Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures brings you a proposed nonprofit Aquarium & Marine Science Center where students, residents, and visitors can learn about our coastal waters. Location to be determined.
Experience the rich marine life of St. Andrews Bay, St. Joseph Bay, and the Gulf through interactive exhibits and hands-on exploration.
Immersive marine science programs for students and visitors, fostering curiosity, education, and connection to our coastal waters.
A welcoming hub for families, schools, and events, driving regional education, tourism, and economic growth.
Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures has brought marine science education directly into the field, connecting thousands of students to the ecosystems of St. Andrews Bay, the Gulf, and beyond.
The Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the next step: a permanent space where students, curious locals, and visitors can dive deeper into science, exploration, and discovery. This is not just another building. It’s an investment in the future of our community
The Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a proposed nonprofit, associated with E&FCA, designed to be an education-focused marine science facility that brings together hands-on learning, research, and our community. Serving locals and visitors, this would be a public-facing aquarium telling the story of our bay system and the Gulf with a marine science center equipped with classrooms & flexible meeting spaces for partnerships and community events.
At the heart of this vision is something simple: Kids learn best by doing. Through Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures, more than 5,000 students are already participating in hands-on marine science experiences each year. Our dream is to reach over 10% of the region’s student population annually.
This is about giving local and visitors opportunities they might not otherwise have and inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and leaders to be our future stewards.
This vision is built on real, ongoing work. With growing participation, strong community relationships, and support from regional education leaders, the foundation is already in place. The Science Center builds on that solid foundation.
This project is about more than education; it’s about long-term impact. As this project develops, additional impact data and projections will be shared to reflect the full scope of its potential.
The Aquarium & Marine Science Center is designed to work alongside educators, researchers, and conservation leaders. This collaborative approach ensures the center remains relevant, impactful, and deeply connected to the community it serves.
Partnerships will be possible with educators and nonprofits. Through collaboration with schools, colleges, and regional organizations. A myriad of conservation efforts already underway, as well as new initiatives to help protect the coastal resources that drive our area’s economy.
As planning continues for Panama City’s downtown waterfront and marina, new updates, concepts, and community meetings will be shared with the public. This process plays an important role in shaping what’s possible for projects like the Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Remember, your awareness and involvement really matter.
We’ll keep you informed on:
Our goal is to create a space that serves students, supports educators, and strengthens our community’s connection to the coast for generations to come.
Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, community member, or local leader, your voice matters in helping bring the Aquarium & Marine Science Center to life.
Proposed nonprofit marine science facility. Location to be determined.
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