The Florida Aquarium has been a downtown Tampa fixture since 1995. Over the years, exhibits have been added and expanded, including its “No BoneZone” touch-pool exhibit, DolphinQuest ecotour boats and popular Explore a Shore outdoor water fun zone.
Last year, the 501c3 aquarium unveiled its renovated splash pad and new 4-D theater. Whatever changes may be afoot (or a-fin) inside or outside the facility, The Florida Aquarium has consistently demonstrated an ongoing commitment to education and conservation, particularly when it comes to keeping the Bay area informed about its collective responsibilities as neighbors of the community’s lands and seas.
This weekend, the Florida Aquarium joins partners Ocean Conservancy and Keep Tampa Beautiful in the International Coast Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Ballast Point Park & Pier in Tampa. Join members of the Florida Aquarium team as they scour Ballast Point Park and the Pier for trash to protect the area’s shorelines and waters and ensure the welfare of marine animals and the environment.
Volunteers are invited to register at 8:30 a.m. where they will also receive a safety briefing and instructions for the cleanup which begins at 9 a.m. Those taking part are encouraged to follow these basic guidelines to ensure their own safety and ease while participating: wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunglasses; dress comfortably in clothes that can get dirty or wet; pack a reusable water bottle as water coolers will be available to stay hydrated; and wear (and bring) sunscreen. The Aquarium will provide volunteers gloves and other cleanup materials.
For more information about the event, click here. To learn more about The Florida Aquarium and its many programs and exhibits, click here to visit its website.
If you like nature you may want to plan to attend this special event too. Or if you are in a Zen mood consider Yoga at the TampaZoo.