Halloween-Themed Yappy Hour Returns to Miami Beach

Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is planning a new installment of its popular Halloween-themed Yappy Hour on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Flamingo Park. The free event will feature an all-new spooktacular pet costume competition while giving the city’s four-legged residents and their humans a chance to socialize and learn why the proper disposal of pet waste is important for clean neighborhoods and the health of Biscayne Bay and waterways.

“This event is a fun way to meet your neighbors, and a teachable moment to learn the importance of being a responsible pet owner,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Pet waste left on the ground can wash into Biscayne Bay and pose a threat to waterway quality throughout the city.”

This year’s Yappy Hour takes place from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in Flamingo Park at 13 Street and Michigan Avenue. The event also features free pet caricatures, a pet clothing swap, dog toy upcycling workshop and treats for humans and their furry family members alike. Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Mobile will offer free pet care services for the first hour of the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Remarks begin at 5:20 p.m. followed by the pet costume contest.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with environmental resource protection partners and water quality experts including:

- Ask the Arborist

- Biscayne National Park

- Debris Free Oceans

- Fertile Earthworm Farms

- Miami Waterkeepers

- University of Miami

“Yappy Hour is a great way to bring our community together and have some fun with our furry friends,” shared Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez. “It’s also a good reminder that little things, like picking up after our pets, can make a big difference in keeping Miami Beach clean and protecting Biscayne Bay.”

The three key messages related to the city’s We ♥ Biscayne Bay campaign are:

Don't be Ruff on the Bay: Pet waste can take a huge toll on the environment if not cleaned up and disposed of properly. If pet waste enters the waterways, it affects water quality because it contains bacteria as well as nitrogen and phosphorus that can deplete much-needed oxygen for marine life.

Don't Fertilize the Bay: Excessive or incorrect fertilizer usage has been found to lead to algal blooms. When it rains, fertilizers are carried as runoff into our waterways. Improper fertilizer use not only impacts our waterways but can also lead to long-term degradation of the soil.

Don't be Trashy: It is important for everyone to do their part in minimizing the amount of pollution that enters the city's vast system of streets, interconnected waterways and sensitive marine habitats. Litter that ends up on the street or ground can eventually make its way into bodies of water.

For more information on Yappy Hour, visit www.mbrisingabove.com/events. For information about the We ♥ Biscayne Bay campaign, visit www.mbrisinabove.com/biscaynebay.

What:  Yappy Hour

When: Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Flamingo Park, 13 Street and Michigan Avenue

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