Joining Hands: Hands Across the Sand event along FMB Saturday
Just as thousands did last year, locals and visitors to the Fort Myers Beach area will have the opportunity to join hands in an effort to raise awareness of opposing expanded offshore drilling and calling for cleaner energy solutions for a sustainable planet during a Hands Across the Sand demonstration this weekend – Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., from the northern stretch of Lynn Hall Park and Beach Family Park down to mid-island and beyond.
Hands Across The Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life and crosses all borders and political affiliations. It’s all about reaching out for togetherness and supporting the advancement of clean energy sources that will sustain our planet.
“Fort Myers Beach will once again show community and unity pride this Saturday! There ain’t no power like the power of the people. This is a demonstration for people of the Gulf Coast nation,” said John G. Heim, one of the local coordinators of the international event. “If you stand for nothing then you will fall for everything.”
Residents and visitors from across the county are teaming up with the local Sierra Club, Lee County Parks and Recreation, the town of Fort Myers Beach and FAFCO Solar to support this event locally.
Cape Coral residents Robin Curley and Megan Kuzyk, also helping to coordinate the event, are attracted to the simplicity of the demonstration and the message it delivers.
“The simple fact that it brings people together for the common good, makes a statement” Robin said. “The June 25th event will be the third Hands Across the Sand event I have rallied behind.”
Megan sees the upcoming Hands Across the Sand event as a great times to make one big beach day out of the demonstration.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy the sand, the beach and the sun,” she said. “I really want it to be a day for everyone to get together and enjoy what we could possibly lose, as in Louisiana, due to an oil spill.”
“It is time to insist the government look at the subsidies that our tax dollars are paying for, and put them into renewable energies – instead of in the pockets of oil companies,” Robin said. “BP paid for their so-called clean up of the Horizon spill with tax-break dollars – your dollars.”
But, this movement is not about politics; it is about protecting coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife and fisheries from the threats of expanded offshore drilling and the accidents associated with this.
“I really hope this is the first step to action,” Megan said. “We only have one planet. There is no ‘Planet B.'”
Those attending the demonstration are encouraged to carpool, bike or use the trolley if possible, and pick up all trash and belongings whenever leaving the sand.
During the demonstration, a table will be set up with volunteers offering knowledge and pamphlets on Hands Across the Sand and all it stands for, as well as stickers, water and a contact sheet for those wishing to join a mailing list.
Also, a FAFCO mobile solar trailer will be parked in the new Crescent Beach Family Park, powering solo musician Frank Thompson around 11 a.m. from the solar energy it collects.
Be sure to visit Facebook.com and search for “FMB Hands Across the Sand” to RSVP your attendance to the Fort Myers Beach demonstration. For more information, visit the Facebook page or see the international site, HandsAcrossTheSand.org.
“Fort Myers Beach will once again show community and unity pride this Saturday,” John said. “Be there to show your support.”