Conservation, Community, and a Shared Mission
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Project SeaSafe 2025 Clean Water Collective event at the Old Fish House Bar & Grill in Grant-Valkaria, Florida — and it was nothing short of incredible. Organized by Star brite, CCA Florida, Duke Energy, and other conservation-minded partners, this event wasn’t just another weekend outing — it was an inspiring reminder of what a dedicated community can achieve when it comes together for the health of our waterways.
Best of all, I got to share the experience with my son, Fin, who found himself right in the middle of the action — planting mangroves, building oyster gardens, and cheering as clams were deployed into the Indian River Lagoon via drone.
Restoration in Action
One of the highlights for both Finnegan and me was witnessing the clam restoration efforts — part of the ambitious Billion Clam Initiative. Over 4 million clams were deployed to the lagoon using drone technology. Watching the drones buzz over the water, releasing tiny life-saving clams to rebuild the ecosystem, was not only impressive but downright moving. Seeing my son’s eyes light up as he understood the role these tiny clams play in cleaning and restoring the lagoon made the whole experience unforgettable.
We also got our hands dirty — and loved every second of it — at the Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop, where Finnegan assembled oyster habitats that will help filter the water and provide shelter for countless marine species. He beamed with pride as he placed his contribution among others, knowing he was making a real difference.
The mangrove planting stations were another major highlight, with volunteers preparing and planting over 5,000 red mangroves to stabilize shorelines and provide vital fish habitats. It was conservation in action, and the energy was contagious.
Education Meets Adventure
The event wasn’t just about planting and restoring — it was about learning too. Educational exhibits dotted the venue, with interactive tents covering everything from shark tagging to eco-friendly boat cleaning. The hands-on activities kept kids and adults alike engaged, and the team from Star brite and CCA Florida made it fun and easy to absorb valuable conservation knowledge.
Community and Camaraderie
Beyond the hard work, there was plenty of time for celebration. Throughout the weekend, Project SeaSafe hosted amazing events like the VIP Conservation Dinner, a Captain’s Party with fish fry and beer tastings, and even a live art auction featuring marine artists Derek Redwine and Dennis Friel. Special guests like Blair Wiggins, Peter Miller, and Cory Redwine were also on hand, sharing their passion for conservation and inspiring all of us to keep fighting for cleaner, healthier waters.
The sense of community was overwhelming — strangers became teammates, kids became young stewards of the environment, and every person there was united by a common mission: protect and heal our waters.
A Lasting Impact
Leaving Project SeaSafe, Finnegan couldn’t stop talking about everything he had seen and done. He told me he wants to be a “clam pilot” someday — flying drones to save oceans. And honestly, after a weekend like this, I believe he just might.
Project SeaSafe 2025 wasn’t just a conservation event — it was a family memory, a spark for the next generation, and a clear example of what’s possible when community and conservation come together.
If you ever get the chance to participate in an event like this, don’t hesitate. It’s more than worth it — for you, your kids, and the future of our planet.
event at the Old Fish House Bar & Grill in Grant-Valkaria, Florida — and it was nothing short of incredible. Organized by Star brite, CCA Florida, Duke Energy, and other conservation-minded partners, this event wasn’t just another weekend outing — it was an inspiring reminder of what a dedicated community can achieve when it comes together for the health of our waterways.
Best of all, I got to share the experience with my son, Fin, who found himself right in the middle of the action — planting mangroves, building oyster gardens, and cheering as clams were deployed into the Indian River Lagoon via drone.
Restoration in Action
One of the highlights for both Finnegan and me was witnessing the clam restoration efforts — part of the ambitious Billion Clam Initiative. Over 4 million clams were deployed to the lagoon using drone technology. Watching the drones buzz over the water, releasing tiny life-saving clams to rebuild the ecosystem, was not only impressive but downright moving. Seeing my son’s eyes light up as he understood the role these tiny clams play in cleaning and restoring the lagoon made the whole experience unforgettable.
We also got our hands dirty — and loved every second of it — at the Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) workshop, where Finnegan assembled oyster habitats that will help filter the water and provide shelter for countless marine species. He beamed with pride as he placed his contribution among others, knowing he was making a real difference.
The mangrove planting stations were another major highlight, with volunteers preparing and planting over 5,000 red mangroves to stabilize shorelines and provide vital fish habitats. It was conservation in action, and the energy was contagious.
Education Meets Adventure
The event wasn’t just about planting and restoring — it was about learning too. Educational exhibits dotted the venue, with interactive tents covering everything from shark tagging to eco-friendly boat cleaning. The hands-on activities kept kids and adults alike engaged, and the team from Star brite and CCA Florida made it fun and easy to absorb valuable conservation knowledge.
Community and Camaraderie
Beyond the hard work, there was plenty of time for celebration. Throughout the weekend, Project SeaSafe hosted amazing events like the VIP Conservation Dinner, a Captain’s Party with fish fry and beer tastings, and even a live art auction featuring marine artists Derek Redwine and Dennis Friel. Special guests like Blair Wiggins, Peter Miller, and Cory Redwine were also on hand, sharing their passion for conservation and inspiring all of us to keep fighting for cleaner, healthier waters.
The sense of community was overwhelming — strangers became teammates, kids became young stewards of the environment, and every person there was united by a common mission: protect and heal our waters.
A Lasting Impact
Leaving Project SeaSafe, Fin couldn’t stop talking about everything he had seen and done. He told me he wants to be a “clam pilot” someday — flying drones to save oceans. And honestly, after a weekend like this, I believe he just might.
Project SeaSafe 2025 wasn’t just a conservation event — it was a family memory, a spark for the next generation, and a clear example of what’s possible when community and conservation come together.
If you ever get the chance to participate in the SeaSafe event, don’t hesitate. It’s more than worth it — for you, your kids, and the future of our planet.