MIAMI — A Coconut Grove development firm’s plan for the now-closed Miami Seaquarium site has cleared its first Miami-Dade County hurdle.
A county committee voted on Thursday to advance the Terra plan to the full commission.
In October, a bankruptcy judge approved transferring the lease from MS Leisure Company ― the operating subsidiary of The Dolphin Company ― to Resilient Aquarium LLC, described in a county resolution as “an affiliate of Terra and 100% owned and operated by David Martin, Terra’s co-founder and CEO.”
Martin previously told Local 10 News that his redevelopment vision includes a marina, baywalk, retail and restaurant spaces, and an accredited aquarium with no marine mammals. The plan remains pending final approval from Miami-Dade County.
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“This was a very important step,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who chairs the county’s Appropriations Committee and serves as the county’s liaison to the bankruptcy court in the case.
The Seaquarium property, on Virginia Key, is located in Regalado’s district.
“This item allows the county commission to give the mayor the (authority) to negotiate the full item,” she said. “We really wanted to send a clear message to the bankruptcy court that we are moving forward with this item and it will be heard before the end of the year, because we can’t move the marine mammals until we get the green light from the county commissioners.”
Martin is expected to present additional details when the item goes in front of commissioners.
He issued a statement to Local 10 News following the vote:
“The Miami Seaquarium sits on land owned by Miami-Dade County, making it a public asset meant to serve our community. The County’s goal is to ensure that this property once again delivers lasting value to the public, and I share that vision. I am grateful for the support during today’s Appropriations Committee as we prepare to assume the existing Seaquarium lease. Our team is excited to advance on a plan that will see at least $100 million invested in restoring the site as a destination for locals and visitors.
“We are excited to deliver enhanced public access including a baywalk and fisherman’s village along the waterfront, an education and research center, resiliency features that ensure the Seaquarium is built to last for generations, and a world class aquarium with no marine mammals. The redeveloped Seaquarium will also generate significant community benefits, including more than $750 million in revenue for the County and hundreds of jobs.
“We look forward to sharing additional details with the full County Commission in December. Our team continues to be in communication with the seller to ensure the safe transition and transport of all animals in accordance with federal regulations and standards. Looking ahead, Terra is committed to operating a new, accredited aquarium with no marine mammals.”
The item is expected to go before commissioners at their first meeting in December, giving community members another opportunity to weigh in.
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