News Summary
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa has surpassed 1 million visitors for the second consecutive year, celebrating this milestone with a special ceremony. In addition to this achievement, the aquarium has launched a $45 million expansion project aimed at enhancing guest experiences and introducing new educational programs. With future phases including new exhibits for puffins and penguins, the aquarium continues to be a vibrant part of the community, emphasizing conservation and education even in the face of recent challenges from Hurricane Milton.
Exciting Times at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa!
The sun-soaked city of Tampa is buzzing with excitement as _The Florida Aquarium_ has just reached a fantastic milestone—over _1 million visitors_ for the second year in a row! This beloved attraction, nestled right in downtown Tampa, has become a go-to destination for both locals and tourists alike since it first opened its doors in 1995. It’s hard to believe that it was only last year when the aquarium first surpassed the 1 million guest mark!
Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement
To celebrate this incredible achievement, a special ceremony took place on December 19, 2023. The atmosphere was filled with cheers and joy as everyone came together to recognize the aquarium’s hard work and dedicated staff. The president and CEO highlighted the vital role of the team and the community’s unwavering support in making this milestone possible. It’s truly a team effort!
Major Expansion on the Horizon
As if achieving this record wasn’t enough, _The Florida Aquarium_ has grand plans in store. In 2023, they kicked off a whopping _$45 million expansion project_, paving the way for incredible new exhibits and experiences for visitors. Phase two of this expansion is scheduled to be unveiled by the summer of 2025, and anticipation is building!
The upcoming second phase will feature an exciting _redesigned second-floor mezzanine_ that will include a stunning tide pool water feature and even an aquatic lounge. And you can expect more than just pretty sights; the aquarium’s programming will ramp up with educational _AquaEd experiences_ emphasizing STEAM subjects—science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics! Hands-on programs will also include thrilling activities like squid dissection and an “investigation shark” experience. Talk about diving deep into fun!
Tremendous Growth Ahead
The aquarium’s expansion isn’t just about aesthetic upgrades. The second phase will triple the size of the current touch exhibit, enhancing the overall guest experience in a big way. Construction kicked off in December 2023, and everyone is eager to see what unfolds!
This expansion marks the largest development in the aquarium’s history, following the thrilling launch of the interactive _MORPH’D gallery_ in 2023. Future phases are also set to introduce new exhibits featuring puffins, California sea lions, and even African penguins—yes, you read that right! This multi-year $45 million project has so much on the menu for visitors!
Community Support and Resilience
The aquarium is also known for its strong community connections, offering complimentary admission on Veterans Day for eligible military personnel. That’s a wonderful way to give back to those who’ve served!
Moreover, in light of the recent concerns surrounding Hurricane Milton, the aquarium staff acted swiftly and with heart. They carefully relocated nine African penguins and various other animals to ensure their safety from the storm surge. In a proactive move, thousands of precious corals were also transported to West Palm Beach, Miami, and Georgia as a precautionary measure. Safety first!
Looking Ahead
Though the aquarium faced temporary closures due to Hurricane Milton, they have plans to reopen on Friday, following rigorous safety checks. As they gear up to welcome guests back, it’s clear that The Florida Aquarium is not just a place to view marine life; it’s a thriving hub of education, conservation, and community spirit. With all the exciting developments underway, 2024 and beyond look promising for this sun-kissed corner of Tampa!
Stay tuned, because there’s always something exciting on the horizon at The Florida Aquarium!
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Additional Resources
- Business Observer: Florida Aquarium Surpasses Major Visitor Milestone Again
- ABC Action News: Where Science Sparks Wonder at the Florida Aquarium
- TBBW Magazine: Family Friendly Halloween Fun at the Florida Aquarium
- MySuncoast: Florida Aquarium Offers Free Admission for Veterans
- Action News JAX: Florida Aquarium Successfully Fares Through Hurricane Milton
- Wikipedia: Florida Aquarium
- Google Search: Florida Aquarium
- Google Scholar: Florida Aquarium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida Aquarium
- Google News: Florida Aquarium
