News

By Tonya Higgins, Director of Development and Operations

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since I last drafted an article for The Manatee Zone. Reflecting on the past year at Save the Manatee Club, I am reminded of the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together. Last year, we celebrated the momentous occasion of relocating to our new and permanent home—a dream nurtured for over four decades—thanks to an extraordinary legacy donation. Today, we continue to build on that legacy with exciting updates and heartfelt gratitude for all those who support our mission. Our new facility has not only provided us with a solid foundation for our conservation efforts but also a beautiful space that continues to evolve.

This time has not been without its trials. Notably, the passing of both our co-founders was an extraordinarily bittersweet time as we celebrated their immense contributions while mourning the loss to the world and manatees. Additionally, we’ve faced numerous adventures in being building owners, including a burst outdoor pipe and a power outage that required immediate attention and repair, reminding us of the constant need for vigilance and preparedness. Throughout these challenges, I’ve gained insights into plumbing, electrical systems, building codes, elevator maintenance, and tile roofing—each adventure with its own story that I hope to look back on with a chuckle… someday. Through it all, our supporters have been our rock, offering kindness, dedication, and patience. Your unwavering encouragement has enabled us to overcome these hurdles and continue our vital work for the manatees we hold so dear.

We are continuously striving for greater efficiency in our operations. Our efforts to design and plan more effectively have been bolstered by the dedication of countless volunteers, officials, and tradespeople. Their expertise and hard work have been pivotal, and we extend our deepest thanks to each of them. We also recognize the invaluable contributions of our partners and vendors who have provided discounted services and freely shared their advice, as well as their personal stories of manatee encounters. Their support has been instrumental in our success, and we are thankful for their generosity.

Our daily work for manatees remains at the heart of everything we do, even as we grow our outreach and conservation efforts. We are wholly grateful to our steadfast employees, both long-time team members and those who have joined us more recently, whose passion and commitment are the driving force behind our success.

I must also humbly express my deep appreciation for the patience our individual supporters and foundations have shown as we strive to acknowledge their generous gifts and contributions in a timely manner. In an era of increasing automation, we hope you can recognize the authenticity of our care. Your ongoing dedication is crucial in helping us navigate this period of growth and change, and I hope if you are reading this, you recognize that I am speaking about you. Any delays on our part are not for a lack of care or effort.

As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm. Our enhanced capabilities and expanded resources will enable us to amplify our conservation initiatives and advocate even more passionately for manatees and their habitats. This new chapter is just the beginning, and with your continued support, we strive to create a world where manatees flourish, their habitats thrive, and their future is secure.

Thank you for standing by our side and for your unwavering dedication to our mission. Together, we will continue to make a difference, one step at a time.