The Florida Aquarium is getting a new flood mitigation barrier system, donated by AquaFence. This fence will strengthen its defenses against storm surge and flooding to the aquarium
The barrier system, which previously helped protect Tampa General Hospital (TGH) during the 2024 hurricane season, is expected to provide similar protection for the aquarium's waterfront facility.
The initiative also includes financial support from TGH and Strategic Property Partners.
Following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the aquarium has continued to enhance its long-term storm preparedness strategy. During those storms, staff faced significant storm surge and were forced to relocate numerous animals and habitats to higher ground, according to a press release.
“This is about helping protect something that means so much to Tampa,” said Patrik Hansson, chief revenue officer at AquaFence during the conference. “After the recent storms, it became clear that The Florida Aquarium needed additional layers of protection to help safeguard its animals, habitats and mission. We’re honored to support its proactive approach."
The new AquaFence barrier will marks a shift from reactive storm response measures to proactive resilience planning, according to a press release.
A storms grow stronger, traditional methods like sandbags have proven insufficient against storm surge and intense flooding. The AquaFence system is designed to protect infrastructure and marine life before floodwaters arrive, as it did for TGH.
"We conducted 30 surgeries During hurricane Helene including one kidney transplant surgery that needed to be done that night. The hospital never stopped functioning. Never stopped providing care for this community in big part because we were protected by the AquaFence," said John Couris, president and chief executive officer of Tampa General hospital during the conference. "This partnership has transformed the way we respond in a storm."
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also celebrated this donation and praised the growing presence of AquaFence in the city.
“We are incredibly grateful for AquaFence’s generosity and commitment to the Tampa community,” said Mayor Castor. “The combined donations help protect one of our city’s signature waterfront landmarks and the animals that call it home. 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.”
The Florida Aquarium and TGH are among the latest examples of AquaFence's expanding in Tampa. The company deployed its system along Water Street in 2025 and, the press release said, it's current in the process of relocating its American headquarters to the city