Around 1,200 volunteers participated in the 43rd Broward County Waterway Cleanup, an event that organizers tout as the county’s largest and longest-running environmental event.

Presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District and organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the Broward County Waterway Cleanup on March 7 resulted in collection of nearly 25 tons of trash and debris from 35 sites across the county.

Volunteers participated on land and water with 120 vessels including boats, kayaks and paddleboards.

“We had beautiful weather, dedicated volunteers, and a great time,” said MIASF event coordinator Nicole Hoekstra in a statement. “The annual Waterway Cleanup is a perfect day to celebrate all that Broward County has to offer, while taking part in keeping it clean.”

Following the cleanup, volunteers were invited to attend the Trash Bash party at MIASF Headquarters, where participants were treated to live music, free food and beverages, and more than a dozen raffle prizes.

In addition to the Waterway Cleanup, MIASF hosts middle school and high school recycled-art, essay, and short-story contests each year.

This year’s winners are:

  • $500 Essay Contest Winner: Bria Weisblat, Western High School
  • $250 Short Story Contest Winner: Miles D’Errico, New River Middle School
  • $250 High School Recycled-Art Contest Winners: Destiny Pantoja, South Broward High School
  • $250 Middle School Recycled-Art Contest Winner: Riley McClanahan, New River Middle School