New Clearwater Aquarium Approved By Voters

CLEARWATER (CBSMiami) – The famed star of the 2011 movie "Dolphin Tale," Winter, and all her aquatic friends at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, will soon have a new home.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium won over a decisive majority of voters in a referendum on leasing the City Hall property to build a $160-million downtown aquatic center.

The amendment to the city charter passed Tuesday by a margin of 1,672 votes, with 9,373 people, or 55 percent, voting to approve the new, 200,000-square-foot center, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.

Aquarium officials say the new center will be a major tourist draw to the area.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium was the location of the 2011 "Dolphin Tale" movie, based on the true story of Winter's remarkable rescue and rehabilitation. A sequel is underway.

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