The Brickell community came together in an incredible show of service for International Coastal Cleanup Day, with more than 150 volunteers helping remove hundreds of pounds of trash from our waterfront.

This was the Brickell Homeowners Association’s largest cleanup turnout yet. Residents, students, families, community organizations, businesses, condo leaders, and public officials worked side by side along the Brickell Riverwalk.

Brickell on the River Master was our gracious host for the day, welcoming more than 150 volunteers and providing a central gathering place along the waterfront. At the heart of the condominium association is General Manager Maritza Gonzalez, whose leadership, hospitality, and hands-on support helped make the event possible. This marked our third year gathering at their home, and once again, Maritza, the Board of Directors, and the building staff welcomed our community with open arms. They provided our volunteers with a safe and welcoming home base, access to restrooms, coffee, water, trash collection, and incredible hospitality throughout the day.

Year after year, the entire team of Brickell on the River North, continues to demonstrate what meaningful community leadership looks like and we are deeply grateful for the way they continue to open their doors to our community and support our shared commitment to a cleaner Brickell.

BioResponse Restoration and GlobalPro supported the cleanup for the third consecutive year. We are especially grateful to Manny Pozo, President of BioResponse Restoration, and Matthew Sengsourinh, BHA Board Member and President of GlobalPro Florida. Together, Manny and Matthew also lead the BHA Resiliency and Recovery Committee, helping advance initiatives that prepare, protect, and strengthen the Brickell community.

For the third year in a row, BioResponse Restoration brought out its boat and crew to collect debris directly from the water, allowing volunteers to reach trash that would otherwise remain inaccessible from land. Among the day’s more unusual finds was a deflated soccer ball floating along the waterfront. Their continued presence has helped expand the cleanup beyond the shoreline, allowing volunteers to reach debris that would otherwise remain inaccessible from land.

I linked each person through their profile or affiliated organization. I left RISE unlinked because I could not confidently identify the correct organization.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority provided cleanup supplies for our volunteers. Commissioner Rolando Escalona joined the effort and continued his leadership by helping coordinate the litter pickers and other supplies needed for the event.

Students and young volunteers played an especially important role. Participants included students from Christ Fellowship, the Mater Brickell Academy, Miami Senior Key Club and Student Government Association, along with volunteers from Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez’s team.

Special thanks to our team captains, Aaron Brill of Icon Brickell, Danny Montoya of Kleen1, Alejandro Martinez of BHA and Nordica, Jess Barrera with Christ Fellowship Students, Chris S., Elena Kasparis, Brickell residents, and Commissioner Escalona. We are grateful for their leadership and for helping guide our volunteers throughout the cleanup.

The BHA team is deeply grateful to every team captain and volunteer who gave their time, energy, and leadership to the community.

The day demonstrated what can happen when neighbors, businesses, schools, organizations, and public leaders work together toward a shared goal. These volunteers are not simply talking about making a difference. They are showing up and taking action.

Thank you to every person and organization that helped make this year’s cleanup our largest and most impactful yet. Together, we are protecting our waterfront and building a cleaner, stronger Brickell.

Looking Back at Previous Coastal Cleanup Days

This year marks BHA’s fifth year participating in International Coastal Cleanup Day. Take a look back at how our community’s involvement has grown:

video recap