Looking back on 2024, it's reassuring to see how The Florida Aquarium continued to thrive, despite weathering one of the most challenging hurricane seasons in recent memory.
For the second year in a row, we welcomed over one million guests, connecting them to amazing animals, taking them to exciting places both above and below the water's surface, and sharing stories of hope for our planet.
We began phase one of reimagining our Heart of the Sea exhibit, bringing the wonders and beauty of an Indo-Pacific reef to life and honoring the cultural heritage that emphasizes the importance of the collection to the region.
Aquarium leadership, elected officials, and donors commemorated the opening of one of the nation's foremost state-of-the-art coral research facilities, The Coral Conservation & Research Center. This addition more than doubles our capacity to conduct cutting-edge coral research aimed at saving and restoring our Florida Reef tract — North America's "Great Barrier Reef."
Fulfilling our commitment to our community, the Aquarium collaborated with Bank of America to launch a new initiative in East Tampa and Sulphur Springs, addressing environmental resiliency opportunities in vulnerable neighborhoods.
We continued to welcome children from underrepresented areas across the region through our community SeaTREK program, inspiring confidence and personal growth through this one-of-a-kind underwater experience.
With the overwhelming support of our community, the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved a $15M investment in our $45M capital expansion, ushering in a new era for the Aquarium that will bring California sea lions and
Pacific puffins to the region for the first time, along with expanding our penguin colony and our newest touch exhibit, The Tide Pool, which opened August 1, 2025.
2024 also brought our largest capital campaign leadership gift, $3 million, from The Mosaic Company, adding to their longstanding commitment, which includes providing millions of gallons of seawater each year.
The Aquarium played a vital role in driving our economy, with an economic impact approaching $300 million. From a fiscal responsibility perspective, we remained one of the few Candid Platinum-rated nonprofits in Tampa Bay.
As we close the books on another successful year, know that we could not have accomplished everything we did without your unwavering support. Thank you!
Our best days remain ahead of us, however, and I invite you to join us by financially supporting The Florida Aquarium in 2025. Whether it's investing in general operations or the capital campaign, every dollar ensures we proudly live into our name as Florida's premier conservation-based public aquarium.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Roger Germann President & CEO
HIGHLIGHTS
A SEA OF CHANGE
Guests can now delve into the Heart of the Sea, thanks to the vibrant makeover of our secondlargest habitat, featuring 26 new Indo-Pacific species.
CORAL CONSERVATION SCALES UP
We expanded our Coral Conservation Center to 9,000 sq. ft., boosting our ability to breed diverse coral species and help restore Florida’s reefs.
PENGUINS ON A MISSION
Four African penguins visited Florida’s capital, helping secure $15M in funding from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency for our Sea Change expansion.
INTRODUCING A NEW EXPERIENCE
A new Stingray Feeding Experience gives guests a chance to roll up their sleeves alongside animal care experts to prepare a meal for — and feed — our cownose stingrays.
A RECORD YEAR FOR SEA TURTLES
Our Sea Turtle Conservation Program treated 59 turtles in 2024, marking a record-breaking year in rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation research.
ACCESS FOR ALL
We expanded our accessibility efforts in 2024, earning Visit Tampa Bay’s Accessibility Verified seal and continuing to host sensory-friendly events for inclusive guest experiences.
REACHING BEYOND THE AQUARIUM
Our total economic impact neared $300M in 2024, helping us maintain our status as one of Tampa Bay’s few Candid Platinum-rated nonprofits.
ONE MILLION AND COUNTING
For the second year running, we welcomed over 1 million guests to the Aquarium, helping to connect our community to our shared purpose of saving marine wildlife and the places they call home.
CONSERVATION
2024: A Banner Year for Conservation at The Florida Aquarium
Our Conservation team made significant strides in coral and sea turtle recovery, habitat restoration, and global species protection thanks to their steadfast dedication to our four conservation priorities. Through cutting-edge research, expanded facilities, increased funding, and strategic field partnerships, we strengthened our role as a leader in marine conservation — both here in Tampa Bay and far from home.
