Space Coast Economic Development Commission Impact Report Highlights Value of Future Bowen Aquarium to Brevard Economy

EDC has partnered with East Coast Zoological Foundation on Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center

EDC of Florida’s Space Coast economic impact analysis demonstrates the value add of the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) released an economic impact analysis, providing data-backed support for a future community asset. The EDC partnered with the East Coast Zoological Foundation.

This nonprofit organization opened and operates the Brevard Zoo to support its second campus, the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center.

The EDC’s data-backed analysis illustrates the unique synergy between economic development and tourism, two pillars that make Florida’s Space Coast an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.

“Beyond job creation and economic impact outlined in the study, the future Bowen Aquarium will elevate our region’s visibility and enrich our quality of life,” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast.

“This project highlights Florida’s Space Coast’s unique assets that attract both tourism and residents, thereby strengthening our ability to retain and attract the talent our business community needs.”

Among the key findings, the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center is projected to have an annual total economic impact of more than $128 million in local area sales, generating over $43 million in local labor income and supporting more than 1,000 jobs.

“From the outset, we’ve been equipped with data-driven insights to help secure funding and generate broad-based support for a project that reflects the community’s values and vision for the future,” said Keith Winsten, Chief Executive Officer, East Coast Zoological Foundation.

“We have a track record over a quarter-century long showing the ecological, economic, and social successes of the Zoo. With this report, we’re able to detail numbers on the success of the future Bowen Aquarium.”

Located on a 14-acre site at Port Canaveral, the future Bowen Aquarium will showcase the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding ecosystems. Together, our community is building more than an aquarium—supporters are shaping a shared legacy that celebrates the natural beauty and economic vitality of Florida’s Space Coast.

The economic impact analysis report can be made available upon request.

 

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit SpaceCoastEDC.org.

The East Coast Zoological Foundation is focused on educating, engaging, and empowering the community to take action for conservation.

The nonprofit includes the Brevard Zoo and the future Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center campuses, which will work collaboratively to ensure the best results for wildlife. The East Coast Zoological Foundation works directly with Florida species and the local community to develop programs and workshops that make a difference both locally and around the world.

From sea turtle rehabilitations and releases, building living shorelines along the Indian River Lagoon, and providing scholarships and grants to the community, the Foundation creates opportunities for guests to connect with nature and make an impact in conservation and education.

Founded in 1986, the foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and receives no recurring operating funds from any city, county, or state government. It relies on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to continue answering the call for wildlife and the environment along Florida’s Space Coast and beyond.

To learn more, visit ourlegacycampaign.org.

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