Lee Chamber, Code Enforcement seek Rivers Alive sponsors
Jun. 23—LEESBURG — The Lee County Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Code Enforcement Office have been the event organizers of the county's annual Rivers Alive cleanup event for the past 16 years, during which several thousand pounds of litter and debris have been removed from the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee creeks and the Flint River.
The program encourages the protection and preservation of area waterways and allows many area youths to see and explore the local natural environment.
The chamber and Code Enforcement personnel are seeking sponsorships from the community to support this year's Rivers Alive event. Company logos or names will be on the back of event T-shirts, included in media releases and other various marketing tools used to promote this event. Sponsorships are $250.
This event, which is part of the county's stormwater program, partners with area groups that have an interest in water quality and protection of the environment. These partnerships include the Flint RiverQuarium, Chehaw Park, Leesburg Law Enforcement Explorers, LCHS School's Navy J.R.O.T.C. program, and the Flint Riverkeeper. The yearly event attracts 200-plus volunteers.
Over the years of removing debris, the volunteers have removed several unusual items from the creek bed and banks. These include sunken boats, washing machines/dryers, bicycles, wheel barrels, a Dr Pepper drink machine, an engine block and an intact camper shell.
Lee County Rivers Alive has been successful each year in improving the water quality and appearance of our waterways due to the support and assistance that is received though the Lee County Board of Commissioners, the city of Leesburg, off-duty fire staff, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Public Works and the Chamber of Commerce. Last year's event netted several pounds of debris from the creeks.
Interested individuals or business representatives are encouraged to contact Leslie Barbosa at (229) 759-2422 or lbarbosa@lee.ga.us by Friday.