1
2
CONSERVATION PRIORITIES
Connecting People with Nature to Drive Conservation Action
SAFEGUARD IMPERILED WILDLIFE
Most species require a certain level of protected care, such as large reserves, national parks, marine sanctuaries, and accredited aquariums. The Florida Aquarium leads several comprehensive conservation programs and collaborates on projects to better understand and address these species' health, welfare, and conservation needs.
GENERATE HEALTHY HABITATS
Many terrestrial and aquatic habitats are being diminished or destroyed, leading to ecosystem collapse. The Florida Aquarium spearheads various habitat restoration projects and offers opportunities for staff, guests, and the community to help restore a functional abundance and distribution of species in these areas.
Plastic waste is harming wildlife and humans at unprecedented levels. The Florida Aquarium is dedicated to reducing the use of single-use plastics and decreasing plastic pollution by leading by example and offering our audiences and local businesses opportunities to join our efforts.
4
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES
Humans are consuming natural resources more quickly than can be replenished, creating an imbalance that harms the environment and depletes these resources for future generations. The Florida Aquarium aims to achieve zero waste by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2035, and it is increasing its impact by collaborating with other like-minded businesses.
CONSERVATION
A New Command Center for Coral Conservation
The Florida Aquarium's Coral Conservation Program has made international headlines with its reproductive breakthroughs. However, this year, our dedication to coral restoration reached a milestone with the expansion of the Coral Conservation and Research Center, increasing its size to 9,000 square feet. As a leader in coral reproduction and reef restoration, the Aquarium has achieved historic breakthroughs, including the first-ever lab spawning of Atlantic pillar, ridged cactus, and elkhorn corals. This state-of-the-art facility will now enable us to breed a greater diversity of corals and raise thousands of offspring annually — a crucial step in reversing reef decline.
CORAL CONSERVATION
More Funding for More Reef Support
$2.1M OPERATIONAL FUNDING
from Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
FCR3 INITIATIVE
(Florida's Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery)
Helped launch a CORAL SPAWNING TRAINING PROGRAM at the Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach.
With the support of key partners, we are scaling up our efforts to protect Florida’s $8 billion reef ecosystem for future generations.
Hitting "Pause" on Coral Extinction
What if we could freeze time to save a species? In a groundbreaking achievement, The Florida Aquarium and a small team of international experts have managed to do just that. Using innovative cryomesh technology, scientists froze live coral larvae from the critically endangered Atlantic pillar coral for longterm storage. This milestone is part of a three-yearlong initiative funded by the G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to build a global coral biorepository network and enable future reef restoration efforts. With only 24 wild pillar coral colonies remaining in Florida, this pioneering work offers a powerful new tool in the fight to prevent extinction and secure the future of coral reefs.
CONSERVATION
A Little More Breeding Room
Thanks to continued improvements in Long-Spined Sea Urchin (Diadema antillarum) production through our partnership with the University of Florida, additional space in the coral greenhouses at The Florida Aquarium’s Conservation Campus is now being allocated to urchin grow-out. This expansion in our coral greenhouses aims to support even more young urchins. With four successful spawning events under our belts, we now have over 1,200 juveniles in growout, 825 shared with partners, and 100 already released onto Florida’s Coral Reef. These algae-grazing urchins are proving their value — and earning more real estate — as we scale up one of the most extensive restocking efforts in decades.
A Coral Crossover
7
ELKHORN CORAL FRAGMENTS
Arrived in June from Tela Bay, Honduras thanks to our partners at University of Miami.
SPAWNED 2x
Our team crossed their gametes with those of Florida elkhorn coral.
CORAL CONSERVATION =1000+
HYBRID CORAL BABIES
These future reef-builders are being raised at The Florida Aquarium and will be tested for thermal resilience, with hopes of gaining approval to one day help restore Florida’s Coral Reef. The project, part of a broader effort to build climate-resilient reefs, is the first international cross of its kind for elkhorn corals and a major step toward restoring Florida’s Coral Reef.
