Florida Keys Ocean Festival

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 2019 • KEY WEST TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF CORAL REEF RESTORATION PROGRAMS AT MOTE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

With over 30 years of service, the Galleon Resort & Marina will make your vacation a cherished memory.

800-544-3030 • 305-296-7711 • 617 Front Street, Key West, FL www.galleonresort.com

Building with PRIDE, built with CHARACTER

CONTENTS 6 7 10

SERVICES Custom Homes Remodels Demolition Work Docks and Marinas

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Letter from the President Full Schedule Lots to do at Truman Waterfront Park Mentor Artist Wyland paints live and teaches kids

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Drive the Change Special Mote Lab license plate

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About Mote Mote’s past and future

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Our Staff The people behind Mote

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Challenges A look at coral disease New Partners Mote teams up with Keys History and Discovery Center Cheers New beer for Ocean Fest: “The Resistant Strain” Map of the Grounds Explore Ocean Fest

ABOUT THIS ISSUE Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor Sarah Thomas sthomas@keysweekly.com Account Executives Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Evan Schaffer evan@keysweekly.com Nola Acker nola@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Hays Blinckmann hays@keysweekly.com Jim McCarthy Jim@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Art/Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

The Weekly would like to extend special thanks to Allison Delashmit and Olivia Hammon for their help on this magazine.

Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 P. 305.743.0844 Key West Office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 P. 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com Tavernier Office 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 P. 305. 363.2957

We are excited to join together with all of you, our Florida Keys community, for Mote’s 9th annual Ocean Fest on Saturday, April 13, in Key West! As the third-largest barrier coral reef on the planet, the Florida’s Reef Tract is invaluable. There is much to celebrate, and there is also a great deal of urgent information to share about our treasured coral reef and connected marine and costal ecosystems in the Florida Keys. The coral reefs of the Keys supports more than 70,000 jobs, fuel a greater than $6 billion economy and provide Mother Nature’s coastal resiliency from wave energy and storm impacts in our hurricane-prone region.

As you read this, Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are responding to an unprecedented, multi-year outbreak of a new coral disease assaulting the last vestiges of a once-vibrant barrier reef ecosystem in the Florida Keys — stony coral tissue loss disease.

From the rapid progression, widespread nature and high mortality rates of the disease, it’s clear that conservation efforts alone cannot solve this dilemma.

Therefore, Mote is leading a bold paradigm-changing, sciencebased, coral disease response and restoration initiative to bring back to life a vibrant and self-perpetuating “rainforest of the sea,” starting now and continuing for the next decade.

Mote, a Florida-based, independent, nonprofit, global marine research institution, has an innovative approach using coral restoration techniques that can ”re-skin” a dead, 100-year old coral skeleton in just two years with living tissue from native coral strains resilient to the impacts of disease, warming waters and ocean acidification. Our team has already planted more than 43,000 corals onto Florida’s reefs, and we plan on planting an additional 70,000 over the next few years.

Our facility on Summerland Key, The Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3), is a stateof-the-art research facility complete with molecular and microbiology labs, two indoor wet labs, a land-based nursery growing thousands of coral fragments, and dedicated indoor and outdoor labs to mimic future scenarios of increasing ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. This facility is operated by an incredibly dedicated Mote science staff with five resident PhDlevel researchers and dozens of visiting scientists from around the world working together nearly around the clock to help scale up our research and restoration efforts.

In addition to the coral disease outbreak, 2018 proved to be a challenging year for our ocean overall; an unusually intense and prolonged red tide persisted along Southwest Florida, causing heartbreaking marinelife mortalities and significant impacts to Gulf Coast economies.

In October, Mote, which has led innovative red tide research for decades, announced a major step toward realizing a vision for addressing Florida red tide: a generous philanthropic investment from The Andrew and Judith Economos Charitable Foundation to establish and support the first year’s operations for the Red Tide Institute at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Between red tide, coral disease and numerous other challenges to a sustainably healthy ocean biome that Mote is addressing each day, we are more resolved than ever to achieve our mission, serving as a champion for our oceans through passion for science, innovation and partnerships with all who share our vision. The needs are great, but we are up for the challenge.

Learn about all the ways you can help by visiting our booth during Ocean Fest, and visit mote.org for more information.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael P. Crosby President & CEO Mote Marine Lab

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

OPEN FOR LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! 11AM – 10PM DAILY

SCHEDULE

VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR 10 YEARS IN A ROW &BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE!

