2024 MBARA Magazine

MEXICO BEACH

ARTIFICIAL REEF ASSOCIATION

TOURNAMENT RULES • TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE REEF FACTS • PAST WINNERS • PRIZES

HUK

SALT LIFE

GulfCoast AdventuresBeckon

MEXICO BEACH

ARTIFICIAL REEF ASSOCIATION

Our Directors

PRESIDENT

Robert Cox

VICE PRESIDENT and MEMORIAL REEF DIRECTOR

Brian Higdon

SECRETARY and RESEARCH DIVER

Carol Cox

TREASURER and MAGAZINE DIRECTOR

Kimberly Higdon

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

Mitch Coleman

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Kathy Hayman

ONLINE SALES AND MERCHANDISE DIRECTOR

Leigh Russell

KINGFISH TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

Mitch Coleman, Director

Donnie Walker, Weighmaster

Kevin Lanier, Emcee

Bonita Thompson

Blake Anderson

The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and fully relies on volunteers, sponsors, and donations. Our mission is the conservation and environmental improvement of our natural and artificial marine reef systems off the coast of Mexico Beach, FL, research and evaluation of reef designs, biomass development and fish productions, and educating the public.

We specialize in building and deploying artificial reefs, which play a crucial role in creating and sustaining fish habitats, fostering socio-economic growth in local coastal communities, and enriching recreational angling and diving experiences.

The MBARA Kingfish Tournament is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a celebrated Forgotten Coast event that not only brings together fishing enthusiasts but also supports a noble cause.

Thank you for joining us in making a lasting impact on our marine environment and the communities it supports!

MBARA

PO BOX 414, PORT ST JOE, FL 32457 • MEXICOBEACHREEFS@GMAIL.COM

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION AND PRINTING BY

From the Mitch Coleman

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

Welcome to the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association’s 28th annual Kingfish Tournament. It’s time to make memories and raise money to support building more artificial reefs. The Captains’ party is on Friday, July 26, and fishing and weigh-in on Saturday, July 27 at the Mexico Beach public boat ramp.

Last year’s tournament was a huge success, adding more prize money and ways to win, including an optional entry “target weight” King Mackerel that gave every size boat equal chances to win. This year we will add a $500 cash prize sponsored by Kristi Purcell for the heaviest Gray (Mangrove) Snapper in the REC Division. This is to honor the fishing legacy of Jeff Purcell who recently lost his battle with ALS. We still don’t have dates for our Red Snapper season at publication time, but if open, we plan to have another big Red Snapper optional entry.

We are partnering again with the June Golly Whopper Tournament to have an “aggregate weight “ King Mackerel optional entry that allows teams to weigh the largest King caught in the Golly Whopper and their largest King in the MBARA Tournament to win 100% of the pot.

Our format remains the same:

• Boats under 26’ with no guides or professional anglers fish the Recreational Division

• Boats 26’ and over or who have a guide or professional angler on board regardless of boat size fish the Open Division

PLATINUM SPONSORS

BlueWater Outriggers

Gulf Coast Custom Carts

Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl

Mexico Beach Marina

Centennial Bank

Marsayl Media

Mexico Beach CDC

Mexico Beach Liquor & Market

Reefmaker

SunStop

Yamaha Marine

However, boats under 26’ can register in the Open Division if they want to chase the Pelagic Purse, but can have only one division entry. There is one change to the rules, this year boats can leave from the East Pass Panama City south to Indian Pass.

MBARA, for over 28 years has deployed thousands of pieces of structure from as close as 3 miles to over 30 miles from the Mexico Beach canal making superb fishing for any size boat. You can help support our nonprofit whether or not you fish our tournament, by purchasing raffle tickets, tournament t-shirts, MBARA merchandise, becoming a member, renaming a reef, or making a tax-deductible donation. We even have some people, who do not plan to fish or do not own a boat, that enter the tournament just to be eligible for our great door prizes.

Watch our Facebook event page, “MBARA Kingfish Tournament” for updates and details on our upcoming golf cart raffle. Remember to support our great business partners and sponsors!

