The Underwater Side of Florida

​As a Florida adventure junkie, I have always been drawn to scuba diving. As soon as I got that diving certification card, I was absolutely blown away by what so few people get a chance to see. It really is a whole other world down there.

So, when I first heard about the Artificial Reef Program in Volusia County, I was intrigued. Donated concrete materials and retired ships once destined for the landfill are being sunk to the bottom of the ocean, creating new marine life habitats, as well as a positive impact on the environment. It really doesn’t take long before all kinds of big game fish and all kind of marine life make themselves at home.

These artificial reefs are also giving the local economy a real boost. Places like Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are ranking higher and higher as some of the best fishing and diving destinations in the United States as fishermen and scuba divers travel from all around the world to see these new digs.

So, while I encourage you to do Florida, consider exploring the great watery unknown — where thousands of miles of Florida have yet to be discovered.

Get out and Do florida!
Chad Crawford
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For more information about The Artificial Reefs of Volusia County, Florida, go to volusiareefs.org/briefhistory

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About the Host/Creator

As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. ​He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today. ​

Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.”  His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
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