The Monte Marine Lab in Sarasota is a non-profit organization dedicated to marine science. Located on City Island adjacent to Sarasota Bay, this lab studies everything from the various species of marine life to the effects of mankind on the ocean environment. The facility has also become a tourist attraction, where visitors to the Sunshine State can learn about our local marine life - and see much of it firsthand in its large aquarium.

On the weekend of June 19 and 20, Monte held an event called “Rally For The Reef”, a fun show designed to bring attention to the need to preserve our coral reefs. So how do you attract attention? With a display of collector cars, of course! The car event, hosted by the Classic, Antique & Rods Association, put numerous cars on display for spectators. There were also a few race cars, both modern and vintage, on display in an air conditioned area inside the facility.

Car registration was free, as is generally the case with events hosted by the Classics, Antiques & Rods, and all registrants were awarded a goody bag which included two tickets to the aquarium, a “Protect Our Reefs” vanity plate, an event T-Shirt, coupon for a free lunch, and a chance to win tickets to the Pepsi 400 race at Daytona. Many of these items were also available for purchase by spectators, with proceeds going toward operation of the lab.

The weekend weather was sunny and hot - typical for this time of year, but cold drinks were available, as was lunch and snacks, and of course the Marine cafeteria was open to anyone wishing to dine in air conditioned comfort. In fact, even the car display was partially air conditioned, as many of the race cars were placed inside the facility. Overall it made for a nice weekend outing that hopefully will be repeated next year.

The hosts for this event, the Classics, Antiques & Rods, also host a monthly car cruise on the second Saturday of each month at Taco Bell on the corner of Clark and Beneva Roads, sponsored by Harbor Freight Tools. They have also begun a second cruise at the same location, on the 4th Friday night. They use these events to raise money for various community needs - at present they are purchasing phone cards for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more details on these club sponsored activities, check the listings in Mike Kelly’s Cruise News. -Gary E. Tayman