Hope to see you there!

Captain Mitch Coleman Tournament Director

SPONSORS

98 Real Estate Group

Golly Whopper Tournament

KC Sportfishing

Salt Lick Sausages

Todd Krause

Waves & Woods Realty

SPONSORS

Kristi Purcell

Mexico Beach Sweets

SCHEDULE & PRIZES

28th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament

FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024

Captains’ Party – Mexico Beach Boat Ramp

• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT – Late Registration – Register early online! Enjoy Sausages & Drinks.

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT – Captains’ Party, Door Prizes, and Raffle (No seating is available so please bring your own chairs.)

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024

Fishing Tournament and Weigh-In

• 12:01 AM CDT – Fishing Begins For OPEN Division

• 5:00 AM CDT – Fishing Begins For RECREATIONAL Division

• 3:00 PM CDT – Weigh-In Begins – Mexico Beach Boat Ramp

• 6:00 PM CDT – Weigh-In Ends – Mexico Beach Boat Ramp

THE TOURNAMENT HAS TWO DIVISIONS:

RECREATIONAL Division

The RECREATIONAL Division is composed of boats smaller than 26 feet in length (determined by your state registration form) AND does not meet the criteria of the OPEN Division. Boats registered in this division may add an optional entry per boat for the Ladies and/ or Juniors Division.

OPEN Division

The OPEN Division is composed of boats 26 feet or larger (determined by the state registration form), OR any boat wishing to register in the OPEN Division regardless of size, OR has a person on board that is or was (past or present) a professional tournament fisherman or recreational for hire/commercial Captain, guide, crew member, or fisherman in the business of fishing or harvesting seafood, OR charter boats with recreational anglers on board. Boats registered in this division may add an optional entry per boat for the Ladies and/or Juniors Division.

SCHEDULE & PRIZES

28th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament

KINGFISH TOURNAMENT PRIZES

RECREATIONAL Division

King Mackerel

1st Place - $3,000 sponsored by Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl

2nd Place - $2,000 sponsored by Marsayl Media

3rd Place - $1,000 sponsored by Mexico Beach Wine & Spirits and Market

4th Place - $500 sponsored by Mexico Beach Sweets

5th Place - $250 sponsored by MBARA

Spanish Mackerel

1st Place - $1,500 sponsored by 98 Real Estate Group

Gray (Mangrove) Snapper

1st Place - $500 sponsored by Kristi Purcell

OPEN Division

King Mackerel

1st Place - $3,000 sponsored by Mexico Beach Marina

2nd Place - $2.000 sponsored by Reefmaker

3rd Place - $1,000 sponsored by Golly Whopper Tournament

Pelagic Purse

1st Place - $2,500 sponsored by Yamaha Marine

LADIES Division (Optional Entry Fee)

King Mackerel

1st Place - $500 + Prize sponsored by KC Sportfishing

JUNIORS Division (Optional Entry Fee)

King Mackerel

1st Place - $500 sponsored by Todd Krause

2nd Place - $300 sponsored by Todd Krause

3rd Place - $200 sponsored by Todd Krause

Jimmy Hughes - 2004 47.25 Pounds

Todd Krause - 2018

Royal Flush - 37.24 pounds

Todd Krause - 2023 Catch U Lator - 27.43 pounds

Michael Lodge -2013 Bluewater Predator - 43.95 Pounds

Jack Hittinger -2014 Bluewater Predator - 31.92 Pounds

Charlie Griffith - 2016 Salt Shaker - 48.82 pounds

Darron Crozier - 2017 Hard Tail - 45.75 Pounds

Max Christopher - 2019 Bee’s Knees - 26.46 pounds

Nicholas Moore - 2022 Gray Ghost - 27.74 pounds

TOURNAMENT RULES

28th Annual MBARA Kingfish Tournament

REGISTRATION

l. Entry fees are non-refundable. This is a charity fundraising event.

2. Payment of the entry fee constitutes a representation of each Captain that the Captain has read the Tournament Rules and Procedures and that the Captain and crew will abide by such rules.

