MIAMI – Miami’s spoil islands were back open for boaters to enjoy on Labor Day, but city police officers were hard at work making sure they didn’t leave any trash behind.
Not too long ago, all four spoil islands on Biscayne Bay — Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Pace Picnic Island, and Willis Island — were left behind with tons of trash.
Miami Police Department Officer Carol SotoAguilar has noticed the difference since they reopened.
“There has been a lot more effort from the community keeping these islands clean, especially since we closed them down for that reason,” she said. “We don’t even see that many boats in our nearest boat ramp.”
This comes after officials from the city of Miami closed and fully banned boaters from going to the islands for almost two months.
SotoAguilar said the “Leave No Trace” campaign has helped keep the coveted islands in good shape. But the issue is not completely gone. On Monday, trash bags were found abandoned by both tourists and locals.
“They don’t think about it. The tide goes up and washes all the garbage into the bay, and you come here in the morning and you find all the garbage floating around,” SotoAguilar said.
Moving forward, city officials have increased monitoring from marine patrol units. They’ve also placed new signs in both English and Spanish on the sand for all to see.
A contracted vendor is also taking note of the debris collected.
“If you come here, you enjoy your day, you cook here with your family off the islands on your boat, please don’t leave your garbage on our island,” SotoAguilar said.
Even though all four spoil islands are back open for people to enjoy, people caught leaving trash behind will get a $250 civil citation. Those seen polluting again can face a fine up to $1,000.