Joe Patti Memorial Reef Deployed to Gulf of Mexico

Escambia County Marine Resources and the Patti Family deployed the Joe Patti Memorial Reef yesterday, Wednesday, July 31, following a blessing ceremony at Joe Patti’s Seafood.  The 175-foot barge now sits in 50 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, four miles southeast of Pensacola Pass.

“By building an artificial reef closer to shore, individuals have an opportunity to explore an ecosystem not otherwise easily accessible,” said Robert Turpin, Escambia County Marine Resources Division Manager, “Escambia County looks forward to the addition to our artificial reef system, which was recent assessed, showing a great economic impact to our area.”  

All reef and deployment costs have been donated by the Patti Family and the reef is now open to the public.

For more information and a complete listing of artificial reefs in Escambia County visit myescambia.com and follow @MyEscambia on Twitter.