3. Boats must register for either the RECREATIONAL or OPEN Division.

4. Any boat fishing in the RECREATIONAL Division reported and found to have a person on board meeting the criteria of the OPEN division will be disqualified for fraudulent entry and forfeit all entry fees and prizes.

DIVISIONS

5. RECREATIONAL Division is composed of boats smaller than ‘26 feet in length (determined by your state registration form) AND does not meet the criteria of the OPEN Division.

6. OPEN Division is composed of boats ‘26 feet or larger (determined by the state registration form}, OR any boat wishing to register in the OPEN Division regardless of size, OR has a person on board that is or was (past or present) a professional tournament fisherman or recreational for hire/commercial Captain, guide, crew member, or fisherman in the business of fishing or harvesting seafood, OR charter boats with recreational anglers on board.

7. There are two optional divisions - Ladies and Juniors. Both RECREATIONAL and OPEN boats may enter the Ladies’ and/or Juniors’ Divisions.

8. Ladies’ Division is composed of females 16 years or older on the scheduled tournament date.

9. Juniors’ Division is composed of anyone under the age of 16 on the scheduled date of the tournament.

CAPTAIN’S PARTY

10. The Captains’ Party is not mandatory.

11. Captains are responsible for being informed of all Tournament Rules and Procedures.

1’2. The Tournament Committee may amend the Tournament Rules at any time prior to the start of the Captains’ Party.

PRIZES

13. All prizes are as advertised and based on weight.

14. RECREATIONAL categories are King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel with optional Ladies and Juniors King Mackerel.

15. OPEN categories are King Mackerel and Pelagic Purse with optional Ladies and Juniors King Mackerel.

16. RECREATIONAL and OPEN boats may win more than one prize but may only win once in each category.

17. Ladies can win two prizes with the same King Mackerel (Ladies and OPEN/RECREATIONAL Divisions).

18. Juniors can win two prizes with the same King Mackerel (Juniors and OPEN/RECREATIONAL Divisions).

19. Winners of prizes over $600 are required to fill out an information form/W-9 for tax purposes.

BOATING SAFETY & DEPARTURE

20. The number of anglers per boat is unlimited up to the boat’s maximum capacity. ‘21. Boats must depart from waterways of or between East Pass Panama City, Mexico Beach, St Joe Bay, and Indian Pass.

22. Boats may depart anytime, but no fishing until the designated start time.

SEE OFFICAL RULES ONLINE AT MBARA.ORG

FISHING

23. Fishing begins at 5:00 am CDT for the RECREATIONAL Division and at 12:01 am CDT for the OPEN Division.

24. Participants must abide by State of Florida Fishing Rules.

25. IGFA rules apply; only the angler claiming the catch can touch the rod or fishing line at any time from hook-up to landing. Another angler can gaff fish but cannot help with the rod.

26. No fish may be transferred from one boat to another.

27. Fish weighed must be caught during the day and at designated times of the tournament.

28. Spanish Mackerel must have a sufficient amount of the black front dorsal fin present for positive and unquestionable identification by the Weighmaster.

WEIGH-IN

29. Weigh-in ends at 6:00 pm CDT. At the sound of the horn, all anglers must be in line at the scales with their fish to weigh in and be recognized by the Weighmaster/Staff. If you are late or don’t have your fish in the line, you are not allowed to weigh.

30. You may only weigh one fish in each category, except in the OPEN division for Pelagic Purse.

31. Pelagic Purse in the OPEN division includes King Mackerel, Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and Wahoo. Weigh UP TO two (2) of four (4) fish. If a King Mackerel is weighed in the OPEN Division, the same fish must be part of the aggregate weight. The winner is determined by the largest aggregate weight.

32. All fish are subject to inspection.

33. All fish must be well preserved as a fresh catch of the tournament day. It is recommended fish be immediately chilled and properly stowed to prevent deterioration, damage, and mutilation prior to weigh-in. Fish showing signs of improper care will be suspected as fish caught prior to tournament day and rejected by the Weighmaster.

