New Mote Marine Location

Mote Marine is bringing its expertise to mainland Florida. In August 2021, the Sarasota County Commission unanimously approved a new location for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on land in Nathan Benderson Park. The new location will be a modern four-story, $130 million facility called Mote Science Education Aquarium on land south of the University Town Center mall.

The new location will have over 110,000 square feet of space and will exhibit over 1 million gallons of water. Each year the Education Aquarium expects 700,000 visitors, supporting 260 jobs onsite and in the surrounding area. Mote Marine projects a $280 million in statewide economic benefit related to the project build, and an annual operation economic benefit of $28 million.

Mote’s pursuit of a new aquarium has been ongoing for years.

Mote’s pursuit of a new aquarium has been going on for years and is part of their 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan. In 2011 Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium shared its vision with the community which included expansion beyond its current City Island location and onto the mainland.

Construction started in the past year and is expected to complete in an additional two years. WRA is proud to support this project with Civil Engineering services.