About Us

Learn More About what we are About
 

How We Got Started

Coastal Connections, Inc. was created in 2017 to foster a connection between people and the coastal wildlife by restoring the function and beauty of our coastal habitats through education, research, and conservation interactions. Individuals of all ages from schools, community groups, tourists, and more will get to participate in oyster recycling, turtle digs, dune plantings, turtle releases, coastal cleanups, environmental art projects, the locally famous Sebastian Lionfish Fest, and much more!

The Problem

The Treasure Coast is home to many coastal environmental gems including high density nesting beaches, the Indian River Lagoon, and various natural and artificial reefs which are important for recreational and commercial fishing enterprises.  However, these ecosystems have become stressed as the area develops and the human population rises.

Danger to Sea Turtles

There are many threats to sea turtles and their habitats including light pollution, plastic and general litter, and improper human use of beaches.

Lionfish Invasion

Lionfish are becoming the most wide-spread invasive species in the world. Florida’s coastal habitats are threatened by their presence due to having no local predators to keep their population under control.

A Lagoon in Distress

The Indian River Lagoon is the most biodiverse estuary in North America. The largest threat to this 156-mile body of water is the reduced water quality from non-point source pollution, man-made hydrologic distribution, loss of habitat, and an increase in invasive species.

The Solution

 

Sea Turtle Experiences

We use education and guided sea turtle interactions to minimize threats like light on the beach and plastic debris. We also promote new human habits that will not negatively affect the environment, and conduct cleanups to reduce the amount of litter.

Photo © Joe Rimkus Jr.

Turtle Digs

Sebastian Lionfish Fest

Every year an incredibly fun event is held to promote the awareness of these predators. SLF is a fishing tourney, a cook-off, and educational event all in one! Eating lionfish is the best way we can reduce their threatening populations.

Photo © LP Creative Media

Sebastian Lionfish Fest

Save The Lagoon

To restore the IRL’s water quality we are working every angle: litter cleanups, stormwater pollution education, living shoreline restoration including oyster recycling, removal of invasive species, and all around promoting the health of the Lagoon.

Lagoon Restoration

Kendra Cope M.S.

President 

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Kendra has been the Coastal Environmental Specialist / Sea Turtle Coordinator for Indian River County (IRC) since 2015. Her Master’s degree is from the University of Central Florida where she was part of the Marine Turtle Research Group for three years during her studies specializing in the economic and behavioral impacts of sea turtle tourism conducted around the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. She loves encouraging her team of turtle volunteers, and spending her time with them on the beaches.

Sherri Davis M.B.A.

Vice President 

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Sherri has been involved with the sea turtle program for Indian River County since 2010. She attended the University of Missouri and has a Master’s degree in business. After retiring from the corporate world in management of UPS, she moved to Vero Beach, Florida where she found her true passion in sea turtles. Sherri continues to dedicate her time to the research, preservation and conservation of sea turtles and their habitat. She comes to Coastal Connections with years of experience in planning and management and brings her enthusiasm to the goals of Coastal Connections along with her desire to help protect our sea life and ecosystems.

Lori Miller M.E.

Treasurer

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Lori Miller is the Senior Hydrologist in Everglades Restoration for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Office in Vero Beach, FL. Education includes a Bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of St. Thomas and a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. As a meteorologist, Lori has worked in marine, tropical, aviation, and television meteorology. In 2002, she joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and transitioned into hydrology and water management. Lori joined U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2008 and began a career in aquatic restoration, environmental engineering, water resource planning and management, and climate change. She was awarded the national Person of the Year in Climate in 2014 for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the national Individual of the Year Environmental Leadership award for the Department of Interior in 2015.

Board of Director experience includes Vice President of Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA) in 2005-2008 and Treasurer of the Missouri Floodplain and Storm-water Managers Association (MFSMA) in 2007-2008.

 

 

Christiana McGuire

Director 

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Chris has always had a love of the ocean and its habitats. She studied art history at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon campus. She then went on to graduate with a degree in communications from the University of Florida. Over the years she has devoted time to volunteering at her children’s school and athletics. Most recently she has become involved with the Indian River County sea turtle program, volunteering tens of hours every month on research, conservation and outreach.​

Barb Grass

Director 

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Barb Grass-Public Safety Officer with Indian River Shores and former Fire-Medic of IRCFR. I am currently finishing my degree in Emergency Services. I am a native Floridian and a nature lover. I also am a volunteer with the Indian River County Sea Turtle Program for the past 6 years. In my spare time I enjoy the beach and outdoor adventures. My hope is to enlighten others to care about mother nature and all her creatures.

Celeste McWilliams

Director

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Celeste's fascination with sharks initially brought her to study at Florida Tech, but her love of the warm weather and sea turtles are what kept her here!  She is the Naturalist at the Brevard County Barrier Island Center, and is involved in sea turtle education and research with multiple local organizations.  In her spare time, Celeste enjoys scuba diving and photography.

 

 

Advisory Board

Mari Shiel - Marketing Advisor
Penny Tranchilla - Marketing Advisor
Lisa Moreland - Educational Advisor
Laurie Connelly - Community Advisor
Kate Maingot - Fundraising Advisor
Todd Hopkins - Scientific Advisor
Quintin Bergman - Scientific Advisor
Cori McWilliams - Youth Advisor
Olivia Lazorik - Youth Advisor

Accomplishments

New Partnerships & Funding

We are proud recipients of a NEP grant to fund our new shuck n share program and the Endless Summer License plate funding to grow and enhance out cleanup effort!

Become a Partner

CCinc Storefront

Visit our boutique store at 1006 Beachland Blvd.
Sea Turtle Real Estate

2019 Lionfish Fest

In 2019 we removed 201 lionfish through our tourney, over 600 people enjoyed the festival, and Mobay Grill won Favorite Dish with their Jerk Lionfish.

Learn About Lionfish

Connect With Us Today!

VolunteerDonate

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.

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