The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Pets/Wildlife

Local Wildlife (12/12/25): Woodpecker

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Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks

What’s all that noise over by that palm tree? Oh, it’s a red-headed woodpecker. Come on, buddy. If you want to claim the tree, it’s yours. You don’t have to keep pecking. Are you hungry? You don’t have to try so hard to get bugs. Would you knock it off? 

 

The Florida Aquarium is celebrating 30 years of animal care

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The Florida Aquarium says a green moray eel, five box turtles, a southern stingray and a Florida red-bellied turtle have been its guests for 30 years. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium is shining a spotlight on eight animals that have called the attraction home since it opened its doors in 1995.

A green moray eel (Scar), five box turtles (Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe), a southern stingray (Shelly), and a Florida red-bellied turtle have inspired millions of guests and are living proof of the aquarium’s commitment to animal care.

To thank the Tampa Bay community for 30 years, The Florida Aquarium is offering $30 admission tickets, Monday through Friday in May (excluding Memorial Day). 

Also, throughout May the aquarium is offering 50% off on up to four general admission tickets (per group) when guests drop off cereal boxes to help their community as part of Feeding Tampa Bay’s Cereal for Summer initiative.

Since its grand opening on March 31, 1995, The Florida Aquarium has welcomed more than 20 million visitors. 

The aquarium is undergoing a $45 million expansion that will bring even animal encounters to Tampa Bay. Here are some of those plans: 

  • Summer 2025: A new second-floor exhibit featuring animals from the rugged coastline.
  • 2026: Puffins presented by the Vinik Family Foundation, featuring a kelp forest, variety of fish, and expansive viewing windows.
  • 2027: California sea lions exhibit.

Plans are also in the works to expand the African penguin habitat presented by The Mosaic Company.

On the web: flaquarium.org