CCA FLORIDA AND DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA DONATE $100,000 TO MARINE SCIENCE STATION
Funding will Support Citrus County Student Field Experiences Amid Hurricane Helene Recovery
Crystal River, Fla. – Aug. 7, 2025 – Today, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida joined Duke Energy Florida to present a $100,000 donation to the Marine Science Station, ensuring the continuation of student-field experiences while the facility undergoes restoration from Hurricane Helene.
The powerful storm surge from Hurricane Helene caused significant structural and operational disruptions at the Marine Science Station, a critical hub for marine and environmental education in Citrus County. This joint contribution will be fully dedicated to sustaining educational programming while restoration efforts are underway.
“This funding represents a crucial lifeline for a program that brings science to life for thousands of students each year,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “We are proud to, yet again, work alongside Duke Energy Florida and support this vital educational resource while the facility continues to rebuild.”
The funds will be used across a consecutive, two-year period to help offset the costs incurred by the Citrus County School District, including student transportation aboard research vessels, boat maintenance, field-sampling equipment and safety gear used by students and staff.
“The Marine Science Station is more than just a facility – it is a gateway to environmental education, stewardship and discovery,” Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas said. “We are honored to invest in a program that empowers the next generation to explore and protect Florida’s marine resources.”
The mission of the Marine Science Station is to increase student environmental literacy through hands-on laboratory and field-based educational experiences in local aquatic, estuarine and marine ecosystems. The Marine Science Station hosts 160 field-trip days and serves more than 2,000 Citrus County students per year.
“The Marine Science Station and the Citrus County School District are extremely grateful for the outstanding level of support from both CCA Florida and Duke Energy Florida with their generous donation,” Supervisor of the Marine Science Station Earnie Olsen said. “This funding will greatly support our mission momentum and program resiliency, allowing us to continue providing our Citrus County School District students and teachers with conservation-based field experiences within our coastal ecosystems as we continue working towards a more storm resilient facility.”
“The Marine Science Station is one of the most unique and impactful learning opportunities we offer.” Superintendent of Citrus County Schools Scott Hebert said. “Thanks to CCA Florida and Duke Energy, we can continue to provide hands-on, real-world science education that inspires future generations of environmental leaders. This is a shining example of what community partnership can accomplish.”
CCA Florida, the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries and conservation, education and advocacy, first established a relationship with Duke Energy Florida in 2017 with a shared vision for responsible environmental stewardship and conservation promotion through education.
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