MIASF Cleanup Clears 20 Tons of Trash

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) announced the success of its 48th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup, held March 1. Organized by MIASF and presented by the Florida Inland Navigational District (F.I.N.D.) and Informa Markets, this annual cleanup tradition is Broward County’s largest and longest-running environmental event, beginning in the 1970s with the mission of ensuring residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our local waterways.

More than 1,100 volunteers gathered across 38 sites throughout Broward County to donate their time cleaning up waterways, parks, and communities. From ages four months to 93 years old, volunteers participated in the event by land and personal watercraft, with nearly 300 participants cleaning up waterways on boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

More than 20 tons of trash were cleaned up across the county. Among some of the more unique items found were a car engine, an exhaust system, and a mannequin arm.

To thank volunteers for all their hard work, MIASF hosted its annual post-event, the Trash Bash, at Bradford Marine, sponsored by Total Marine Solutions. Volunteers celebrated all that was achieved with food, drinks, live music, and raffles.

In addition to the Waterway Cleanup, MIASF hosts scholarship contests that award $1,500 in scholarship money to Broward County middle school and high school students.

Sponsors of the 48th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup included: Florida Inland Navigational District (FIND), Informa Markets, Rolly Marine, Broward County, JM Family Enterprises, Diesel Services of America, RPM Diesel, Total Marine Solutions, Bradford Marine, Cliff Berry Inc, Environmental Marine, AME Solutions, Bennett Marine, city of Fort Lauderdale, city of Oakland Park, Coral Springs Improvement District, Derecktor, Dometic, Fimiani Development Corporation, Harbour Towne Marina, Headhunter, Inc., Lauderdale Isles Water Management District, Metric Marine, Inc., Safe Harbor LMC, Sailorman, Shoreside Marine Services, Water Taxi, Wright Maritime Group, Yacht Sales International, Allini Water Treatment Systems, ISOFlex, Panzarella, TGL, StarBrite and Nancy Olson Water Fitness.