The Florida Aquarium is a success story on many fronts — an exciting attraction, a center for conservation and learning and an engine for downtown Tampa’s economic growth. But those community benefits don’t come by accident; it takes vision and investment to keep these civic jewels humming, and Tampa’s City Council can keep the momentum going by approving a contribution this week to the aquarium’s expansion.

The aquarium is seeking $15 million in public money from a special downtown-area taxing district as part of its $45 million expansion plan. When completed in 2026, the expansion will include a renovated exhibit hall, new second-floor gallery space and new animal habitats for Pacific puffin, California sea lions and African penguins, among other improvements.

The expansion is a testament to the aquarium’s impact and appeal and its growing importance to the region. Opened in 1995, the aquarium became a catalyst for Tampa’s downtown channel district, attracting visitors and new businesses alike. The aquarium shaped what became the mixed-use district of apartments, condos, shops and restaurants, giving rise to the multi-billion dollar Water Street development that is enlivening the downtown waterfront.

This expansion will enhance the aquarium’s wow-factor and its draw as a destination. Annual attendance has grown more than 25% since 2017, increasing to nearly 1.1 million in 2023. That growth is expected to continue, helped in no small way by the aquarium’s smart approach in offering new and engaging visitor experiences. It’s important to note that about 20% of visitors live outside Florida, with 40% coming from outside Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Its ability to attract such a huge outside audience translates into dollars and exposure for Tampa Bay.

Increasing demand at the turnstile is critical; paid attendance supports more than half of the aquarium’s conservation programs, including coral restoration and sea turtle rescue, and about 40% of its educational programs. Beyond serving as a premier attraction, the aquarium is globally recognized for its coral conservation and research programs. Nearly 2 million schoolchildren, their families and teachers have participated in onsite learning programs since the aquarium opened, with some 90,000 school children participating in its educational offerings every year.

The $15 million request is reasonable, and much of the money would be spent on essential upgrades such as to air conditioning and electrical systems at the city-owned facility. The aquarium has already raised $22 million, and would raise or finance another $8 million. All told, even with $15 million from the city, the aquarium would be matching every dollar of public funds with $2 of private investment. That’s a fair split and speaks to the relationships this institution has built with private donors and businesses.

Tampa’s City Council should approve the request Thursday and help keep the aquarium ever-relevant for an even brighter future.

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