Florida's coral reefs do more than look beautiful — they act as a buffer against storm waves and flooding, helping protect the Keys and coastlines. After Hurricane Irma, that's worth celebrating.
Mote's annual Key West Ocean Fest, held at Truman Waterfront Park next to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Eco-Discovery Center, is free to the public, with funds raised supporting Mote Marine Laboratory's coral reef research and restoration programs. Expect local art vendors and nonprofits, live music, food and beverage, raffles, live painting by marine artist Wyland, and kids' activities like fishing clinics, bounce houses, and face painting.
Floridians can also help year-round with a Protect Our Reefs license plate — each one sold donates $25 to coral reef research, restoration, education and conservation, with a free Tervis Tumbler for first-time buyers. Details at moteoceanfest.org and motereefplate.com.