August 2022, Vero Beach, FL– The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) achieved a major milestone last week when they took ownership of a building located at 1235 16th Street in Vero Beach that will become ORCA’s new headquarters.
For the past year, after having to move from their home of 16 years in Fort Pierce, ORCA has been on a hunt for new headquarters to continue their applied science research on the Indian River Lagoon. In the interim, the research team of the non-profit organization has continued to operate out of ORCA’s Center for Citizen Science adjacent to the Vero Beach airport, a facility re-purposed for ORCA by the City of Vero Beach.
Vero Beach City Council members extended a warm welcome at a recent city council meeting and congratulated ORCA on selecting Vero Beach for their new base of operations. “The City of Vero Beach has been so supportive of our efforts on behalf of the lagoon, we are feeling really great about this move. The community support has been phenomenal and it’s an ideal location for ORCA, as its midway between the extremes of the 156 mile long Indian River Lagoon.” said ORCA Co-Founder, CEO and Senior Scientist, Edith Widder.
ORCA’s new building will be named the D.J. Rainone Research and Science Building in memory of Donald J. Rainone, a local resident who possessed an incredible love for the ocean and whose estate kicked off the capital campaign that made the purchase of the building possible.
ORCA recently launched a $1.2 million capital campaign to allow them to afford the purchase and retro-fit of the 6500 square foot building. “In consulting with architects about the best way to create the most environmentally friendly building possible, we were advised that renovation of an existing structure, rather than new construction, is the most effective way to minimize impact” said Warren Falls, ORCA Managing Director.
Those who would like to contribute to ORCA’s Capital Campaign can visit www.teamorca.org.
About The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)
ORCA is dedicated to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technology, science-based conservation action and community education and outreach. As the nation’s first technology-based marine conservation organization, ORCA’s niche in responding to large-scale deterioration of the marine environment is to: Collect accurate and scientifically defensible data on water quality and its impact on the marine ecosystems; Provide the data to the public and decision makers in an easily understandable format; And engage communities in marine conservation action. By combining innovative technology, applied science, and community outreach, ORCA is leading the way in protection and conservation of our valuable coast, estuaries and oceans—saving these precious habitats for the generations of tomorrow. www.teamorca.org
Contact: Lauren Tracy at (772) 467-1600 or Ltracy@teamorca.org.