A new aquarium attraction off a Florida highway just announced an opening date
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s new complex will open on Oct. 8, the organization announced Monday.
Located at Nathan Benderson Park off Interstate 75 and marketed as a “nexus site” for Sarasota and Manatee counties, the 146,000-square-footMote Science Education Aquarium marks a new chapter for educational and research opportunities.
“Mote SEA is much more than just an aquarium; it stands at the intersection of paradigm-changing research, science education and community engagement,” Dr. Michael Crosby, president & CEO of Mote said in a statement. “We envision a future in which tens of millions of visitors will experience the transformative power of learning and discovery, changing the way they think about our oceans, conservation and sustainable use.”
Aside from over 1 million gallons of aquarium space being a key draw for visitors, Mote said “science is the attraction at Mote SEA,” which includes an emphasis on educational opportunities and hands-on learning.
The 12-acre site has three Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) “Teaching Labs,” which explore topics like biomedical, microbiology and immunology; marine and coastal ecology; and ocean engineering, AI technology and robotics.
According to the announcement, these labs will provide hands-on learning opportunities to more than 70,000 grade school students in Manatee and Sarasota Counties every year, including over 26,000 Title I students, at no cost.
There will also be five advanced “STEM Teaching and Workforce Training Labs” to offer professional experience to high school students, undergraduate and graduate students. Opportunities for advanced research include aquaculture and fisheries, conservation, veterinary clinics and coral genetics.
Mote SEA announces opening date
“Mote SEA will transform Mote’s ability to provide informal science education and enhanced levels of ocean literacy to much larger and more diverse populations from around the world,” the release said.
Before Mote SEA opens to the public, members will have a chance to preview the new facility. Members of the aquarium will be able to visit Mote SEA from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7.
Mote’s website said it offers a “Plan Ahead pricing model,” and tickets must be purchased online to guarantee entry. As of the date of publication, tickets for opening day, a Wednesday, cost $34 for adults and $26 for youth. On Saturday, Oct. 11, adult tickets are $37 and youth tickets are $29.
New aquarium to open after months-long delay
In July, Mote Marine had not yet set an opening date, but said Mote SEA would open some time in 2025.
Mote Marine originally expected to open Mote SEA in early 2025, but Hurricanes Helene and Milton first dealt delays to the $130 million project.
Then, Mote Marine explained that it was uncertain about a specific opening date due to the uncertainty and complexity of transferring its marine life to new aquariums.
According to previous posts on Mote Marine’s website, staff needed to get the water chemistry correct in the new aquariums and go through the process of getting animals quarantined, transferred and acclimated to the new aquariums before opening to the public.
“The health, safety and welfare of all animals under Mote’s care is the top priority,” a previous statement on Mote’s website said. “Mote is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and follows animal transfer protocols adopted as best practices across peer institutions.”
