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St. Pete Science Center Revival Gains Momentum with Major Funding and City Council Support

After years of planning, the Science Center's revival is back on track. With $23 million in funding and city council support, this beloved community asset could reopen as early as this year.

In this image there is a water fountain. Behind the fountain there are plants, streetlights and...
In this image there is a water fountain. Behind the fountain there are plants, streetlights and grass on the ground. In the background there are buildings. At the bottom there are steps.

St. Pete Science Center Revival Gains Momentum with Major Funding and City Council Support

A community-led effort to revive the long-closed St. Pete Science Center has gained fresh momentum. After years of planning, the project is back on track, with significant funding secured and city council support. The Science Center, shut down for over a decade, could soon see a new lease on life.

The coalition, led by Joe Hamilton, has been working tirelessly for four years to revive the Science Center. They've raised an impressive $16 million and secured $7 million in state funding. The future center promises to be a hub of innovation and education, potentially housing an AI hub, planetarium, garden, and unique event spaces.

The project faced a hurdle when the original site was deemed the most cost-effective for business expansion. However, city council showed flexibility, agreeing to explore alternative sites for the business project. This shift in stance, supported by Mayor Ken Welch, paves the way for both goals to be achieved.

With funding secured, city council support, and a revised plan for business expansion, the St. Pete Science Center's reopening is closer than ever. Groundbreaking could happen this year, marking a significant step towards reviving this beloved community asset.

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