Marine Debris Art Created by Local Teens Set to Display Throughout St. Lucie
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Teens Repurpose Marine Debris in Partnership with Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Contact:
Marissa Kappus
Public Relations Coordinator
[email protected]

FORT PIERCE, FL: Over the summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County partnered with Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to provide programming for teens that focused on the harmful effects of marine debris while empowering young adults to become advocates for the ocean and their communities. As part of the program, teens visited local waterways to collect and sort discarded debris that was then used to create six art pieces that will soon be displayed throughout St. Lucie County.

“It means so much to our Club members to have their hard work and creativity displayed around town,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Club Director Jaqueline Gonzalez. “It not only represents their newfound passion for the ocean, but it showcases their pride for the community.”

The art displays will be distributed on Wednesday, December 7th to the following locations

• Seahorse: FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center, 5600 US1 North Fort Pierce
• Sailfish: Sailfish Brewery, 130 N 2nd St. Fort Pierce
• Shark: Tax Collector’s Office, 2300 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce
• Octopus: Kilmer Branch of the libraries, 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce
• Jellyfish: Boys & Girls Club Westside, 3361 S Jenkins Rd., Fort Pierce
• Turtle: Lewis Branch of the libraries, 2950 SW Rosser Blvd., Port St. Lucie

“Working with FAU Harbor Branch fit perfectly with our life-enriching programs in that it provided our Club members with educational experiences that turned into lasting pieces of the community,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County CEO Will Armstead. “Because St. Lucie County does so much for Boys & Girls Clubs and our Club members, we are proud to be able to give something back.”

This program was funded by a grant from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (2020 South Florida Initiative).