JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite cold temperatures across Northeast Florida, volunteers spent the morning Monday giving back and honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Timucuan Parks Foundation hosted an MLK Day of Service beach cleanup at Little Talbot Island State Park on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers bundled up, picking up trash along the shoreline and even finding a few interesting items washed up by the tide.
Some say coming out on Monday was another way to honor King’s legacy through service.
“I think from my standpoint, the people before me, the things that they did, the things that they went through and thinking about that, and then coming out here in the cold, it’s nothing to me just to come,” volunteer Tim Smith said. “It is important to me to fill my cup and give back to the community and just be a part of something better, figuratively.”
The park entry fee was waived, and rangers directed everyone to the southernmost parking lot.
Participants picked up litter along the shoreline and near the jetty. They were encouraged to dress warmly, wear closed‑toe shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle.
Gloves, trash bags, grabbers, snacks, and extra water were all be provided.
Volunteers of all ages were invited to help — as long as minors had the proper waivers.