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MADEIRA BEACH — Construction has begun on the Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium, a new marine attraction in Pinellas County.
The $4 million, 13,500-square-foot center, which is scheduled to open in November, will be the main attraction at John's Pass Village, on Gulf Boulevard and 129th Avenue in Madeira Beach.
To help support the center, a coalition of 12 beach hotel property owners, called the Secrets Premier Hotelier Group, has agreed to provide more than $100,000 in support for the center over the next five years, a news release says.
The two-story structure will include 31 interactive mystery stations and living exhibits, as well as a learning center for its estimated 250,000 visitors annually.
Secrets of the Sea will also focus on marine research, technology and innovation through its partnership with the St. Petersburg Ocean Team, a consortium for marine science, oceanographic and environmental research agencies and institutions in the Southeast. The new aquarium will continue the mission of the 25-year-old The Pier Aquarium, which is scheduled to close May 31.
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