WADDLING THE WALK
African Penguin Day
OCTOBER 14, 2024
The Florida Aquarium hosted the first-ever Worldwide Waddle along with more than 40 LOCATIONS on SIX CONTINENTS around the globe, including some in Japan, the UAE, France, Tasmania, Mozambique, Canada, Italy and Chile. Hundreds of people turned out for the TFA Waddle and Block Party, designed as part of the international penguin conservation awareness campaign called Not On Our Watch (#NOOW), which was backed by The Florida Aquarium.
DOCTORS IN THE NEWS
Dr. Debi Luke was invited to Washington DC for the international premiere of the documentary Escape From Extinction: Rewilding, narrated by Meryl Streep.
The documentary, in which Dr. Luke represents The Florida Aquarium, has already won multiple awards and is now showing globally after a successful U.S. run in over 100 theaters.
Dr. Luke also attended the Keissling Prize Gala and was featured in an upcoming episode of Robin’s Nest, a podcast produced by American Humane. The episode is set to release in 2025.
Dr. Lindsey Waxman was a coauthor of a scientific, peer-reviewed journal article entitled "Fatal Acute Hemolysis Following Triazole Therapy in African Penguins" (Spheniscus demersus).
Follow Otis’s Journey
6 MONTHS OF CARE at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center.
CONSERVATION SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
OTIS
RELEASED WITH A SATELLITE TAG
TRACK OTIS ONLINE thanks to Verizon.
Watch his ocean adventures while he's helping biologists gather crucial data for future conservation efforts.
Little Helpers with a Big Heart
The Florida Aquarium received 10 rescued sea turtles from New England. 8-year-old Eliza, a Connecticut resident got together with four of her elementary school friends to form the “Turtle Team" to raise money for the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach.
Out Of Office
SEA TURTLE TEAM
Georgia Lombardy joined the Bermuda Turtle Project helping tag and assess green sea turtles.
Continued public education outreach by helping to teach kids math with turtle data in a new video with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Alyssa Fessett and volunteers were in Costa Rica to support the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
SEA TURTLES RECEIVED CARE through the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
AT A GLANCE
SEA TURTLE
CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Field & Rescue Efforts
180 HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
1 LOCAL SEA TURTLE RESCUED
37 RESCUED SEA TURTLES RECEIVED
34 SEA TURTLES RELEASED BACK TO THE WILD
Research & Monitoring
4 DEEP-DIVE TRIALS CONDUCTED
1 SEA TURTLE SATELLITE TAGGED
Post Mortem Investigations
17 DECEASED SEA TURTLES RECOVERED
3 NECROPSIES PERFORMED
CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Broodstock & Spawning
Support to Partners CORAL
79 NEW CORAL BROODSTOCK AQUIRED
8 CORAL SPECIES SUCCESSFULLY SPAWNED
In-House Settlement
384,000 CORAL SETTLED ON-SITE
1000+ HEALTH INSPECTIONS FOR RELEASE OR TRANSFER
1.5M CORAL LARVAE
5,800 CORALS
825 URCHINS
GUEST ENGAGEMENT
Into the Indo-Pacific
The Florida Aquarium unveiled the stunning transformation of its second-largest habitat into a vibrant Indo-Pacific showcase.
HEART OF THE SEA EXHIBIT
15' DEEP HABITAT
26 NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIES
20+ TEAM MEMBERS ENSURING SMOOTH TRANSITION
MĀORI WRASSE EMPEROR ANGELFISH BLUE SPECKLED GROUPER SCHOOL OF FUSILIERS
RESIDENT LOGGERHEAD RESIDENT STINGRAYS
Heart of the Sea becoming a living celebration of collaboration, care, and global marine diversity.
ADVANCING ACCESSIBILITY FOR EVERY GUEST
2024 included expanded accessibility efforts with new designations and support tools that help guests of all abilities feel seen, understood, and accommodated.
