As Miami continues to evolve, so does the role of its hometown institutions. The Tank Brewing Co. has built its identity around an unfiltered view of the city, honoring its neighborhoods, its people, and the natural landscapes that define South Florida beyond the beaches. With the launch of a new partnership with the Alliance for Florida’s National Parks, the brewery is extending that vision into environmental conservation through its Shark Valley IPA, supporting education and preservation efforts in Everglades National Park.
In this interview, Stefano Medina, Marketing Manager at The Tank Brewing Co., and Lulu Vivas, CEO of the Alliance for Florida’s National Parks, discuss how this collaboration came to life, the shared values behind it, and how conservation, community, and an unfiltered vision of Miami are coming together one can, one event, and one conversation at a time.
The Tank Brewing Co. has always emphasized its roots in Miami. Why did supporting Shark Valley and Everglades National Park feel like a natural next step for the brewery?
Stefano Medina (Marketing Manager): Supporting Shark Valley and Everglades National Park felt natural because these landscapes are part of the real Miami, the Miami beyond the skyline and beaches. They’re a defining part of who we are as Floridians. Our brewery has always been inspired by the outdoors, by local culture, and by the places that make our community unique. Partnering with The Alliance for Florida National Parks allows us to honor that connection and help protect one of the most important ecosystems in the world, right in our backyard.
How do you see this collaboration educating consumers about Florida’s national parks, especially for locals who may take these landscapes for granted?
SM: Many locals grow up knowing of the Everglades but not truly understanding how delicate, vital, and irreplaceable they are. Putting Shark Valley front and center on a can creates a conversation starter, a way to reintroduce people to the natural beauty that surrounds them, which is far more than just beaches. Every can is a reminder that these parks are not just tourist attractions; they’re living, breathing ecosystems that need our attention and support.
Lulu Vivas (Chief Executive Officer, The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks): This collaboration turns a simple purchase into a conversation about conservation. It sparks curiosity and invites consumers to learn more about the parks in their own backyard. For many locals, these landscapes are familiar yet underappreciated. Through this partnership, we’re reminding people that the Everglades and other national parks are not just scenic; they’re vital ecosystems worth protecting. It’s an opportunity to transform awareness into action, inspiring residents to explore, engage, and advocate for these natural treasures.
From a values’ standpoint, what do The Tank Brewing Co. and the Alliance for Florida’s National Parks share that made this partnership work?
SM: We share a deep belief in taking care of the places and the people that shape our community. The Alliance works every day to preserve Florida’s wild spaces, and we work every day to uplift the community around us. Both organizations are rooted in authenticity, education, and long-term impact. That alignment made the partnership feel effortless.
LV: The Tank Brewing Co. shares our commitment to celebrating South Florida’s unique identity. Their rebranding of Shark Valley IPA as a tribute to the Everglades aligns perfectly with our mission to protect these extraordinary places. Both organizations value authenticity, local culture, and community engagement. By collaborating, we amplify those values and show that conservation isn’t just a cause; it’s a shared responsibility that can be woven into everyday experiences, like enjoying a local craft beer.
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The partnership launches alongside your Unfilter Miami brand transformation. How does environmental conservation connect with this idea of showing the city as it truly is?
SM: “Unfilter Miami” is about celebrating the city without the glossy edits. It's about the vibrant neighborhoods, the grit, the cultural richness, and the natural world that surrounds it. The Everglades are part of the true Miami story. When you strip away the filters, you discover a city built not only on nightlife and beaches, but on ecosystems unlike anywhere else. Protecting those spaces is part of embracing Miami’s real identity.
This partnership follows initiatives like TANKSgiving with United Way Miami and the Tank Beer Run benefiting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. How do you choose which causes to support?
SM: We focus on causes that align with who we are: community-driven, locally meaningful, and impact-oriented. We look for partnerships that allow us to do more than write a check. We want to bring people together, raise awareness, and create experiences that uplift Miami in many ways. If it helps families, strengthens the community, or protects the city’s future, it aligns with our mission.
Looking back at “TANKSgiving,” what stood out most to you about how the Miami community showed up for local families?
SM: What stood out most was the generosity. This community always shows up ready to help in whatever way they can. It was a powerful reminder of how Miami comes together when it matters.
The Tank Beer Run is now in its ninth year, and this year it benefited Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. What has it meant to watch this event grow from a brewery run into a citywide tradition, and what has its evolution taught you about Miami’s willingness to rally around community causes?
SM: Watching the Tank Beer Run grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences in our history. It started as a small, local run and has turned into a Miami staple. Something people look forward to every year. Its evolution shows that Miami is always looking to rally behind meaningful causes, especially when you create a space where community, health, and celebration meet. The city wants to give back, it just needs platforms that make it easy and enjoyable to do so.
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How does your team internally respond to these initiatives? Does philanthropy influence the culture inside the brewery as well?
SM: Absolutely. Our team takes pride in knowing that what we do extends beyond beer. These initiatives give purpose to our work and bring the staff together in a deeper way. When you see firsthand that your efforts are helping local families or protecting natural spaces, it becomes part of your identity. Philanthropy has become a cornerstone of our internal culture, and there's still much more to come.
Looking forward, how do you envision The Tank Brewing Co.’s role in shaping a more connected and socially conscious Miami?
SM: We want to continue being a bridge between businesses and nonprofits, between locals and the outdoors, between culture and community impact. Our goal is to use our platform to inspire action and connection, whether through partnerships, events, or storytelling. As Miami continues to grow, we at The Tank want to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of its people or its environment.
If there’s one thing you hope Miami locals take away when they pick up a can of Shark Valley IPA, what would it be?
SM: This beer represents something bigger than hops and flavor. It’s a reminder that Miami’s greatest treasures are the ones we sometimes overlook, and that protecting them starts with awareness. If picking up a Shark Valley IPA makes someone feel a little more connected to this city and a little more proud of where they live, then we’ve accomplished our mission.
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