Meet Garret Almeida – Volunteer Water Tester and Steward of the St. Lucie River
Garret’s journey to the Treasure Coast began in 1995, when a job transfer brought him and his family from Rhode Island to Jupiter, Florida. With a background in boating, he moved to manage boat dealerships in West Palm Beach and Miami, settling with his wife and two daughters along the scenic South Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Years later, a neighbor and longtime Florida Oceanographic volunteer—who could no longer continue water testing due to vision loss—asked Garret if he’d be willing to take over. As an avid boater with a deep love for the river, Garret didn’t hesitate. He began volunteering in 2020 and has since logged over 350 hours of service.
As a dedicated water tester, Garret conducts weekly monitoring of the river, measuring water clarity, temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. These observations help track the health of the estuary over time. Unfortunately, he’s seen firsthand the negative effects of ongoing discharges from Lake Okeechobee—reporting lower salinity, fewer fish, and a noticeable decline in seabird activity. Despite the discouraging data, he remains committed to the work, knowing how vital it is to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Beyond his role at Florida Oceanographic Society, Garret gives back through the United Way Holiday Project, helping distribute toys to children each year. He’s passionate about leaving a positive legacy, saying, “If we don’t leave the world better than when we arrived, then we are failures and a disgrace—unworthy of our time here.”
Garret’s professional life has been as diverse as his cruising grounds. He’s worked as a silversmith in Newburyport, MA, served as general manager for a major boat dealership, and later launched
his own yacht brokerage in South Florida. Now married for over 40 years, he enjoys time with his growing family—including two daughters, two young granddaughters, and another granddaughter on the way.
From the coasts of New England to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, Garret’s life has always revolved around the water. And through his volunteer work, he’s helping ensure that Florida’s waterways remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
SNAP SHOT:
Born: Lowell, MA
College: Massachusetts College of Art
Favorite local restaurants: Waterfront dining with a view
Movies, TV, Streaming series he recommends: Preferences are action movies, comedies and parodies. Nothing beats You Tube for information about anything and everything.
