

Florida Institute of Oceanography's state-of-the-art Research Vessel, the W.T. Hogarth, is coming to Bayboro Harbor next week.Through the efforts of the City of St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida, the construction of this remarkable vessel was possible. The $6.3 million, 78-foot vessel has spent the last two years at Duckworth Steel Boats in Tarpon Springs being built. The R/V Hogarth is outfitted with the latest and greatest marine technology. Over the next few months, the vessel will be on display and open to the public at major ports around the state of Florida. Port tour stops kickoff with the Homecoming, followed by the Florida Marine Science Symposium in St. Pete, the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, Ft. Pierce, Cape Canaveral, and more.

October always feels like conference season — a time when professionals from around the world gather to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen collaborations. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the OCEANS 2025 Conference in Chicago, a global gathering for those advancing ocean science and maritime technology.