June 8, 2026 — As we celebrate World Ocean Day, we recognize the importance of our oceans and the responsibility we all share in protecting them. This day serves as a reminder of the impact that stewardship and sustainable practices can have on preserving ocean health for future generations.

Marine debris continues to threaten Florida’s waterways and marine life, damaging critical habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and posing risks to animals through injury and entanglement. Supporting marine debris removal efforts with FORCE BLUE and the National Park Foundation (NPF) is just one of the ways we are working to protect ocean ecosystems.

Much of this debris originates from land-based sources, carried by wind, rivers and stormwater runoff. Making matters worse, particularly in Florida, is the enormous amount of abandoned fishing lines, hooks, nets and traps that litter our reefs and piers.

Since 2024, donations made by customers and associates in Florida through our Good Together environmental campaign have facilitated the removal of marine debris to prevent damage to coral reef organisms and structures, and supported other efforts focused on protecting Florida’s waterways and coastlines. FORCE BLUE and NPF have utilized this funding to remove over 20,000 pounds of harmful marine debris, including discarded fishing gear, ropes, fishing line, various litter and even an abandoned vessel.

Other efforts we’ve supported include funding FORCE BLUE’s Quick Reaction Force, which allows the organization to quickly respond to environmental emergencies affecting Florida’s coastal and marine environments. Additionally, we’ve supported various coral reef restoration efforts through the NPF for the past four years. Through these projects, storm-damaged corals have been restored, diseased corals have received treatment, coral fragments have been outplanted, and over 36,000 pounds of marine debris have been removed from waterways and coastlines in Florida’s coastal national parks.

In total, more than 56,000 pounds of marine debris have been removed from Florida’s waterways and coastlines through our collective support. These efforts help protect Florida’s coral reefs, waterways and coastlines — benefiting marine wildlife while keeping beaches and coastal waters safer for communities.