Cutler Bay Community Cleanup Makes a Lasting Impact at International Coastal Cleanup 2024
Cutler Bay, FL – October 24, 2024 - The Town of Cutler Bay proudly participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 on September 21, hosting its largest community cleanup to date. The event, part of the global effort spearheaded by the Ocean Conservancy and coordinated locally by VolunteerCleanup.org, attracted 105 dedicated volunteers, including Senator Alexis Calatayud, principals, students, parents, and teachers from Cutler Bay Senior High School, Cutler Bay Middle School, and Mater Academy Cutler Bay, as well as many local organizations and residents. Councilmembers Suzy Lord and Richard Ramirez were also in attendance, showing their continued support for environmental efforts in the community.
Together, the volunteers removed an impressive 1,200 pounds of litter and debris from the area surrounding SW 87th Ave and SW 212th Street, ranking Cutler Bay 4th among 71 cleanup sites across Miami-Dade County for the most trash collected. This effort contributes to the broader county-wide initiative where 3,600 volunteers removed over 25,000 pounds of debris.
“It's heartening to see so many members of our community come together to protect our environment," said Mayor Tim Meerbott. "Thanks to the support of our volunteers, including our local schools and elected officials, we’ve made a significant impact on our coastal waterways. Events like these not only clean up our neighborhoods but also raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste at its source.”
The event was part of the 10th anniversary of VolunteerCleanup.org coordinating cleanups in Miami-Dade County. This year saw a 20% increase in both volunteer participation and cleanups compared to last year, making Miami-Dade’s program the 3rd largest in the country, just after Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Dave Doebler, Co-Founder of VolunteerCleanup.org, praised Cutler Bay’s contribution, stating, “Your volunteers collected 1,200 pounds of trash, placing 4th among 71 cleanups. We are thrilled with the outcome and grateful for Cutler Bay’s leadership and participation.”
The cleanup efforts underscore a broader call to action for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to address marine debris at its source. Debris collected included common pollutants like bottle caps, Styrofoam, microplastics, and beverage bottles, which typically enter our waterways through street litter carried by stormwater.
Cutler Bay encourages residents to join future cleanup efforts, including the upcoming Fall Restoration Cleanup on November 16. Volunteers will have the chance to help restore local habitats and support the environment. For more details please click here.
About International Coastal Cleanup
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is a global initiative led by the Ocean Conservancy, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting our oceans. VolunteerCleanup.org coordinates Miami-Dade County's participation in ICC, with support from sponsors such as The Brady Hunter Foundation, Miami-Dade County's RER-DERM, and many more.
For media inquiries, please email media@cutlerbay-fl.gov
