Will there be a new aquarium for Mote Marine?
Stars appear to be lining up for a new Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, with a design that will catch the eyes of millions. Many power boaters and sailors are familiar with Sarasota’s City Island on Lido Key, where Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium brings the marine environment up close and personal with exhibits that include reef animals and sharks.
To bring the marine experience closer to landlubbers, Mote Marine has its eyes set on a five-acre parcel within Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park along Interstate 75 near University Parkway for its proposed 110,000-square-foot aquarium. That is with one million gallons of exhibit water.
The new Mote Science Education Aquarium will be twice as big as the City Island aquarium. It will also house increased displays, interactive teaching labs, onsite diving programs, and expansion of its family-focused education and outreach programs. Not to mention, plans to encourage young people to get involved in ocean science and technology.
Estimating around 43 million visitors each year, the facility needs Sarasota County’s approval of the lease and with continued fundraising efforts, construction could start as early as 2019.
Sidenote: Mote Marine sometimes provides Southern Boating with Sea Watch articles. Thanks, guys. You’re the best!
By Bill AuCoin, Southern Boating May 2018
Photo: Mote Marine