Board Members

The idea began on a mother son trip in the Keys in 2013. Four boys sat around and talked about the state of the Indian River Lagoon and how they might be able to raise awareness and help improve it’s condition. Together with their Mom’s help, they gathered a few more friends and created Lines in the Lagoon-an annual fishing tournament for kids. The first tournament was in 2014 with all monies raised going back into conserving the Indian River Lagoon through organizations like Coastal Conservation Associated of Florida and Ocean Research & Conservation Association.

For 12 years now, new kids have continued their work and kept the tournament going. Lines in the Lagoon is now a 501(c3) and continues to raise awareness and money through their work on the board. To date, Lines in the Lagoon has raised $300,000 to put back into the Lagoon. Thank you to all the kids and parents who have donated their time to this organization and the Lagoon.

Original Founding 2014 Youth Committee

Bennett Collins
Steven Croom
Tommy Hammond
Bryce Hauser
Quin Hiaasen
Ritter Marchant
Barrett Rhymes
Michael Villafuerte

2026 Lines in the Lagoon Board

Charlotte Bireley- Treasurer
Kelley Della Porta - Registration
Stephanie DiLella - Secretary, Public Relations
Lori Higdon - Sponsorship, Event Support
Jennifer Nye - Social Media, Event Support
Melissa Shine - President, Sponsorship

2026 Youth Committee
Cru Bireley
Jack Della Porta
Henry DiLella
Chandler Higdon
Chloe Nye
Hope Shine