Custom-Built Robot - Aquabot 3000
1ST OF ITS KIND VIRTUAL TOUR PROGRAM
Connects pediatric patients at Muma Children’s Hospital to navigate the Aquarium from their hospital beds.
Visit Tampa Bay, recognizes the Aquarium as a facility that meets high standards for accessibility and guest experience.
Sunflower Program: Supports guests with hidden disabilities by providing discreet visual cues, allowing staff to offer additional patience, assistance, or time when needed.
PARTY WITH THE FISHES
The Florida Aquarium kicked off the New Year by launching a new boutiquestyle birthday party package. These festive packages are offered weekend mornings and include private time in the Aquarium, more party time for guests, private space in the Learning Center, cake, activities, and more.
OFF-SITE
Two unique off-site installations, each designed to educate, inspire, and extend visibility for our shared purpose beyond our Downtown Tampa home.
1,000,000
Our live animal habitats were re-imagined and refurbished in the red and blue baggage claim areas, introducing millions of travelers annually to The Florida Aquarium.
A new 250-gallon freshwater exhibit, featuring an array of vibrant African cichlids from Lake Malawi, now offers guests a colorful glimpse into one of the African Great Lakes.
REASONS TO CELEBRATE!
In December of 2023, we welcomed our one-millionth guest of the year — a milestone moment in our 28-year history.
The Narankevicius family was surprised with a VIP penguin encounter, 75-minute wild dolphin cruise, gifts, and cheers from staff during a serendipitous day.
LEARNING
Paving Paths for the Future
Whether it's feeding a stingray, piloting a robot, or stepping into the shoes of an Aquarium veterinarian, hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do. This year, our Learning team expanded programs on campus and beyond, creating opportunities that inspire curiosity, build skills, and open doors to future possibilities.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Our Learning team has been hard at work bringing the Aquarium experience beyond our doors. Through a series of outreach programs, we have taken The Florida Aquarium experience to schools, camp facilities, and other organizations throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.
6,700 INDIVIDUALS REACHED IN FY24
TABLE TALK
At the Aquarium, the journey is just as memorable as the destination. That's because the Learning team launched engaging new gallery pathway programs designed to spark curiosity and connection between exhibits. From Trail Talks at the Wetlands Ranger Station to interactive table activities like Skeleton Key, Shellabration, and Build a Beast, guests of all ages are invited to explore the wonders of wildlife through hands-on learning and one-on-one conversations with our educators.
MORE THAN A FEEDING
Launched in May, the Stingray Feeding Experience invites guests behind the scenes for an unforgettable encounter with one of the Aquarium’s most charismatic — and flat-out fascinating — residents. In this intimate, small-group program, participants roll up their sleeves alongside animal care and education experts to prepare a meal for our cownose stingrays. Created in collaboration with Business Innovation, Animal Care, and Learning, this hands-on encounter provides a deep dive into what it takes to keep these graceful gliders healthy, thriving, and ready for their next snack.
THE ART AND SCIENCE CONNECTION
After collecting approx. 3,000 individual pieces of trash from our local shores, students from Robinson High School and Lanier Elementary created vibrant artwork made from the debris. These unique art pieces were installed on the guest pathway in the Coral Reef gallery, sharing the creativity and marine plastics pollution prevention story through students’ own words and designs.
LEARNING
2024 Camp Scholarship Program
An array of activities including Animal Olympics, Marine Biology, Open Water SCUBA, Sunshine State of Mind, and more!
6 WEEKS OF CAMP
18 CURIOUS CAMPERS 16 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS 95% ATTENDANCE RATE
MEMBERS ON A MISSION
36 UNDERWATER AQUARIUM
Generous board member Dale Hoffman sponsored: SCUBA CAMP SCHOLARSHIP for a Plant City Boys and Girls Club member, providing a unique opportunity for a deeper connection to marine wildlife.
