By Ashley Ferraro
Over decades of solo dives along South Florida’s coastline, Parkland resident and local business owner Mike Squillace has pulled roughly a metric ton of lead and thousands of pounds of aluminum from local reefs.
“Everything we drop out there ends up somewhere,” Mike said. “The lead, the aluminum, even the acid from old phone batteries—it all breaks down and settles into the reef. The little fish eat it, then the bigger fish eat them, and before long, it’s in us.”
To address this, together with Justin Spute, Mike established Reef Boyz, a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on reef restoration, marine and beach cleanups, and pollution awareness.
“I’ve spent decades in the water seeing the damage firsthand, and now I want to make sure the next generation has a chance to fix what’s still worth saving,” said Mike.
Mike’s brother, Dan Squillace, and Justin’s father, Chris Spute, also play active roles in the everyday operations of Reef Boyz, creating a foundation built on family. The organization secured its 501(c)(3) status earlier this year, made possible with accounting services from David Crammer and legal guidance from Mark Kesten.
Recent Reef Boys events include cleanups in Vero Beach, Dania Beach, and Pompano Beach. The largest to date partnered with Grandview Preparatory School in Boca Raton, where nearly 90 students participated in a morning shoreline cleanup. Mike ensures that volunteers use bamboo grabbers and buckets instead of plastic tools, emphasizing sustainability at every stage.
Reef Boys combines education with action. The nonprofit partners with schools to engage students in hands-on learning, helping them understand how everyday litter connects to marine health. For on-water cleanups, Mike and other trained divers take part in more technical removals.
Reef Boyz’s statewide efforts already reach communities from Miami to Melbourne, with plans to expand its impact globally. By 2030, the organization aims to establish 300 cleanup teams across the United States, prioritizing veteran-run chapters and youth involvement.
The Reef Boyz team envisions a world where coral reefs and major wildlife sanctuaries are free from consumer debris, with corporations held accountable for their impact by contributing to restoration and cleanup efforts.
However, “charity starts at home,” Mike said. “We have to begin right here in our own waters before we can expect anyone else to care.”
Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals, families, schools, and civic groups. The next community cleanup is planned for December, with details to be announced on Reef Boyz’s social media (@reefboyzfoundation on Instagram).
Community support plays a central role in making this work possible. Early sponsors and contributors include Interstate Battery (Jana & Rob Cannoni), Charles Pence, Fort Lauderdale Landscaping, and All Terrain Landscaping.
Reef Boyz continues to welcome new sponsors and individual donors to help fund equipment, transportation, and other operational needs that keep local cleanup events running year-round. Visit www.thereefboyz.com to donate, become a sponsor, or learn more.
Outside of his nonprofit work, Mike owns All Terrain Landscaping, a five-star local nursery and landscape design company based in Parkland. His background as a botanist and landscaper complements his environmental mission, reflecting a lifelong commitment to preserving Florida’s natural spaces.
