Peter Schorsch
Developer Darryl Shaw will lead The Florida Aquarium’s upcoming $40 million capital campaign, called Sea Change.
The campaign will be the aquarium’s largest since opening in 1995. It will help fund plans for a major expansion, including several new guest experiences and an outdoor California sea lion habitat.
“The Florida Aquarium is a community treasure and its impact goes far beyond our region’s borders,” Shaw said.
“Having a vibrant, thriving cultural attraction like The Florida Aquarium enhances our quality of life and places us on an international stage. I have no doubt the support for their continued growth will be well received by the community. The Channel District is proud to be home to The Florida Aquarium and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role as they bring a new vision to the neighborhood, the region and the state.”
The expansion project began this month and is scheduled for completion in 2025. It also includes the addition of a changing special exhibits gallery and a two-story, multidimensional habitat that will feature puffins. The sea lion exhibit will be the only of its kind on Florida’s west coast.
The project also includes a significant African penguin habitat as part of the outdoor expansion, which is planned to increase the aquarium’s impact on species survival.
“To have someone of Darryl’s stature chair this exciting next chapter is an honor and we are incredibly grateful for his willingness to support the Aquarium through his vision and leadership of this fundraising campaign,” Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann said.
“As Tampa Bay grows, we continue to reimagine our impact and ways to expand our reach across the region and nation. This expansion will bring rich and lasting experiences and education to our neighbors and visitors from across the world and supports our purpose to save marine wildlife in our backyard and throughout Florida.”
Shaw was the co-founder and former CEO for BluePearl Veterinary Partners. He sold the company in 2015 and began focusing on development, serving now as the driving force behind Ybor City’s Gas Worx, a mixed-use project that will link downtown Tampa, the Channel District and the Latin Quarter.
