On April 11, 2019 Commissioner Valeche joined county officials, diving enthusiasts, members of the Blue Heron Bridge Preservation Society and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach to unveil signage and celebrate new marine life protections established by FWC.  The regulations prohibit the collection and possession of tropical fish and aquarium species within Phil Foster Park and its surrounding waters. 

Commissioner Valeche asked the Board of County Commissioners to urge passage of the regulations after hearing from members of the public and County Parks & Recreation staff.

The diving area under the Blue Heron Bridge is internationally recognized by scientists, scuba divers and snorkelers, and underwater photographers for its abundance of unique marine life.  The County’s Phil Foster Park was named one of the 50 best dive sites in the world by PADI Sport Diver magazine and is considered Florida’s “best shore dive” by SCUBA Diving magazine.