Earlier this month, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s Marine Science Laboratory building was significantly damaged after a fire.
Community members and USF staff came together Friday at the “Ocean of Support” fundraiser, at the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, to support students and faculty impacted by the tragedy.
The gathering, which was hosted by the St. Pete Innovation District and City of St. Petersburg Council member Gina Driscoll, benefited the USF College of Marine Science and the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
While no injuries were reported, USF officials confirmed that the overall damage is still being assessed. Over 60 units with approximately 200 firefighters were dispatched to the laboratory after the fire.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue division chief of training Richard Ganci was the incident commander.
He explained to the Catalyst that the impact was “mainly contained to the roof.” Water damage inside the facility also occurred. Drones were used for intel to help secure the fire.
Ganci believes the Friday event showed “great unity.”
In a USF Bulls by the Bay Briefing sent out Friday, Interim Regional Chancellor Thomas Smith wrote that “many members of our USF community have worked tirelessly on short-term and long-term recovery efforts.”
These have included “locating and salvaging key research materials, data and equipment” and “inventorying and securing research, teaching and office spaces for those impacted by the fire at locations across our city.”
USF College of Marine Science dean Thomas Frazer told the Catalyst that the community support “speaks volumes to the type of people we have in St. Petersburg.” The most important thing is that “everybody is safe,” he explained. “The reality is now we just have to look forward.”
Chris Stallings, USF professor of biological oceanography, said that the fire was “definitely a major setback in our research.” Some individuals have lost samples and “library collections that they have been building for decades.” He added that university staff and leaders are committed to helping students return to their studies as quickly as possible.
“It kinda reminds me of Covid where it’s a good opportunity to circle the wagons,” Stallings explained, “and really make sure that our group bonds and that we’re supporting each other.”
Driscoll said that it was essential to bring the community together to “exchange hugs and stories and give each other that support that we need in a time like this.” She explained that “not all of the losses are tangible.” The marine science sector, Driscoll added, is a “major economic driver” in the city.
The Marine Science Laboratory site initially was a part of a World War II-era Merchant Marine training base. Once USF began to utilize the compound, it became a space for research and teaching.
Students and faculty used the site to study marine ecosystems, climate change and ocean chemistry, among other topics. Lab samples and specimens were also kept at the building.
“We’re so lucky that our community has come together to support not only the recovery efforts, but also the spirit of what the College of Marine Science means to our community,” said E. Howard Rutherford, USF St. Petersburg campus associate vice president of development. “It’s beyond just brick and mortar here.”
This content provided in partnership with StPeteCatalyst.com
