Vero Beach, FL – The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Heartbeat Celebration Awards Ceremony, set for October 13th at 4 pm at the ELC’s nature-immersed Schidel Education and Event Pavilion. This festive, family-friendly event will honor participants of ELC’s inaugural inshore fishing tournament, CPR for the IRL (Catch-Photo-Release for the Indian River Lagoon) and inaugural Lionfish Derby, two special initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the Indian River Lagoon and our local reefs.

The Heartbeat Celebration will feature live music from the renowned band Three O’Clock Storm, beer from Sailfish Brewery, BBQ, and exciting raffle and auction prizes. Attendees will have the opportunity to cheer on participants as they receive awards for their contributions to these important environmental efforts. Lionfish Central, a non-profit focused on eradicating the invasive lionfish, will also have their lionfish hunting submersible on display. Kids will stay busy enjoying the nature playscape and learning how to make giant bubbles.

Everyone is invited to join us to celebrate our shared commitment to environmental protection. Non-angler tickets include a BBQ meal and two drink passes, so bring your family and friends, and let’s make it one to remember! Tickets include BBQ meal and drink passes, and admission
to campus, which includes the Discovery Station, Nature Playscape, art exhibit, walking trails, and more.

Tickets are $40 ($45 after 10/10). Tickets are $10 for kids under 12, which includes one plate and one drink. Both the CPR for the IRL and the Lionfish Derby are still accepting registrations. There is limited seating, so please bring a lawn chair or blanket.

For more information, to purchase tickets for the Heartbeat Celebration, or to register for the CPR for the IRL or Lionfish Derby, please visit DiscoverELC.org/FISH or call 772-589-5050.

About the Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center is a bio-diverse, 64-acre lagoon-island nature center that is the heart of eco-education, conservation, and community, located in the heart of the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida. We offer multiple ways to connect to nature, including pontoon boat eco-tours, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, a native plant nursery, nature walks, educational speakers, and a plethora of adult and children’s educational programming.

Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.

Thank you to our sponsors! (In alphabetical order): Aquatic Nutrition/Q8 Superbait, Atlantic AutoTrim, Barker A/C & Heating, Coastal Conservation Association, Croom Construction, FPL, FWC, Green Marlin, Indian River Docks, Publix, Sebastian Inlet District, The Sihle Insurance Group of Vero Beach, Vero Chem, Vero Marine Center, Wabasso Bait & Tackle, and Zookeeper.

Heather Sears