MARINE RESEARCH
getting 10,000 visitors each day. But here we initially started
with 16,000 each year and it’s now grown to 25,000 people.
We are a small enough facility that we touch everyone who
comes through here.”
For the last 10 years, the aquarium has been adding more
exhibits. They now have a touch tank where visitors can
touch animals found in the Indian River Lagoon and nearshore
50
waters, including sea cucumbers, sea urchins and
horseshoe crabs. Hoffman says space is needed for a larger
classroom. He hopes that one day a new wing will be added
to the building.
“People live on the water and play on the water,” says
Hoffman. “Our goal is to create more respect for marine life.
I don’t mind working 12 hours a day here because I feel as
though we are appreciated by our local audience.””
Hands-on exhibits keep
children engaged in learning.
St. Lucie county aquarium
featuring the Smithsonian marine
ecosystems exhibit
420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL
772.462.FiSh (3474) | www.sms.si.edu/Smee
hourS: Tues-Sat: 10am-4pm, Sun: noon-4pm
Mon: (Jan-Mar)10am-4pm, (Closed: Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter)
aDmiSSion: Seniors 55+: $3, Adults under 55: $4,
Children 4-17: $3. First tuesday of the month is free
/SMEE
/www.archiesseabreeze.com
/www.pslbotanicalgardens.org
/Smee
