ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Hosting the 16th Annual Kids Ocean Day Florida event on April 18th, Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Inc. welcomed students from South Woods Elementary School in Hastings, Florida to Anastasia State Park for an environmental education experience.

Fish Island Community Association volunteers provide education during their workshop.

Sponsored by the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation in partnership with the Friends of A1A, collaborating regional partners served as experts during the event. Students attended the round robin workshop stations where topics included birding and wildlife identification, conservation tips, anti-litter talks, recycling strategies, responsible fishing and marine life management, watershed identification and maintenance.

Spearheading the anti-litter and recycling campaign in St. Johns County, Captain Reducio made a celebrity appearance at the event.

“We’re proud to host this event annually to better educate the next generation of environmental stewards on the impact they can make on the community,” said Friends of A1A President Bill McClure, a former educator himself.

Marineland’s Trey King talks with students about the history of the Marineland Oceanarium during his workshop.

The event is offered each year at no cost to a selected Title 1 school in Flagler of St. Johns County, and opened up to home school students, as well.

“We’ve been very fortunate to raise money to support this effort each year, and to this year have a sponsor to cover almost the entire cost of the event is a blessing,” said Byway Program Administrator Danielle Anderson.

Captain Silas Tanner and Matanzas Riverkeeper Executive Director Jen Lomberk talk with students about protection of the area’s waterways during their workshop.

“Working with Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation to grow our partnership, we were honored they selected this event to help fund in 2024. We’re especially grateful to our regional partners who participate in this wonderful event year after year, and to Anastasia State Park for hosting us. Hearing from the students and watching them interact directly with the exhibitors, we know these are lessons that will help positively shape how they view nature, the environment, and Florida’s wildlife for years to come.”

Coastal Conservation Association NEFL’s Mark Feagle talks with students about oyster shell reefs during their workshop.

Exhibitors to the Kids Ocean Day Florida 2024: Coastal Conservation Association NEFL, Matanzas Riverkeeper, Tale Tellers of St. Augustine, St. Johns Regional Audubon, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, St. Johns County Solid Waste & Recycle St. Johns Programs, Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol, Anastasia State Park’s Florida State Parks Ranger Program, Friends of Anastasia State Park, and Fish Island Community Alliance.

Anastasia State Park rangers share education and tips during the 2024 Kids Ocean Day Florida event.
Anastasia State Park rangers share education and tips during the 2024 Kids Ocean Day Florida event.
Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol’s Lori Ottlein shares her expertise on turtle season.
St. Johns County’s Chris Benjamin and Matthew Denny share strategies on recycling.
Fish Island Community Alliance talks wildlife identification. 
Friends of Anastasia State Park talk about the environment and protected wildlife within the park.
Students engage in bird identification with St. Johns Regional Audubon.
Marineland, the world’s first oceanarium is still active, for education on history and interaction with marine life.
Exhibitors share their knowledge with the next generation of students. 
South Woods Elementary School third graders enjoyed the educational field trip.

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