Port Everglades gets shipshape

Thousands of containers and travelers flow through Florida's Port Everglades every day, keeping officials at the state's busiest containerport busy managing the logistics of international trade and cruise travel. But people and cargo aren't the only things moving through the Fort Lauderdale-area complex each day. The facility also handles large volumes of a less glamorous commodity—litter.

The trash is a natural consequence of running a bustling business center, but have no worry—port officials have a plan for handling this import, too. Every year, Port Everglades hosts a community service event at which volunteers are invited to transform recycled petroleum drums into decorative trash and recycling bins.

The port held its seventh event in May, awarding prizes in three age categories (kids, teens, and adults) for the most creative drums. During this year's paint party, artistically inclined participants created colorful cans bearing designs ranging from butterflies and Mickey Mouse to alligators and sea turtles.

The painting party was organized by HandsOn Broward, a community group that connects local residents with more than 600 area nonprofit agencies. During the awards ceremony, attendees learned about the economic impact Port Everglades has in the community as well as the contributions that mariners make in international trade and cruise travel.