Groundbreaking in St. Augustine for the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory

Building at the Beach

We are always proud to announce new projects, and our newest endeavor takes us to one of the University of Florida’s hidden gems. On Saturday, December 2, 2017 we celebrated the ground breaking of The Whitney Research Village located in St. Augustine. This project will expand capacity at the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience allowing more students to be educated and welcoming additional visiting scientists. The construction of a new Village provides the needed research infrastructure to pave the way for UF preeminence in marine science. Phase 1 of the Research Village features include: 6 coastal-style cottages with 24-bed capacity (doubling the housing capacity), LEED design and construction, dune restoration landscape, outdoor classroom, living room and collaboration spaces.

About The University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience

Less than two hours from Gainesville on a peninsula across from St. Augustine beach sits the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. Founded in 1974, the facility is made up of the main laboratory, Center for Marine Studies Education Building, and housing for their undergraduate, graduate, and visiting scientists.

The primary mission of the Whitney Laboratory is to “use marine organisms in basic biological research to apply where possible, the novel results of this research to problems of human health, natural resources and the environment.” Students have a unique opportunity to work hands-on with local wildlife inside and outside the lab. However, this facility serves a lot of different purposes that extend beyond the needs of their students. They host outreach science education programs for local K-12 students and organize monthly public lectures to help build marine science awareness in the community.

In addition to their education and public awareness programs, Whitney Lab is also home to a Sea Turtle hospital. During its first year open, they were able to rehabilitate and return nine seas turtles back into the wild! The D.E. Scorpio Corporation is thrilled to be able to work in conjunction with an organization that is so passionately devoted to its students, community, and the environment. Visit their website for more details! http://www.whitney.ufl.edu/