Islamorada is in for a treat: an evening of ocean storytelling and an invitation to create some of your own.
On Friday, April 10, local nonprofit Florida Bay Forever will host a free public lecture at Safe Harbor Angler House Marina, 80500 Overseas Highway Islamorada, featuring longtime marine scientist and explorer Jack S. Grove. Titled “Anchors & Atolls, The Life and Adventures of a Naturalist in the Tropical Pacific,” the talk will draw from decades of fieldwork, exploration and what Grove calls a lifetime of “edu-tainment.”
Grove is perhaps best known for his work in the South Pacific, including his accidental discovery of the shipwreck Acadia at Ducie Atoll in 1989. That experience immersed him deep into the history of the remote Pitcairn Islands, to which he’s returned more than a dozen times. In much the same vein, his career and his storytelling style blur the line between science and adventure, offering captive listeners a chance to dream of far-off lands.
For Jodie Cerra, Florida Bay Forever executive director, that blend is exactly the point. The lecture is part of her larger effort to make science more accessible in the Keys.
“The April 10 event is part of Florida Bay Forever’s commitment to bringing accessible, engaging environmental education directly to our community,” Cerra said. “The focus … is to connect people — locals, visitors, scientists and everyday community members — to the importance of our oceans and the Everglades ecosystem.”
Florida Bay Forever’s programs range from guided nature experiences to hands-on science and public speaker events like this one.
“At its core, the mission … is education and connection,” Cerra said. “We want to make science approachable, inspiring and relevant to people’s lives here in the Keys.”
The April 10 event will also mark the launch of a new scholarship created between Florida Bay Forever and Grove, and inviting new partners to increase impact. The $500 award will support a local student pursuing studies in conservation or environmental stewardship, with funds available for tuition, books or related educational expenses.
Cerra said the scholarship reflects the organization’s long-term focus on building local stewardship.
“Investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change,” she said. “When we help kids get excited about stewardship, we raise a generation with a conservation mindset … (and) that energy comes back to the community tenfold.”
Grove originated the idea for the scholarship after receiving the College of the Florida Keys’ alumnus of the year award in 2025. Deeply touched, he decided to pay it forward and help create opportunities for others to have their own adventures. He said, “Now that I’m in my 70s, how can I reach more people and give this gift of experience?”
The event begins with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., followed by Grove’s presentation at 6:30 p.m. and a Q&A session at 7:30 p.m. The program concludes around 8 p.m. The evening is designed to be informal and open to anyone interested in the ocean, marine science or the life of a field researcher.
Attendees will enjoy a beautiful waterfront view, open bar, free hot dogs, snacks and popcorn. There’s also a chance to win a 50/50 raffle or gift store raffle.
