CEDAR KEY, FL (352today.com) – Cedar Key is known as the clam capital of Florida with waterfront restaurants that serve big bowls of the steamed bivalves. Thanks to Hurricane Idalia it will be a long time before those establishments will be back in business.

Idalia’s fierce winds and wall of water spared no business along Dock Street when the storm hit on Wednesday. Business owners and employees returned Thursday to mounds of mud, muck and debris.

Hannah Healey sorts through items from the Prickly Palm after Hurricane Idalia flooded streets, homes and businesses in Cedar Key, FL on Thursday, August 31, 2023.Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today.com

Now the community is asking for volunteers to come to the island and assist with the cleanup starting today (Friday). A post on the Cedar Key Fire Rescue Facebook page invites volunteers to help make Cedar Key beautiful again.

In order to be properly prepared for the arduous task, the department advises you to wear sturdy shoes. In other words, don’t come in the flip flops you would normally wear to explore the island town. Bring gloves, hat, sunscreen and water. Food will be available at the Baptist Church off 2nd Street.

Volunteers should report to the Community Center off 6th Street to receive an assignment.

Make no mistake… you will be hot and dirty, the Facebook post advises.