Tug destined to be hub of new artificial reef

The Monica Lee landed at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico on May 11 and is located approximately 15.2 nautical miles on a bearing of 151° from Destin Pass at a depth of approximately 117 ft, at coordinates: 30° 09.342’N and 86° 22.224’W.

She is the hub of a four pronged proposed reef system named Conch Reef. Conch Reef is the County’s latest reef project funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with a 10% match of County funds.

The County artificial reef systems are designed to enhance recreational opportunities to Okaloosa County residents and the tourism industry in a managed, environmentally conscious manner.

According to the US Coast Guard the Monica Lee, a 49.2 feet long steel hulled tugboat, was built in Houma, La., in 1955. The Monica Lee was previously owned by McCulley Marine Services out of Stuart, Fla. The Monica Lee assisted in the deployment of many artificial reef projects off Southeast Florida throughout her working life. She continues to serve the citizens of Florida as she herself has been deployed as the centerpoint of an artificial reef complex planned for construction this summer.

Artificial reefs provide a protected habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms that matures into a self-sustained, highly productive marine ecosystem and nourishes sea life at all levels of the food chain. The Monica Lee structure itself was enhanced with the addition of prepared Chicken Transport Devices that provide small hiding places for the more vulnerable yet essential marine creatures.

“Thank you to all who supported Okaloosa County and the Gulf Artificial Reef program,” said Scott Henson, Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Coordinator.

Okaloosa County would like to express our appreciation to all who assisted in the remarkable effort required to bring this project to fruition. In particular, Okaloosa County would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations:

Captain James and Val Flores — The owners of Turn Key Marine who generously donated the Monica Lee to the Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program and who assisted in the vessel preparation, transportation and scuttling activities.

Candy Hansard — Reef Deployment Director of the Emerald Coast Reef Association (ECRA) who tirelessly planned and organized the remarkable efforts of over 30 ECRA vessel preparation volunteers and was a critical contributor in all efforts to obtain regulatory approval.

Jim Tucker — owner of The Boat Marina and Boatyard who provided mooring for the Monica Lee during vessel preparation activities as well as equipment and materials.

Charlie Saleeby - Destin resident and volunteer of the ECRA, for the use of his boat dock in Joe’s Bayou for final vessel preparation and regulatory inspections;

Monica Lee Deployment Team — This team, consisting of County staff, local businesses, non-profit organizations and private citizens, provided all of the time and effort necessary to assure that Monica Lee was deployed in a safe, environmentally conscious, and regulatory compliant manner.