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Marine Science

Growing our Marine Science Sector

The Downtown Partnership has a long history of supporting marine science as a key economic driver of St. Petersburg’s economy. We have been the lead private sector advocate for the Environmental and Oceanographic Science Center at the USF College of Marine Science. We have also provided political and financial support for the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub. In 2024, we will work with USF leadership to secure public and private funds for the EOS and develop a strategy to develop a city owned parcel adjacent to the Hub for additional research and incubation activities. We will also explore developing new marine science research facilities in academic, government and for-profit sectors.

USF students joined university leadership in Tallahassee for USF Day at the Capitol on Feb. 8, 2023

Final state budget provides transformational new funding for USF

USF will receive an increase in operating funds, including $24.3 million for the Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences Research & Teaching facility in St. Pete

June 20, 2023

Tom Frazer Headshot

Marine Sciences - Dr. Tom Frazer

We interviewed Dr. Tom Frazer to discuss the presence of marine science in DTSP, challenges of the Blue Tech Industry, and all about the Center of Excellence.

February 7, 2023

NOAA Logo

NOAA looking to expand in St. Pete?

The city has been working for years to woo a Miami-based research agency to its Innovation District near downtown.

July 5, 2017

Jason Mathis Headshot

St. Pete Downtown Partnership CEO Sees New Chapter Ahead

Tropicana Field site redevelopment, marine science, art and commercial real estate are on the agenda for the SPDP. Read more on our blog!

December 18, 2018

People raising their hands in a classroom

Advocating for Higher Education

The Partnership supports USF St. Petersburg, USF College of Marine Science, and St. Petersburg College along with other institutions of higher education.

January 16, 2020

Karyna Rosario sitting in a lab with a lab coat and gloves

City of St. Petersburg Supports USF Efforts to Further Enhance Diversity with New Pledge to College of Marine Science

The City of St. Petersburg has contributed $125,000 to the University of South Florida Foundation to help enhance diversity in the ocean sciences.

October 30, 2020

Rendered image of USF's Center of Excellence in Environmental & Oceanographic Science building

USF's Center of Excellence in Environmental & Oceanographic Science

SPDP’s highest legislative priority in 2022 was funding for the Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences Research & Teaching Facility on USF’s St. Pete campus.

April 1, 2022