34. In the event of a tie in fish weight, the winner is determined by the earliest time the fish is weighed.

35. Anglers must collect their weight tickets from the Weighmaster prior to departing the scales. Review your tickets to verify your fish weights, and Captain/Boat’s name was recorded accurately. Once you depart the scales, you will not be allowed to weigh again or request corrections.

PROTESTS & POLYGRAPH

35. Anglers must collect their weight tickets from the Weighmaster prior to departing the scales. Review your tickets to verify your fish weights, and Captain/Boat’s name was recorded accurately. Once you depart the scales, you will not be allowed to weigh again or request corrections.

36. Protests must be submitted to the Tournament Director in writing prior to the presentation of prizes. Only a Captain registered in the Tournament may file a protest. A $200 cash deposit must accompany each protest. In the event the protest is upheld, the deposit will be refunded; however, if the protest is not upheld, the deposit will be forfeited. The final decisions of the Tournament Committee are binding regarding any protest. Disqualified boats will be ineligible for all tournament prizes.

37. Winners may be subject to a lie detector test administered by the Bay County Sheriff’s Department. Any angler failing the test or refusing to take the test will be automatically disqualified as well as the boat used by that angler.

MISCELLANEOUS

38. The tournament committee reserves the right to postpone/cancel the tournament due to inclement weather, small craft warnings, or advisories. Changes will be announced by noon on the Wednesday before the tournament date. The postponement date is the first Saturday in August.

39. Entrants/participants agree to allow tournament officials to use photos for media and promotional purposes.

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MBARA MEMBERSHIP Building Our Future Fisheries Together

Mexico Beach boasts not only picturesque shores but also a thriving marine ecosystem supported by artificial reefs. At the heart of this conservation effort lies the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA), a nonprofit organization, committed to preserving and enhancing marine habitats.

For 28 years, through grants, donations, fundraising and memberships, MBARA and its members have been building and deploying artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. MBARA memberships play a powerful part in securing reef-building grants. A strong non-profit organization, member support, and volunteer involvement are all factors in grant approval.

Your membership directly contributes to marine conservation efforts, but also gives you volunteer opportunities, a membership card for specials and discounts from local businesses, and access to the Members Only Facebook page.

Our Members Only Facebook page will keep you connected to other members and is a great place for sharing information, asking questions, and making new friends.

As MBARA continues to grow, membership remains a cornerstone of its success. Join us and help to make a difference!

Kathy Hayman Membership Director

JOIN

MEMBERS ONLY

How to

NAME A REEF

Would you like to have a reef named after your family, a loved one, or an organization? There are more than 75 MBARA reefs available for renaming, and for a donation, you can rename a reef. Unless a reef is initially built as a Memorial reef, all reefs are simply identified with a number such as MB-234. Reefs vary in size based on the number and types of structures: Super, Florida Limestone, Grouper, and Ecosystems.

Renaming an artificial reef is a meaningful expression of gratitude and a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy by individuals and organizations who want to contribute to ocean conservation and support MBARA’s mission. Renaming a reef provides a lasting tribute to the donor’s legacy, ensuring their impact is recognized and celebrated within the marine conservation community.

One such donor is Peter Vander Maazen, who recently made two very generous donations to MBARA by

Located in the SouthSite at a depth of 94 feet, the Peter Vander Maazen Reef {MB-168) is comprised of 3 Super Reefs with discs mounted at the apex. Each Super Reef is 18 feet tall with an 18-foot triangular base.

renaming existing artificial reefs MB-168 and MB-193. For a lasting memory and a way to support MBARA, Peter decided to donate and rename the reefs - creating a family legacy. According to Peter “Investing in the MBARA reef program has let us immortalize our love of this area and the great fishing we enjoy.”

All MBARA donations for renaming a reef, 100%, are used to build and deploy more artificial reefs. For information on how to rename a reef, please contact Brian Higdon at mbmemorialreefs@gmail.com

Located in the Crooked Island Site at a depth of 71 feet, the Peter and Sharon Vander Maazen Forever Reef is comprised of 4 Super Reefs with discs at the apex, 5 Florida Limestone Reefs, ‘2 Ecosystems on Pedestals, and 3 Grouper Reefs.

