Keeping Seminole County Beautiful: The Adopt-A-Road Program

Every day, thousands of people travel Seminole County’s roads on their way to work, school, parks, and businesses. These roadways serve as important thoroughfares throughout the community, but they also connect to the natural resources that make Seminole County Florida’s Natural Choice.

When litter is left behind, rain can carry it through storm drains and into lakes, rivers, and wetlands, where it can harm wildlife and impact the health of local waterways.

Through the Seminole County Public Works Adopt-A-Road Program, residents are helping prevent litter from reaching these important natural areas while taking pride in the places they call home.

Currently, 69 volunteer groups care for roughly 90 miles of adopted roadways throughout the county. From neighborhood groups and schools to businesses and civic organizations, volunteers work together to remove litter, improve roadway appearance, and protect the environment. Approximately five new groups join the program each year, continuing a tradition of community stewardship that has grown for decades.

Together, these volunteers remove thousands of pounds of litter on an annual basis, helping keep the county’s roadways cleaner while reducing the amount of debris that can reach waterways.

“The program is about more than picking up litter. It’s about giving residents an opportunity to take pride in their community,” says Tia Welty, coordinator of Seminole County Adopt-A-Road. “Whether you’re looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, a team-building activity for your organization, or a way to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, the program offers a simple but impactful way to make a difference.”

Participation is open to individuals, families, neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, and civic organizations. Volunteers sign a one-year Adopt-A-Road permit and are matched with a county-maintained roadway in need of adoption. The length of each road varies by location, and participating groups commit to cleaning their adopted roadway at least four times during the permit year.

Each new group attends a watershed awareness presentation provided by the county’s Seminole Education, Restoration, and Volunteer (SERV) program. Participants also have the opportunity to complete a storm drain marking project after a brief training, helping educate residents about the connection between storm drains and waterways. The educational component helps volunteers better understand how everyday actions can directly affect water quality and the health of Seminole County’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Elizabeth Stephens, coordinator of SERV, shares the importance of protecting the county’s waterways and reinforces the connection between litter prevention and water quality.

“When volunteers remove litter, mark storm drains, and learn about stormwater protection,” says Elizabeth, “they’re helping preserve our waterways while building a stronger connection to the community and the environment around them.”

Every cleanup demonstrates how small actions can have an important impact. By volunteering their time and caring for local roadways, Adopt-A-Road participants are helping protect the county’s natural resources for future generations while fostering a stronger sense of community pride and environmental stewardship.

Katie Wigle is a Public Communications Specialist for Seminole County’s Office of Communications.