From Cup To Coast: Manatee Coffee Partners With Florida Oceanographic Society

STUART, FL (January 29, 2026) -- Manatee Coffee, the Florida-founded and family-owned coffee roaster, announces a new conservation partnership with Florida Oceanographic Society, uniting two organizations committed to protecting the state’s coastal and marine ecosystems through science, education, and community engagement.

Launching at a critical time for Florida’s waterways, the partnership supports Florida Oceanographic Society’s work to advance coastal research, restore vital habitats, and foster a deeper public understanding of the marine environments that define Florida’s natural landscape. As part of the collaboration, Manatee Coffee will provide financial support to help advance these efforts, further reinforcing its purpose-driven mission.

“Partnering with Florida Oceanographic Society allows us to support conservation at the intersection of science, education, and community involvement,” said Brad Gutwein, CEO of Manatee Coffee. “Their work protects the ecosystems that sustain marine life across Florida, including the habitats that manatees depend on. Through this partnership, every cup of Manatee Coffee will help move this important work forward.”

Founded in 1964, a key focus of Florida Oceanographic Society’s conservation efforts is seagrass research and restoration, an essential component of healthy coastal ecosystems. Seagrass meadows serve as critical nursery habitats for fish and invertebrates, help stabilize sediments and improve water quality, and provide a primary food source for manatees. Through hands-on restoration projects, including seagrass cultivation and deployment in degraded waterways, Florida Oceanographic Society works to rebuild these underwater habitats and strengthen the ecological resilience of Florida’s estuaries.

“At Florida Oceanographic Society, collaboration is central to our mission,” said Roni Allen, Director of Development and Marketing at Florida Oceanographic Society. “We are proud to partner with Manatee Coffee, a cause-oriented company that shares our commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems. Support from partners like Manatee Coffee helps advance our research, expand seagrass restoration efforts, and engage the public in meaningful conservation action.”

Manatee Coffee has been rooted in marine conservation since its earliest days, with a mission centered on protecting manatees and the environments that sustain them. Florida Oceanographic Society becomes the newest addition to Manatee Coffee’s growing network of conservation partners across the state, which includes Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Save the Manatee Club, Friends of Manatee Lagoon, The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and Mote Marine Laboratory. Through a quarterly giving initiative, Manatee Coffee allocates a portion of proceeds to organizations advancing wildlife care, habitat resilience, and environmental awareness. To date, the company has contributed more than $95,750 in support of these efforts.

Manatee Coffee is crafted, using high-quality Arabica beans sourced from higher-elevation coffee-growing regions around the world, to produce a well-balanced cup with a rich body and smooth finish. Known for its careful roasting process and approachable flavor profiles, the brand offers a variety of blends, including its popular Caribbean Delight with notes of coconut, hazelnut, and caramel. Manatee Coffee is available nationwide online at ManateeCoffee.com and all The Fresh Market retail locations and Costco stores in Florida. 

About Manatee Coffee: 

Manatee Coffee began on the historic island of Sanibel, Florida. Brothers Brad and Cary Gutwein learned about manatees and their endangered status, inspiring them to explore ways to support and protect their habitats. Pairing this cause with their passion for coffee led them to acquire ownership of Manatee Coffee, a mission-driven coffee brand, in 2010. Today, Manatee Coffee continues its mission to provide high-grade, sustainably sourced coffee and aid in improving manatee protection efforts. Each purchase helps to support manatees and their habitats. To learn more, visit manateecoffee.com. 

About Florida Oceanographic Society: 

Florida Oceanographic Society is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to inspiring environmental conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems through education, research, and advocacy. Based at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island, the organization engages visitors of all ages through hands-on learning experiences, interactive exhibits, and immersive programs that highlight the importance of healthy oceans, estuaries, and waterways. Through innovative scientific research, habitat restoration initiatives, and community-driven conservation efforts, Florida Oceanographic works to protect and restore Florida’s coastal environments while empowering the public to take action for a more resilient future. For more information, visit floridaocean.org.