Jessica K. Bibza's Obituary
Jessica Bibza, from St. Petersburg FL, was one badass gal. Her positive "can do" attitude, passionate vivacious spirit and SMILE were forces to emulate. Tragically, she was struck and killed while riding her bike on September 24, 2022, in Tampa, FL. It was her last training ride before heading to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the 2022 Ironman World Championships.
Jessica was an elite triathlete (10x Ironman), an ambassador for coastal conservation, a respected marine biologist and one of only a handful of manatee experts. She was a loving wife to Todd Bibza, a daughter, sister, stepmom, aunt, and cat mom.
She was a senior specialist for wildlife policy in the South Central region for the National Wildlife Foundation and launched the new Gulf Program after the BP oil spill. She was spearheading numerous projects and grants to "Save the Manatees" along the gulf coast and working tirelessly to better sea turtle lighting ordinances. Her impact on Gulf Coast wildlife will be sustaining.
Jessica was active in the Pensacola and St Petersburg triathlon communities. She was an enthusiastic “coach” and everyone's cheerleader and inspiration whether on the race course or teaching spin classes at the YMCA.
She lived life to the fullest, sharing adventures in all parts of the world. Whether climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, biking the iconic mountains of the Tour de France or cage diving with the great white sharks off the southern coast of Africa, she did it right.
Her love of life was contagious.
Rest In Peace Jessica. May your spirit live on in all of us.
#livelikejessica
There will be a celebration of a beautiful life for Jessica Bibza on St Pete beach next to the Paradise Grill (in Passé Grille) on Sunday, 9 October from 5 o’clock thru sunset. We will begin the ceremony at 6 o’clock consisting of anyone who would like to tell a story about Jessica. I ask that you bring a picture of you and Jessica if you have one (or just your favorite picture of her) to pin up on our memory boards. I also ask of you to bring a cowbell if you have one. Feel free to bring a fold up chair for the beach as there is very little seating. Parking is likely to be tough on Saturday so you may want to bring a bike to ride from the far end to the ceremony if needed. Let’s share stories, memories and pictures of our dear Jessica and enjoy the camaraderie that she so enjoyed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Wildlife Foundation on behalf of Jessica. You can use the link below.
What’s your fondest memory of Jessica?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jessica?
Share a story where Jessica's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jessica you’ll never forget.
How did Jessica make you smile?