Help Clean Up the Keys on Land and Underwater During I.CARE Trash Derby May 2-5

I.CARE, an Islamorada-based organization dedicated to incorporating recreational divers in activities to restore Florida Keys coral reefs, is to hold its second annual Trash Derby Thursday through Sunday, May 2-5. The event is to mobilize underwater dive and land-based cleanup crews around the Keys to remove debris impacting the island chain’s delicate ecosystems.

With sponsorship from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Goal: Clean Seas initiative, certified divers can sign up for free dives to clean up submerged debris. Individuals can sign up at participating dive shops from Key Largo through Key West, and each diver receives one raffle ticket per dive for a chance to win gear and other prizes.

Crews on land are to focus on cleaning shorelines and inland areas. Participants also can collect debris using their own boats. Private boat and land-based teams have opportunities to win cash prizes. All teams are to submit their most unique “found” item for a special prize package.

Training for proper removal and permit details are to be covered at a mandatory team leaders’ meeting from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Bud N' Mary's Marina, mile marker 79.8 oceanside in Islamorada.

Collection is to take place Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, from sunrise to sunset.

All debris is to be weighed and catalogued, with prizes awarded to top collectors and raffle ticket holders at the Trash Derby Festival set for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, on the Great Lawn at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside.

The free, family-friendly festival is open to the public with attractions including live music, raffles, a silent auction, games and activities, environmental vendors and exhibits by local organizations helping to restore Keys reefs. 

All cleanup activities are permitted by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Event information and dive trip signup: icaretrashderby.com

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