The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which was closed for three weeks due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, recently reopened with a special exhibit: Aqua Lanterns, a Chinese Festival of Lights. Ron and I have been trying to support the local businesses that were affected by the storms whenever we can, so I was especially excited about this exhibit.
We got to the aquarium just after sunset as the lanterns grew brighter and more colorful in the fading light. It was spectacular! All the lanterns were fashioned into larger-than-life sea animals – otters and dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, starfish, and rays. Some of the sculptures were animated, like the giant crab with its legs and claws slowly waving. Being able to wander through the aquarium after hours was also a unique experience. Most of the animals were tucked away for the night (or, in the case of the manatees, temporarily moved to other facilities for the storms), but we were able to see two of the aquarium’s rescued dolphins.
Travel tips: Aqua Lanterns will be open on Wednesday through Sunday evenings through December 30. See the aquarium’s website for more details: https://www.cmaquarium.org. The lanterns can be viewed during regular daylight hours with a general admission ticket, but they are most beautiful after dark.
All of the Tampa Bay area beach communities suffered major damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, please support the local businesses, and be generous and patient with the ongoing recovery. You can donate to the aquarium’s hurricane repairs and animal care here: https://give.clearwateraquarium.org/give/266448/#!/donation/checkout.
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