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REPORTED FISH ON THE REEFS

1. TOMTATE

2. COCOA DAMSELFISH

3. GRAY SNAPPER

4. SEAWEED BLENNY

5. BLUE ANGELFISH

6. BELTED SANDFISH

7. WHITESPOTTED SOAPFISH

8. GREATER AMBERJACK

9. CUBBYU

10. RED SNAPPER

THE EVOLUTION OF REEFS From Tires to Super Reefs

by Carol Cox

Could you imagine building an artificial reef by bundling tires together and dumping them overboard? That is exactly how early reefs got started. Mexico Beach artificial reefs began with any available materials reef builders could obtain: tires, fiberglass boat parts, appliances, and car bodies.

Most of these materials didn’t last long and some, like tires, turned out to be bad for marine life.

A few proactive anglers and divers saw the need for more fish havens in the area, and in 1997 the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association was formed. In October of that year, MBARA began deploying reefballs because that was one of the few purposebuilt artificial reefs available.

Twenty-two patch reefs were built, each consisting of 3 to 10 reefballs scattered on the sandy bottom in the Bell Shoals and Car Bodies permit sites. The reefballs provided a relief of 3 to 4 feet high and did attract fish, but not in great numbers.

In 1999, slightly larger reef structures were used –5-foot pyramids built to reduce erosion on shorelines. These were placed in a permit area called the Inshore site close to the mouth of St Joe Bay, and the Car Body site. The small increase in relief provided a haven for slightly larger fish such as sheepshead. The design was very durable, but the hard, smooth concrete did not promote marine growth. Divers noted that where materials were stacked 8 to 10 feet high, more game fish were present.

Instead of scattering in small numbers, reefballs were piled high in two large sites. Some of the reefballs landed on each other creating good relief; the rest were close enough, providing nooks and crannies where fish love to hide.

MBARA also experimented with a rectangular box comprised of holes to imitate a natural limestone ledge. Divers observed lots of large snappers and groupers using the ledges and soon called them grouper units.

Then one of the local reef builders designed an 8-foot-tall pyramid-shaped reef, made with pH-balanced concrete that matches the natural reefs and even has limestone rocks embedded in it to promote quicker marine growth. These are the most popular reefs today.

Casual observation showed reefs attracted more marine species when different shapes were used close together. MBARA began placing a grouper unit and a pyramid close to each other along with a new layered design called an ecosystem. This combination attracted a large diversity of fish, creating places for small fish to hide and foraging opportunities for larger fish.

In 2014, MBARA was one of the first organizations to deploy a larger version of the 8-foot pyramid, the super reef. It stands 15 feet tall and weighs more than 35,000 pounds. Various versions of the super reef include nesting ecosystems inside the super reef and the addition of 10-foot fiberglass and rebar poles, extending the overall profile to 25 feet.

MBARA continues working with industry leaders, stakeholders, and government agencies in designing new artificial reefs that support a vast array of marine life, provide habitat, and promote biodiversity.

For the most current list and description of reefs, visit mbara.org and download a CSV file. You can explore an interactive map with photos and videos of the reefs.

GROUPER LEDGE & ECOSYSTEM

MEMORIAL REEFS

Create a new beginning and leave a living legacy with a memorial reef.

Memorial reefs are eco-friendly, creating habitat for marine life.

Families may participate in creation of their loved one’s reef and personalize it.

You may also name an existing reef to memorialize your loved ones.

For more information, please go to our website at www.mbara.org or contact Brian Higdon at MBmemorialreefs@gmail.com.

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New Permit Site SANDY REEF

MBARA recently obtained a permit for a new site to deploy artificial reefs: the Sandy Reef Site. The area was originally permitted and issued to Gulf County in 1996 but expired in 2000. MBARA was able to take advantage of the work performed for the original permit and expanded the site size to approximately one square nautical mile.

