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. 🌊💙