Developers Integra Investments and Terra are in discussions to redevelop the Miami Seaquarium site, a 38-acre property owned by Miami-Dade County on Virginia Key. The talks remain confidential, with few details available about the proposals, according to the Miami Herald.
Integra Investments, led by Paulo Tavares de Melo, has submitted a detailed presentation outlining its vision for the site. David Martin of Terra has also shown interest and signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of the process. A spokesperson for Martin declined to comment on whether Terra has submitted a formal proposal.
Miami-Dade County officials have indicated an interest in expanding marina facilities at the location. “A marina has always been a discussed use there,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who represents the district including the Seaquarium and is involved in lease negotiations with the Dolphin Company. Regalado added, “On the county’s side, there has always been a desire to expand marinas and to expand dry-dock storage. That’s a big need for the county.”
The Seaquarium opened in 1955 and is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. It was notably used as a filming location for the television show Flipper during the 1960s.
The current operator, Mexico-based Dolphin Company, holds a ground lease for 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway but is facing legal and financial challenges. Last year, Miami-Dade County filed an eviction lawsuit against Dolphin Company alleging failure to maintain proper conditions at Miami Seaquarium and violations of federal animal welfare laws. In 2023, Tokitae (also known as Lolita), an orca housed at the facility, died from renal failure after ongoing advocacy efforts sought her retirement to sanctuary care.
Seaquarium representatives have denied these allegations. Dolphin Company CEO Eduardo Albor filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March as part of efforts to restructure finances.
The situation has been marked by conflict; Bloomberg reported that Albor and armed men took control of Dolphin’s Cancun headquarters in April. In June, WLRN reported that a U.S. bankruptcy judge sanctioned Albor $10,000 per day for failing to comply with court orders.
Any future redevelopment deal involving Integra Investments, Terra or another party would require approval from the county commission due to county ownership of the land. The property’s inclusion within the county parks system restricts potential uses—making residential developments such as condos or apartments unlikely.