The site is approximately 20 nautical miles Southwest of the Mexico Beach Canal with depths up to 100 feet. MBARA has some big plans to deploy in Sandy Reef and had a new deployment in April 2024 with the Bill Kennedy Memorial Reef.

Permitting a site for artificial reefs is a complex and time-consuming process that can take years to complete. Navigating the permit application process requires close engagement with regulatory agencies including NOAA’s

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the City of Mexico Beach.

MBARA’s own Bob Cox does a tremendous job working with the various agencies ensuring there are plenty of permitted areas for the many planned future deployments of artificial reefs.

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LOCATIONS OF REEF SITES

Locations of Permitted Reef Sites

BILL KENNEDY Memorial Reef

by Sandie Kennedy

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. Fulfilling last wishes can be even more distressing when your heart literally aches at the thought of their remains just drifting away forever.

Bill was born in Port St Joe and spent countless hours spearfishing, scalloping, offshore fishing, and diving. He longed to return home after we married and wanted to make a difference in his hometown. That he did . . . both by land and by sea.

He found peace in the beautiful waters of St Joe Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Bill made it clear when his time came, he wanted his cremated remains to be spread over Sandy Reef, a reef he was heavily involved in bringing to fruition as the Port St. Joe Reef Coordinator. He told me he named it after me but spelled Sandy with a “y” so it wouldn’t be so obvious.

When my husband died in December 2020, I knew his wishes but, again, I was just not comfortable with letting him go in the currents of Sandy Reef. Even though it made my heart ache, I attempted the offshore boat trip at least four times. Feeling defeated by still not having fulfilled his last wishes, I scrolled through Facebook looking for good news and encouragement when a post about Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association’s Memorial Reefs popped up. I knew then that God had delayed me for a reason. This was a perfect way to fulfill his last wishes while, in Bill’s true fashion, allowing him to continue to make a difference!

In July 2022, I attended the MBARA Kingfish Tournament. At that time, I saw Ron Childs from afar. I had not seen him since Bill passed but knew he and Bill worked closely when Ron was forming MBARA. I told him I wanted to do a Memorial Reef for Bill at Sandy Reef. It was at that moment I found out that the permit for Sandy Reef had expired, however they had recently put in a request to renew that permit! They said it could take a while for the renewal process to be complete, possibly a year or longer, but they were hopeful it would get approved.

During the waiting period, I reached out to Ron for information on Bill’s role in the creation of Sandy Reef. Ron said ”Bill was a pioneer in reef-building and instrumental in applying for a federal grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Department going through the Artificial Reef Program of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was named the Port St Joe Reef Coordinator and was the Artificial Reef Project Manager for the acquisition and deployment of 160 Reef Balls in three clusters along with

a load of bridge rubble in an area west of Cape San Blas in May 1998. Bill named the reef Sandy Reef as a tribute to his wife. He always said that artificial reefs would improve fishing and diving in the area by attracting larger fish like Red Snapper which would bring more tourists to the area. Boy was he correct!”

Finally, on December 4, 2023, I received the exciting news! The Sandy Reef permit renewal had been approved and a spring deployment was anticipated! I reached out to our longtime friends at Coast2Coast Promotional to make Bill’s plaque. Not only did the beautiful plaque arrive before expected, but it also arrived the day before Bill’s birthday! What a wonderful gift! It meant so much to have local friends on this journey with me.

After receiving the plaque, Walter Marine in Orange Beach, AL, wanted me there in two days to make the structure. Short notice but everything fell into place again! My dear friend and two of Bill’s brothers were able to make the trip because of the date change. Deployment was scheduled for two weeks later. There were a couple of delays again but the delays enabled my son and my sister, both who live away, along with wonderful friends to be by my side. Delays continued to be blessings…

Making the Bill Kennedy Memorial Reef has been an emotional yet amazing experience. Mixing my loved one’s cremated remains, adding the beautiful plaque, and placing special memorabilia was extremely touching.

Stewart Walter and Matt of Walter Marine /Reefmaker were so kind and helpful!

