OCEAN FEST
A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Mote is redoubling its efforts to restore Florida’s coral reefs, so naturally, the community celebrated with double the enthusiasm during the first year of two Mote Ocean Fest events. Ocean Fest in Key West and the new Islamorada Ocean Fest drew 4,300 visitors collectively, amplifying support for Mote’s world-class coral reef research and restoration and giving community members a free day of live music, marine art, educational booths, great food and family fun.
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2 1. Musician and Event Partner Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band provided entertainment at the 8th Annual Key West Ocean Fest event. Renowned marine artist Wyland supplied his artwork for auction to support Mote’s work. 2. Shelby Luce, a Staff Biologist with Mote’s Coral Reef Monitoring & Assessment Program, speaks with an event attendee about Mote’s research methods.
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3. Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby leads the auctioning of an original piece by painter Pasta Pantaleo at the Inaugural Islamorada Ocean Fest event in December.