First Graders Dive into Learning at The Florida Aquarium as Hillsborough Schools Launches Referendum-Funded Field Trips

October 24, 2026

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Hundreds of Students Explored Marine Life Through Taxpayers’ Investment in Learning Beyond the Classroom

TAMPA, FL (October 24, 2026) – Nearly 250 first graders from Bryan, Mabry, and Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary Schools explored Florida’s aquatic ecosystems at The Florida Aquarium on Friday as part of a new Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) initiative providing curriculum-connected field trips at no cost to schools or families.

The visit is part of the district’s PreK–8 Millage Partnership Field Trip program, funded through the millage referendum approved by voters in 2024. The initiative gives every HCPS PreK through eighth-grade student the opportunity to participate in an educational field trip. Nearly 13,000 first-grade students are expected to experience The Florida Aquarium’s field trip program this school year.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO, SOUND & PHOTOS FROM FRIDAY’S FIELD TRIP

Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

The Aquarium is one of several community partners participating in the initiative. Throughout the school year, students across grade levels will visit destinations including the Glazer Children’s Museum, ZooTampa, Tampa Museum of Art, MOSI, Muma BizTown, Nature’s Classroom, and the Tampa Courthouse.

“Our community’s investment through the millage is giving students opportunities to take what they are learning in the classroom and experience it firsthand,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres. “By covering the cost of admission for these educational field trips, we are removing a barrier for our schools and families and opening the door for students to experience incredible community resources like The Florida Aquarium.”

At The Florida Aquarium, students explored habitats ranging from Florida’s wetlands to coral reefs, learning how animals adapt to life on land and in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments. Hands-on encounters at The Tide Pooland Stingray Beach introduced students to aquatic animals and the concepts of biodiversity and conservation.

“We hope students leave with a sense of wonder and an understanding that they can play a pivotal role in protecting our planet,” said Debbi Stone, senior vice president of engagement and learning at The Florida Aquarium. “Whether they’re discovering an animal for the first time or learning how it depends on its habitat, we want to spark curiosity, encourage questions, and show students how what they learn today can shape how they care for Florida’s environment tomorrow. We’re proud to partner with HCPS to make these meaningful, hands-on learning experiences accessible to more students.”

The visit extended beyond the Aquarium, with students taking home vocabulary words and riddles from their experience to continue learning in their classrooms and at home.

For more information about The Florida Aquarium, visit flaquarium.org.