COME CHECK US OUT FOR THE BEST HAPPY HOUR IN MARATHON OR LISTEN TO SOME GREAT LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava, French Toast, Crab Benedict & BOGO Mimosas and Glasses of Champagne 11am - 4pm SATURDAY, APRIL 13 KEY WEST @Truman Waterfront Park 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Mote’s Ocean Fest 2019 begins with a live broadcast by Pirate Radio 10:45 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

• Adrienne Z music performance on the stage 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Wyland’s Art Studio opens with Kids’ Painting 11:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m.

• Jean Paul & Special Guest performance on the stage 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

• Leah Sutter performance on the stage 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

• Interactive Kids’ Art Lesson with Wyland at the Wyland tent 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

• Dave Feder performance on the stage 3:30 p.m.

• Howard Livingston & the MM 24 Band performance with Wyland painting LIVE on stage 4:30 p.m.

• Live Auction on stage with Wyland 5 p.m.

• Festival concludes Directions to Truman Waterfront Park: In Old Town Key West, follow Southard Street (it’s one way) to the end. When you reach the ocean and the fun, stop.

SUNDAY NIGHT!

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Fried Green Tomato B.L.T. Wood-Fired Pizzas

LIVE MUSIC

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50% MOTE BY THE NUMBERS

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Mote’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration has taken place in Key West 8 times. Last year, Mote had its inaugural ocean fest at Founders Park in Islamorada.

50 percent of marine animals, plants and other organisms in Florida’s saltwater environment depend on coral reefs or derive benefit from reefs during their lifecycles.

95%

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Over the last 40 years Florida has witnessed losses of more than 90 percent of indigenous coral coverage in some areas.

The first-year survival rate for corals Mote has restored to reefs exceeds 95 percent.

$14,000,000 Our Protect our Reefs Grants program (funded by our Protect our Reefs License Plate sales) has provided more than $14 million in funding support for over 100 projects that support ocean and reef education and restoration programs.

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

100 raceways (tanks at our land-based nursery where coral grow) on the property of Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration on Summerland Key.

40 45,000 Mote has outplanted over 45,000 corals since 2012.

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40 times faster - the accelerated rate of which corals grow once they’ve been microfragmented.

Three new tanks to see at the Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center on the property of the Islander Resort in Islamorada.

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By Sarah Thomas

WYLAND PAINTS LIVE In the 1980s, Wyland began his lifelong calling of bringing the beauty of the ocean onto the land. His massive, otherworldly marine murals were at first impossible to ignore—then they became iconic. His work went from gracing buildings in Florida, California and Hawaii, to gracing massive hulls of cruise ships and galleries around the world.

Wyland’s art shows and collectors span over 100 countries, and he’s been recognized by organizations like the United Nations and the legendary Explorer’s Club. As official artist for the U.S. Olympic team, he has created large-scale art events for the Vancouver and Beijing Olympics, including his famed “Hands Across the Ocean,” an approximately mile-long series of canvasses painted with kids from over 100 countries for the Beijing Olympics.

Though his renown as an artist precedes him, perhaps his true lifelong mission is his work as a conservationist. Icon in the environmental forefront Al Gore has said “Wyland is leading the front in water conservation.”

As a longtime diver and conservationist, Wyland has sought to use his fantastic art as a vessel for education and awareness. The Wyland Foundation

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

uses art and science education to bring kids into the international conversation about conservation and sustainability.

“Today, we see a much larger picture. To the whales and the other species we care about, it starts with improving the health of the entire planet,” Wyland has said. His foundation focuses on the health of wetland and marine life in oceans, rivers, streams and lakes the world over. As part of his commitment, Wyland has painted with over one million kids in all 50 states and many countries around the world.

Mote Marine Laboratory and the people of Key West are thrilled to welcome Wyland back to the island for Ocean Fest 2019.

Wyland has said, “The beauty that I see in the Florida Keys, one of the premiere dive destinations on the planet, is reflected in all my paintings, sculptures and murals.” He will be bringing that spirit to the kids of the Keys during Ocean Fest.

