I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated individuals who have supported me since I took my oath as a Supervisor for the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District. Your encouragement and enthusiasm have been a driving force behind one of my very first initiatives in office: restoring Broward County’s waterways to their former glory.
A Warm Welcome—and a Bold Start
When I stepped into this role, I could feel the momentum building. Many of you have shared your concerns about the neglected canals and the impact trash and debris have on our local environment. So, it didn’t take long for me to team up with a true leader in community cleanups—John Rourke, founder of We Fund the Blue. John’s commitment to his “Make America Clean Again” mission is remarkable, and having him join forces with us here in Broward means we’re off to a strong start.
The timing couldn’t have been better. I’ve dedicated much of my life to educating people on issues that directly affect our quality of life—whether it’s financial literacy, civic engagement, or, now, environmental stewardship. Seeing the overwhelming support for this canal cleanup has only strengthened my resolve to serve the people of Broward in every way I can.
“Make America Clean Again”: A Quick Look
Before diving into the specifics of our cleanup effort, I want to shine a spotlight on John Rourke and his organization, We Fund the Blue. Their “Make America Clean Again” initiative has cleared over 126,000 pounds of trash across the country, tackling everything from canals in underserved communities to streets devastated by natural disasters.
Why team up with John here in Broward? Because he knows how to galvanize communities into action. His grassroots approach inspires volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to roll up their sleeves and get to work. And in just a short time, we’ve already seen that same spark here—dozens of local residents have expressed interest in joining our cleanup events.
Broward’s Canals: A Shared Responsibility
During our initial tour of the canals, I was shocked at the sheer amount of garbage floating both on the surface and beneath the water. Plastic bottles, tires, and discarded household items were practically choking these once-beautiful waterways. As someone who grew up valuing Florida’s unique ecosystems, it was a stark reminder that action—not just talk—is needed to preserve what we have.
We’re focusing on a four-point plan to tackle the issue head-on:
Identify Priority Canals and Waterways We’re gathering data and local input to figure out which areas need immediate attention.
Mobilize Volunteers and Local Resources John Rourke’s team at We Fund the Blue is providing expertise, tools, and plenty of passion. Still, we need residents and local organizations to pitch in for a sustainable solution.
Promote Ongoing Maintenance Our goal is to make sure these canals don’t fall back into neglect. That means keeping the conversation going and working with local government to ensure regular upkeep.
Educate Communities Much like teaching financial literacy, I firmly believe education is the key to long-term change. We’ll be sharing tips on responsible waste disposal and how to report illegal dumping.
Gratitude for John Rourke and Our Community
None of this would be possible without John Rourke, whose track record of leading massive cleanups is truly inspiring. His positivity and can-do attitude have already boosted our morale and proved that one person—with the right vision—can rally many.
But John’s example wouldn’t matter if it weren’t for all of you. It’s the spirit of collaboration that will make Broward’s canals shine again so GO SIGN UP! and join John and Glenn clean up Broward!
Looking Ahead—With Excitement
As we wrap up our initial canal assessments, I’m more excited than ever about the potential for positive change. We’re coming together not just to remove trash, but to reclaim a sense of pride in our environment. That’s the kind of grassroots movement that can reshape Broward County’s future.
If you’d like to get involved—whether it’s lending a hand at the next canal cleanup or simply spreading the word—reach out to us or visit makeamericacleanagain.us. Every person who shows up makes a difference, and every bag of trash removed brings us one step closer to a cleaner, healthier Broward.
Let’s continue taking bold steps in the right direction. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and to future generations to ensure that Broward County remains a place we’re proud to call home. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish—together.
Until next time—this is Bob Sutton, signing off with gratitude and a renewed commitment to making Broward’s waterways sparkle once again.
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