Bead Free Bay

Keep Tampa’s waterways bead-free! Remember that throwing beads or any other items in the water is prohibited according to Florida Statute 403.413. Help us protect our marine ecosystems by keeping beads around your neck, and OUT of our waterways.

Beads and other non-biodegradable items are incredibly harmful to our environment and pose serious threats to marine wildlife. They take a thousand years to break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which never decompose. These microplastics remain persistent in the natural ecosystems for hundreds of years or longer.

Bead Free Bay - Throwing Beads or other litter in the water is prohibited - Florida Statute 403.413: It is unlawful for any person to dump litter in any matter or amount

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Bead Reuse Program Logo

Did you know your festival beads can be reused? 

In partnership with the MacDonald Training Center, salvaged and dropped off beads can be reused year after year keeping them out of the waste stream and more importantly, out of the bay. Clean and sanitized beads are packaged and sold back to parade crews for other City events. All proceeds go back to the MacDonald Training Center to fund career and education programs.

MacDonald Training Center Logo

 

Stay tuned for drop-off locations and dates!

Kids wearing beaded and listing of drop off locations for beads.