Mote SEA Aquarium to focus on STEM education for students, families [Video]

SARASOTA, Fla. – Mote Science Education Aquarium is well on its way.

“We are well past the halfway mark. We are looking at being open by this time next year,” said Dan Bebak, the vice president of Mote Education, Aquarium and Facilities.

Bebak, who has worked for Mote for 39 years, said the new aquarium will open its doors to students and their families.

READ: Mote Marine to house sickened sawfish from Florida Keys: ‘The heart of our mission’

“Having looked at it on paper for so many years, it’s nice to see it take shape – looking [at] what we had envisioned,” he said.

Every day, 160 workers are on site, but within the next month, those numbers will double as they begin to work on some of the fine details inside the aquarium.

“Having the walls up is really bringing it to life and to be able to see the spaces,” said Aly Busse, the associate vice president of Mote’s …