After 30 years at Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs Aquarium relocating to new, larger facility - Suncoast News

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After 30 years at Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs Aquarium relocating to new, larger facility - Suncoast News Posted: 15 Jul 2020 10:35 AM PDT TARPON SPRINGS — For 30 years, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium has been an immensely popular attraction at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Founded in 1990 by Scott Konger and his family, the iconic landmark offering views of live sharks has drawn a steady stream of visitors eager to see the many species of fish, sharks, alligators and other reptiles occupying the tanks tucked into the corner spot at the west end of the historic tourist district. For 30 years, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium has been an iconic fixture at the historic Sponge Docks. But the facility hosted visitors for the last time over the Fourth of July weekend as the Konger family prepares to open a new, expanded version of the aquarium a couple of miles north later this summer. But a few years ago, the Kongers began working on a new and improved version of the aquarium a couple of miles north at 1722 N. Pinellas Ave. With construction entering the final stages, the old facility on Dodecanese Boulevard hosted visitors for the final time over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, marking a bittersweet conclusion to the aquarium's three-decade run at the docks. "It is a bit bittersweet," said Paige Konger Henry, Scott's daughter and one of several Konger siblings who helps run the aquarium, as crowds filed into the aging facility July 4. "I basically grew up here. I have great memories of signing the wall in the back and scuba diving in the giant tank when I was little. So, it's sad when I think about all the history here. It will be sad to see it go. But we're excited to get into the new place … because we think the possibilities are endless." To that point, Konger Henry said the new facility is roughly three times the size of the current one and sits on 27 acres of land, providing the opportunity to take the aquarium in exciting new directions. "We're going to have a nature trail area and we'll be able to do more outreach programs with schools," she explained. "It's going to allow us to have more variety of animals and attractions, like sea turtles and giant tortoises and beekeeping. People also want to bring us their unwanted pets, so we will be able to provide a sanctuary for lizards and turtles and snakes, species that would previously be unleashed into the wild." Tarpon Springs Aquarium owner Paige Konger Henry points to a spot on the wall where she signed her name, along with her siblings, after the facility opened 30 years ago. While she admitted the family knows they "can't compete with the bigger facilities in the area," Konger Henry said the plan is to "offer an experience you can't get elsewhere. We want to offer the most personal, hands-on, family friendly experience as possible." As the final crowds came through the aquarium on the Fourth, Konger Henry and her staff of volunteers entertained the groups with their signature demonstrations, information and fun facts about gators and aquatic life. Although he believes the Kongers' new facility will be a great addition to the area, Mayor Chris Alahouzos said the Sponge Docks would not be the same without the aquarium. "It's been there for such a long time it's become a landmark for us, so it's going to be missed," Alahouzos said. "But we're looking forward to the new location with more fish and animals and educational opportunities for kids. So, I'm glad they're not going away. They're still going to be located in the city of Tarpon Springs." The giant, 120,000-gallon main tank at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium holds several species of fish as well as this sleek and slippery nurse shark. Indeed, Konger Henry said she hopes the new facility, which is set to open later this summer, will allow visitors to make a day of visiting the city instead of taking a quick stroll through the docks. "We hope people come and spend a half day at the aquarium and then visit the docks and other spots in town," she said. "We want the aquarium to be a big part of why people come to Tarpon Springs."

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