Reef Relief is planning a new educational experience for Key West. Its called Reef World. Reef Reliefs Gift Store will move just around the corner to Reef Reliefs Environmental Center on the boardwalk at the Historic Seaport and Reef World will open where the store used to be at the foot of William Street. Local artist Ray Rolston will create a unique underwater feeling for the new space. Life-like pictures of fish, corals, and vivid re-creations of coral reef ecosystems with explanatory text will line the walls. A video viewing area, a DVD studio, an interactive computer station, an activity area that includes reef games and other activities for children, an information and reference library for adults, and a classroom area for presentations all these elements - will be combined together to make Reef World a powerful and very enjoyable educational experience for students, scientists, local and visiting groups, in short, for individuals of all ages who are interested in discovering the wonders of our magical underwater world.

  Reef World offers the opportunity to give our children a dedicated area to learn about coral reefs and the need to protect them,says Joel Biddle, Reef Reliefs Educational Director. It will also provide a forum that will provide the general public with cutting edge ideas about coral reef ecosystem and efforts underway to save them. We will provide specialized sessions for teachers as well as students, hotel staff and their guests, civic organizations, and lets not forget our day visitors who are planning on-the-water activities.

  At Reef World, no visitor will go away empty handed. Fishing and boating information, Reef Relief Teacher Kits, Coral Reef Guides for students, and more, will be readily available. In addition to videos, slide shows, and DVDs already available at Reef Relief, new multi-media projects will enhance the activities at Reef World:

· Reef Relief is developing a Kids Kornerto its already extensive website at www.reefrelief.org.

· A Powerpoint presentation is being developed by Reef Reliefs founder, Craig Quirolo, that features stunning full color coral reef photos and text in an excellent 15 minute introduction to coral reefs.

· Craig is also making daily entries to his Photo Monitoring Update that lets viewers check out the latest photos used in tracking coral health in the Dive Update* section of Reef Reliefs site. The site allows visitors to view and comment on the latest conditions found at the reef.

  The opening date for Reef World is expected by years end in December. Reef Relief is asking you, the community, to become part of the Reef World experience. Volunteers are needed to help us renovate the new facility, set up media stations, and volunteers are also needed to help teach different age groups.

  This is critical time for the survival of coral reefs and Reef World can help make a difference,says Deevon Quirolo, Reef Reliefs Executive Director. Together with the new Wyland coral reef mural next door, Reef World promises to offer an eco-friendly, educational experience for visitors and residents alike.

  Reef Relief is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to Preserve and Protect Living Coral Reef Ecosystemsthrough local, regional and global efforts. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

  If you are interested in becoming part of the Reef World experience, please contact Reef Relief at 294-3100 or email Reef Relief at reef@bellsouth.net.