Michael Barto, 14, found a starfish along Cocoa Beach while visiting his grandparents’ home in June. The discovery came during a summer break trip to the Space Coast, where the teen also caught a 207-pound goliath grouper off Port Canaveral’s coast in late June. The fish weighed more than twice Barto’s body weight and measured nearly 5 feet long.
Barto’s grandfather, Michael Lezanic, shared photos of the starfish and the grouper catch on social media, sparking local interest. The starfish was spotted near the shoreline during a family walk, according to Lezanic. Barto, who has spent summers in Brevard County since childhood, said he was “amazed” by the creature’s size and color.
The goliath grouper was caught using a rod and reel about 3 miles off Port Canaveral, a popular fishing spot for anglers. Barto’s grandfather, a retired marine biologist, said the fish was released back into the water after being photographed. “It’s important to leave them for the ecosystem,” Lezanic said.
Barto, a seventh grader at Cocoa Ridge Middle School, has been fishing with his grandfather since he was 8. He described the grouper catch as “the biggest fish I’ve ever seen.” The teen plans to pursue marine biology in high school, inspired by his grandfather’s career.
Local officials with the Brevard County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department said the starfish sighting is common along the coast but noted that the goliath grouper catch is rare for a teen. “It’s impressive,” said department spokesperson Sarah Mitchell. “Goliath groupers are protected, so releasing them is the right choice.”