On Saturday, April 13, Wyland will host two sessions of interactive kids’ art lessons at the Wyland tent at Ocean Fest: from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2 to 3 p.m. Wyland is committed to encouraging and educating the next generation through creative expression. For the adults? Wyland will be painting live onstage, accompanied by Howard Livingston and the MM 24 Band at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Don’t miss seeing the man whose murals have, for over 30 years, offered us a glimpse into the wonder of the water that surrounds us.

Learn more at wylandfoundation.org

A&B MARINA

DRIVE THE CHANGE The Protect Our Reefs license plate is one of 126 specialty license plates available in the state of Florida and it is, without question, the single most important plate we have on the road today when it comes to the future of our oceans, both here in South Florida and throughout the world. The Protect Our Reefs plate is the 9th ranked and earned over $14.1 million since inception in 2004.

The Protect Our Reefs license plate not only supports coral reef restoration, research, and education, it also supports the FLORIDA REEF LICENSE PLATE very foundation of the entire • Created: 2004 marine ecosystem. With as much • Plate annual fee: $25 (100% as 25 percent of all marine life goes to Mote) dependent on coral reefs at some • Overall State Sales Ranking: point during their life cycle, reefs 9th of 126 become the feeding, breeding, and • Funds Raised through 2018: sanctuary areas for fish, dolphins, $14.1 million sea turtles, crabs, lobsters, • Where the money goes: coral and more. Coral reefs are the reef restoration and research cornerstone of healthy oceans programs 37.5%; grants 37.5%; and when reefs are in decline, it marketing and outreach 10%; spells trouble for the rest of the and administration: 15% animals that depend on them.

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

There are more than 38,000 active Protect Our Reefs license plates currently on the road today and the plates can be found on cars, trucks and boat trailers in all 67 Florida counties. Regardless of where a Protect Our Reefs plate is sold in the State of Florida, 100 percent of the annual $25 donation from each plate sale comes directly to Mote’s work in the Florida Keys. Mote has also given over $4.6 million in competitive grants. Mote shares a portion of the money through a competitive grants program with Florida colleges, universities, and research institutions such as UF, UM, USF, UCG, FWC, Smithsonian, NOVA Southeastern, Reef Relief, REEF, The Nature Conservancy, and more. These grants are targeted towards fostering scientific research partnerships and collaborations with organizations performing related work in the field of coral reef science, restoration, and education.

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By JIM McCARTHY

THE FACTS ABOUT MOTE Urgent issues on the ocean await action. At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, scientists, explorers and ocean stewards are working each day to find answers in an effort to enhance the environment for generations to come.

Mote is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution made up of renowned scientists who believe that conservation and sustainable use of oceans originates with research and education.

Beginning as a tiny shed in a small town, Mote’s efforts have expanded to include a gamut of programs, campuses and outreach.

What began as a small operation in a one-room building on Florida’s west coast has grown exponentially. Mote was founded on three basic principles: passion, philanthropy and partnership.

Mote has six locations throughout Florida: 1. Primary Research Campus & Aquarium in Sarasota 2. Aquaculture Research Park in eastern Sarasota County 3. Outreach Office in Boca Grande 4. Living Reef Public Exhibit: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center in Key West 5. The Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration on Summerland Key 6. Coral Reef Exploration Public Exhibit: Florida Keys History and Discovery Center in Islamorada. Mote Lab earned the first LEED Gold Commercial certification in Monroe County for the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration. Mote has more than 200 staff members including more than 30 Ph.D. scientists. Mote scientists were ranked #2 on the top 10 most research-productive Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) members by total publications from 1933 to 2013 in FACETS Journal.

Originally focused on sharks, Mote’s research grew to include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment.

MOTE IN THE KEYS In the Keys, Mote has the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center in Key West. Inside, visitors can view the Mote Living Reef Exhibit that educates on the public and private collaborations to tackle complex issues of preservation and enhancing the marine environment. The exhibits are comprised of interactive displays and live animals that highlight the reef environment and the work of Mote scientists. The center, located at 33 East Quay St., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MOTE’S HISTORY Mote was founded in Placida, Florida in 1955 by Dr. Eugenie Clark, famous for her work with sharks, and it was originally called the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory. The lab was later renamed to honor William R. Mote and the contributions his family and he made that helped them grow in size and reputation.

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

Where everyone is treated like a local!

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Also in the Keys is Mote’s International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration.

Located in the Lower Keys, the center is located with easy access to a variety of habitats including reefs, sea-grass meadows, mangrove forests and communities. Research and education programs conducted at the center include coral reef restoration, coral reef science and monitoring, marine aquaculture research and ocean acidification.

