New CCA Mickler Reef Coming

The Coastal Conservation Association Florida (https://ccaflorida.org/) has donated $60,000 to OAR to support building a new reef honoring the late Bill Mickler.  Bill, who died earlier this year, was a longtime board member of CCA and OAR and was an active volunteer in both organizations.  The new reef will be located in 70 feet of water about 20 miles off Carrabelle.  Frank Gidus, II, Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration for CCA Florida, informed OAR of the donation in May.  The donation will match state funds for $60,000 requested in a grant application prepared by OAR in partnership with the City of Carrabelle.  In August, the grant gained conceptual approval by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission artificial reef program. The CCA Bill Mickler Memorial Reef is planned for deployment no later than summer of 2025.  Said Alan Richardson, OAR Coordinator, “We are grateful to CCA for our partnership and for this generous donation.  OAR is humbled by this opportunity to honor Bill’s life work to improve marine biodiversity and recreation in the Big Bend area.”