MarineQuest 2019: Celebrating science for 25 years!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute invites you to MarineQuest, its 25th annual open house. This free public event is Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FWRI’s headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg, 100 Eighth Ave. SE.

Since 1995, MarineQuest has offered educational fun for all ages. Celebrate science inside FWRI’s laboratories, where guests can hold sea turtle shells, peer through microscopes and explore coral reefs. Outside, discover touch tanks with fish, crabs and other sea life. Learn about research in the Florida Keys, freshwater fisheries, and other wildlife, such as deer and bats.

In addition to FWC’s science programs, visitors can tour a law enforcement vessel and meet furry officers from the K9 unit; learn archery skills with the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network; and register to participate in the freshwater fisheries TrophyCatch program.

Stop by the Kids Zone outside for temporary tattoos, marine magnets and “gyotaku” – the art of Japanese fish printing.

Paid parking is available at the SouthCore Parking Garage, 101 First Ave. S. A free shuttle will transport visitors from the parking garage to the MarineQuest entrance. MarineQuest will also host food trucks on-site.

Event sponsors include the Tampa Bay Times, University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the City of St. Petersburg.

Held in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Science Festival, this event is designed to provide equal opportunities for enjoyment to all participants. If you would like to request aids or services pursuant to disability laws, contact the MarineQuest event planner at 727-896-8626 or the city of St. Petersburg Community Affairs Division at 727-893-7345 or 727-892-5259 TDD/TTY.

For more information about MarineQuest 2019, visit MyFWC.com/MarineQuest.

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Media contact: Michelle Kerr, 727-502-4787