Education programs engage students in science and learning locally, nationally and internationally, thus creating a more ocean literate society. Mote offers summer camps in Sarasota and on Summerland Key. For more information, visit: mote.org/ summercamp.

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Get to Know Mote Our Staff

Science Director of Elizabeth Moore International Center of Coral Reef Research or Restoration & Program Manager of Coral Health & Disease at Mote Dr. Erinn Muller Coral Reef Restoration Program Team Chris Page Sarah Hamlyn Zach Craig Aquarists at Public Exhibits Laura Cannella - Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Key West Genevieve Schave - Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Center, Key West Blake Terry - Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada Operations and Administration Brian Richard II - Facilities/Operations Kyle Knoblock - Facilities/Operations Edina Kilpatrick - Administrative & Housing Coordinator

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

Education and Outreach Robin Serabia - Education Allison Delashmit - Community Relations & Communications Manager Ocean Acidification Team Dr. Emily Hall - Program Manager, Ocean Acidification Alexandra Fine Coral Reef Monitoring and Assessment Team Erich Bartels - Program Manager Cory Walter Shelby Luce Joe Kuehl Next-Generation Scientists: Dr. Rob Nowicki - Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Community Ecologist Dr. Heather Page - Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Ocean Acidification Dr. Hanna Koch - Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Coral Resiliency Dr. Abigail Clark - Coral Health and Disease For community relations, contact Allison Delashmit: allisond@mote.org

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Mote's Dr. Erinn Muller discusses coral health and disease with Senator Marco Rubio in February 2019.

CONOR GOULDING/Mote Marine Laboratory

By Hayley Rutger

MOTE BATTLES UNPRECEDENTED THREAT TO FLORIDA’S CORAL REEFS New research results, expanded restoration efforts target stony coral tissue loss outbreak

Florida’s coral reefs are facing an unprecedented, deadly and rapidly spreading coral disease outbreak — putting them at risk of functional extinction — and Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are accelerating their innovative efforts to secure the reefs’ future.

As of March 2019, stony coral tissue loss disease is plaguing nearly half the coral species on the Florida Reef Tract, with mortality rates frequently exceeding 80 percent. The outbreak stretches from Martin County to Key West, with potentially similar disease signs being investigated at other Caribbean reefs.

Susceptible corals include maze, brain, boulder and other species groups that form the essential foundations of the Florida Reef Tract, an economic engine worth $8.5 billion and supporting 70,400 jobs.

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Recognizing these high stakes, scientists at Mote — an independent, nonprofit institution — are raising the bar on disease research and responsive reef restoration, as leaders within a state-federalnongovernment Disease Advisory Committee of more than three dozen partners focused on the outbreak. As of March 2019, Mote is: undertaking the first year of its new Florida Keys Coral Disease Response & Restoration Initiative; taking care of rescued coral fragments from sites ahead of the disease front and initiating longerterm coral gene banking efforts; reporting its new research results on bacterial changes in the infected corals; and implementing and evaluating science-based coral restoration as a key recovery strategy, with Mote co-leading a multi-institution Restoration Trials Team. On April 13, residents and visitors alike can meet Mote scientists on the front lines of the disease response effort during Mote’s Ocean Fest.

Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration has done considerable research and provided updates on their efforts. In each effort, Mote is coordinating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and others.

“There is no stopping this coral plague from running its course — it is highly unlikely that our devastated coral populations will be able to execute a natural recovery on their own,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “That means conservation strategies alone cannot solve this dilemma. Mote has proposed a bold science-based coral disease response and restoration initiative that is essential to actively assist the recovery of this ecosystem. The Florida Legislature is currently considering a $2 million request for launching our proposed collaborative initiative, and Senator Marco Rubio was instrumental in recently shepherding a Congressional $5 million addition to NOAA’s budget to help support our initiative to respond to this environmental disaster.”

Operating Since 2004

Dr. Erinn Muller, IC2R3 Science Director and Manger of Mote’s Coral Health & Disease Research Program, is leading Mote’s pursuit of those sciencebased solutions. “We are screening our native coral genotypes for resistance to stressors, and we have some genotypes highly resistant to stony coral tissue loss disease,” Muller said. “Through restoration, we now have the power to incorporate that trait within our population, along with genetic diversity to ensure resistance to a variety of stressors. Now is a critical time. Either we’re going to lose our coral reefs in the next decade, or were going to make sure they survive and continue the functions that are so critical for our livelihoods and our wellbeing.”

