News

Introduction by Gina McClain, Volunteer Specialist

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are excited to honor Rhonda Roberts, our Lead Volunteer on Florida’s Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and Homosassa. After Rhonda agreed to be our Lead Volunteer in the Crystal River and Homosassa area in December 2022, we could trust that SMC would be represented wonderfully by Rhonda. And it enabled SMC to be present at events on different coasts of Florida on the same days, as I could lead events in other areas of Florida knowing that the West Coast was ably covered. During the past 3 months, Rhonda has led multiple events with our mana-team of volunteers to educate folks and collect donations for SMC.

What made you decide to start volunteering with Save the Manatee Club?
Volunteering for Save the Manatee Club is both fun and rewarding. I feel it is such a small, simple act, but I hope educating people about the hardships our manatee friends face will make a difference in people’s interactions with them. I believe the first step is education and because I am a former educator, this is the best way I can help.

Who is your adopted manatee, and why did you choose them?
We attended the Manatee Festival, which was held in Crystal River, and that’s where I learned you could adopt one of these beautiful creatures. I went online and studied each adoptable manatee, then chose Betsy, because she is a permanent resident at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. It is only about 20 minutes from where I live, and I knew I could visit her anytime I wanted. My girlfriends and I all went to see Betsy and marveled at her, then my friends took a “mother-daughter” picture of Betsy and me, which I have included for your entertainment.

Do you have any favorite moments or experiences while volunteering?
My favorite moment when volunteering is watching the children’s eyes light up when asking them if they would like a manatee tattoo on their hand, the answer is always a resounding “YES!” But the very best parts are the spontaneous hugs and “Thank Yous” for helping to save the manatees.

Tell us briefly about your hobbies, interests, career, where you’re originally from, etc.
My husband, Craig, and I moved to the area a few years ago. One of the first places we visited was Three Sisters Springs, where we saw our first manatee, and I was hooked! I had never seen such massive, beautiful creatures in my life. Being from Indiana, we were used to cows, but not sea cows! When I’m not leading events and passing out SMC tattoos or adopting manatees, I enjoy teaching fitness classes, painting, gardening, line dancing, and kayaking with friends.