The Future Is Bright: Love Blue Flagler's Successful Launch

This past year marked an exciting new chapter for Love Blue, Inc. as we expanded our presence to the shores of St. Augustine, Florida, thanks to the incredible leadership of Flagler College student Sammy Andres. After spending her summer lifeguarding with the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol and working closely with our founder & CEO AJ Caruso, Sammy returned to campus with a mission: bring Love Blue to Flagler College.

That shared summer of lifeguarding was more than just a job, it was where Sammy and AJ’s mutual passion for the ocean and commitment to protecting it truly came to life. Inspired by the mission and community of Love Blue, Sammy took the initiative to expand our impact and start something new.

The fall semester focused on building a strong foundation: training a new team on how to properly conduct our signature beach cleanups, supplying equipment, and offering weekly support to help mold the chapter into a standout among our nationwide network.

When the spring semester arrived, the Flagler College Love Blue Chapter was officially approved as a student organization, and they hit the ground running. With a few on-campus interest meetings, the team quickly attracted dedicated volunteers and spread the word about their mission. Their first cleanup, held on February 13th, was a strong start, removing 55 lbs of trash with a tight-knit crew of passionate students.

In just a short spring semester, and with fewer than 10 total cleanups, the Flagler team removed an impressive 270 lbs of trash from local beaches and mangroves. They partnered with other student groups and found creative ways to grow their impact, showing everyone what a small but determined team can accomplish with heart, structure, and support.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. At the Student Leadership Banquet on April 28th, the Flagler Love Blue Chapter was awarded “Outstanding New Organization of the Year”, a well-deserved recognition of their hard work, community engagement, and environmental dedication.

As the semester closes, Sammy returns home to the Wildwoods where she’ll be joining our summer cleanup efforts. She’s built a passionate team of like-minded leaders who are poised to take the Flagler chapter even further in their second semester. We’re incredibly proud of what this chapter has accomplished in such a short time and are beyond excited to watch them grow.

With new energy, new partnerships, and a strong presence in St. Augustine, the future is bright for Love Blue at Flagler College. Welcome to the family, & keep making waves. 🌊💙

Love Blue Inc. Awarded First-Ever Grant from Open Water’s Sea Change Program

We are thrilled to announce that Love Blue Inc. has been selected as a recipient of the @drinkopenwater Sea Change Grant, a milestone moment for our organization as this marks the first grant we’ve ever received. This support is a huge accomplishment for our growing nonprofit and a powerful affirmation of the work we’re doing to protect the ocean and empower communities.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to the entire Open Water team. Their belief in our mission means the world to us, and their support will directly help us grow, strengthen, and sustain the Love Blue movement nationwide.

How This Grant Will Be Used:

1. Launching New College Chapters

Our college chapters are the backbone of Love Blue’s expansion. With this funding, we can help launch brand-new chapters at universities across the country. Each one will receive a Love Blue Starter Kit, fully stocked with:

• Garbo Grabbers (trash pickers)

• Protective gloves

• Heavy-duty trash bags

• Safety vests

• Branded gear and signage

• Educational and outreach materials

These kits ensure that every new chapter is ready from day one to take meaningful action in their community.

2. Supporting Existing Chapters

For our active chapters, this grant helps us provide updated supplies, enhanced cleanup tools, and additional resources to grow their impact. Whether it’s a coastal town or a college campus, we’re making sure each chapter has what it needs to be consistent, effective, and inspiring.

3. Expanding Our Public Cleanup Station Program

Love Blue’s Public Cleanup Stations offer everyday people the tools they need to take action. With Open Water’s help, we’ll be producing and installing more stations in high impact areas, giving communities 24/7 access to grabbers, gloves, and buckets so they can clean as they explore. This initiative has already helped remove thousands of pounds of trash from shorelines, and now we’re scaling it even further.

4. Attending Key Events & Building Connections

Funding will also allow our team to attend important sustainability and nonprofit networking events, building relationships, gaining insights, and bringing back valuable tools and ideas to share across the Love Blue network. Every handshake, panel, and workshop helps us grow smarter and stronger.

Open Water Has Been Supporting Our Volunteers, Too

Even before this grant, Open Water had been showing us love, by supplying water for our cleanup locations. Now, after long hours of hard work in the heat, our volunteers have refreshing, eco-friendly water to stay hydrated and healthy. That gesture may seem small, but it’s a huge operational boost that keeps our teams going strong. Their commitment to sustainability and community health aligns perfectly with our mission.

This grant is more than funding, it’s a vote of confidence, a resource for impact, and a reminder that people out there believe in a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans.

From the entire Love Blue family:

Thank you, Open Water. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support, your partnership, and your heart.

#SeaChangeGrants #MakeWaves #LoveBlueInc #OpenWater #Grateful #OceanAdvocacy

Love Blue Inc. Joins 1% for the Planet as an Environmental Partner!

Love Blue Inc. is proud to announce our newest milestone, we are now an official environmental partner of the 1% for the Planet program! This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our mission to protect and preserve our oceans, coastlines, and waterways through community-driven cleanups and conservation efforts.

What is 1% for the Planet?

Founded in 2002 by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard and Blue Ribbon Flies’ Craig Mathews, 1% for the Planet is a global network of businesses and environmental organizations dedicated to driving positive change for the planet. Companies that join commit to donating 1% of their annual revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits, ensuring that these funds directly support meaningful conservation efforts. By creating a bridge between businesses and nonprofits, 1% for the Planet fosters sustainable corporate giving and environmental responsibility.

What Does This Partnership Mean for Love Blue?

Becoming a 1% for the Planet environmental partner opens up a wealth of opportunities for Love Blue, including:

• New Partnerships: Through this program, we can connect with eco-conscious businesses looking to support nonprofits aligned with their sustainability values.

• Financial Support: As an official partner, Love Blue is now eligible to receive direct donations from businesses committed to the 1% for the Planet pledge.

• Networking & Collaboration: We gain access to a global network of like-minded organizations and businesses, helping us strengthen our impact through collaboration and shared resources.

• Access to Events & Resources: 1% for the Planet provides exclusive opportunities to participate in events, workshops, and forums that focus on environmental activism, nonprofit growth, and sustainability innovation.

• Enhanced Cleanup Efforts: With increased financial support and new partnerships, we’ll be able to expand our cleanup initiatives, acquire better resources, and increase community engagement to make an even bigger difference in protecting our waterways.

  
  

A Step Toward a Bluer Future

This partnership is more than just a badge, it’s a stepping stone to furthering our impact. By joining forces with 1% for the Planet, Love Blue is positioning itself to grow, forge stronger relationships, and create lasting environmental change. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes us.

Want to support our mission? If you’re a business looking to make a difference, consider partnering with us through the 1% for the Planet network. Together, we can keep our oceans clean and our communities engaged in environmental action!

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for being part of the Love Blue movement!