Gwen Graham gets hands-on during cleanup duty in the Keys

Democratic candidate for governor Gwen Graham and ‘Team Graham’ were all hands on deck Sunday, as she and her family were on cleanup duty in Big Pine Key.

Graham was there to join the Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA), a group formed after Hurricane Irma slammed the Keys last year. The group was formed after several volunteer groups combined together to lead the area in its clean-up effort.

“We are are usually ones calling politicians for help, or at least awareness of the challenge we face here in the Florida Keys,” said CRMA’s founder, Brian Vest.

“In this case, the Grahams called me and asked if they could come see what we do.”

Vest’s life was uprooted by Irma when he lost his home in the storm. But he decided to take the lead when it came to getting the area back to normal.

Since it began eight months ago, CRMA says it’s cleaned more than 90 tons of trash. The all-volunteer force has worked more than 6,000 hours so far. Some of those volunteers still live in transitional housing after losing their homes.

“Almost a year after Irma hit, there is so much work left to do to restore the Keys,” Graham said.

“It’s inspiring to see how much progress the Conch Republic Marine Army, a volunteer organization, has made in cleaning up the beach on their own — but they should not have to do it alone.

“As governor, I will always fight for communities hurt by hurricanes to have the resources and responders they need to get back on their feet.”

Graham was there along with her parents, sisters and children to help with the work. The visit began a statewide tour labeled “Grassroots with the Grahams,” which serves as a way to connect with voters.

The campaign continued those efforts Monday, canvassing in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Graham plans to attend the opening of a new office in Wynwood tomorrow, followed by a community grilling event Wednesday in Miami Lakes.

On Thursday, she will be volunteering in Fort Myers and attending a grassroots fundraiser in Sarasota. Friday will see her on a tour of Ulele Springs in Tampa.

Graham is competing for the Democratic nomination with Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Palm Beach real estate billionaire Jeff Greene, Winter Park entrepreneur Chris King, and former Miami Beach mayor Philip Levine.

Vest says today’s efforts helped influence his vote in 2018.

“Gwen showed up with her whole family and got right to it. It was inspiring to see a candidate who takes action and does the hard work. We need a governor who cares and Gwen showed us she cares.”