The Trash Pirates of Madeira Beach are a grassroots, community-driven organization dedicated to protecting the local environment and preserving the beauty of Madeira Beach. Through monthly community cleanups, this passionate group of volunteers works to remove litter from public spaces, safeguard local waterways, and protect the coastal ecosystems that make our community so special.
Their cleanups typically take place on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00–10:00 a.m., with volunteers meeting at either the John’s Pass Bell Tower or Archibald Park. The Archibald Park location changes on occasion. Participants of all ages are welcome to join. Buckets and trash pickers are available to borrow, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own supplies if they have them. Gloves, reusable water bottles, and sunscreen are also recommended for a comfortable morning of giving back.

How It All Began

The inspiration behind the Trash Pirates dates back to 2018 when a manatee gave birth in a nearby cove. After the morning rain, litter and cigarette butts were washed through storm drains into the water. Seeing the debris floating near the mother and calf, Audrey and Kandi immediately jumped into action, removing the trash to help protect the animals.
That moment sparked something bigger.
Determined to make a lasting impact, the pair began spending their mornings picking up litter throughout their neighborhood. Their dedication quickly caught the attention of neighbors and local business owners. Jeri Davis, owner of Saltwater Hippie, encouraged them to organize a monthly community cleanup. That idea became reality when the Trash Pirates of Madeira Beach officially launched on January 5, 2019.

A Community Effort

From the very beginning, the Trash Pirates have been fueled by community support.
Neighbor Captain Rodg designed the group’s logo and created stickers for the cleanup buckets. Local businesses donated buckets and litter pickers for volunteers, while longtime City of Madeira Beach Public Works employee Deb Laramee helped establish partnerships with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the City of Madeira Beach.
Reflecting on the organization’s growth, Kandi shared:

“It has been a privilege working with the community to create a culture of clean in Madeira Beach and beyond. Most importantly, we couldn’t do it without the dedicated volunteers who pitch in daily, weekly, and monthly, not only to keep our little barrier island clean and beautiful, but to protect our vulnerable marine life, seabirds, and waterways.”

90 Cleanups and Counting

The Trash Pirates recently celebrated their 90th community cleanup, a milestone that reflects years of dedication from countless volunteers. Their commitment to protecting Madeira Beach remains stronger than ever, and they have no plans of slowing down.

Whether you’re a resident, visitor, student, or local business, everyone is encouraged to get involved. Every piece of litter removed helps protect wildlife, preserve our waterways, and keep Madeira Beach beautiful for future generations.
To learn more about upcoming cleanup events or to volunteer, visit the Trash Pirates of Madeira Beach on Facebook:
Trash Pirates of Madeira Beach Facebook
If you’re a local business looking to make a difference, consider joining a cleanup or supporting the organization through donations or volunteer participation. Together, we can continue building a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful coastal community.