SARASOTA – “We’re going to break ground in September, this is going to be a reality so please join us as we try to secure that remaining amount of money that we are going to need for the aquarium,” said President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Dr. Michael Crosby.
In a press conference Thursday, Mote announced $75 million dollars had been raised to build the $130 million new Science Education Aquarium that will sit between Nathan Benderson Park and The Mall at University Town Center.
“Manatee County has committed five million dollars to this effort, Sarasota County as you are well aware has committed 20 million dollars and the 12 acres of property,” said Crosby.
Mote SEA will be home for nearly a million gallons of animal habitat, the new aquarium is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors a year.
And nearly 70,000 K-12 students will receive marine stem related educational offerings each year, completely free of charge.
Mote SEA will completely change the trajectory of our children’s educational experience as they are provided access to tools and training that exists nowhere else in the region,” said Manatee County Commissioner, Misty Servia.
Mote leaders say after the two-year construction phase, the new attraction will stimulate 28 million dollars a year in annual impact for the region.
“This is jobs, good-paying jobs, both at the aquarium, at Mote as well as in the surrounding area,” said Crosby.
Commissioner, Michael Moran says Mote’s focus is education and entertainment.
“Focus on education, putting a priority on our environment, family-focused entertainment and career creation and development in Marine sciences,” said Sarasota County Commissioner, Michael Moran.
Mote SEA is expected to open in 2023.