Get ready to celebrate Florida’s Arbor Day

Kathrine Alderman
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Keeping a town and county beautiful can sometimes be a challenging task. With so many people living in one space, there is no doubt that things like littering and such will happen. Not only that, but sometimes it can be expensive to do the little things that help beautify the county, such as hanging banners and decorating. So, as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Keep Jefferson County Beautiful is a grant that helps us do just that, keep our county beautiful.
The grant can be applied for each year, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is the one who helps you apply for the grant and gives out the money. Though Jefferson County has been a part of Keep America Beautiful for a while, no one had used or done anything with it. However, about two years ago, Katrina Richardson, of the Chamber of Commerce, headed up an application for the grant and was accepted. The grant is $15,000 that can go to many things that help keep the county beautiful and healthy.
Things that fall under the grant are banners for the streets and events and anything that really serves to beautify the area. It also sponsors programs for education on why you need to be mindful of litter and helps set up things such as cigarette butt disposals in front of buildings. They even have a program that helps clean up litter, the Community Litter Prevention and Recycling program. They also participate in the State Adopt a Highway Promotion.
Part of the grant requirement is that they have to participate in the Great American Clean Up (GAC). This will take place the week of March 15 through 20 in Jefferson County. The GAC is a program where you work to clean up, beautify and educate the county. The administrator for Keep Jefferson County Beautiful is charged with educating the youth in the community about waste and where to dispose of it.
Programs sponsored by this grant are vital and help the whole community. Not only does it keep our area healthy and beautiful, but it also promotes habits that will help keep it that way through its sponsored programs.