FORCE BLUE Teams with Publix to Clean Up the Keys

Utilizing funds raised through a register campaign that Publix Supermarkets conducted in more than 900 of its Florida stores last year, FORCE BLUE veterans returned to the Florida Keys for a week-long marine debris removal operation in June.

Working with Silent World Dive Center, 10 Special Operations veterans from FORCE BLUE conducted 99 dives off the coast of Key Largo, removing 1,740 pounds of marine debris, including several anchors and chains, fishing line and gear, as well as multiple derelict lobster traps, some of which were found to be “ghost fishing” local species.

The mission marked the fourth of what will likely be eight marine debris removal operations conducted by FORCE BLUE in support of Publix’s environmental efforts in 2026.