida water and wildlife initiatives. This event was organized by volunteers in response to the inaction of lawmakers to the damage being done by the water released from Lake Okeechobee. It is now a state wide demonstration to draw attention to all fishery, water and wildlife initiatives.

At 10AM, demonstrators will be joining thousands of other state-wide activists where they will link hands.

Event planners have been rallying support via Facebook and by word of mouth; asking for residents and tourists alike to peacefully come together to show support for the local fishery and environment. By locking hands, we can demonstrate that we do not, and will not, stand by while our beautiful beaches, wildlife, homes and livelihoods are continuously being impacted by the water released from Lake Okeechobee.

The quality of our environment effects us all, from every corner of our beautiful state. Let's fight for it.

This is a family event, being held by volunteers along the coasts and is not being sponsored by any organization. There will be no money or donations collected.

Participants are being asked to:

1. Wear a blue/aqua colored shirt

2. Bring water, shoes, snacks and sunscreen

3. Some locations encourage signs, banners, etc. but DO NOT leave trash behind

4. For the safety of your pets, please leave them at home

5. Wear a mask if there is algae present at your location

5. Understand that we all want our beaches back and to save marine life

Date: Sunday, August 12th

Time: 10:00 AM

Where:

Bonita Springs

Bonita Beach

27954 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Englewood

Chadwick Park Beach Pavillion

2100 North Beach Road, Englewood, FL 33223

Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier

10 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Madeira Beach

Sunshine Beach/Kingfish Park Pavilion

170 Boardwalk Place E., Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Sarasota

Siesta Key Beach

946 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, Florida 34242

Sanibel/Captiva

Sanibel Causeway

19931 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel, FL 33957

Naples

Naples Pier

25 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102

Nokomis

Nokomis North Jetty

1000 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275

Cape Coral

Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach

5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral, Florida 33904

St. Pete Beach

Upham Beach Park

6850 Beach Plaza Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach

1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Venice

Venice Beach

101 The Esplanade S, Venice, FL 34285

Clearwater

Clearwater Beach Pier 60

1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33767

Cocoa Beach

Lori Wilson Park

1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32953

Flagler Beach

Beverly Beach Camptown

2768, 2815 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Lake Worth

Lake Worth Beach Park

10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth, FL 33460

Treasure Coast

Stuart Beach

825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Bradenton

Coquina Beach Cafe - Anna Maria Island

2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Englewood

Manasota Key Beach

8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223

Marco Island

South Beach

870 County Rd 951, Marco Island, FL 34145

Vero Beach

Wabasso Beach Park

1820 Sr-A1a, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

Gulfport

Gulfport Beach

5532-5558 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707

St. Augustine Beach

St. Johns County Ocean Pier

350 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080

Pensacola

Pensacola Beach

1865 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Largo

Indian Rocks Beach

18th Ave, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Crawfordville

Shell Point Beach

117 Beaty Taff Dr, Crawfordville, FL 32327

Eastpoint

St. George Island Lighthouse

2B, E Gulf Beach Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328

Hernando County

Pine Island Park

10800 Pine Island Dr, Weeki Wachee, Florida 34607

Check out the main Facebook event page for more details.

*Organizers assume no responsibility; joining means you participating at your own risk.

---