For Hometown News
SOUTH HUTCHINSON ISLAND - The St. Lucie County Aquarium, featuring the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, will once again be open on Sundays, starting Nov. 4, through the winter tourist season.
Due to budget and staff reductions, St. Lucie County reduced the operating hours at the aquarium two years ago, but will once again be open on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. through the end of March.
In addition to the more than 8,000 gallons of aquatic animals that are on display, Sundays will feature the 2:30 p.m. snack time tour, where visitors can learn more about the marine life and habitats inside the aquarium and watch as aquarists feed a select number of the tanks.
Located at 420 Seaway Drive on South Hutchinson Island, the St. Lucie County Aquarium offers an up-close look at the fish, corals, crabs, sponges and other underwater creatures that can be found on the Treasure Coast. The aquarium's six exhibits and touch tank accurately reflect the habitats typically found in the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding coastal waters.
This 5,000-sqaure-foot facility has operated in partnership between the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County's parks, recreation and facilities department for more than decade.
Admission into the St. Lucie County Aquarium is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children (ages 4 to 17). Group rates and memberships are available. The first Tuesday of each month is free admission day.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. (from November to March).
For more information about the aquarium, call (772) 462-FISH (3474) or for school/group bookings call (772) 465-3271 or visit: www.sms.si.edu/SMEE.