Grassy Key… It’s been tough for Florida Keys families since Hurricane Irma hit last year. Nobody proved more resilient than those same families as we all worked to recover. To celebrate the unbeatable community spirit, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) will hold another Keys Strong Dolphin Party on Saturday, September 15th, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free admission for all locals. Wear your swimsuit to be eligible for a chance to win a free Dolphin Encounter swim program that day! The event will feature entertainment, shopping discounts in the Gift Shop and plenty of fun throughout the day. At 9:00 a.m., DRC will also hold the official ribbon-cutting and grand opening of its new Welcome Center.
Hurricane Irma delivered enormous physical, mental, emotional, and financial stress. Last year, Dolphin Research Center provided a much-needed break by hosting the first Keys Strong Dolphin Party a day before the Florida Keys officially reopened. “It was a huge success with more than 1000 people attending and enjoying themselves around the dolphins, sea lions and all of their neighbors and friends,” said Armando “Mandy” Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. “Everyone has worked non-stop for the last 12 months so we thought it was time to celebrate together again.”
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is home to a family of dolphins and California sea lions. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the center is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs with the dolphins. The nonprofit organization is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. In addition to being one of the most highly respected education and research facilities in the world, DRC is the Licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For more information, visit the center’s website at www.dolphins.org.
