Students Return to Marine Science Station Following Hurricane Helene

Friday, January 10, 2025, marked a truly special day for Citrus County Schools and the Marine Science Station (MSS). For the first time since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, students returned to the Marine Science Station and its boats. The occasion symbolized resilience, renewal, and the enduring commitment of the Citrus County School District to hands-on, immersive science education.

The MSS team, led by Lead Educator and Supervisor Earnie Olsen, greeted the return of students with heartfelt enthusiasm. Educators Josh O’Leary, Office Manager Tonya Briggs, Aide Sheryl Janecek, and Maintenance Technician Bryan Brooks, all worked tirelessly to prepare the campus for this moment. Their dedication was clear as they welcomed Central Ridge Elementary School’s Ms. Spears’ and her fourth-grade class to an unforgettable day of exploration and learning.

The students fully embraced the experience, engaging in a variety of activities that highlight the unique educational opportunities MSS offers. They made observations from the station’s 50-foot observation tower, conducted bird surveys aboard boats “floating classrooms”, tested water quality in local springs and estuaries, and were thrilled to spot dozens of manatees. These activities combined scientific inquiry with hands-on exploration, bringing science lessons to life in a way that only MSS can provide.

Founded in 1967, the Marine Science Station is one of fewer than five such facilities in Florida, making it a cornerstone of science education in Citrus County. Each year, approximately 2,500 elementary, secondary, and specialty school students, along with 70 teachers, participate in its programs. These include enrichment opportunities for fourth-grade, seventh-grade, and high school science students. The hands-on, field-based experiences are deeply integrated into the district’s science curriculum and are offered at no cost to students.

The return to the MSS was made possible through immense teamwork and perseverance. Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm surge left the facility severely impacted, presenting significant challenges to its operations. However, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, the Citrus County School Board, the entire MSS team, and district facility teams, restoration efforts have progressed steadily. The return of students symbolizes not only the physical recovery of the campus but also the collective determination to preserve the station’s legacy as a vital educational resource.

“This day was about more than just reopening our doors,” said Supervisor Earnie Olsen. “It was about reconnecting our students to the incredible environment we’re privileged to share and giving them the opportunity to learn in a way that inspires curiosity and stewardship of our natural world.”

As the MSS team continues working toward full recovery, long-term plans are underway to safeguard the facility for future generations. The unwavering commitment of educators, maintenance teams, and district leaders ensures that the Marine Science Station will remain a beacon of experiential learning in Citrus County.

Friday’s milestone serves as a reminder of the unique role MSS plays in fostering a love for science, nature, and conservation. For the students, educators, and staff involved, it was a day of discovery, joy, and renewed purpose. As the MSS continues to rebuild, it reaffirms its place as a cherished tradition and an invaluable asset to the Citrus County School District.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1.

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