Welcome to Your Reef, a blog series where Floridians share their personal journeys with coral reefs. Through snorkeling, fishing, and diving, each story reveals how our connection to Florida’s Coral Reef inspires a deeper commitment to their conservation. Dive in and be inspired by those who found their own sense of wonder and responsibility beneath the waves.
Diving In Beyond the Page
Foundation Director of Philanthropy Dani Richter
When I was eight years old, I discovered a book at the Jan Platt Library in Tampa that sparked my fascination with Florida’s Coral Reef. The book, Swimming with Sharks by Twig C. George, featured a lemon shark, wrasse, juvenile angelfish, and yellowtail snapper on its front and back covers, pulling me into the vibrant world of coral reefs. This book didn’t just introduce me to the reefs; it transported me there.
My dad, who always encouraged my interest in marine life, saw this as an opportunity to deepen that connection. He later bought me my first set of fins, and we would often sneak into a local apartment complex’s pool at night to practice swimming in them. I don’t know if that is something that needs practicing or if my dad was just adding to the excitement.
The real turning point came when my dad took me to Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys. I experienced firsthand the underwater worlds I’d read about, including the coral reefs a short swim from the shore. There, snorkeling among patches of reef and sponges, I encountered a juvenile angelfish—the same species that had first caught my eye on the book’s back cover!
This early exposure, reinforced by my dad’s support, nurtured a lasting appreciation for marine ecosystems, especially those close to home like Florida’s Coral Reef. Each time I dive and spot a juvenile angelfish, I’m reminded of those formative years and the joy of discovering the underwater world.
You can help us protect your reef by donating to our Restoring Our Reefs fund. Learn more about your reef here.
