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Surfside Tourist Board Presents the Plastic Fishing Festival on International Coastal Cleanup Day

Oct 19, 2023

To be held Sunday, September 17 at 10 a.m. at the beach behind Surfside Community Center, 9301 Collins Ave, Surfside, Fl 33154

The Town of Surfside is excited to invite residents and visitors alike to join the eagerly anticipated Plastic Fishing Festival on Sunday, September 17, 2023. This event not only celebrates creativity and community but also aligns with the global movement of International Coastal Cleanup Day. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, inviting participants to engage in a unique blend of art, conservation and environmental stewardship.

The concept behind the Plastic Fishing Festival is both innovative and impactful. Participants are encouraged to become artists of change by crafting their very own plastic fish using pieces of plastic collected from the beach. This inventive endeavor serves to transform ocean-bound litter into temporary works of art that carry a powerful message of environmental consciousness.

Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This festival exemplifies the spirit of unity and positive action that defines Surfside. Through our collective efforts, we can turn a simple day of creativity into a lasting impact on our environment. Let's join hands and make a difference on International Coastal Cleanup Day."

This exceptional event is a collaboration between Surfside's Tourist Board and local, environmental activist @plasticfisherman Rodrigo Butori, founder of the social media movement #PlasticFishing. Also participating is Miami-Dade County’s Sea Turtle Program, as well as the Ocean Rescue Alliance International. Together, they're creating a platform for attendees to not only indulge in artistic expression but also learn about the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, especially during Surfside's crucial turtle nesting season, which spans from spring through October.

Festival-goers can look forward to a day of engaging activities, including exclusive gear, captivating musical performances, valuable prizes, and a variety of vendors offering eco-friendly products and services. The festival not only promotes a strong sense of community but also empowers individuals to be proactive in preserving the environment.

By participating in the Plastic Fishing Festival and sharing their creations on social media using the hashtag #plasticfishing, attendees play a vital role in amplifying the event's message and inspiring others to take action. The festival serves as a reminder that even seemingly small actions can collectively contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet for current and future generations.

According to Town Manager Hector Gomez, "The Plastic Fishing Festival is a testament to Surfside's dedication to environmental responsibility. By creatively addressing the plastic pollution issue, we demonstrate that our community is committed to preserving the beauty of our coastline and ensuring a sustainable future."

The Surfside Tourist Board encourages families, friends, and concerned citizens to come together on September 17 and embrace the opportunity to celebrate Mother Earth while gaining insights into conservation and sustainable practices. The Plastic Fishing Festival promises a day of inspiration, education, and meaningful connection, all while highlighting the urgent need to protect our precious coastlines and marine life.

For more information and event updates, please follow on Instagram @VisitSurfside.

Learn More About Surfside

Want to learn more about events in Surfside? View our Visitors Guide or read more about Surfside on our blog. You can also learn more about Surfside by signing up for our newsletter to stay tuned for news and happenings in town.

Stay Connected with Surfside

For more information about news and happenings in Surfside, follow us on social media on Facebook and Instagram, using #surfsidefl. For any inquiries, please email tourism@townofsurfsidefl.gov



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