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The Florida Aquarium Celebrates Tampa Bay’s Frontline Heroes with Complimentary Admission

Frontline heroes meet penguins

September 24, 2026

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Tampa’s Acting Police Chief and officers get up close with the Aquarium’s penguins

Tampa, FL (September 24, 2026) – The Florida Aquarium welcomed Tampa’s Acting Chief of Police Brett Owen and several Tampa Police Department officers Wednesday for a special visit featuring one of the Aquarium’s most popular animal ambassadors: penguins. Officers snapped selfies, learned more about what penguins eat, and enjoyed their time with the critically endangered animals.
The visit is part of The Florida Aquarium’s month-long celebration of Tampa Bay’s frontline heroes. Through the end of September, eligible teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, government employees and active-duty military members can receive complimentary general admission with the purchase of one general admission.
 

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Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

“So many people in Tampa Bay spend their days taking care of others. We wanted to give them a chance to take a little time for themselves and enjoy the Aquarium with their families,” said Katherine Hardwick, vice president of Marketing and Communications at The Florida Aquarium. “They give so much to our community, and this is our way of saying thank you for all they do.”
The offer is available through September 30 to eligible frontline heroes who live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus or Hernando counties. Guests must provide a valid employee ID and proof of residency to purchase at the ticket window only.
 

For more information about The Florida Aquarium, and to plan a visit, click here

 
About The Florida Aquarium

Celebrating more than three decades of impact, The Florida Aquarium has helped shape Tampa Bay into a premier global destination since opening in 1995. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to saving marine wildlife through innovative conservation, research, education, and outreach programs. Through interactive exhibits and extraordinary experiences, The Florida Aquarium entertains and connects people to nature. More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium welcomes visitors to experience a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals at its main downtown Tampa campus, in addition to the Apollo Beach Conservation Campus, home to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the Coral Conservation and Research Center. Repeatedly ranked among the top aquariums in the country, it is both a globally recognized visitor destination and a trusted conservation organization.

For more information, visit flaquarium.org and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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