The annual Gulf Coast Surf & Beach Festival, hosted by Surfers for Autism, will return to Fort Myers Beach from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Crescent Beach Family Park at 1046 Estero Blvd..

Surfers for Autism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking the potential of children and young adults with autism and developmental delays through surfing. The event is free for registered participants, their families and volunteers. It includes a complimentary lunch.

“This is one of the most fun days of the year,” said Mike Hammond, Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Calusa Blueway coordinator. “Watching locals and people from across Florida come together to help these surfers catch waves is pretty awesome. Volunteers have just as much fun as the surfers.”

To ensure safety and provide each participant with time in the water, registration is limited to 200 surfers. Registration is available AT THIS LINK.

Volunteers are needed and do not need to be experienced surfers. All volunteers will receive a free lunch. Those interested in volunteering can also register AT THIS LINK.

For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation, locations, amenities, and special events, visit leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com. More about The Great Calusa Blueway on Facebook or Instagram.

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