Brevard Zoo’s aquarium project lands donation, hits major milestone

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Brevard Zoo’s $100 million Aquarium & Conservation Center project at Port Canaveral landed yet another donation — this time from iconic surf retailer Ron Jon Surf Shop and its Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.

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The zoo in early October received a $2 million gift from Ron Jon founder Ron DiMenna and his wife Lynne DiMenna and their related entities, bringing the total amount raised for the project to $67 million — more than two-thirds of the way. Half of the $2 million gift comes from the popular retail company and the rest from the foundation that aims to protect Florida’s beaches and coastal and beach ecology.

The money will be used to build a 17,510-square-foot, beach-themed entrance to the facility. It will feature a covered entry, an interactive dune exhibit, an orientation gallery, ticketing, restrooms, guest services, a gift shop, a sea turtle nesting exhibit and more.

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Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

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Video: Repair work to begin on Brevard County beaches damaged by hurricanes Ian, Nicole Repair work is set to begin on Brevard County beaches damaged by hurricanes Ian and Nicole. (Melonie Holt, WFTV.com)

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