Huge Mote Aquarium proposed for Nathan Benderson Park

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

Scam? Nobody said it was a scam. Just an observation. There's a difference. And think of how much money they save by *employing* 1500 volunteers, as blueherons estimated.

.

I didn't estimate. That is the number the head of volunteer services told me.

However, that was several years ago.

[FL dreaming]

Seems strange to me....to build so close to the Mote location. My daughter loves Mots.

[Coachgns]

Actually, the number of volunteers is closer to 1600. And there are currently 35 PhD's along with staff to support them. It is expected that Mote will add 10 more PhD's over the next few years. The old campus will be expanded, creating a research & education facility, and, for those that care, more jobs.

Try crossing the Ringling Bridge in season, esp at 5:00. And you'll see why a move is necessary.

Mote approached the city of Sarasota about moving to the bayfront in 2014 but they voted an endorsement of the plan down, telling them to come back later.

[newtovenice]

Originally Posted by Coachgns

Actually, the number of volunteers is closer to 1600. And there are currently 35 PhD's along with staff to support them. It is expected that Mote will add 10 more PhD's over the next few years. The old campus will be expanded, creating a research & education facility, and, for those that care, more jobs.

Try crossing the Ringling Bridge in season, esp at 5:00. And you'll see why a move is necessary.

Mote approached the city of Sarasota about moving to the bayfront in 2014 but they voted an endorsement of the plan down, telling them to come back later.

There are 35 PhD's currently on staff FULLTIME with FT salary and benefits?

[Ragnar]

We love Mote and always visit when we're down in Sarasota. Seems strange at first to not situate the new aquarium near the bay. However, I can see how the new aquarium's facilities and location could be much a much better set-up for more schools to access and utilize than something located downtown or on a key. Regardless of where the new Mote facility lands, it's good to know that the current Mote facility will still exist, and stay focused on research and rehab.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

There are 35 PhD's currently on staff FULLTIME with FT salary and benefits?

Yes, experts in the field don't work for free.

By not having to pay the employees in the gift shop, they are able to pay good salaries to the marine biologists.

[beach43ofus]

Jay Kernan, thanks for your post on Marine Biologist pay.

What do you think about Mote building out by I-75?

Is it just a tourist attraction, or is it a tourist attraction whose proceeds will go towards more and better research?

If it fails, could the research side of Mote be in jeopardy fianancially?

Will the current location be closed, or will it be kept for reaseach?

I'd love to hear your views.

[newtovenice]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Yes, experts in the field don't work for free.

By not having to pay the employees in the gift shop, they are able to pay good salaries to the marine biologists.

Is mote paying 35 FT salaries? Or are they 35 part-time grant funded positions that end when the grant runs out?

That was my point. I highly doubt there are 35 FT marine biologists paid by mote.