One way Mote fights coral loss from coral disease is by outplanting coral on depleted reefs.

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“Mote is one of several dedicated organizations in Florida taking the lead in ensuring the Florida Reef Tract will be enjoyed by future generations,” said Senator Rubio. “Floridians are grateful for the expertise and passion Mote researchers bring to their work, and I know Mote will make a meaningful difference with the unprecedented federal resources for the restoration of our reefs that I secured as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. South Florida’s economy depends on it.”

“Our reefs are a vital resource for many of our Florida communities and we must take bold steps to respond to coral disease and protect this vital ecosystem,” said State Representative Holly Raschein, District 120. “Mote’s valuable work has never been more important in ensuring that we use sound science-based solutions to ensure that we can restore and protect our reefs, for our residents, tourists and future generations.”

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that Mote is leading,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote. “The Florida Keys coral reefs are a national and international treasure, and Mote looks forward to working closely with the Discovery Center as we expand our local community outreach and partnerships in the Keys.”

EXPLORE THE REEF A partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys History and Discovery Center has made the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit reality.

A comprehensive exhibit showcasing the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys has landed permanently at Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82, Oceanside in Islamorada. The exhibit features three aquariums, educational storyboards, interactive kiosks, video monitors and a game for children. The exhibit provides a beautiful and educational view of the unique coral reef ecosystem and the challenges it faces.

The largest of the aquariums, at 1,250 gallons, showcases species making their home around the Florida Keys coral reefs, including angelfish, butterfly fish, tangs and wrasse. Guests to the Discovery Center can get up close and personal with invasive lionfish in a 280-gallon aquarium, and check out live coral, crustaceans and reef fish living in a second 280-gallon aquarium.

“Much of the culture, economy and physical existence of the Florida Keys are intimately linked to coral reefs that are unfortunately facing threats of extinction. Mote is pleased to partner with the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation to present this new exhibit that will help share the history and importance of ensuring the long-term vitality of the Keys through innovative coral research and restoration

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

Located in the heart of Islamorada, the addition of the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit allows the Foundation to fulfill the mission of 'discovery' within the only bricks-and-mortar history & discovery center in the Upper Keys. Mote brings this engaging and educational exhibit to life.

“The creation of this extensive exhibit for our community is a game changer for the Keys History & Discovery Center,” said Foundation President Rich Russell.

“Our goals within our mission ‘to support a world-class history and discovery center’ have reached new heights with this permanent addition.” This $250,000 project

was funded in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and through in-kind contributions from Mote, including annual maintenance and upkeep.

An additional $171,000 was raised through a capital campaign to cover the costs of the project.

About Keys History & Discovery Center: Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. In addition to permanent exhibits on subjects such as Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, Legends of the Line, and First People, the Discovery Center offers a lecture series, educating the public through presentations from a variety of expert speakers.

The center, on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The center is operated by the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which formed in 2013 for this purpose.

The not-for-profit organization’s board of directors is comprised of community-minded volunteers with a passion for preserving and sharing the unique history and environment of the Florida Keys.

Top Left: Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby watches in pride as 23-month-old Violet Muir shows her excitement for the new exhibit. Violet is the daughter of Erin Muir, the Foundation’s Events & Membership Manager. CONTRIBUTED/MOTE Top Right: Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby chats with Islander Resort owners David and Annette Curry. CONTRIBUTED/MOTE

N O E L S K I BA PA I N T S AWARD WINNING KEYS COLORS

Painting on location from Key West, Big Pine, Islamorada to Mackinac Island Galleries, Shows & Events

Commissions Available

616-951-2524 616-309-6413 noelskiba@me.com Come watch me paint awesome art! www.NoelSkiba.com

God Bless You

SUMMER CAM P ndation Pigeon Key Fou

ce Center & Marine Scien

Starts at $350 per Session

Solar-Powered Accommodations

Overnight campers are housed on-island in our three historical dormitories.

Dorms include bunk style sleeping arrangements, bedding, full bath facilities, air conditioning and more.

On a

• Fishing Secluded • Campfires Island!

