Friends of the Narcissus Meeting (Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve)

The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602

The Taylor Great Room (use the Business Entrance)

Wednesday July 13, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m., free parking in Aquarium lot

Initial Meeting of the Friends of Narcissus to elect officers to the Board, approve the Mission Statement, gain public support for the nomination by submitting a letter with signatures to be sent to the US Navy, gauge interest and resources to form future Committees to address specific needs with creating the plaque, getting mooring buoys, public relations and site monitoring. This is an open meeting and The Florida Aquarium encourages everyone to invite others who are supportive of the SCUBA diving community, protecting Florida’s Archaeological Preserves and Tampa’s historical shipwrecks.

The creation of a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve at the wreck site of the USS Narcissus establishes a precedent for cooperation between the United States Navy, the State of Florida, residents around the Tampa Bay region and The Florida Aquarium.
As a war grave from the American Civil War the Narcissus represents far more than a simple ship loss site; it is indeed hallowed ground where 26 Union sailors were lost at sea and deserves reverence and honor, as well as, preservation.
The Florida Aquarium and the Friends of Narcissus are dedicated to preserving and interpreting the final resting place of this historic vessel, her crew and the vibrant and thriving ecosystem it has become for the diving community, as well as, the public at large with all of the dignity and respect that is due.