Saturday, April 20, marked the celebration of Earth Day in Clermont, with the national theme of “Planet vs Plastics.” As part of the environmental awareness campaign, residents gathered at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, located at 450 12th Street, for a morning filled with activities and festivities.
The local tribute to Mother Earth started at 7:00 am, as eager volunteers assembled for a litter collection initiative along the shores of Lake Minneola. Armed with trash bags, individuals and teams scoured the area, diligently gathering litter and debris that marred the natural beauty of the lake.
At 10:30 am, the cleanup crews vied for awards for the most litter collected, the retrieval of the oddest object, and the heaviest single item salvaged from the lake.
The atmosphere was enlivened by music and the presence of local vendors. 162 pre-registered guests joined an additional 204 walk-ups to partake in the activities. 260 pounds of trash was removed from the lake, contributing to the preservation of its ecological balance. In appreciation of their hard work, city representatives prepared and served approximately 400 hot dogs as a thank-you for a job well done.
