Giving Thanks
This year, we asked our Tampa Bay Watch team to reflect on what they were thankful for and, unsurprisingly, they had a lot to share. During this season of gratitiude we invite you to read about the things our team shared below.
From all of us at TBW, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
“I’m grateful every day to live and work in a community that embraces collaboration. When people are willing to share knowledge, ideas, and resources, it creates endless possibilities for innovative programs and projects that genuinely improve the world around us. That spirit of collective creativity is what inspires me and keeps me energized.” - Leah Biery
“I'm grateful to work at Tampa Bay Watch where we can take breaks to see white pelicans, manatees, and dolphins from the dock! I'm grateful for the beautiful Florida weather which allows me to enjoy paddleboarding, biking, and dog walks year-round.” - Rachel Arndt
“I am incredibly grateful for community. Working with a team of mission-driven people powered by community participation is an incredible feeling. Because of sharing the common vision of doing good that benefits everyone, including each animal whose home is one of our precious natural resources, there's kindness, care, support, and joy to be found everywhere in the work we do.” - Tiana Kirby
“I'm grateful for our sunshine city and the beautiful bay that we enjoy every day!” - Molly Rabin
“I am grateful to work for an organization that is deeply committed to giving back and creating a lasting impact. This is more than just where I live. It’s the place I proudly call home, where I can raise my family and continue learning from the natural environment in our own backyard.” - Zoe Caraffi
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to go to work every day with the estuary as my background and see wildlife on a daily basis. What makes this experience even more rewarding is getting to share it with students that are experiencing the estuary for the first time, whether it is their first boat ride or first time getting in the water, or first time catching and seeing an animal up close. Knowing that I make such an impact on them is so fulfilling!”
- Sabrina Bahre
“I’m grateful for the native plants and wildlife that make this region so special, and the people I get to work alongside who care deeply about our environment. I’m thankful to work for an organization that allows me to give back to the places I love.” - Tara Kok
“I am so grateful to share the beauty of my hometown with guests every single day. The joy and excitement that people get from seeing a dolphin for the first time is contagious. I continue to be thankful every time I get to share moments like that, connecting them to the charm of the backyard of St. Pete.” - Aubrey Malone
“I’m grateful for the native plants and wildlife that make this region so special, and the people I get to work alongside who care deeply about our environment. I’m thankful to work for an organization that allows me to give back to the places I love.” - Tara Kok
“I am grateful for my family and friends. Secondly, I am grateful that my health is currently stable and I am still here to enjoy life. Each day is precious to me and I am grateful for every day that I am here. The last thing I am grateful for is having a job that I enjoy and great co-workers to work with!” - Debbie Lee
“I am grateful to have been able to enjoy everything Tampa Bay has to offer over the past 31 years, from fishing and boating to exploring so many of its sandbars, tiki bars and shorelines. I am also grateful to be able to work with so many amazing and like-minded people that are passionate about protecting and restoring one of the most incredible bodies of water on our planet.” - Glenn Richard
“I'm grateful to live in the beautiful Tampa Bay area and that I work at a place that helps protect it. I love my job and am proud to support an organization that makes the region healthier.” - Rachel Zafar