MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The Miami Beach Cupid Splash returned for a second year Sunday, drawing about 100 South Floridians who plunged into the ocean off Collins Avenue for a good cause.
The fundraiser is similar to cold-water charity dips held in northern cities, such as Boston, but organizers say Miami’s version comes with a tropical twist.
“Here in the 305, we’re too smart for that. So we’ve added a tropical twist. We’re going in where the water is 70 (degrees),” organizer Bruce Berman said.
The event focused on coastal cleanup and sustainability, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns in Biscayne Bay.
“We have a problem with pollution -- too many nutrients, too much bacteria, septic tank runoff and plastic entering Biscayne Bay -- and that is what’s killing the seagrass,” said Dave Dobler, co-founder of VolunteerCleanup.org.
Volunteers with Clean Miami Beach collected about 250 pounds of trash that had washed ashore.
“There’s so much trash everywhere. We need to continue to raise awareness so people do better and protect our wildlife,” said Sophie Ringel, the group’s executive director.
Among the visuals was a “bag monster,” symbolizing the dangers plastic poses to marine life.
“When they get in the ocean, fish and turtles eat them. It’s bad for the planet,” said Steven Vincenti, of the Surfrider Foundation.
Environmental advocate and endurance swimmer Merle Liivand -- known as the Miami Mermaid -- said she regularly encounters plastic while training in local waters.
“Every day I train for a world championship and I find plastic. Honestly, this is the way to make every Miami person a superhero for our oceans,” Liivand said.
During the event, she even removed balloons floating in the water.
“When you live in Miami, it should be part of your DNA to take care of the beaches and ocean,” she said.
Participants said community cleanups and awareness events show how much locals care about protecting the shoreline.
“Now it’s amazing to see the cleanups, these types of events that locals do. We care about our beach and want it super clean,” participant Diana Fontani said.
Organizers emphasized that Biscayne Bay is central to the region’s environment and economy.
“Biscayne Bay is the blue heart of our community. It’s a critical economic driver, it’s part of the beauty of the environment. That’s why people move here. It’s at risk,” one speaker said.
The event raised about $80,000, which will be donated to organizations focused on restoring, cleaning and protecting the bay.
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