Local Students Dive into Real-World Learning Opportunities as The Florida Aquarium Cuts Ribbon of JA Biztown Storefront
January 25, 2024
Share Story
DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES PHOTOS & VIDEO HERE
TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2024) – The Florida Aquarium recently announced the official opening of an interactive storefront and learning experience at Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s JA Biztown. The student-sized town provides hands-on learning exposure to the dynamics of running a business, managing a simulated economy, and exploring professional roles within a community setting.
In The Florida Aquarium’s storefront, students serve in a number of diverse roles found at the Aquarium, including becoming CEO for a day, acting as a veterinarian to learn about the Aquarium’s world-class animal care, participating in environmental services, managing the gift shop, and taking on the position of marketing manager to inspire awareness about the Aquarium’s animal care and conservation efforts.
“We are thrilled to unveil The Florida Aquarium’s storefront at JA Biztown, providing an exciting opportunity for emergent learners to engage with the wonders of the natural world through The Florida Aquarium,” said Tony Rokita, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Social Responsibility at The Florida Aquarium.
The Florida Aquarium envisions expanding this educational experience in the future by inviting students to spend a day at the Aquarium to job-shadow the professional in the role they explored while at Biztown.
About The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium actively participates in and promotes stewardship of the natural environment as part of its shared purpose to save marine wildlife. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Florida Aquarium provides an opportunity to see thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals, explore complex ecosystems, look for wild dolphins in Tampa Bay and more! More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium is focused on saving marine wildlife through conservation research and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s sea turtle and coral populations. To learn more, follow us on social media at @FloridaAaquarium and visit flaquarium.org.
###
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
March 17, 2026
Spring Break ’26 in Full Swing at The Florida Aquarium
Spring Break is officially underway at The Florida Aquarium, where families are spending the week immersed in marine life while enjoying up-close animal experiences, extended hours, and interactive activities. With air-conditioned indoor exhibits, the Aquarium is the perfect place to stay cool, dry, and entertained—no matter what the weather. Located in downtown Tampa in the…
Read More -
February 20, 2026
Final Days to Recycle Gasparilla Beads at The Florida Aquarium
The beads have been tossed, the parades have passed, and now there’s one more way to celebrate Gasparilla season with purpose. This is the final weekend to recycle your beads through Bead-Free Bay at The Florida Aquarium. Through February 22, 2026, guests who bring in their unwanted Gasparilla beads can receive 50% off up to…
Read More -
February 19, 2026
Penguins Return to the Capitol to Highlight Storm Protection and Coral Funding Priorities
The Florida Aquarium’s beloved African penguins—Archi, Enzi, Nuru, and Pebbles—waddled through the State Capitol this week, meeting with lawmakers to help advocate for state funding to strengthen storm protection at the Aquarium’s downtown Tampa campus and sustain Florida’s coral reef restoration efforts. “These critically endangered animals are more than ambassadors for their species—they’re a reminder…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.