Florida is getting a new tourist attraction. Take a look at what’s coming near a mall
The $130 million Mote Science Education Aquarium is under construction on the Gulf Coast of Florida. After breaking ground in fall 2020, Mote is starting to go vertical with the long-awaited complex.
Let’s take a look:
What’s ahead
Building: The 110,000-square-foot, multi-story building rising on 12 acres near the Mall at UTC has a futuristic design that features one million gallons of water for exhibits. Mote SEA is projected to attract more than 700,000 visitors a year.
Reaction: “We anticipate being complete in winter of 2024. As for the cost, we’re still trying to land the project as close as possible to the initial projection of $130 million,” Kevin Cooper, Mote’s vice president for communications and strategic initiatives, said in an email to the Bradenton Herald. “Throughout execution, we’ve experienced cost fluctuations in both directions and continue to buy early when prices are advantageous and hold if we anticipate the potential for future savings.”
Economic boost: In 2018, Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, highlighted the economic, educational and scientific benefits that the new facility could bring. “Science is the attraction. It’s something that is going to benefit each and every person in this entire region,” Crosby said.
How Mote secured tourism funding
Background:
▪ In 2020, Manatee County commissioners approved $5 million of Manatee County’s tourism taxes toward the new facility. The allocation came more than a year after Mote asked Manatee County Commissioners to provide $15 million in funding toward the facility. The county commission voted 6-1 to approve $1 million over five years. The county’s money will pay for the naming rights of a new manatee habitat exhibit that also raises awareness about water quality and red tide, according to Mote documents.
▪ Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously to commit $20 million of county tourist development funds to Mote SEA.
▪ Other funding is being raised through philanthropy and partnerships.
▪ By Sept. 30, 2022, more than $100 million in philanthropic, public and private support had been committed to the construction of the SEA, Mote said.
Reaction: “I think there’s nothing more important than protecting our coastlines and our water quality, and we can do it while promoting tourism,” then-county commissioner Misty Servia said in 2020.
New aquarium is ‘rebirth’ for Mote
Science and tech: Mote says the planned rebirth of the aquarium on the mainland will transform science education and ocean literacy for the public. Mote SEA also will serve as a regional hub for expanding marine science and technology education and inspiration to local students.
Site impact: Mote officials say the facility at Benderson Park will help lead to the next step in the evolution of the City Island campus into an enhanced International marine science, technology and innovation park with an additional 60,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art research infrastructure at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Mote also has an inland research facility on Fruitville Road where it is conducting studies on red tide.
This story was originally published March 29, 2023 at 9:00 AM.
