As always, the Florida Chapters are busy with successful events, campaigns, and programs. Here are a few highlights from Chapters across the state:
Emerald Coast:
The Emerald Coast Chapter was invited to present the findings of their extensive research on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the Deepwater Horizon Research Consortium in New Orleans. Chapter members presented a poster, “Persistence of PAH’s in Beach Sand” and shared their research on the impacts of the spill with a wide audience of scientists, community members, and decision makers.
Suncoast:
The Suncoast Chapter kicked off the New Year in style with their 2013 Party at the Pier! The Chapter gathered over 300 members, sponsors and friends for this annual event. The Party at the Pier was created to raise awareness of the Suncoast Chapter, recruit new members, and to generate funds to fight plastic pollution though the RAP program. In addition to the many contributions of local businesses, several outstanding local bands donated their time and talent to make this event the perfect kickoff for a new year!
Central Florida:
The Central Florida Chapter has a number of upcoming events in progress. The Chapter has a tabling event at "Speak Up Wekiva" Feb 16th and a tabling event at "Welcome to Jam Rocks" on March 30th. The Chapter also has a beach cleanup tentatively scheduled for February 23rd at Playalinda Beach.
First Coast:
The First Coast Chapter will hold their monthly membership meeting and surf movie night at Green Room Brewing on February 19th. At the meeting they will have a special presentation about our Rise Above Plastics national campaign.
Volusia-Flagler:
The Volusia-Flager Chapter is actively looking for volunteers to help plan the upcoming year's activities. Get involved and help the Chapter host some outstanding events in 2013!
Cocoa Beach:
On February 9th, the Cocoa Beach Chapter will gather volunteers and community members to plant approximately 1,700 sea oat sprouts! Since 2005, the Chapter has successfully partnered with the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office to share the cost of these sea oats, and promote the re-vegetation of damaged or barren dunes.
Sebastian Inlet:
Join the Sebastian Inlet Chapter for a dune planting in Archie Carr NWR on February 16th. Learn what coastal changes science supports and how you can help protect one of the world’s most significant sea turtle nesting habitats. Coastal resident participants will receive free sea oat seedlings and permits to plant to help restore the dunes and sea turtle nesting habitat of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and barrier island beaches.
Palm Beach County:
The Palm Beach County Chapter kicked off 2013 with its first ever Irish Surf Party at O'shea's Irish Pub. The Chapter also hosted a beach cleanup at Lake Worth Beach with the Ocean Crusaders at Sacred Heart School. Both events were very successful!
Broward County:
The Broward County Chapter hosted a beach cleanup for the sales staff of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. The Chapter was excited to once again partner with Barefoot Wine & Bubbly for a fun a productive event.
Miami:
The Miami Chapter is hosting a movie night on February 16th at Wynwood. The event will feature a screening of Kai Neville’s "Dear Suburbia", underground SoBe Sandy footage, Kona Beer & Barefoot Wine, and music by Kulcha Shok w-Space Ape.