Attending the placement of the memorial reef was another incredible experience. As the Maranatha II approached Sandy Reef, it appeared that angel wings were traveling with it. Maranatha means “our Lord comes” and that gave me such peace!

He was definitely with me on this journey in so many ways! A journey that has taken three long years, but one I will never forget! My Bill’s last wishes have been fulfilled even more than he expected! Not only has he finally been laid to rest at Sandy Reef, but he will remain there for many years to come... making a difference yet again!

In life, he devoted many hours trying to preserve and improve our marine ecosystems and his efforts will continue with his memorial reef! “This Bill Kennedy Memorial Reef is a reminder to us all about the many contributions of this man!”, Childs shared.

I hope to continue to add to Bill’s Memorial Reef as I can, especially since Childs expressed, “The new addition to the permitted area around the original Sandy Reef spot will make this area one of the best artificial reefs west of Cape San Blas off the Florida coastline”. I want to be a part of continuing to make it better in Bill’s memory and for everyone to enjoy!According to Childs, MBARA, an

all-volunteer organization, has become the leader in the Panhandle area of Florida in artificial reef development. In addition to building reefs, they conduct inspections and monitor the structures. They also seek out the best options as to the density, locations for placement, size, and shapes of the reefs.

I am eternally grateful to this organization and its dedicated group of volunteers for providing this opportunity for me to create The Bill Kennedy Memorial Reef!

A special thanks to all involved, especially my family and friends who have been by my side during this journey!

Please consider joining, volunteering, and donating to this amazing non-profit organization! For more information, contact Brian at MBmemorialreefs@gmail.com , visit their website, MBARA.org , or message them on Facebook.

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2023 NEW REEFS

MBARA deployed twelve 8-ft Pyramids, nine 15-ft Super Reefs, and 10 Ecosystems worth $160,000 total in 2023.

We would like to thank the families who supported our Memorial Reef program, our sponsors, and everyone who donated to MBARA, raising funds throughout the year. Thanks to you, Mexico Beach enjoys some of the best fishing in Florida!

9 Super Reefs and 10 Ecosystems on Pedestals

Since 1997, Bayside Lumber & Building Supply has met the needs of general contractors, builders, re-modelers and homeowners in our area servicing the Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, St. George Island, Apalachicola, Wewahitchka, and Mexico Beach area.

As members of the Do It Best buying cooperative, we join with more than 4000 independently owned retailers across the country to buy in huge volume so we can o er you low prices on more than 65,000 items.

• Job Site Delivery

• Full Service Lumber Supply

• Broad Product O ering

• Knowledgeable Sales Sta

• Professional Tool Selection

• ousands Of Special Order Items Available

• In-House Credit for Quali ed Customers

Mexico Beach

SNAPPER CAPITAL OF FLORIDA

TUMBLERS

Shop Our Online Store

MBARA.ORG

ORNAMENTS & CHARMS

CLOTHING

Get your official MBARA gear and show your support! All proceeds go towards Building More Reefs.

Good Luck!

If you require the expertise of a skilled plumber, look no further than Beach Plumbing Service, Inc. We o er complete plumbing services to customers in the Bay, Gulf, and Walton Counties.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our company strives to provide our services with integrity. When you hire our skilled plumbers, you can be assured that you will get the best people for the job. We o er a 1-year warranty on almost all of our work (limited exceptions).

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 2015 by Al Wilson, a retired military veteran, our company was established with the goal of delivering an essential service to both homeowners and business owners.

At Beach Plumbing Service, Inc., we provide complete plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients. In addition to performing basic repairs and maintenance, we provide more specialized plumbing services such as:

• Backflow Prevention

• Water Heater Replacement and Repair

• Complete System Repiping

• Drain Clearing

DEALERSHIP

easy to enjoy easy to drink

Call ahead & we will have your order ready & waiting for your arrival, or we can deliver to your boat or place of residence!

Call ahead & we will have your order ready & waiting for your arrival, or we can deliver to your boat or place of residence!