In an effort to cut down on pirate trash, Tampa mayor Jane Castor unveiled her #BeadFreeBay campaign earlier today, which promotes sustainability and waste reduction during next year’s Gasparilla Festival.
The main focus of the #BeadFreeBay campaign is to remind Gasparilla attendees to not throw their beads into the water, as it poses a serious threat to marine wildlife.
“Environmental sustainability is a core tenant of my administration's focus,” said Mayor Jane Castor in an official statement. “And while we all love a good parade, the beads thrown during the parade have no place harming our delicate ecosystem. Together, we will transform Tampa’s tomorrow by keeping our marine wildlife safe and our environment clean by keeping beads out of the water this and every event season moving forward.”
Castor and other #BeadFreeBay proponents encourage the celebration and continuation of Tampa traditions, but in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment. Through community partnerships like with The Florida Aquarium and EventFest, as well as public participation, Castor hopes to promote sustainability regarding Tampa waterways year-round, not just for Gasparilla.
You don’t have to give your prized beads up, just watch where you throw them.
The main Gasparilla parade will take place on January 25, while the much more wholesome kids parade happens January 18.
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