There’s probably no place on Florida’s west coast as special as the Sister Keys . The largest undeveloped group of Islands between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor are particularly unique because all invasive plants were removed in 2007 and native species planted to replace them.
But they depend on volunteers, the Town of Longboat Key and citizen scientist to keep them that way. In the spring of 2019 a crew from LBK Public Works removed 80% of the invasive plants that were regrowing. On November 23rd 2019 Board Members from Sarasota Bay Watch organized an Invasive Cleanup as part of an agreement with the Town.
This cleanup is important as an adjunct to the Town of Longboat Key’s obligation to maintain the Sister Keys but it will take an ongoing commitment to keep the islands in their “natural” state.