Clearwater Marine Aquarium seeks bed tax grant for $32 million expansion

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is planning a significant $32 million multi-year expansion to enhance its facilities and accommodate new marine species. The aquarium has requested $9. 8 million in tourist development tax funding from Pinellas County to support the renovations. CEO John Handy expressed that these enhancements could potentially double the aquarium's current attendance, which hovers just below 400,000 visitors per year. The renovations will focus on the original area of the aquarium, which was previously a wastewater treatment facility, and aims to transform the space into new habitats for sea lions, sharks, albino alligators, and penguins.

Handy emphasized the importance of these renovations for attracting visitors from around the world, stating that it would have a significant ripple effect on the local economy. The facility has been underutilized since it was donated in 1978, and the proposed upgrades aim to rectify this situation. The Tourist Development Council is expected to make recommendations to the Pinellas County commissioners regarding the funding this fall. Overall, this expansion represents a strategic move to enhance both the aquarium's offerings and its role in local tourism.