Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium held a sneak preview event of its new multimillion-dollar Mote Science Education Aquarium for its members on Oct. 6, 2025, in Sarasota County at Nathan Benderson Park near UTC Mall.

Along with the familiar faces of gentle manatees, large sea turtles and playful river otters, there are new residents, including Humboldt penguins and a highly intelligent giant Pacific octopus.

146,000-square-foot Mote SEA, located at 225 University Town Center Drive, opens to the general public at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 8. All tickets are sold with specific entrance times and it’s best to reserve online at mote.org .

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