NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

May 3, 1999

CONTACT: Adriene Furukawa (407) 846-5300

AQUAMANIA TRASH BASH SCHEDULED FOR MAY 15

Help clean up some of Osceola County's waterways on Saturday, May 15 from 8 a.m. until noon, during Aquamania, a celebration of Osceola County lakes. The clean up will be held on Lake Tohopekaliga, East Lake Tohopekaliga and the Alligator Chain of Lakes. Volunteers will congregate at various staging areas detailed below.

Aquamania is a week-long waterway festival that kicks off May 8 and continues through May 16. It is being held in conjunction with National Clean Boating Campaign and National Safe Boating Week, to bring about awareness of the importance of the area's waterways. Organizers hope it will become an annual event.

The Osceola Airboat Association, Walt Disney World Volunteers, Sierra Club and the Children's Home Society have already committed to the effort. Sponsors include SeaWorld, Baker Concrete Construction, Walmart, Sports Authority, Keep Florida Beautiful and Publix.

A cookout and refreshments for volunteers will be held at the Kissimmee Lakefront (the city park adjacent to Big Toho Marina) at 1 p.m., following the cleanup. Volunteers will also receive a free T-shirt and there will be drawings for prizes during the cookout.

Boats and boat operators are needed to assist volunteers on and off the lakes. If you or your organization would like to participate, call Adriene Furukawa at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (407) 846-5300.

STAGING AREAS
Lake Tohopekaliga
Area 1: Kissimmee Lakefront Boat Ramp
Area 2: Richardson's Fish Camp

Area 3: Southport Park
Area 4: Whaley's Landing

East Lake Tohopekaliga
Area 5: St. Cloud Lakefront
Area 6: East Lake Fish Camp
Area 7: Chisholm Park

Alligator Chain of Lakes
Area 8: Trout Lake County Ramp
Area 9: Alligator Lakeside Inn
Area 10: Hickory Tree Boat Ramp