Florida Keys’ Mike Goldberg Named a Global Top 10 CNN Hero

Mike Goldberg, co-founder of the Florida Keys reef restoration organization I.CARE, has been named a Top 10 CNN Hero.

Headquartered in Islamorada, I.CARE is partnered with the Florida–based Mote Marine Laboratory and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in its mission to restore and preserve the Keys’ reef system.

CNN Heroes, described by CNN as “everyday people who are making extraordinary contributions to help improve the lives of others,” are selected every year after nominations from around the world.

The Top 10 Heroes each receive a $10,000 award and are contenders for the title of CNN’s Hero of the Year, chosen following a public voting process, with the winner earning an additional $100,000 prize for their cause.

People can cast up to 10 votes per day at cnnheroes.com through Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Goldberg and the other Top 10 Heroes are to be honored by CNN Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. EST during the network’s live “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” program hosted by Anderson Cooper. The 2023 Hero of the Year is to be announced on the show.

The Top 10 honorees are to receive a grant along with organizational and capacity-building support from global nonprofit The Elevate Prize Foundation and participate  in the foundation’s annual Make Good Famous Summit in Miami.

Goldberg, who owns Key Dives in Islamorada, was lauded by CNN for recruiting “an army of recreational divers to help heal our oceans by transplanting coral and restoring our dying reefs.”

I.CARE has transplanted more than 10,000 corals and educated more than 2,000 people about Florida’s Coral Reef. Goldberg’s I.CARE team monitors and maintains the organization’s transplanted coral to make sure it continues to thrive.

CNN Heroes information: cnn.com/2023/11/01/world/cnn-heroes-top-10-2023/index.html, cnn.com/2023/04/21/us/florida-coral-reef-ecosystem-restoration-diving-cnnheroes/index.html

I.CARE information: icareaboutcoral.org

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