Florida Keys Ocean Fest to Showcase Coral Restoration April 23
KEY WEST, Florida — The fragile marine environment surrounding the continental United States’ southernmost island chain is to be celebrated Saturday, April 23, with live music, environmental art, family-friendly activities and educational exhibits during Mote Marine Laboratory’s 10th Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration.
The free-admission event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park, located at the end of Southard Street near the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. The center is currently undergoing extensive renovations with new exhibits planned.
Marine life and underwater enthusiasts can explore conservation and environmental exhibits, “meet” live marine animals, experience touch tanks, purchase Keys-crafted wares from local artisans and test their skills at active amusements.
Music is to be provided by local favorites Emily Springsteen, Micah Gardner, Jason Lansom and Joal Rush.
Attendees also can enjoy foodstuffs from Courthouse Deli & Whit's Frozen Custard, Dirty South Dishes and others, and quench their thirst with craft beer from Florida Keys Brewing Co. and American Icon Brewery as well as rum from the Papa’s Pilar Distillery.
Artist Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo of Islamorada, Florida, internationally acclaimed for his brilliantly hued Keys ocean scenes and marine life, is to be the featured guest artist, presenting live demonstrations and painting techniques.
Scientists and researchers from Mote and other environmental organizations are to showcase exhibits and demonstrate how visitors and residents can help preserve the Keys’ marine environment. In the Keys, Mote oversees Lower Keys underwater coral nurseries, operates land-based coral nurseries on Summerland Key and Islamorada, and is developing a land-based nursery and underwater nurseries in Key Largo.
Proceeds and donations from the festival support Mote’s coral reef restoration and research. Founded in 1955, Mote is a nonprofit research organization based in Sarasota, Florida. Its Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration is located on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys.
Event information: mote.org/oceanfest
Environmental organizations are to showcase ways in which visitors and residents can help preserve the Keys’ marine environment. Image: Mike Papish
Proceeds and donations from the festival support Mote’s coral reef restoration and research.