Coconut Grove-based development firm Terra Group will take control of the Seaquarium lease under the proposed plan, with a goal of modernizing the Virginia Key property for public use, according to Miami-Dade County officials.
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published by WLRN Public Media on Saturday September 27. The Spotlight is re-publishing this story under a partnership agreement with WLRN.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado say a proposed agreement to resolve a long-running battle over the Miami Seaquarium represents a “major step forward” for the community.
The agreement, which aims to renovate and modernize the Virginia Key property, follows a year-long eviction process initiated by the county against The Dolphin Company, the embattled Seaquarium’s current owner, over concerns about animal welfare. The land is owned by the county and leased to the Dolphin Company.
The agreement will see Coconut Grove development firm Terra Group assume the lease, with a goal of modernizing the bayfront property.
“This agreement represents a major step forward for Miami-Dade County, opening a new chapter in marine life education and Biscayne Bay preservation,” Levine Cava and Regalado said in a joint statement.
“It will also create a vibrant community destination where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the Bay, access boating opportunities, and experience family-friendly entertainment and amenities. Additionally, it continues to preserve our natural resources and prioritize our commitment to environmental resiliency.”
The Miami Herald reported last week that the Miami Seaquarium would be largely demolished by Terra Group and replaced with a marina, restaurants, event space and a saltwater aquarium. The land has been home to the theme park since the 1950s.
The developer plans to use the property to house dry-dock boat storage and marina slips; a “Fisherman’s Village” of restaurants and shops; and a conservation center and public baywalk, the Herald reported.
In a statement to the Herald, Terra and the Dolphin Company said the aquarium would be accredited but not have marine mammals.
“The Miami Seaquarium has been an iconic property for decades, and we intend to honor that legacy as we enhance the site and elevate its appeal among Miami residents and tourists,” Terra Group CEO David Martin said.
“The result will be a publicly accessible, family-friendly destination that brings together residents and visitors for generations to come,” he added
The proposed agreement must be approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge and then presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
As owner of the Virginia Key parcel of land, Miami-Dade County has tried to evict the Dolphin Company, citing breaches of its lease and animal welfare violations. The eviction was on hold pending the bankruptcy case.
In their statement on Friday, Levine Cava and Regalado, whose district includes the Miami Seaquarium, said that animal well-being remains the county’s highest concern and priority.
“As this [proposed] agreement advances toward full approval, we remain committed to ensuring that the transition is safe and orderly, with the highest priority placed on the welfare of the animals under their care,” they said.
“Our ultimate goal is to protect the animals at the Miami Seaquarium while creating opportunities for future generations to learn about marine life and enjoy some of our community’s most treasured natural spaces.”
A high-rise condo developer is taking over the lease of the Seaquarium property.
This is the same developer that’s going to build high-rise condos on Watson Island, which was a public park given to the City of Miami in 1919, until the City leased out a portion, then sold it to this developer.
What could possibly go wrong?
The City of Miami promised the Regatta Grove Development was going to enhance the waterfront’s historic use; only marine oriented shops, a high end restaurant, and more dry docks. What did we get? A historic hangar being used as a party venue, less dry docks, no marine oriented stores, a wharf style venue that holds 1000+ people partying to all hours of the morning, drag racing on South Bayshore, tons of plastic cups and straws littering our parks and streets, and a cigar store. One thing we can all count on with our elected officials – they will sell out every available piece of waterfront land to generate tax revenues, usually from party venues selling alcohol and debauchery. I hope they prove me wrong with this one!!!