Miami-Dade County

Plans to redevelop Miami Seaquarium site are in the works. Here are 5 takeaways

An aerial view of the Miami Seaquarium.
An aerial view of the Miami Seaquarium. pportal@miamiherald.com

Developers in Miami are eyeing the Miami Seaquarium property as the current owner, Dolphin Company, navigates bankruptcy proceedings. The 38-acre site on Virginia Key could see significant changes, with proposals to be considered by Miami-Dade County.

FULL STORY: There’s a secret proposal to develop the Seaquarium land. What we know

Former Seaquarium vet Dr. Jenna Wallace with one of the marine park’s bottlenose dolphins.
Former Seaquarium vet Dr. Jenna Wallace with one of the marine park’s bottlenose dolphins. Jenna Wallace

Here are the highlights:

  • Integra, a local marina operator, has submitted a proposal for the Seaquarium site, although details remain confidential. The proposal is part of broader efforts to repurpose the iconic tourist attraction.
  • The Dolphin Company, which owns the Seaquarium, is in bankruptcy and seeking offers for its lease, along with stakes in other Florida parks. A listing for the Seaquarium lease is available on LoopNet, but no asking price is specified.
  • Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado is involved in discussions about the property’s future, emphasizing a shift away from marine-mammal attractions. The county is considering expanding marina facilities, aligning with Integra’s business focus.
  • At least one other developer, David Martin, has shown interest, entering a non-disclosure agreement to start the process. However, it remains unclear if formal talks or proposals have been initiated.
  • Regalado has suggested preserving elements of the Seaquarium’s history, such as the bayfront dome, while exploring new development opportunities. The future of the site remains uncertain, and any future plan will require County Commission approval.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists.

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