ADVENTURES for Boys and Girls Club members. Included a SeaTREK exploration of our Heart of the Sea habitat.
1
MISSION: TAMPA BAY
A Collaboration to Empower Girls
From building underwater robots to testing them in our Coral Reef habitat, these future innovators got hands-on with science, tech, and conservation.
Team Work Makes
In partnership with UF, and through collaboration with the TFA Animal Care and Health teams, our GATOR DAY CAMP gave under-resourced high school students a hands-on look at careers in animal health and marine science — earning high marks for mentorship, exploration, and inspiration.
We believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Our teacher workshops reached over 100 DEDICATED EDUCATORS, with topics including adaptations (aligning with MORPH’D), water quality, pollution trends in Tampa Bay, and invertebrates. One workshop series that focused on invasive species even included hands-on time “in the field,” as teachers participated in invasive species removal in local habitats. GIRLS GRADES 5-8
TEACHER WORKSHOPS
LEARNING
Opening Doors to Discovery
We proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting of our new JA BizTown storefront in partnership with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay BizTown. This child-sized city invites 5th graders to step into Aquarium roles such as veterinarians, CEOs, and environmental specialists in an immersive experience that brings marine conservation to life while sparking curiosity about real-world careers.
JA BIZTOWN
19,890 STUDENTS VISITED
231 SCHOOLS
500,000 HOURS OF HANDS-ON INSTRUCTION focused on marine conservation, business skills, and career exploration.
After two successful pilot years collaborating with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County and programming partners TFA launched an expanded third year of the iSpy Tampa Bay initiative. Providing low-income families with access to three dynamic cultural attractions.
2,865 iSPY PARTICIPANTS VISITED
Helping families and educators use cultural experiences as tools to prepare children for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.
Teens Leading the TIDES OF CHANGE
Through the AQUA PROGRAM, we joined Bank of America, The Skills Center, and the YMCA to help Teen Achievers in East Tampa and Sulphur Springs explore conservation and community resiliency, with the goal of empowering youth to lead, adapt, and shape a more sustainable future.
50 TAMPA BAY TEEN ACHIEVERS
TOURED THE
Explored local conservation efforts and connected learning to real-world careers.
BY THE NUMBERS
15,700 STUDENTS
673 PROGRAMS TAUGHT
2,700+ SLEEPOVER ATTENDANCE
3,500+ BIRTHDAY ATTENDANCE
APOLLO BEACH CAMPUS
ANIMAL CARE & HEALTH
Our commitment to saving marine wildlife shapes everything we do.
This year, our talented and dedicated Animal Care & Health teams made significant strides in medical innovation, conservation advocacy, and species management. Through pioneering medical treatments, meticulous welfare assessments, and cutting-edge diagnostic tools, our team continues to redefine what it means to safeguard marine life both within our walls and beyond.
A CASE FOR LIFESAVING ANNUAL EXAMS
A simple checkup can make all the difference. During a routine annual exam, our team made a shocking discovery — Dominica, a cownose stingray, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, marking only the second reported case of this cancer in her species. Since her diagnosis, Dominica has been monitored with precision and care, undergoing specialized treatment plans that include steroids and dietary adjustments. Thanks to the dedication of The Florida Aquarium’s veterinarians and animal care teams, her condition has remained stable, reducing the need for medical interventions while maximizing her quality of life.
The impact doesn’t stop with Dominica " The data we’ve collected can help guide other zoos and aquariums in diagnosing and treating similar cases.
- Anna Pappas, Senior Biologist at The Florida Aquarium "
TRAVELING PENGUINS
Conservation advocates come in all shapes and sizes
This year, four of our African penguins headed out to Tallahassee during a trip coordinated by RSA Consulting, a lobbying firm based in Tampa. Once at the capital city, they rubbed elbows (so to speak) with senators, representatives, and legislative staff Sea Change expansion.
