Donated Flood Barrier System To Help Protect Florida Aquarium During Hurricanes

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will now be more protected during hurricanes after receiving a donated flood mitigation barrier system from a New Jersey company.

The donation from AquaFence comes as the aquarium continues to strengthen its long-term storm preparedness strategy following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought floodwaters to the facility’s doors and forced staff to relocate animals and habitats to higher ground.

“This is about helping protect something that means so much to Tampa,” Patrik Hansson, chief revenue officer at AquaFence, said in a statement. “After the recent storms, it became clear that The Florida Aquarium needed additional layers of protection to help safeguard its animals, habitats and mission."

Historically, flood response at the aquarium has often relied on temporary solutions such as sandbags, temporary barricades and emergency evacuations.

AquaFence's engineered systems include the FloodBarrier, which is tailor-made to fit any opening, including doors, windows and other openings. Similar protection is already in place at Tampa General Hospital, which financially supported the donation to the aquarium. Strategic Property Partners also contributed.

“As we saw with the most recent hurricanes to impact our region, protecting the aquarium, which is situated on the waterfront, from a catastrophic storm surge is paramount,” said Roger Germann, president and chief executive officer of The Florida Aquarium. “The AquaFence system will safeguard animal lives, including some of the most endangered in the world, along with our staff and critical infrastructure."

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also praised the donations and AquaFence’s growing presence in the city.

“We are incredibly grateful for AquaFence’s generosity and commitment to the Tampa community,” said Mayor Castor. “It is especially meaningful when companies see a vulnerability within our community, particularly for a nonprofit institution, and step up with a solution that strengthens our resilience for the future."