3rd Annual VFW Day of Service Cleanup
This is the Third Annual OSE / VFW Day of Service Cleanup and we have many partners – the City of St. Petersburg, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, and Tampa Bay Watch Living Shoreline experts. The cleanup also celebrates the successful Lassing Park Living Shoreline Restoration Project in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Watch, and the Old Southeast Neighborhood, with additional support from the Waterfront Parks Foundation.
WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 AM
WHERE: Across from 1511 Beach Drive, adjacent to the Lassing Park Living Shoreline Restoration project
Contact: Bill Dahl, wwdahl@gmail.com
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐅𝐖 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞?
The VFW Day of Service is dedicated to veteran-led community service events across local neighborhoods. Rooted in the VFW’s #StillServing initiative launched in 2020, this day highlights the incredible ways U.S. military veterans continue to serve their communities even after their military careers have ended.
For a third year, Marine Veteran Bill Dahl is leading this OSE efforts. Bill Dahl’s Maderia Beach Post 4256 was wiped out in the 2024 hurricanes, and he has since then been attending Marine Corps League meetings at VFW Post 4365 in St. Petersburg.
𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥
If you’d like to join us, please reach out to Bill Dahl at wwdahl@gmail.com. Working alongside dedicated veterans who tirelessly contribute to their communities and spearhead impactful initiatives is truly motivating!
This is not a veterans-only activity—everyone is welcome to participate! OSE resident volunteers play a vital role as the backbone of these efforts, helping to bring impactful change and support.
Past Events
VFW Day of Service: Community Cleanup Success
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association proudly participated in the VFW Day of Service, joining forces with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of St. Petersburg, and local partners to complete one of our most successful cleanup projects to date.
Thank you to the 25 dedicated volunteers who came out and helped remove a total of 3,060 pounds of dead plants, litter, and overgrowth along the bypass road near the Army Reserve, Polish American Society, and Coast Guard facilities.
This initiative brought neighbors together in the true spirit of service. The OSNA Day of Service demonstrated what teamwork can accomplish, even under the Florida heat and humidity.
Community Effort and Support
We want to extend special thanks to:
- Amy Parsons for bringing the Green Machine and trailer, along with expert plant advice
- Fonda and Steve Sabin for supplying tools, a trailer, and lunch from Old Southeast Market
- The Bayboro team for their power tools and energy
- Will Engleby for providing extra essential tools
- Sheila Monahan, an OSNA Board Member, for her plant identification and trimming expertise
Thanks also to all OSNA Board members who showed up to help, along with many other neighbors who contributed time and hard work.
We were especially grateful to have support from the U.S. Coast Guard, with both active duty and auxiliary members joining the effort. Thank you to Eli for securing the USCG ATV. We also appreciate Officer Jones of the St. Petersburg Police Department, who was on-site to help keep everyone safe.
What’s Next
This cleanup was only the beginning. In the coming weeks, the site will be mulched to prepare for Phase 2, which includes native plantings scheduled for the fall.
Thanks again to every neighbor, partner, and volunteer who helped make this day a true success for the Old Southeast community.
Event Overview
The Old Southeast Neighborhood Association (OSNA) will once again take part in the VFW Day of Service with a focused community cleanup project led by VFW Post 4256 member Bill Dahl. This year’s effort will target the planting strips along the bypass road that connects to the Army Reserve, Polish American Society, and Coast Guard facilities.
This cleanup is a key part of OSNA’s Day of Service initiative, developed in partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Keep Pinellas Beautiful, and the City of St. Petersburg. It reflects a shared commitment to restoring and improving public spaces in and around the Old Southeast neighborhood.
These planting strips require cleanup in preparation for future restoration, including mulching and native plantings planned for the fall. This project builds on last year’s record-breaking volunteer effort, which removed over 3,000 pounds of overgrowth and debris.
All residents are invited to take part. Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved in, this is a chance to meet neighbors, give back, and improve a space used by the entire community.
For details or to volunteer, text or call Bill Dahl at (603) 494-1525.
Honoring Veterans, Inviting Everyone
This effort is part of the national VFW Day of Service, first launched in 2022 to recognize the continued service of veterans beyond the military. The Old Southeast Neighborhood is home to many veteran residents, and OSNA is proud to honor them through this day of action.
At the same time, this event is open to all community members, regardless of background. Whether you’re a veteran, a student, a long-time homeowner, or a new neighbor, your time and energy are welcome. Together, we can help maintain and restore an important public space while building stronger community connections.
Join us in making a visible difference in Old Southeast.