Friends of Narcissus

Hey Florida Peeps - check this out!

Want to help monitor sites in the wake of Hurricane Ian? Sign up as an HMS Scout and then register for this virtual training!
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Hurricane Ian moved across Florida resulting in FEMA Disaster Declarations across the state and the most severe declarations in 19 counties. After immediate emergency response and life saving operations conclude and areas are safe for other activities, cultural sites including historic structures, historic cemeteries, and archaeological sites will need to be checked up on to help assess damage and coordinate relief efforts.
We invite any registered Heritage Monitoring Scout to join us for a virtual training & refresher on methods to safely, legally, and ethically monitor sites in the state! Not a scout yet? Please register at https://hms.fpan.us/
We've made a lot of changes to the HMS Program during the last 2 years so existing scouts are encouraged to join us to learn the latest information on how to monitor and submit your information to our database!
Link in bio to register for training!

Coast Guard Remembers USS Narcissus A reef ball is placed, marking the wreckage of the USS Narcissus, near Egmont Key, Florida, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. The Narcissus was en route to New York state from Pensacola, Florida on Jan. 4. 1866; the ship ran aground and sank with all crew aboard. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd C…

“I am honored to take part in this memorial,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Juiliano, a crewmember aboard the Vise. "There is no greater sacrifice a man or woman serving their country can give. Today is a special day for our crew to be a part of the rich history of this country and our military brotherhood."

Coast Guard remembers USS Narcissus near Egmont Key, Fla. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter Vise placed a reef ball memorial near Egmont Key, Florida on Thursday, marking the wreckage of the USS Narcissus. The Narcissus was en route to New York state from Pensacola, Florida on Jan. 4. 1866 when it ran aground and sank with all…

The Florida Aquarium's MISS BEE GEE acted as the dive platform while the 's CGC VISE prepares to place the monument. Thanks to Danny Redmond for capturing the event while the rest of us were underwater and Capt. Bob of Blue Water Explorers for giving him a ride!

CHC VISE is underway!

In August 2006, Billy Ray Morris, Dr Gordon Watts, Casey Coy, Michael Terrell and Nicole Tumbleson Morris dived on a shipwreck thought to be the remains of USS NARCISSUS. The data collected was published in multiple grant reports and became the subject of Nicole's Master's thesis. TODAY, the 's CGC VISE will place a monument on this site to recognize it as the 12th FL Underwater Archaeological Preserve and a protected military grave site. One of the coolest aspects of this dedication, is that Danny Redmond, whose 2nd-Great Uncle lost his life during the wrecking of NARCISSUS, flew from San Diego, CA, with his wife to help us celebrate the creation of the preserve and recognize the 26 men lost while serving this country. We'll be sure to post pictures!

You are cordially invited to attend the Dedication of USS NARCISSUS on 20 January 2015. See the invitation below for details and don't forget to RSVP by 13 January 2015. Feel free to share the invitation with friends just keep in mind space is limited so RSVP soon! We'll see you there!

Check it out! Thanks to Larry Beggs and Reef Innovations for transporting the monument to the buoy yard at the USCG Sector St Petersburg! The monument will patiently await 15 January 2015, the day the United States Coast Guard has generously agreed to place the monument on the site. We could not have accomplished such great tasks without a little help from our friends!

Our friends at Reef Innovations have come through in a BIG way! The plaque has made its way to the monument (reef ball). Here's a pic of the fit test of the plaque in its new home. What do you think?

Okay, Folks! In case you didn't see yesterday's update: we are currently crunching numbers to determine the amount of money required for the monument and mooring installation. Once the budget is finalized, the Aquarium will host a meeting of the Friends to ascertain how to raise the money. We need your help to reach our monetary goals so start brainstorming and hitting up your friends! ;)