Idalia hardest on MSS, recovery and rehabilitation begun

Our beloved Marine Science Station was the hardest-hit educational facility impacted by Idalia. However, immediately following the storm, MSS Supervisor Capt. Earnie Olsen and his dedicated team initiated the cleanup and damage assessment process. Today, several students, educators, and community members, with support from the Citrus County Education Foundation, joined the cleanup effort. Established in 1967, the Marine Science Station has been serving our students. Despite the impact, MSS will soon resume providing hands-on, on-water marine lessons to our students in a matter of days, but there is still much work ahead for many of the buildings.

Idalia’s stormwater affected nearly every building on the MSS campus. While we are grateful that there was no catastrophic building damage, extensive repairs will be required. Adjusters from the Florida School Board Insurance Trust have already been on-site, assessing the damage and collaborating with the MSS and District facilities and Risk Management teams to promptly restore MSS to its pre-storm condition.

To assist in these efforts, volunteer representatives from AES, LHS, CHS, CRHS, and CCSB Police Chief Vincent were present today, engaging in tasks such as raking, cutting, sweeping, mopping, cleaning, and more. The Citrus County Education Foundation has been actively addressing the needs of students, staff, and families impacted by Idalia, and once again, CCEF played a crucial role at MSS today. CCEF Executive Director Shaunda Burdette helped coordinate several volunteers at the MSS, and CCEF provided a hearty lunch for these volunteers.

There is much work ahead at the MSS, and in the very near future, many more volunteers and support will be needed to restore our MSS. We will ensure that people are informed about these opportunities so they can lend a hand. Additionally, the Citrus County Education Foundation is always accepting donations for the MSS.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Capt. Earnie Olsen and the entire MSS Team for their unwavering commitment to our students. We also express our gratitude to the Citrus County School District and School Board for their continuous support. Furthermore, we thank the Citrus County Education Foundation for consistently meeting the needs of our school district, and we appreciate our great community for being partners in the journey of our students, schools, and district.

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