Birth date: May 23, 1969 Death date: Sep 24, 2022
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, Read Obituary
For decades, Jessica and I sat through countless public meetings advocating for manatees. Her passion was important and I have no doubt that manatees are better off for all of her efforts. She was not only a colleague but a friend as well - there were many fun get togethers post meetings with other friends and colleagues. We'll never forget hiking in the snow after the Vancouver Conference! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
There are no words that can describe Jessica enough! Her passion and dedication to the environment and sharing it with others, her infectious smile and gracious heart - she IS what we all should aspire to be like. Thank you Jessica for sharing your love of manatees, your gift of openness and caring made a lasting imprint on me. Though your time on Earth is no longer, your soul and spirit will live on in all the people you touched and mentored with your grace. Prayers to your family
I met Jessica on a rainy morning in Mexico as we toed the start line of IRONMAN Cozumel. After just 30 minutes of chatting it felt as though I had known her for a lifetime, plus she did an excellent job of pumping me up for the race. I checked her results that evening and was surprised to see she didn't finish. After seeing her again in the airport the following morning I came to find out that someone crashed into her halfway through the bike leg of the race and she broke her elbow. Did that stop her? Absolutely not - she proceeded to finish the remaining 56 miles of the bike AND run half of the marathon before having to drop out due to her injuries - talk about badass! She's as close to a superhero as I'll ever know and I was truly saddened to hear the news of her passing.
Jessica
You will always be in my memories for the wonderful spin classes you led at the y. You great leader and teacher. My heart aches with death. I will treasure those memories. Jerry correa
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jessica's passing this morning during a ride with my SPBC friends. I first met Jessica in 2007 at a swim class for beginner triathletes at North Shore pool in St. Pete. Over the years I was inspired and amazed at how she developed her skills as a triathlete. What impressed me the most though was her positive energy and friendly nature. I am truly blessed to have met Jessica and to have been able to call her a friend. Jessica, Rest In Peace and I hope to see you again someday in paradise.
Jessica was our neighbor for a short time. It did not take anytime though to realize she was a warm and kind and considerate person. Our sympathies to all who share in her loss.
Lee and Myra Minicus
I, like so many, have Jessica to thank for being a positive force in my life. She showed me the ropes on manatee photo id and we spent countless hours on the water taking pictures and talking about all sorts of things. Nearly 30 years later, our friendship endured and while we didn’t talk as often, it was meaningful when we did. I hope her family and friends find peace in shared memories and with each other.
So sorry for the loss of our good friend and partner in conservation. All at Florida Wildlife Federation send sincere condolences.
Wow, still in shock. Thinking about when we first met looking for teammates for adventure races and went for a mountain bike ride at morris bridge. Then a friendship developed that would take us on adventures like when we went to Suches Georgia for a whirlwind adventure, supporting adventure racers and national championships, kayak races to name a few. Then the evenings after adventures hanging out having beers and laughing. You rock and will be missed!!!
I have such great memories of Jessica, a true and genuine friend. Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers. I am heartbroken and will miss her dearly!
