Keep Beads Out Of Bay: Tampa Launches Gasparilla Bead Reuse Program

TAMPA, FL — In an attempt to keep Gasparilla beads out of the bay where they a pose a hazard to marine life, Tampa's Department of Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management has launched its Bead Reuse Program.

Gasparilla goers are encouraged to bring leftover beads to any of the following collection locations during their regular business hours through May:

• Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S Rome Ave.
• Loretta Ingraham Recreation Complex, 1611 N Hubert Ave.
• Copeland Park Center, 11001 N 15th St.
• MacDonald Training Center, 5420 W Cypress St.

The city is collaborating with the MacDonald Training Center, a nonprofit that provides training for people with disabilities. The training center's clients will clean, repackage and sell the beads to Gasparilla krewes for the following parade season.

All proceeds go back to the MacDonald Training Center to fund career and education programs.

Those who drop off beads at The Florida Aquarium for the MacDonald Training Center through Feb. 12 will receive 50 percent off one general admission ticket for every 5-gallon bucket of beads dropped off.

More than 10,000 pounds of beads have been delivered to the MacDonald Training Center since the program started, totaling more than 330,000 separate bead necklaces.

The program is an effort to keep microplastics out of the waterways. Microplastics are minute particles of plastic that never dissolve and are accidentally consumed by marine life poses health risks and possible death. These microplastics remain in the natural ecosystems for hundreds of years or longer.

Throwing beads or any other items in the water is prohibited under Florida Statute 403.413.

For additional information on the Bead Reuse Collection Program, click here.