• Dissections • Field & Water Games • Underwater Obstacle Course • Reef Fish Identification • Invertebrate Lab & Touch Tanks • Snorkeling around Pigeon Key and at Sombrero Reef

2019 Dates

July 8-12 - Day Only July 15-19 - Day & Overnight July 22-26 - Overnight Only July 29 - August 2 - Day Only Day: 8-16yrs ~ Overnight 10-16yrs Day Camp 9am - 5pm

Questions?

Contact Casey@PigeonKey.net 860-961-1982 • www.facebook.com/PKFMSC

DOWNLOAD YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS TODAY AT WWW.PIGEONKEY.NET

Rehabilitation • Research • Release

Planet Earth’s leading sea turtle research and rehabilitation facility Education Center open daily from 9a - 6p

Limited space, call (305) 743-2552 for reservations

Est. 1986 2396 Overseas Highway.

MM 48.5 (Gulf ), Marathon FL www.turtlehospital.org

keysoceanfest.org 21

By Jim McCarthy

THE RESISTANT STRAIN Florida Keys Brewing and Mote partner for new beer

A new beer named in support of the cause to find coral strains immune to disease will debut when Mote’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration comes to Truman Waterfront Park in Key West on Saturday, April 13.

Florida Keys Brewing Co., located near MM 81, Oceanside, in Islamorada is partnering with Mote Marine Laboratory for the release of the beverage known as “The Resistant Strain.” Florida Keys Brewing Co. owners Craig and Cheryl McBay say it’s a beer made with double hibiscus kolsch with a hint of locally sourced honey.

“It’s a lighter beer with a vibrant pink hue, and it is delicious,” Cheryl says. “It’s very similar to the local favorite, Iguana Bait, but with a little more hibiscus punch.”

Proceeds from beer sales will help identify resistant, native coral strains immune to the disease that’s killing off local stony corals all while bringing more awareness to the issue. At Florida Keys Brewing Co, Cheryl says they collaborate with all local reef not for profits.

“Florida Keys Brewing and its staff are all a bunch of fun-loving hippies who want to help protect our reefs,” she said. “We especially love what Mote is doing. Our reefs are incredibly important, and we will do anything to help protect them.”

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

Born and raised in Islamorada, Cheryl grew up snorkeling, fishing and enjoying the beautiful reefs.

Now that she has kids, she hopes they have the same, amazing experience that she had growing up.

“Mote is trying to make this possible for years to come,” she said. “Mote is doing some amazing work and we all need to support them. We all need to pay a little more attention to our most valuable attraction in the Florida Keys, the reef!”

Florida Keys Brewing Co. is “over the moon excited” for the fun and education experience that Mote’s Ocean Fest is bringing. Following the beer’s debut at the festival, the Resistant Strain will be available in the taproom at Florida Keys Brewing Co. For more information about Florida Keys Brewing, visit floridakeysbrewingco.com.

For more information about Mote’s coral health and disease research, visit mote.org/research.

TWO FRIENDS. ONE OCEAN. SAVING OUR WATERS TOGETHER.

O D S PAT I N E I R F TWO WNERS O T N A R R E S TA U HUGHES A R U A &M DANNY

OLD KEY WEST WITH A TWIST OF SOMETHING NEW. A KEY WEST ICON SINCE 1886.

512 Front Street • www.twofriends.com • 305.296.3124 keysoceanfest.org 23

Protecting Human & Hawksbill Habitats Through Advanced Wastewater Treatment

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

FKAA.COM

EVERY DAY

AND KEEP OUR OCEANS BLUE Waste Management Is a Proud Supporter of Mote Marine Laboratory’s 2019 Ocean Fest.

TOGETHER, WE ALL CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. keysoceanfest.org 25

E AT Experience “dockn-dine” at its finest. From casual to upscale - two restaurants with cocktails flowing at our water’s edge.

S TAY Treat yourself to a stay at the Perry Hotel Key West and experience worldclass comfort and amenities.

P L AY Fuel up for less and get cruising.

Find the highest quality fuel for the lowest prices anywhere in Key West. Every day.

visit stockislandmarina.com

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7 0 0 5 S H R I M P R OA D, S TO C K I S L A N D • 3 0 5 - 2 9 4 - 2 2 8 8 24° 33’ 53.09” N 81° 44’ 09.66” W

2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

Key West ’s Premier

W at e r f r o n t D i n i n g Experience

F I N E WAT E R F R O N T D I N I N G • 7 0 0 F R O N T S T • A A N D B L O B S T E R H O U S E . C O M

can you keep A secret?