3
$15M FUNDING SECURED from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency
2x GALLERY SPACE EXPANSION
PEBBLES
ARCHIE
NURU
ENZI
ANIMAL CARE & HEALTH
ADVANCING MEDICAL CARE
At The Florida Aquarium, advancing veterinary science is a vital part of what we do. This year, our medical team achieved groundbreaking milestones in diagnostics, surgical procedures, and species care, setting new benchmarks for excellence in aquatic animal health.
Groundbreaking Procedures
5 MAJOR PROCEDURES COMPLETED
Performed cutting-edge surgery on the honeycomb stingray to help its tail heal from chronic wounds
A green sea turtle was equipped with a stomach tube to enhance its healing process
1. Endoscopy on a juvenile alligator
2. Shell biopsy on an eastern box turtle
3. Shell biopsy on a diamondback terrapin
4. Emergency surgery on a spotted eagle ray
5. Ovariohysterectomy on a blackspotted pufferfish
WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS
Every year, new faces (and fins, feathers, and scales) join The Florida Aquarium family, bringing fresh energy and excitement to our exhibits. From showstopping ambassadors to stealthy, camouflaged newcomers, here’s a look at 2024’s newest arrivals:
Animal Ambassadors: Our ambassador team gained four new stars: Salvatore, an Asian water monitor; Cayenne, a southern tamandua; Liana, a two-toed sloth; and Olive, a striking Mexican red-kneed tarantula.
Wetlands: The Wetlands habitat received the most diverse team of newbies, with a bowfin, bass, and blue catfish joining the pelican exhibit, while a redhead duck, American bittern, and wood thrush took flight in the aviary.
Chameleon Habitat: This habitat may look unchanged to the untrained eye, but if you look closely, you may just spot our new veiled chameleon in the MORPH'D gallery.
Learning: A western hognose snake slithered into the education lineup, ready to charm (and educate) guests.
Heart of the Sea: A breathtaking school of 400 yellowtail fusiliers joined several new species including a Māori wrasse and four different species of grouper as we’ve reimagined our second largest habitat.
Enhanced Diagnostics
Routines
RADIOGRAPH EQUIPMENT
1,403 Received Quarantine Intake and Exit Exams NEW ANIMALS ALL AFRICAN PENGUINS 45 OTHER COLLECTION ANIMALS + WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS PERFORMED
ADVANCED ECHOCARDIOGRAMS AND ULTRASOUNDS PERFORMED Diagnosing a Potentially Life-Threatening Blood Parasite Faster, More Precise Diagnostic Imaging While Reducing Anesthesia Time =
7 COWNOSE RAYS Assessed for Return to Tropicana Field
CAYENNE Southern Tamandua
Panther Grouper
Queensland Grouper
Redhead Duck
Yellowtail Fusilier
SOUTHERN TAMANDUA CAYENNE
PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
$4.733M+
FY24
A Community of Generous Supporters Who Share Our Vision
From individual donors to corporate partners and foundations, each contribution plays a vital role in advancing conservation, enhancing guest experiences, and strengthening our future.
In FY24, philanthropy totaled more than $4.733 million to support operational funding and capital projects. Whether through transformative gifts, innovative collaborations, or community-driven events, our philanthropic community continues to shape what’s possible at The Florida Aquarium — and what’s next.
CONNECTION MEETS CONSERVATION
Throughout the year, The Florida Aquarium hosted a series of philanthropic events designed to deepen donor engagement and build meaningful connections. Collaborative celebrations with partners like The Tampa Club and the Valspar Championship, further strengthened relationships and expanded our reach. These moments of connection help power our purpose and inspire continued support.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Inaugural World Ocean Day Soirée - Raised over $85,000!
• VIP Snow Days - Record-Breaking Attendance!
• First Annual Cuddle Clinic
EXCLUSIVE GATHERINGS
• Breakfast with a Biologist
• Cocktails with a Curator
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN EVENTS
• Party with a Purpose
• Corporate Connect Days of Action
DC ADVOCACY DAY
In FY24, The Florida Aquarium took its shared purpose to the nation’s capital during the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. There, Aquarium leadership met with policymakers and partners to champion wildlife protection, coral conservation, and robust funding for marine science. These conversations underscore how critical national advocacy is to our local and global work and pave the way for new collaborations, resources, and policies that can strengthen The Florida Aquarium’s conservation impact for years to come.
