News Summary
A new memorial reef has been established off Dog Island, Florida, to honor U.S. Air Force airman Carl Enis. Deployed by the Organization for Artificial Reefs, the reef consists of seven concrete units designed to support marine ecosystems while commemorating Enis’s life and sacrifice. Located southeast of Dog Island, the initiative also includes nearby memorial reefs for other local heroes, emphasizing community honor and marine health.
Dog Island, Florida – A new memorial reef has been established off the shores of Dog Island to honor the memory of fallen U.S. Air Force airman Carl Enis. The reef was deployed by the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR) on August 13, 2023, consisting of seven pyramid-shaped concrete units designed to commemorate Enis’s life, while also supporting marine ecology.
The reef site is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Dog Island and rests at a depth of 68 feet. Each of the concrete units, referred to as “super” reefs,” stands 15 feet tall and weighs over 30,000 pounds. The precise placement of these units on the seafloor was made possible through the use of a GPS-guided crane operated by marine contractor Walter Marine, noted as the largest reef-builder in the country.
The establishment of the Carl Enis Memorial Reef is part of a larger initiative to create memorial reefs that honor individuals connected to Florida’s coastal communities. Along with Enis’s reef, a second reef was established nearby to commemorate William “Bill” Mickler, an FSU alum and dedicated OAR volunteer. Additionally, existing units at the Buddy Ward Memorial Reef were expanded on the same day, honoring Olan “Buddy” Ward, a respected figure in the Apalachicola seafood industry.
The total cost of these reef projects was approximately $202,000, with funding from the Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission and private donors. OAR and similar organizations have successfully created at least 31 memorial reefs across Florida’s coast, enabling each to serve both as a tribute and a habitat for marine life.
Carl Enis, who was raised in Coral Gables, had a longstanding passion for the outdoors and his country. He was killed in action on March 15, 2018, when the Pave Hawk helicopter he was aboard crashed in Iraq, claiming the lives of him and six fellow airmen. At the time of his death, Enis held the rank of staff sergeant and was only 31 years old. He moved to Tallahassee in 2004 to attend Florida State University (FSU), where he excelled academically, earning two degrees, including a master’s in business administration in 2017.
After graduation, Enis was employed as a commercial real estate salesman for TLG Realty Services in Tallahassee. His dedication to service and his love for saltwater fishing, spearfishing, and SCUBA diving inspired the creation of the memorial reef.
Enis’s name is also memorialized on a monument at Arlington National Cemetery, recognizing his sacrifice and service to the nation. The unveiling of the Carl Enis Memorial Reef serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions and provides a lasting legacy for his family, friends, and the community.
With the introduction of these memorial reefs, the community not only pays tribute to Carl Enis and others who have served but also contributes to the health of local marine ecosystems, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
The exact GPS coordinates for the newly established reefs are as follows: Carl Enis Memorial Reef (29° 35.426′ 84° 25.383′), Bill Mickler Memorial Reef (29° 35.340′ 84° 25.679′), and Buddy Ward Memorial Reef (29° 29.136′ 84° 56.032′).
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- FIU Sports: Alumni Breakfast with Willie Simmons
- Wikipedia: Coral Gables, Florida
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- Miami Herald: Coral Gables News
- Google Scholar: Coral Gables
- Miami Today News: Rocky Roads to Cityhood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coral Gables
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- Google News: Coral Gables Golf and Country Club
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
