Friends of Manatee Lagoon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding environmental education opportunities for all ages in Palm Beach County and beyond through future enhanced exhibits and experiential learning opportunities.
Friends of Manatee Lagoon is located in West Palm Beach, Fla. Situated along the Lake Worth Lagoon estuary, Friends of Manatee Lagoon works with environmental partners, conducting research and presenting information that will lead to healthier coastal ecosystems.
Friends of Manatee Lagoon is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Our Mission
Raising awareness and funding for inspiring exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts that inform the community about the environmental challenges manatees encounter in Florida.
Our Vision
To serve as a valuable and supportive resource, engaging the community in conservation efforts that protect manatees and their fragile habitats.
MANATEES NEED OUR HELP
Board of Directors
John Butler
Community Volunteer
Nika Ciarfella
Community Volunteer
Kate Cotner
Florida Power & Light Company
Carrie Hanna
GUNSTER
Michele Jacobs
Economic Council of Palm Beach County
Gary S. Lesser
Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC
Jack Lighton
Sustainability Champion
Anne Messer
Community Volunteer
Noel Martinez
Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Quealy
CEO TFG Financial Advisors
Pamela M. Rauch
Florida Power & Light Company
Team Directory
Sarah Marmion
Executive Director, Friends of Manatee Lagoon
In the News
Florida Weekly, Philanthropy Meets Fun at 2025 Soiree for Seagrass
Palm Beach Post, People on the Move – Sarah Marmion Becomes Executive Director of Friends of Manatee Lagoon (Download PDF)
Palm Beach Post Print, Notables: Oceans of fun for a sea of change
Palm Beach Neighbors, Profiles of Leadership: Sarah Marmion
Palm Beach Post, Society: Friends of Manatee Lagoon’s 2025 Soirée for Seagrass at Manatee Lagoon (Download PDF)
Florida Weekly: Photos: Friends of Manatee Lagoon’s 4th Soiree for Seagrass 2025
Jupiter Mag, 10 Years of Manatee Fest in 2026 (Download PDF)
Florida Weekly Women in Conservation Breakfast – May 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Palm Beach Post Thomas Board Announcement – May 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Florida Weekly Thomas Board Announcement – April 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Boca Mag (Manatee Coffee) – April 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Tea and Coffee Trade Journal (Manatee Coffee) – January 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Modern Luxury (Manatee Coffee) – January 2025 (Download PDF Here)
Manatee Coffee creates partnership with Friends of Manatee Lagoon, Florida Weekly – February 2025
Palm Beach Charity Register – November 2024
Seagrass Nursery Opening, Florida Weekly – September 2024
Stroll Admirals Cove Magazine – April 2024
ManateeFest 2024, Florida Weekly – February 2024
Soiree for Seagrass, Florida Weekly – January 2024
Manatee-wrapped Cemex bulk cement unloader unveiled, Palm Beach Post – June 30, 2023
