Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: East Coast Zoological Society Bowen Aquarium Groundbreaking Deadline Extension
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Fiscal Impact:
Beginning in FY 2026-27: $1,500,000.00 a year for ten (10) years for the Aquarium grant, Capital Facilities Fund #1443/293200.
Dept/Office:
Tourism Development Office
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve an extension of the construction groundbreaking deadline of the East Coast Zoological Society Aquarium (aka The Bowen Aquarium) to six (6) months after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases Easement Tract 100E-6 to the Canaveral Port Authority.
Further, based on the facts specified for each grant, by approving this agenda item, the Board will make the legislative finding that Tourist Development Tax funds are authorized for capital grants pursuant to Section 125.0104(5)(a)3., Florida Statutes, and Section 102-119(3)a, (5)a, and (6)a. of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances. The tourist oriented capital grant has as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists, and the entity and the Space Coast Office of Tourism both intend to ensure marketing and promotion of this facility to Tourists. Additionally, request authority for the Director, Tourism Development Office, to negotiate and sign all necessary agreements, addendums, and related documents upon County Attorney’s Office, Risk Management and Central Services approval and authorize the County Manager to execute necessary budget change requests.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Tourist Development Tax Revenues are restricted to only authorized uses, as defined by Florida Statute 125.0104, directed by Brevard County Code Chapter I 02, Article Ill - Local Option Tax Plan (Tourist Development Plan).
In regards to Capital Facilities funding, the statute states authorized uses of these dollars are "... to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate or promote one or more publicly owned and operated convention centers, sports stadiums, sports arenas, coliseums, or auditoriums within the county; and further including museums, zoological parks, aquariums, fishing piers or nature centers which are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public within the County."
The Board of County Commissioners at their August 12, 2025 meeting approved an extension for the East Coast Zoological Society Aquarium’s groundbreaking to April 30, 2026, including making the necessary legislative findings. The East Coast Zoological Society Aquarium is seeking an extension to six (6) months after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases Easement Tract 100E-6 back to the Canaveral Port Authority which will allow them to lease the site from the Canaveral Port Authority and commence construction.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return a memo of the Board’s action to Tourism Development Office Director and County Attorney’s Office.