Friends of Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County, and the Cortada Foundation have joined forces to launch a county-wide campaign in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves.
Titled, “The Flow – it’s all connected,” this project will use art, technology and history to emphasize the importance of water quality in Biscayne Bay. In collaboration with Miami-Dade County and the Cortada Foundation, we will promote the unique ecological and cultural value of Biscayne Bay and educate residents about how their actions on land ultimately affect the Bay’s health.
The project’s core is a series of public art pieces on vinyl floor signs located next to storm drains. Businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and individuals alike will be able to adopt storm drains in their communities at tiered levels for increasing benefits and maximizing donations. Information on how to adopt a storm drain or where to visit an adopted storm drain will be advertised via County communication outlets as the 4th pillar of the Biscayne Bay Friendly campaign. Look out for adopted storm drains across all 13 Commission districts at schools, libraries, museums, and other public areas countywide.
The choice of the art’s placement on storm drains is meant as a reminder of how actions on land affect the bay – hence the project title- The Flow- It’s All Connected. A QR code will also link to a website with local water quality information such as the annual Biscayne Bay Report Card, background on Bay issues, and the three “Biscayne Bay Friendly” action steps that any resident can take to contribute to a healthy Biscayne Bay, all available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.
In collaboration with community partners, County commissioners, and other local leaders, FOBB will host public events to unveil adopted storm drains in different communities across MDC. FOBB will focus on areas that have historically not been targeted in Biscayne Bay conversations, namely western neighborhoods. These events will connect the personal experiences of Biscayne Bay with community action by residents.
The goal of “The Flow – It’s All Connected” is to launch a County-wide water quality advocacy movement for Biscayne Bay. With this project, FOBB intends to connect with new audiences and foster a greater understanding of Biscayne Bay’s significance while simultaneously highlighting residents’ individual responsibility in maintaining a healthy Bay. With individual resident action and private-public partnerships for funding infrastructure improvements, our ultimate goal is to achieve the water quality goals in the County’s Biscayne Bay Reasonable Assurance Plan. Sign up here to get involved!
