Due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has implemented significant cost-cutting measures. Among these, 50 employees, comprising 22 full-time and 28 part-time workers from a total staff of 175, have been placed on temporary furlough. Additionally, CEO Joe Handy and other leaders have agreed to salary cuts.

“We believe these actions will see us through until the peak season of spring break and summer,” Handy stated to the St. Pete Catalyst. He admitted the decisions were tough, underscoring that no one relishes making such choices, but he remains hopeful for a quick recovery.

CMA’s financial model heavily depends on tourism, donations, sponsorships, and grants. Handy highlighted broader economic issues, including inflation and high interest rates, which he believes have reduced attendance at various attractions nationwide. The damage from the hurricane only worsened the situation, which Handy described as a “confluence of bad luck.” The aquarium is now seeking assistance from FEMA and the Small Business Administration.

The death of Winter, a beloved bottlenose dolphin featured in the 2011 film “Dolphin Tale,” has significantly impacted attendance. Winter, who lost her tail flukes due to entanglement in fishing gear and was fitted with a prosthetic, became a major draw. Following her passing in November 2021, visitor numbers dropped. The success of “Dolphin Tale” and its sequel “Dolphin Tale 2” had previously brought in over 800,000 visitors annually during Winter’s fame.

Despite these challenges, CMA has seen some positives, like the $80 million expansion completed in 2020, which included a new dolphin habitat. Moreover, state funding facilitated the construction of a manatee rehabilitation center, which opened last July and has since cared for two juvenile manatees, Zamboni and Yeti, before they were moved back to ZooTampa for safety after the hurricane.

The hurricanes caused severe damage, flooding the facility with four feet of water and destroying most of the life support systems, though the manatee tank remained intact. The facility was closed for over three weeks for repairs.

Looking forward, Handy sees an opportunity with the “Rising Tides” revitalization project, a $32 million endeavor for long-term improvements including new habitats and educational spaces. Despite the financial strain, Handy reaffirmed CMA’s unwavering commitment to its mission of marine animal rehabilitation, research, rescue, and conservation education.

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(Image credit: WKMG)