Citizens, Community Leaders Gather to Oppose Offshore Drilling
Hands Across the Sand participants rally to protect South Florida’s environment, economy

Miami Beach, Florida- On Saturday, May 21, community members, elected officials and other civic leaders will gather at 5th Street on Miami Beach for the 12th annual Hands Across the Sand event to oppose offshore drilling, support clean, renewable energy, and protect South Florida’s aquatic environment and economy.

After a brief press conference with local elected officials, environmental and business leaders, hundreds of participants will line up along the shoreline at noon, drawing a line in the sand stretching several blocks.

This year’s event is especially timely because in the coming weeks, the Department of Interior is expected to release a proposed 5-Year Offshore Drilling Program. During his campaign, President Biden pledged to end new drilling, and Hands Across the Sand organizers — Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, and Urban Paradise Guild – are counting on the president to fulfill his promise.

An optional beach cleanup begins at 10 a.m., followed by a brief press conference at 11:30 a.m. Hands Across the Sand participants will line up along the waterline at 12 noon. There will be an optional paddle-out with Surfrider Foundation following the rally.

What: 12th Annual Miami Beach Hands Across the Sand event

When: Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m. (Rally at 12 noon)

Where: 5th Street on Miami Beach.

Oceana 
Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices around the world work to win strategic, directed campaigns that achieve measurable outcomes to make our oceans more biodiverse and abundant. 
Surfrider Foundation 
Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network. Surfrider affects change at a local level through community involvement and cooperation with local businesses, cities, and governments. 

Urban Paradise Guild
Urban Paradise Guild (UPG) is Miami’s oldest locally based Climate Active non-profit organization working to make our world a better place to live for people and wildlife. Founded in 2008, we are a guild of volunteers growing local knowledge, nurturing leaders through daily environmental work, and uniting our Climate Active community to protect South Florida from rising seas.