PHILANTHROPY
Creating Change
Sea Change, The Florida Aquarium’s visionary $45 million capital campaign, is transforming our future and redefining what’s possible for marine conservation, education, and guest engagement. Philanthropy is the driving force behind this largest capital campaign in the Aquarium’s history, enabling new species introductions, expanded habitats, and state-of-the-art experiences that deepen our community’s connection to the ocean. As we build toward a bold new chapter, continued support from individuals, corporations, and foundations is essential to ensure Sea Change reaches its full potential, creating a lasting impact for marine life and the people who care for it.
DEEPENING OUR IMPACT THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
Waves of Support from Mosaic
The Florida Aquarium reached a major milestone in its $45 million Sea Change expansion with a $3 MILLION GIFT from The Mosaic Company — the largest corporate investment in the campaign to date. As presenting sponsor of the future Sea Lion exhibit, Mosaic continues its legacy of support, helping bring new species, expanded habitats, and immersive educational experiences to the heart of Tampa Bay.
A dedicated supporter of The Florida Aquarium since its founding in 1995, Mosaic has been steadfast in advancing our shared purpose to save marine life, generously contributing 42 million gallons of ocean saltwater since 2004.
Rays, Meet the Rays
A refreshed fan favorite made waves once again! The newly revitalized Stingray Beach exhibit was refreshed thanks to a renewed and expanded partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays. This collaboration strengthens a long-standing relationship and supports hands-on learning, elevated guest experiences, and deeper community engagement, advancing our purpose through strategic, value-driven collaboration.
A Toast to Conservation
Powering Possibilities
The Aquarium was proud to unveil the new Bayview Rooftop Terrace, Powered by TECO, in conjunction with a multi-year presenting sponsorship agreement that highlights TECO’s long-standing support and enhances one of the Aquarium’s most versatile and picturesque event spaces.
Back by popular demand: Coral Haze was relaunched thanks to a renewed partnership with Coppertail Brewing. The limited-edition pale ale returned with a crisp flavor and powerful purpose, raising $1 from every pint and $4 from every 4-pack to support The Florida Aquarium’s coral conservation efforts. With over $27K raised to date, this community-driven brew helps fund vital coral restoration work one refreshing sip at a time.
POWERING OUR PURPOSE
When You Love What You Do...
Our people do more than keep The Florida Aquarium afloat; they make waves, get muddy, and plant roots to shape a better tomorrow — both above and below the surface. Thanks to their efforts, FY24 was a year of impact, innovation, and inspiration.
Thanks to efforts like the newly redesigned Better Together Working Group, which aims to continually foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, TFA was honored as the Employer of the Year by City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, at the 35th Tampa Mayor's Alliance for Persons with Disabilities Awards Luncheon.
