First State Bank of the Florida Keys, in cooperation with the State, City of Key West, Tourist Development Council, Artificial Reefs of the Keys, BB&T & Orion banks, is sinking the Vandenberg to stimulate the local economy for years to come.
Actively participating in the bidding process, First State Bank successfully won the auction on the Courthouse steps with a $1.35 million bid that saved the reef project for the Keys and protected the investment of all the parties.
When the 524-foot Vandenberg reaches the ocean's floor, it will become the world's second-largest artificial reef providing an important Keys destination enhancement that will stimulate the local economy from Key West to Key Largo.
Left to right: Joe Weatherby (left), Artificial Reefs of the Florida Keys and Karen Sharp (right), President & CEO, First State Bank of the Florida Keys.
