(Black PR Wire) Aric Almirola, driver of the iconic #43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports, has joined the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Roadside Litter Prevention Education Media Campaign, entitled “Drive It Home ... Keep Our Paradise Litter-Free®.”

Driven to make a difference, Almirola is the perfect partner for the all-star team. A native of Tampa, Florida, he knows the importance of maintaining and enjoying beautiful landscapes along Florida’s highways.

“I am excited to be a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s anti-litter campaign,” said Almirola. “I look forward to working with FDOT to put the brakes on roadside litter and helping to keep Florida beautiful.”

Aric and the Richard Petty Motorsports team are working with the FDOT in support of the Roadside Litter Prevention Education Media Campaign. Part of the partnership support includes the production of a public service message for television, radio and print.

“We are delighted to have a Florida native NASCAR winner like Aric Almirola joining our roadside litter prevention education team,” said Jim Boxold, Secretary of Transportation. “Together, we will drive home the importance of not littering.”

Aric Almirola drives the No. 43 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Spring Cup Series. He began racing when he was only eight years old. At age 14, he began racing nationally. Almirola’s career continues to rise on the fast track, scoring his first Spring Cup race championship at the 2014 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

Richard Petty Motorsports is a two-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race team owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty and successful business entrepreneur, Andrew M. Murstein. A performace and marketing driven company, the team is one of the most recognized brands in all of motorsports with over 200 wins.

The state’s official Roadside Litter Prevention Education (RLPE) Media Campaign aims to reduce the incidence of littering on Florida highways, promote pride in the beauty of Florida’s landscapes and educate Florida motorists about the dangers and hazards of roadside litter. Built around the theme, “Drive It Home ... Keep Our Paradise Litter-Free®,” the campaign enlists professional and amateur athletes from a variety of sports, who appear in various media outlets including radio, television, outdoor and newsprint.

The campaign seeks to educate Floridians and visitors on litter issues and change their behavior by leveraging the influence of athletes portrayed in a high-visibility, multi-media campaign with television, radio and outdoor advertising components, as well as community events. The primary audience focus for the campaign will include driving motorists between the ages of 15 – 35.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is an executive agency, which reports directly to the Governor. FDOT’s primary statutory responsibility is to coordinate the planning and development of a safe, viable and balanced state transportation system serving all regions of the state, and to assure the compatibility of all components, including multimodal facilities. The multimodal transportation system includes roadway, air, rail, sea, spaceports, bus transit, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. FDOT has the multi-year Roadside Litter Prevention Education (RLPE) Media Campaign in an effort to support the beauty of Florida and maintain a place that residents can be proud of every day, every year.

For details and more information on the “Drive It Home ... Keep Our Paradise Litter-Free®” campaign, contact Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications at (305) 948-8063, ext. 201 or visit www.CleanFLroads.com.