Our efforts to develop and strengthen programs that support our commitment to being a premier workplace have yielded resounding success within employee retention and growth, including:
GETTING OUR HANDS DIRTY AND OUR HABITATS CLEAN
Staff and volunteers suited up and dove into the cause with multiple clean-up dives throughout the year. Some of our most productive events include:
MCKAY BAY NATURE PRESERVE
Partnered with Learn & Serve, City of Tampa and Mission Continues
150
PARTICIPANTS
500 lbs. OF TRASH
ST PETERSBURG
Partnered with SCUBAnauts Intl. and Adventure Outfitters for a clean-up dive of Fort De Soto
DAVIS ISLAND
17 DIVERS & KAYAKERS
3,300
HARBOUR ISLAND
Partnered with Freedom Boat Club for the Great Port Cleanup lbs. OF TRASH
MAKING A SPLASH WITH MARINE OPPORTUNITIES
SCUBA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
15 DIVER CLASSES
SCUBA CAMP RELAUNCH
54 DIVERS CERTIFIED
807 lbs. OF TRASH
LOCAL WATERWAYS
39 PARTICIPANTS (3 MINORS)
34 PARTICIPANTS (included 2 boats & 1 canoe)
3,200 lbs. OF TRASH
2 WEEK PROGRAM CAMPERS AGE 12-15
7
CAMPERS RECEIVED OPEN WATER NAUI SCUBA DIVER CERTIFICATION
60 PARTICIPANTS
5 CLEAN-UP DIVES 4,238 lbs. OF TRASH (trash, debris and derelict vessels)
SPREADING ROOTS WITH MANGROVES
Our Horticulture team worked with the Ybor City Rotary Club to provide mangrove seedlings for planting along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa with support from Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program. The seedlings were collected from a secondary conservation project at our Apollo Beach campus, highlighting how one conservation project can support another through connections made by The Florida Aquarium.
CELEBRATORY FINAL DIVE IN CORAL REEF, THE AQUARIUM’S LARGEST HABITAT
CHANGEMAKERS
From interns and veterinary externs to volunteers and junior camp counselors, our community played a vital role in advancing our shared purpose.
VOLUNTEER, INTERN, AND EXTERN
1,204 PARTICIPANTS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
39 TOTAL EVENTS
825 PARTICIPANTS
11,696 lbs. OF DEBRIS REMOVED
57,388 TOTAL HOURS CONTRIBUTED
DONORS
Sea Change Capital Campaign Donors
$1,000,000+
The Mosaic Company
James L. and Celia D. Ferman, Jr. Fund at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and Ferman Motor Car Co.
Vinik Family Foundation
$500,000-999,999
Ashley & Wesley Barnett
$100,000-499,999
The Carol and Barney Barnett Family Foundation
Robert R. Sharp & Family and Marvin L. & Betsy Holloway
Cathy & Bob Smith
Bob & Linda Blanchard
Darryl Shaw, Ybor City Management LLC
$25,000-99,999
Kimberly Bruce & Michael Gratz
Kristin & Dan Greco
Laura Zaremba & Roger Germann
John & Dianne Couris
$5,000-24,999
Caroline Stein & Yaqub Ahmed
Lauren Fernandez
Dale Hoffman
The Mosey Family Fund
Lora & Dave Bevirt
Daniel & Diana Borasch
Jennifer & Marcus Greene
Judy & Doug Montgomery
Hill Ward Henderson
OneDigital
Andrea Gonzmart Williams & Beau Williams
Michael & Kirsten Esposito, Bank of America
Kathryn & Adam Thomas
Doug and Lauren Brigman Family Foundation
Felicia Harvey
Kathy & Tyler Hill
Up to $4,999
Bank of America
Niki & Leo Cannyn
Lisa & Jay Miller
Haneke Design
Angela & Carlos Aldazabal
FitOn Health
Tonya & Selwyn Strong
Doreen & Andrew Caudell
Lakshmi Shenoy & Ryan Jacobs
Gail & Paul Whiting
Melinda & Eric Weisberg
Deborah & David Barnes
General Support
Inclusive of all other charitable giving to the Aquarium.
$250,000+
City of Tampa
Daniel Doyle, Jr. & the Doyle Family
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tampa General Hospital
$100,000-249,999
L.V. Thompson Family Foundation, Inc.
Danny Persaud & MidFlorida Armored
PAR, Inc.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Edward E. Haddock, Jr.
Family Foundation
University of Miami
$25,000-99,999
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Bank of America Foundation
Lea & Richard Beard
Florida Blue Foundation
Brett Morgan
Nova Southeastern University
PepsiCo
The Sea Turtle License Plate Program
Peggy & Bob Sharp
SSA Group
State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts
The John A. and Elizabeth F. Taylor Foundation, Inc.
The Florida Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose shared purpose is to save marine wildlife. The Florida Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and American Humane Certified™ .
