WINDERMERE, Fla. – After watching News 6’s report two weeks ago on the litter problem at Bird Island, the Orange County Dive Rescue team stepped in and got results.
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn said boaters have been trashing Bird Island leaving behind debris from their parties.
The island in the middle of Lake Butler is a private island protected by the Audubon Society and has become a bird sanctuary where pelicans and other birds have chosen to build their nests.
After training in Lake Butler Tuesday the Orange County Fire Rescue dive team instructors spent time cleaning up the island.
“Our Dive Rescue Instructors saw @WKMG story and collected trash on Bird Island after training. Do your part!” Orange County Fire Rescue posted to Twitter Tuesday.
Our Dive Rescue Instructors saw @WKMG story & collected trash on Bird Island after training.Do your part! #litterati https://t.co/nsNH70EsY4 pic.twitter.com/27VPh05uzb
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) June 27, 2017
The dive rescue team said they plan to continue to clean up the island. Bruhn said in April, locals had an Earth Day cleanup on Bird Island and filled 25 large bags with trash.
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"We really appreciate being able to get out there and get results for the Orange County community," Brandon Allen with Orange County Fire Rescue said.