F I N E L I Q U O R S & C R A F T C O C K TA I L S

stowaways & renegades welcome

7 0 0 F R O N T S T • B E R L I N S K E Y W E S T. C O M

K E Y W E S T H I S T O R I C S E A P O R T • 7 0 0 F R O N T S T R E E T • 3 0keysoceanfest.org 5 - 2 9 4 - 5 8 8270

WA TER WELCOME TENT

PARKING

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

DIN

L

NA O ITI G D N AD RKI PA

NIG

TEN

T

BEE

R

FO OD

TR

UC

KS

9TH FLORIDA KEYS OCEAN FEST

ARTISAN VENDORS & NON-PROFIT EXHIBITORS

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 - KEY WEST @ TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK

KIDS ZONE

STA GE

WYLAND

PARKING

WELCOME TENT

ARTISAN VENDOR Keez Beez LLC Art from the Start Key Largo Handcrafted Cocky Key West Forever Salty Jewelry Sotey Jackson Ocean Art Island Girl Designs Washed Up Key West Island Art Blue Marble Concepts Forever Salty Jewelry Splash Soap Company Patty Reynolds Jewelry Designs Kassy B Fine Art Treasures from the sea Lionfish Jewekry Up The Keys Eco Tours Amber Rose Face Painting Divers Direct Jesse James / Luv Nellie Noel Skiba Anne’s Artsy Antics Floridafied Can Can Couture Studio Aquaria Perry Hotel Svea Seredin CrazyFaces FacePainting & BodyArt EXHIBITOR Save-A-Turtle The Turtle Hospital Bahia Honda State Park Key West Mermaid Festival Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters/ R3EACH MFMHS, Inc. The Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center Florida FWC Dolphin Research Center Ft Zachary Taylor State Park FKNMS DiveN2Life Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Seacamp Association, Inc NOAA / National Weather Service History of Diving Museum Key West Aquarium Mote Marine Laboratory Research Mote Marine Laboratory - RAPS program Florida Keys Energy FOOD & BEVERAGE MONA’s Reggae Catering Flamingo Street JB’s Pealla Florida Keys Brewing Company Waterfront Brewery Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Irie Island Eats Island Thyme Catering SPONSORS The Galleon Florida Keys Brewing Company Waterfront Brewery The Keys Weekly The Perry Hotel 4-Star Rentals First State Bank Art of Sound Wyland Foundation Stock Island Marina Village A & B Marina

MUSIC Pirate Radio Adrienne Z Leah Sutter Dave Feder Howard Livingston & the MM24 Band Jean Paul & Special Guest

keysoceanfest.org 29

Save the Sea Scavenger Hunt Visit the booth of each of the festival participants below to check off their box.

Once the entire card is marked off, return to a welcome tent for your FREE prize!

Key West Mermaid Festival

Florida FWC

Save A Turtle of the Florida Keys

Dolphin Research Center

Bahia Honda State Park

Seacamp Association

The Turtle Hospital

Keys Weekly (free space)

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters/ R3EACH

Florida Keys Mosquito Control District

FKNMS Marine Sanctuary)

The Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center

Key West Aquarium

DiveN2Life

Mote Marine Laboratory

History of Diving Museum

NOAA Weather

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

MFMHS, Inc. (Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society)

(Florida Keys National

Mote’s 9th Annual Key West Ocean Fest A Community Celebration - 2019

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2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest

WE ARE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS UPPER KEYS

DISTRIBUTED KEYS - WIDE

TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES (over 30 magazines annually)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

THE BEST OF MARATHON THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice

PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET / OCEANFEST KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and more…

A HOMETOWN PAPER YOU CAN BE PROUD TO CALL YOUR OWN Key West 5450 MacDonald Ave, Suite 5 305.453.6928

Marathon 9709 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

www.keysweekly.com

Tavernier 91760 Overseas Highway 305.363.2957

ADVENTURE RESPONSIBLY

We are dedicated to keeping the reefs we snorkel alive & thriving.

That's why we are so proud to partner with Stream2Sea to provide their reef safe sunscreen at no charge to our guests on all of our trips.

INFO & RESERVATION 855-421-1550 2019 Mote’s Ocean Fest 32