Thrive
State funding boosts Science Center revival
An $800,000 appropriation marks the next phase in restoring a St. Pete landmark.
The Science Center of Pinellas County took another step toward revival this week with a ceremonial check presentation celebrating $800,000 in state funding. The money, included in the proposed state budget, will help reactivate the long-shuttered facility at 7701 22nd Ave. North in St. Petersburg.
The Center, once a fixture for school field trips and hands-on STEM learning, closed in 2014 after more than five decades of service. Supporters have been working to bring it back as a hub for both education and innovation, preserving the mid-century landmark while expanding its footprint.
From left: Rep. Berny Jacques, Joe Hamilton, Sen Darryl Rouson, Irv Cohen and Amy Cianci.
State Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Berny Jacques championed the appropriation in Tallahassee, continuing their bipartisan push to restore the Center. Last year, they secured $2.5 million for the effort. The latest funding adds to momentum already underway, with more than $14 million raised toward what is expected to be a $25 million project.
Plans call for renovations to the existing rotunda, construction of a new facility and restoration of the Historic Mosaic Trail.
Looking forward, the Center is set to house the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, or AICOE, which aims to prepare the region for transformational changes in our technological landscape. AICOE will provide essential education and programming for students, adults, government agencies and organizations, teaching best practices in artificial intelligence and other emerging fields. Leaders see it as a way to ensure the community is not just reacting to technological change, but shaping how it unfolds.
By linking its legacy of hands-on science education with forward-looking programs in emergent technology, the Science Center is positioning itself as both classroom and laboratory. Supporters say it will be a place where children can explore the wonder of science, entrepreneurs can build new ventures and public institutions can learn how to apply tools that are reshaping industries.
The check presentation marked a symbolic moment for a project that has become a community-wide effort. For many, it represents not only the preservation of a beloved institution but also a longterm investment in education and economic growth.
Editor’s note: Catalyst publisher Joe Hamilton is part of the coalition working to revitalize the Science Center.
Jean Wood
September 24, 2025at11:39 pm
I just read another article that says that the mayor has decided to cancel this deal and tear the whole thing down so that he can put waste water tanks here instead. Which story is true and if the restoration is cancelled, what happens to this grant?
Chuck Bohac
September 24, 2025at9:02 pm
I apologize for being so gruff, but the mayor is an idiot. First, he agrees to sell the property to this group and then he backslides on his commitment (a handshake means nothing to this spineless man). Mayor, are you stupid or what??? Why destroy a future education facility for some wastewater tanks? Why not buy some of the former Raytheon site? You could have your wastewater tanks operation there and allow the simultaneous redevelopment of the Science Center site for educational purposes. No wonder the residents want to vote you out of office, you are intellectually incapacitated.
Lucy Sage
September 24, 2025at4:48 pm
Grr! Leveling an education center and work of art. Shameful!
Wendy LaTorre
September 24, 2025at4:34 pm
Well Done – great project!!!!
Alan Sayler
September 24, 2025at3:42 pm
Was the last paragraph in the Walk of states article, stating “The coalition’s plan hit a snag recently, as Mayor Ken Welch has said he will not sell the property to the group – as he once agreed to do. Welch has decided to level the Science Center, and the Walk of States, to build wastewater tanks.” completely accurate or is that more humor from the Catalyst? Waste water tanks or science center!
Joe Hamilton
September 24, 2025at4:41 pm
Alan, we love a good piece of satire, but unfortunately this is no laughing matter. Read more here: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/756854-st-pete-science-centers-fate-in-limbo-as-city-council-prepares-for-discussion/.