A reef project from the 70s is turning into an environmental problem in Pinellas County as old tires wash onto the beach. Back-to-back hurricanes dislodged the tires, which were placed in the water decades ago to create artificial reefs. The practice of using tires as reefs was discontinued in the 90s after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined they were environmentally hazardous, but this is the first time Pinellas County will be attempting to remove them. Caulin Donaldson says he visits the beach daily. “I see things from the 80s sometimes that have just unearthed themselves in the sand dunes, but to know that many were buried or put in the ocean that long ago and are finally making their way to shore is mindboggling," he said. Many know him as Caulin Donaldson, but millions call him Trash Caulin. “When you see that green water bottle cap, when you see that blue plastic paper, it sticks out,” Donaldson said. He makes a living talking about how to keep the beaches everywhere pollution-free. Since the hurricanes, Donaldson said he's seen dozens of tires. “You can tell it's got barnacles," he explained. "This white ring you can tell is most likely from the reef that was out there." Pinellas County said these tires were likely installed in the 70s and 80s. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/tires-beache-pinellas-county-reefs/67-2f6ef4aa-0140-43c2-bd5b-d0491221dde1