The 2023 heatwave caused severe damage to coral reefs in the Florida Keys, with elkhorn coral experiencing catastrophic losses. This species, once the most common in the Caribbean, has been decimated, likened to the loss of oak trees across the U.S. East Coast. The combination of extreme heat and preexisting diseases increased coral mortality rates, with diseased coral nearly four times more likely to die. The loss of coral reefs has significant ecological and economic implications, as they are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. Poor water quality and pollution exacerbate the vulnerability of corals, further threatening their survival.