Residents, students, families, businesses, condominium leaders, and public officials came together along the Brickell Riverwalk for International Coastal Cleanup Day. More than 150 volunteers took part, removing hundreds of pounds of litter from the waterfront. It was BHA’s largest cleanup turnout to date and its fifth year participating in the international effort.
A home base on the river
Brickell on the River Master Association hosted the volunteers for the third year. General Manager Maritza Gonzalez, the Board of Directors, and building staff provided a gathering point, restrooms, coffee, water, and help with collecting the trash. Their hospitality made it easier for a large group of neighbors to spend the day working together.
Working from land and water
BioResponse Restoration and GlobalPro supported the cleanup for a third consecutive year. Manny Pozo of BioResponse and Matthew Sengsourinh of GlobalPro also lead BHA’s Resiliency and Recovery Committee. BioResponse brought a boat and crew to retrieve debris that people on shore could not reach; among the items collected was a deflated soccer ball.
Miami Downtown Development Authority supplied cleanup materials. Commissioner Rolando Escalona joined the effort and helped coordinate equipment, including litter pickers.
Young volunteers helped lead the way
Students and volunteers joined from Christ Fellowship, Mater Brickell Academy, Miami Senior High School’s Key Club and Student Government Association, and Commissioner Vicki Lopez’s team. BHA also thanked team captains Aaron Brill, Danny Montoya, Alejandro Martinez, Jess Barrera, Chris S., Elena Kasparis, Brickell residents, and Commissioner Escalona for guiding volunteers throughout the day.
The turnout showed what neighbors and local partners can accomplish together. BHA thanked everyone who gave time and energy to care for the waterfront and keep Brickell cleaner.