IN PICTURES: OCEAN FEST BRINGS EDUCATION & EXCITEMENT TO ISLAMORADA

With exhibits and touch tanks came live animals, Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s “Resistant Strain” beer, entertainment and education during Mote Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration at Islamorada’s Founders Park. Held on Nov. 13, the annual celebration in the Upper Keys came just after Mote staff celebrated the coming of its new, on-shore coral nursery at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada. Festival goers checked out Mote Marine Lab’s exhibit, turtles from the Turtle Hospital and touch tanks, all while enjoying music from the likes of Micah Gardner, Adrienne Z and Scott Youngberg. Among the beers on tap were the Resistant Strain, from which proceeds benefit coral restoration.

HALEY BURLESON/Mote Marine Laboratory