Building bridges between people and Florida waters

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Mother Nature sent Justin Riney off with cold winds and low temperatures as he embarked on a paddle board journey that will take him along about 2,000 miles of Florida’s coasts and interwaterways.

Riney founded Mother Ocean in January 2012 to prepare for the 2013 year-long journey along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and through the interior waterways.

The journey was planned to coincide with Expedition Florida 500 that celebrates the 500^th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival to Florida’s shores.

“We’re celebrating the 500^th anniversary of Pone de Leon’s arrival of 1513. The whole year the state has put together a campaign called Viva 500,” said Riley. “Our project is designed to capitalize on that and promote the history but also to promote conservation along the way.”

For the complete story, see the Jan. 10 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.