Meet Rick Bell

The beauty of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River is what first drew Rick Bell to the area. He discovered the river while exploring with a group of fellow jet skiers and was immediately captivated by its peacefulness and unspoiled beauty. Even today, a ride deep into the northern reaches of the river is something he never tires of. Living on a canal connected to the river, Rick still enjoys exploring it by jet ski every week.

Originally from New Jersey, Rick moved to Florida more than 50 years ago. After spending 42 years with Seacoast Utilities in Palm Beach Gardens, retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue a quieter lifestyle closer to the water he loves. During his career, Rick served as Chief Operator at the Richard Road Water Plant before finishing as Assistant Chief Operator following the construction of the new reverse osmosis facility. In 2019, he and his wife relocated to the Treasure Coast.

In 2022, Rick found what he describes as the perfect volunteer opportunity with Florida Oceanographic Society's water quality monitoring program. After a career spent testing water, volunteering as a water quality monitor felt like a natural extension of his professional life. Each week, Rick collects and reports water quality data along the winding North Fork of the St. Lucie River.

For Rick, volunteering is a way to give back to his community and help ensure long-term monitoring of the river's health. He hopes the data collected today will contribute to a healthier future for local waterways. Since joining the program, Rick has dedicated more than 250 volunteer hours to protecting the natural resources he cares so deeply about.

When he's not volunteering, Rick enjoys snorkeling, boating, jet skiing, and continually upgrading his stereo system. He and his wife especially enjoy taking their jet ski to lunch at Sailor's Return, where they can enjoy great food and beautiful waterfront views.

SNAP SHOT

BORN: Navy Hospital in Portsmouth, VA

COLLEGE: Degree in Business Administration and Waste Water Management from Palm Beach Junior College (currently Palm Beach State College)

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS: Sailor’s Return in Stuart

RECOMMENDED MOVIES, TV, STREAMMING SERIES: Most anything on Apple TV as they are the King of science fiction which is his favorite genre: the Foundation, Silo, Murder Bot Dark Matter