At the top of the University of South Florida’s wish list this year for capital funds from the Florida Legislature is a request that leaders across the region say could boost St. Petersburg’s stature as a marine science hub.
The university plans to request $30 million during the upcoming legislative session and $30 million in 2023 to launch an $80 million facility on its St. Petersburg campus dubbed the Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence in Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences. The Legislature convenes on Jan. 11 for its regular 60-day session. To make way for the new center, the northwest wing of the Marine Sciences Complex would be demolished, and the remaining 80-year-old facilities would be remodeled. The facility would house the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation and a new data visualization center that could provide information and analysis to businesses and policymakers.
To learn more about the new facility: St. Pete ocean science center tops USF’s legislative wish list
source: SPID Nov/Dec Newsletter
At the 5th annual State of Science and Innovation, five innovators from St. Pete were give only six minutes to share the work they are doing. Kudos to all of them - they did an amazing job!
Mark your calendar! Next month - Saturday, February 18 - is the St. Pete Science Festival in conjunction with MarineQuest. Kids and adults will have opportunity to explore science and technology first hand with over 40 exhibits from NOAA, USF, Firestone Grand Prix, and more.
Over the last 10+ years a group of volunteers have donated their time over months to prepare for the St. Pete Science Festival. These volunteers are passionate about science and technology.