TRIUMPH OVER TRASH!

Over 12k Pounds Of Debris Pulled From Mangroves And Seafloor In One Weekend

TIFFANY DUONG www.keysweekly.com espite windy weather and rough seas, the inaugural I.CARE Trash Derby was a major success. The two-day event brought together tourists, locals, nonprofits and dive shops for a common goal: the largest-ever debris cleanup event in the Keys. Participants from throughout the Keys took up gloves and bags in the community fight against marine debris and coastal trash.

The three competing divisions were: land/ shore, private boats and dive shops. In total, participants cleared out a whopping 12,759.67 pounds of marine debris, plastic pollution and trash from our mangroves, coastlines and waterways.

Following the derby, a family-friendly ecofestival at Founders Park in Islamorada celebrated the beauty of the Florida Keys and those who work to protect it every day. “We hit our goal,” said I.CARE co-founder Mike Goldberg. “We’re so grateful to everyone and our partners and sponsors. We couldn’t do this without you.”

1. Marine debris in the Florida Keys is primarily made up of derelict traps and line that have come loose during storms