SPI Insights

Florida – The Brevard Zoo’s $100 million aquarium project at Port Canaveral is scheduled to be open by February 2027. The 14-acre aquarium project should have 90 percent of the design phase completed by the beginning of September. Zoo executives have said they plan to begin construction of the project by September 2024.

The aquarium lost about a year of momentum due to COVID-19 and some of the design plans also changed. Originally the aquarium was to be housed in one large building. The new design has 10 buildings and lots of walkable space for outside exhibits.

The aquarium will include a sea turtle rehabilitation facility that allows visitors to witness the latest in rehabilitation efforts. In the outdoor area, a ‘low road’ will provide ankle-deep water to cool off in while coming face-to-face with gators, otters, and other native species. A sit-down restaurant will overlook the artificial lagoon area, and behind it will be a multi-story multi-function facility that can host special events, including rocket launch viewings.

The project will focus on conserving the Indian River Lagoon’s natural features. It also will highlight the history of shrimping, sport fishing, space launches, beaches, the port, and other factors related to the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River. The project’s proof of capital funding will need to be presented no later than August 31, 2024.

The aquarium serves as an attraction to the Space Coast and provides up to $85.5 million in annual economic impact and supports 937 jobs in the region.